The Black Man is Irrelevant…Now

First let me say that the picture on pages 102 and 103 of the October issue of Essence magazine is fabulous! Love to see me some black females in all shades and sizes. Can’t get enough of the sistas!!

The beauty of the photo captured and sustained my attention for what felt like marathon minutes. Minutes that kept me emotionally captivated. Intrigued. Proud, and erratically turned on.

Desiree Rogers is enough for any man to become 'imbalanced' - and later discovering as I turned the pages to 106 that Ms. Rogers is 50 years old intensely pulsated my interest. I swear I would have guessed 30. Not a number more!

As the countless sets of sixty seconds passed my elation for the 16 black women (9 proudly displaying no wedding bands) unfortunately turned to disappointment. As I tried to stay in the joyful moment I wa s pulled to what is real for me, as a black man:

The black man is no longer the character of interest. He is a void. A forgotten creature searching for a new place.

Our dark skin day in the sun has passed (yellow brothers hay day been gone). Black women are now of importance while black men have been regulated to a 'thing' of the past. Funny, I rarely use the word 'thing' in my writings. I have learned the word, 'thing', is empty. It is a weak term that does not give a meaningful description. It is a word used when the writer's vocabulary becomes limited.

Perhaps, the black man has limited himself in some ways? Perhaps, he stopped reaching for the stars? Perhaps, he has given up in this battle to remain relevant?

I am not sure - but the somber feelings I had as I stared at President Obama's women helped me, with trepidation, confirm that the most feared and once revered human being on earth has become irrelevant.

Where is America's black man? What happen to his strength? How did his rising dominance diminish to a saggin pants and white t-shirt wearing never-ending fade?

I can say that the white push to criminalize him. Jail him. Kill him - has been successful. What that justification ultimately does, however, is remove all the responsibility that we have, as a brothers, to be on pages 102 and 103.

Is that it? Has America's sista's taken a more responsible approach to be in the forefront? Are they making all the right moves or are they less intimidating?

Intimidation is perceived and functions in various ways. One way that it has worked is that black men are intimidating when they are taking legitimate steps to unify the black family e.g. to be good fathers and accountable husbands. We are no longer sufficiently doing that to be seriously impactful. And, not to take away from the successes of black men: We are the majority in the NFL and NBA. Hooray!

We must admit that we are too busy in the candy store anxiously picking and choosing which tasteful black woman we are going to select from the 10 to 1 ratios while black women are beyond us: Professionally and Personally.

They are getting the jobs black men once got; and they soon will look pass us and become the bride/woman of the Caucasian/Asian/Latino men they work with at The White House and at corporations. This, supporting what I have always known would happen as long as we (black men) continue to marginalize ourselves:

The Dilution of the Black Family

What can we voice happened without pointing the finger?

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by those beautiful black women in October's Essence magazine.

Stay tuned for The Shadow's latest installment (next week):

Choices: "The Black Woman is No Longer One for Me"

http://theshadowseries.blogspot.com/

This young man made a decision to change his life. He did it with his own fortitude. He did not create an 'excuse'. We (black folk) STILL have too many of them. -Muata

Derrius Quarles

Derrius Quarles leans back in his seat and methodically debates Aristotle's theory of truth during freshman honors English class at Morehouse College. He strides across campus in a navy blue tailored suit and a bold red sweater handing out business cards that boast "Student/Entrepreneur/Leader."But behind the 19-year-old's dauntless appearance is a past that few on campus know.

When Quarles was 5, the state took him away from his mother. He spent his childhood bouncing from home to home before ending up on his own at 17 in an apartment on Chicago's South Side. His arrival at a prestigious, historically African-American college -- with more than $1 million in scholarship offers -- is a story of inspiration and anguish. And it's a testament to his determination to prove that he is better than his beginnings."You can't go around thinking you are inferior just because you didn't have parents," he says. "For me, it's about knowing where you are from and accepting it, but more important, knowing where you are going." Despite his polished veneer, sometimes there are glimpses into a more complicated young man.

In sociology class, when students discuss their childhood dependence on parents, the usually verbose Quarles withdraws from the lively discussion and doodles in a notebook. When a tutoring coordinator asks students about the "caring adults" in their lives, Quarles mumbles something about an aunt. He rarely talks about his childhood, but when pushed, the words tumble out. "I've had people tell me that I ain't never gonna be s---. That's not a scratch, that cuts deep," he says. "After so many people put me down, I said, 'I'm gonna show you.'

