Wednesday, March 31, 2010

This man needs that process that so many believe works. When I was in the Nation of Islam I prayed because it was something I was told I had to do to 'honor the faith'. I prayed as a Christian because I was told if I did not I would go to hell. Well, today if I select to pray - it is because I have exhausted all other options to address my issue. A new concept: Seek solution first then pray? The only solution that will work in this case is PRAYER for President Barack Obama considering most of us (black people) refuse to properly load-up. Get to it, Praying Warriors!

These guys had the RIGHT idea:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bI3jC5u8ZIq2ifWskYh0aDRPHdygw1OG331hvralzITseYWxqwk3NifZNhcv3ujpOPPKI-uTLp3Pq7hfkLhqMQHKmMCqRex0chzwWJao5COy5RK2_gwhAC0KD7sf26_BL4JT9A/s320/Black+Panthers+Seattle+BSU.jpg

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

The Battle Lines Continue to be Drawn


Sarah Palin Says, "Don't retreat, RELOAD"

Michael Uncle Tom Steele says, "So let's start getting Nancy ready for the firing line this November."

Crazy Rush Limbaugh says, "We need to defeat these bastards."

The words incite and encourage violence. The words build a toxic environment. The words instigate division. Possible violent division.

I guess the battle lines continue to be drawn. And, America touts itself as The Best...

America's fire has intensified.

You gonna run.................... or STAND?

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Last Night’s Klan Rally Call


I watched countless white men speak on the Capitol floor whine and complain like they were losing their ability to steal/cheat/lie. Like their world was caving in on them. The velocity of the anger is over the top. They are made ass hell. Ironically, I find it so funny. Scary too.


When I listened to them speak I saw men who may as well put on a white hood and a white sheet. I can't see them as what they are: Congressmen. I see them as men ready to go 'postal'. Their hateful rhetoric incites this image. I believe without any hesitation that many of them are thinking, 'we are losing OUR country to this half-breed Nigger!' Somewhat similar to the hatred they felt when Barack Obama walked out with his family on the stage at Grant Park as The New Black President. For them to witness that probably had them thinking then, 'we are losing OUR country to this half-breed Nigger.'

http://canarypapers.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/obama-first-family2.jpg

Their country?

Think about it: the ancestors of these white men savaged the Native American land in countless ways, threw African men, women, and children overboard ships, lynched well up to 1 million African men/women/in-womb children, sat back while Jewish people were gas-ed, bombed Asian communities, and the list goes on - they did all this to strengthen 'their country' and isolate themselves from the rest of the world - and now a black man is leading the way to change their way of life:

Domestic Imperialism seasoned with brute control at all cost

Who would want to give that up? Would you if you were the most respected species on earth? The White Man. He is pissed. Mad. Feeling what many have felt before: Alone. His ancestors are probably tossing and turning in their slave dug graves unwilling to permit them into THEIR lily white heaven.

The big question remains: Will these white men who speak on behalf of the white men and women who put them in office relent, take their beating, or will they continue to be what their nature dictates?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOdvn2dtM0A 

I have no faith in them changing. They have displayed who and what they have always been on the Capitol's floor Sunday night, March 21, 2010 under the guise of American values and American sanctity.

This has always been about race and will continue to be...unless President Obama gets a little paler.

Written by Brian E. Payne before the vote was taken.

By the way, Republican John Boehner of Ohio is the Grand Wizard.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Reform Facts and Ignorance

The truth of the matter is most of us are ignorant of the facts concerning health care reform. Just admit it. Don’t get pissed off because I told you! I don't blame us for being in the dark. This is the way our elected officials want it to be when they are pushing agendas that they say are what we want. So, no smack down from me. We are just the ignorant in this political gaming process.


We can always pull up bits and pieces of the health care reform legislation on the internet - and actually learn something if you are open to that. But, I must admit that too is a convoluted attempt to understand.

We can listen to the Glen Beck mouth off figures and scream out doom analogies. We can read an opt-ed from a liberal Huffington Post columnist. Or, we can sit in our living rooms and pray for the best to materialize from the pending passing of a drastic change that will not take affect until 2014. Not too long from now...Just don’t develop a pre-existing condition in the meantime.

The Right side continues to whine about the future like they really care about what America will 'look' like 20 years from now.

When did the average American start to give a damn about tomorrow? Seriously, what have we done as a collective group of people to protect our children from debt? Our government has bankrupted social security. The People have allowed this. Our lives have no 'security' - and our children's lives are completely susceptible to the policies and procedures we have enacted via a vote for Mr. or Mrs. Congress person.

The Left side is just happy to final stand behind a new initiative. They are too weak to even put up a legitimate challenge to any legislation the White House proposes. They too concern about appeasing the President.