"Quarles made good on that=2 0promise when he won more than $1 million in scholarship offers, including a full ride at Morehouse. A graduate of Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, he is one of about a dozen students nationwide to garner such a bounty, according to Mark Kantrowitz, who runs the Web site Finaid, which tracks college aid. He won full scholarships to five universities, the Gates Millennium Scholarship worth $160,000 and the Horatio Alger and Coca-Cola scholarships, each worth $20,000, to name a few. He'll use most of it to pay for advanced schooling. Now, Quarles hopes to weave a new family narrative at an all-male college known as much for molding brotherhood as for molding scholars. He is searching for a band of brothers who will not abandon him, as so many others have in the past.

Left alone

When Quarles was 4, his father was stabbed to death with a pocketknife in a fight on a vacant lot. His mother struggled with drugs. Quarles doesn't remember much about those years, outside of being left alone with his brother for long stretches of time, pilfering bread and snacks from a convenience store. "We had to fend for ourselves the best we knew how," he says. "My brother really stepped up as an older brother . He never left my side. "This connection to his brother was a sustaining one. But it would not last.

When Quarles was 5, officials placed him and his brother in a temporary foster home, then with an aunt. Quarles remembers this as a period of calm. He learned to read sitting in his aunt's lap, paging through her favorite Bible passages. He recalls eating around the dinner table with more food than he ever imagined. But when Quarles was 13, his older brother was removed from the home and placed in a foster home in Maywood. Quarles wanted to go with his brother and his aunt let him. State records simply show she was not interested in becoming his legal guardian. Quarles says he is not certain why his aunt let him leave and he would not provide her name. "I'm content not to know," he says. "I'm sure it was a good reason." Quarles' brother left the foster home a few months later, one of the toughest losses of Quarles' life. "That's when I learned you can't trust people to stay around," he says. "That when I learned to lean on me."

Three years later, Quarles was placed with his grandmother and an aunt in Chicago. But within a year, he convinced officials with the Department of Children and Family Services that he would be better off on his own. The high school junior packed his clothes, books and a set of golf clubs and moved to an apartment as part of a state transitional living program for foster children. There, he learned to budget his money, wash and dry his clothes, shop for groceries and cook. He received a small stipend and got a part-time job at a barbershop.

At 17, he was living like an adult.Desmond Kemp, who became a mentor to Quarles -- a brother, really -- when they met at a tutoring program, initially opposed the move. But Kemp was impressed with how Quarles kept up the apartment and budgeted his money with such precision that he always had enough for fashionable clothes and textbooks. He was awed when he took Quarles to the grocery store and the teenager shunned the snack aisles and headed to the fresh fruits and vegetables."He kept saying, 'This is brain food. This is what I need to eat to build a strong brain,' “Kemp recalls.” I had to laugh but also stared in amazement at how mature he was for a teenager."Even though his home life was sometimes chaotic, Quarles brought home A's and B's in elementary school. That changed when h e entered Kenwood Academy. First quarter of freshman year, he got an F and eked out only a 2.5 grade point average.

Providence intervened in the form of a pushy biology teacher. Quarles had enrolled in a summer biology course but skipped the first day and was late for the second. Teacher Nivedita Nutakki pulled him into the hallway and told him he was wasting his talent."He needed a push and some encouragement," she says. "I spotted right away that this was a special kid who had a special mind."Quarles got an A in the class. Sophomore year, he earned a 3.6 grade point average. By junior year, he was carrying three advanced placement classes and earning straight A's."Initially, I was doing it to show my biology teacher that I could do it," he says. "But then it kind of moved into, 'I didn't have to show her anymore.' I was doing it to show myself." Quarles latched on to Nutakki and spent hours after school with her, engrossed in a subject that inspired him to want to be a doctor.

He found other mentors who, together, played the role of parent.Lynda Parker, a Kenwood counselor, recounts how aggressively Quarles pursued college scholarships. He would stay late to use the school computer for research and pester Parker to complete his recommendation letters. "With teenagers, the biggest motivator is the parent," Parker says. "Every step of the way, you have to contact the parents so they can push the kids. Not only did Derrius not have a parent to push him, he was pushing himself as hard, or harder, than parents of the other kids."Even his oversize ambition couldn't get Quarles past one roadblock. He dreamed of attending Harvard, until one college adviser told him his 28 ACT score was simply not high enough. He abandoned his plans.