One weakling gets a ride on Air Force One and his allegiance to health care for ALL gets suddenly forgotten. Wow! A plane ride - and a lifetime of work on health care reform for the poor in his Cleveland district gets scrapped. Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich has displayed a respectable and hard line position regarding countless issues over the years. But, Wednesday, no matter what type of spin we put on it, he turned his back on his principles. He has wagered his legacy on the 'hopes' a universal option is some how forced upon a most likely Republican controlled congress after November.

My guess the bill will pass.

Those who favor the passing cannot communicate why they care other than: "I believe the President cares."

Those who do not favor the passing are in disagreement just to be in the No Zone.

Leaving all of us ignorants on the side lines ready to cheer or boo when the vote results are announced by Nancy Pelosi.

Until then - take a look at some more "facts" I found (below).

Facts...Yeah, right. I am drowning in “facts”.

http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/the-facts-on-health-reform/19401753

http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/health-reform-whats-in-whats-out-and-whats-changed/19402011
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the excitement I have to complete my census form.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Howard Stern is only speaking what many have thought

When I listened to him talk about Gabourey Sidibe as if she was an ‘it’. A non human without feeling - I was reminded at that very moment that he was doing what he was suppose to do as a Shock Jock. Therefore, I pulled myself together – and decided not to condemn him. Why should I? The man makes his money off making outlandish comments. It is his job. There is a need for him in this world. If there wasn’t, he would not be employed and he definitely would not have millions of listeners. Now, that I am ‘together’ I have the ability to highlight the more important issue:


Gabourey Sidibe is Among the Walking Dead, The Obese

If you are sensitive DON’T LISTEN:

http://ebonymompolitics.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/howard-stern-calls-gabourey-sidibe-enormous/

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Would Hattie be Proud?



Should we be excited that another black woman has joined the Academy? Should we be elated that Mo’Nique has made her way there via dynamic talent? Or, should we be concerned that another black person got the attention of the elite Oscar Selection Committee by way of a Training Day actor's (Denzel) depiction: a ruthless and demented black character?


Believe it or not some events do make me smile. I am serious! I am happy for Mo! With what makes me happy does bring ‘question’. Criticism. Just the way I am programmed. “Satisfaction breeds complacency.” –Martin L. King, Jr.

Consequently, I have serious troubles with movies that portray black people in such a negative light. When I make the decision to watch a film like Precious it is with significant trepidation. I am often prepared to cry – and think about the condition of so many black people around the world while understanding that the events in a movie like Precious crosses racial boundaries.

The 'weight' of movies like Precious typically haunts me psychological for months. What's Love Got to Do with It is an accurate mirror into the life of Tina Turner - but sitting through the early years biography was tough. Yes, based on a true story according to Tina…not Ike: "I never hit Tina." But, the images of the beatings and rape have never left my mind. Therefore, I have vowed to never watch it again.

The same reflective feelings are there for every single movie that sick-minded individual, Quentin Tarantino, makes. One viewing of Pulp Fiction was enough for me to band my soul from his mind creations.

Soul is where so many actors pull from to make their characters real. Many do such a magnificent job movie-goers have to literally separate character from person doing the acting. I am so glad I can do that with Tyler Perry's depiction of http://www.yorkblog.com/flipside/madea_gun2.jpeg. For years now despite my joy for his success, I have held such disdain for him playing a violently angry black woman.

I must admit it appeared Mo’Nique reached deep to attain her Oscar winning moment. Her in that jail house scarf was enough for me to reach for the DVD remote. I did not press stop, I sacrificially endured. I sacrificed my emotional healthiness. Unfortunately, the nightmares have begun. The same toss and turning script that played out as a result of watching Training Day (one of the only movies that I do not own with Denzel as the lead actor) are with me. The day time dreaming and visions are overwhelming too.

Dreams can be beneficial. They actually can restore faith and generate faith. According to dream interpretation experts, dreams are reflections of our subconscious. If that is the case my conscious is polluted. Full of garbage!

Faith is what I develop when I see movies like Invictus. Morgan Freedom did a superb job playing the character of one of the world's symbols of liberation, Mandela. He was not an evil parent or a dirty cop. His depiction was one I respect. One that awakes me at night with good thoughts.

I am still thinking:

Is Mo’Nique's most recent success worthy of Hattie McDaniel’s seal of approval?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3hpmgn7Q30&feature=player_embedded

Perhaps, I should stop making 'things' so RACE important. Perhaps, I should stop holding myself and others to the standard of “being a credit to my race”. Perhaps, I should ignore the conclusions one can formulate after considering the other two main characters in the movie Precious are light skin.

Why does the 'brute' of movies have to always be of darker skin tone? Why do the pathetic have to be of darker skin tone?

“Brian, you have trouble with these movies because you are combating a successful systematically institutionalized hatred. Hatred that plagues you on the daily. Black people cannot escape it.”
–One of Only a Few Friends I have Remaining

Brian E. Payne thinking too much. Not inspired by Chris Rock palming the behind of Gabourey Sidibe, http://necolebitchie.com/tag/chris-rock-gabby-sidibe. He would not have felt comfortable enough to do that to Sandra Bullock’s buttocks.

Friday, March 05, 2010

Student Protest...Not at HBCU's


Most of my adult life I have yearned for The People to take a stand. A few weeks ago I mentioned to a friend - "I am in the right place - but my mentality and drive are seated in 1960’s rebellion...therefore I am in the wrong era. I should have been on the front lines with the Black Panthers of the world."


When I saw thousands of students shutting down highways, sitting-in at state capitol buildings, and taking over university administration buildings I was pleased. Wanting to be there! And, thinking that the social indictment of today's young people is not completely true e.g. socially irresponsible.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/03/education.protest/?hpt=C1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfDlogicX1o  

This is what we need: Men and women standing up for what no one can take away, Education. Fighting for what was once considered a crime if you were black, Trying to be Educated.

The recent multi million dollar cutbacks in the United States’ government educational system is an onslaught on the future of this nation.

"What are you without a well-fed brain?" –Mary McLeod-Bethune

It is evident politicians from all walks of life are forgetting where they started:

At a House of Learning

I am proud. I am pleased with the student rebels:

http://s2.webstarts.com/saveuog/uploads/Student-Protest-at-UC-Berkeley_1.jpg

I have said time and time again, "Only in America." Only in America is education devalued so much so that it is sliced and diced up to the point of intellectual bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy is where several HBUC’s have been heading for years. Thankfully, some may have been saved by Obama to Sign Executive Order Supporting HBCUs. Another commitment our president has made to black people. However, what disturbed me as I watched the news last night was the lack of black students in the protesting crowds. To help support my observation I called A & T State University, Howard University, FAMU, Hampton University, and Morehouse College this morning to verify if a student protest occurred on yesterday’s magnificently orchestrated nationwide Day of Protest. As I figured, after I asked, “Were there any student marches/round tables held on campus yesterday to protest state and federal educational cutbacks?” Response: “No”.

Jay-Z concert was well attended by black students nationwide…

These men are so unpleased:

http://paxarcana.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/dubois.jpg

http://www.africawithin.com/bios/booker/booker_washington5.jpg

Brian E. Payne loving meaningful civil unrest, deploring my people’s 21st century collective attitude toward education.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Without Daddy

I took a glance at the stats below, and thought: ‘Dang, where in the heck are black fathers.’ A natural response from many when one comes across percentages related to fathers? After verifying the information the real reality came to me again: The numbers include white men too. Then I thought, considering white men are among the majority population they are the ones leading the abandonment of children pack. There is no way African American men in the United States solely ‘owns’ this epidemic. A perceived black epidemic?


Without sounding like I am defending myself…considering I am a father living outside the home: Is it a guarantee that children will fall victim by the stats below if Daddy is not in the home? I must say, as I think about the countless men and women I know whose daddy was in the home, that an in home daddy or not children are susceptible to all of the below. Actually, when I think about it. The countless men and women I know who had the “traditional” upbringing have just as many problems as I do/did while growing up. Does this mean I should discount the traditionalism of Mommy and Daddy as a parenting unit? No. I will not discount it – but I do know for a fact men/women with daddy in the home are much like children of preachers: Many of them are completely jacked-up. That’s the word…Not mine!

Also, we must be vigilant in eradicating the misconception of Daddy Gone as an exclusive black issue. The numbers don’t lie; white men are MIA too…So thankful when I can strip the pristine-ness from Mr. White Man.

Also, I am convinced a father staying in the home when each day is H*ll is dangerous – and is more likely to create child monsters.

The Facts

43% of US children live without their father [US Department of Census]

90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes [US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census]

80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes [Criminal Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, pp. 403-26, 1978]

71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release, Friday, March 26, 1999]

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes [US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census]

85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes [Center for Disease Control]

90% of adolescent repeat arsonists live with only their mother [Wray Herbert, “Dousing the Kindlers,” Psychology Today, January, 1985, p. 28]

71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes [National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools]

75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes [Rainbows f for all God’s Children]

70% of juveniles in state operated institutions have no father [US Department of Justice, Special Report, Sept. 1988]

85% of youths in prisons grew up in a fatherless home [Fulton County Georgia jail populations, Texas Department of Corrections, 1992]

Fatherless boys and girls are twice as likely to drop out of high school; twice as likely to end up in jail; four times more likely to need help for emotional or behavioral problems. [US D.H.H.S. news release, March 26, 1999]

Brian E. Payne sharing.