At a crossroads

Now, as he walks the red clay hills of the Morehouse campus, the training ground of Martin Luther King Jr., Quarles seems poised between who he was and who he wants to be. His dorm room looks like every other teenager's. The bed is mussed, the refrigerator and shelves are stacked with Doritos and Coke, and the focus of the room is the 32-inch flat-screen TV and Xbox he bought with his roommate. But inside Quarles' closet hang four suits and a half-dozen wrinkle-free dress shirts. In the corner sits an iron and ironing board. As a high school senior, Quarles Googled tips on business attire. Now, his belt color always matches his shoes, and his shirt sleeves are tailored to fall exactly halfway across his watch. "How you dress says something to the world about who you think you are," he explains.

Quarles' counselors, friends and teachers worry he is too eager to grow up."I keep telling him that everyone has a right to live as a child during their childhood years," Parker says.Still, Quarles keeps an ambitious list of goals: graduate from medical school, earn a doctorate, start a tutoring program for low-income Chicago students, help shape the city's public health policy, become the U.S. surgeon general. "I have no time to play around," he says. "There are people back home in Chicago starving, homeless, unemployed, killing each other. There is a difference between enjoying life and wasting time, and I can't waste any time. "I want to make a difference. I want to show people that I can be all those things people said I could never be."

Quarles now has the means to pay for his education. And oversize optimism could get him the rest of the way. During a training session for a Morehouse tutoring program one day, students introduce themselves and list three songs on their iPod -- typically Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Lou Rawls.When his turn comes, Quarles stands."Have you ever seen the movie 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'?" he asks, prompting raised eyebrows. "There's a song in there called 'Pure Imagination.' That's what I'm listening to these days."Quarles later explains that the lyrics inspire him: "Anything you want to, do it. Want to change the world? There's nothing to it." "It's so powerful," he says. "It shows the power of imagination. If you imagine it, you can do it."

By Stephanie Banchero, Chicago Tribune Reporter

Shall We Torture or Not?

I am sitting back applauding the intelligence agencies for dismantling the most recent New York City/Colorado terrorism plot. It is refreshing to know that the intensified measures that were put in place as a result of September 11, 2001 and the Bush Administration’s tenacity (illegal and legal) to establish protective measures are working.

Suspect in terror probe admits ties to al Qaeda, official says ...

My only concern is that the Obama Administration may be diluting what has been effective. Of course, their position of violating human rights is a valid one. Human rights should be protected and honored. No beef from me on this. However, this ‘we will not torture under any circumstances’ got me to thinking.

Pretend with me:

One of these men (confessed al Qaeda members) who recently lied to the government about classified details is withholding information that can stop an imminent terrorist attack (there is evidence that this part is true). The plans for the attack are widespread and will kill thousands. Possibly some of your family members are in harms way. As the person in charge of obtaining factual info from these overzealous Islamic maniacs to stop the mass murder, do you sleep deprive them, water board, put insects in their cells, turn up the air condition, threaten to cut off their genitals, pull on their eyelids…Okay, you get it:

Would you torture these men to get the information?

President Obama and the White House have taken over interrogations of this caliber e.g. suspected terrorism. Basically, they have exerted their power to oversee indicating that they do not trust the men and women that they appointed i.e. Eric Holder. This in itself has me concerned because The White House is adamant about not torturing. Weak…

One thing about Bush and Cheney, when the American people asked for blood they went and got it. Not saying all their actions were right. I surely disagreed on the Iraq invasion that became an undercover occupation and oil control mission. But, I must say that I knew as a citizen of this country after the act of war in New York, the District of Columbia, and in the skies over Pennsylvania (this country deserves all the pay back it receives) that I did not have to worry about if the cowboys in office were going to display weakness.

If I were a terrorist I would not be too afraid to get caught. Although, that is not the objective. I would have some comfort in knowing that no one is going to burn me with a cigarette.

Written by Brian E. Payne.

The Singing and Dancing Continues

Black Boy, there are three colors in the United States that you will have to contend with for the remainder of your life. Black, white, and green. –Frankie Lulu Payne

When my grandmother told me that at the age of 13 I stopped in my tracks. I did not question her. We could not do that, of course, anyway – but I did secretly wonder if she was right and/or would be right one day.

After living this life as a BLACK man for almost 40 years I have aggressively, some say militantly, bounced back and forth with my thought processes regarding race in America. No matter where I have traveled for work all around the world (except Africa) I was reminded that America’s problems to some degree go back to its horrendously corrupt and brutal foundation. I was also reminded that being a Black American is a huge responsibility (Notice ‘black’ before American? I am black before anything else in the United States.) One day you are saying to yourself, ‘No, it is not about race.’ The next day you are thinking to yourself, ‘Now, dang it – it is about race.’ The ‘its’ could be any occurrence that reminds us (black people) that we are of darker skin and the fact that living in North America has and will continue to be a racial struggle for black people no matter who becomes president of this Union.

Many times I did what countless black people (non-ruffling of white feathers black folk) suggested I do: “Don’t always think that it is about race. Move on. Transcend race.” White people have conveniently told me this in some capacity too; and I listened.

Why?

Because I wanted to be viewed as someone who is/was not hung-up on race. Not identified as a Race Baiter with a Race Card (http://jasonjeffrey.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/racecard.jpg). I can say now, that taking this thought to be helpful advice was somewhat of a mistake. Not intellectually harmful – but an emotional mistake. My mind each and every time should have calmly reverted back to my grandmother’s message:

Black, White, and Green.

It is unfortunate that many of us black people ‘sing and dance’ to the tune of what some white people think and believe. Some white people believe that we are imbeciles. Others believe that we are God’s creation…too. Their thought patterns that later become ‘valued’ opinions have been sanctioned by black people. Taken to be The Word.

So, when Jimmy Carter (a man raised by black woman) says that racism plays a major role in the opposition and antagonism President Obama is receiving, black people have once again bounced back to the following:

It is about race.

Carter: Racism plays major role in opposition to Obama - CNN.com

Over the past two weeks, I have made it my mission to sit and chat with random white folk just to conduct an assessment on this race issue: Our President is Black. What I discovered was interesting. Many white folk communicated to me the following.

‘I wish some of us white people would get over it. Our president is black. We need to just accept it and respect the man.’

Once again, this was my cue to definitely bounce back.

I, with embarrassment, thank these white people for giving me and other black folk the okay to acknowledge that

It is about race.

We still Singing and Dancing!

Written by Brian E. Payne.

Why is it so hard for some black men to support the Black President?

In my experience, sometimes the biggest critics of Obama are black men. There's this, 'yeah, he's okay, BUT’, and the but's range from this to that. You yourself have been extremely harsh in some of your criticisms of him - and yet now you want others to rally behind him after a white guy disrespected him. No, Obama is not perfect, and yes, he is a politician. But he is a man, a black man for that matter, that represents values and character that I am proud of. Why is it so hard for other black men to see that? –White Girl

The majority of the black men that I associate with are Obama supports. Some are actually Obama-mania supporters. I support him along the lines of the character that I have been able to glean from his life story and numerous (sometimes unnecessary) speeches. As a politician, he is NO different than the Capitol Hill talking heads.

My criticism of the president stems from my conservative mindset, values, and disdain for the United States government. He is a liberal with socialistic tendencies. I was not raised to accept liberalism wholesale; and I have always been told that I need to work for what I need and want and do not expect any handouts. Some socialism tenets are a handouts…let’s stop denying that!

To be quite frank, MOST black people are conservative. Some ultra conservative. Isn’t that interesting, conservative but Democrats? Is that an oxymoron?

Proof:

Blacks are for the MOST part unacceptable of homosexual behavior as a result of what the Bible and Church says (this is where the condemnation of a gay lifestyle began), anti-abortion, anti-immigration ("Mexicans come over here and take the jobs."), separatist (prefer to live among each other), unacknowledged and uncommitted racist (what do you expect we have been treated like crap by an overly oppressive RACIST system), and ridiculously religious (this one has completely destroyed our common sense). All contradictory to where President Obama stands!

Now, yes President Obama is a black man. That is obvious – or is it? LOL! His half African-ness does not mean that black men will support his policy. Should we just because he has some black blood running through his veins? I certainly don’t. Also, when I think about this question without my commentary mind, I am reminded that many of us black men are insecure (a designed/planned outcome by Mr. White Man). Insecurity is a byproduct of self-hatred. For some of us, seeing President Obama conjures feelings of hate: If ya hate the skin you are in - you are bound to hate those in identical skin. You have to understand: when there is a black man killed the killer 86% of the time is/was black. That is self-hatred at its BEST.

I will offer up one last reason from my mind:

President Obama may remind some black men of a preacher with his emotionally driven speeches (euphoric). Countless black men are not too fond of black preachers. Why? A friend of mine gave me a justification one day:

“I don’t respect a lot of black preachers because I am not fooled by the religious rhetoric. I can see past the fluff of Christianity. These preachers are no different than me. Plagued with issue after issue. And yet, he is up in a pulpit telling me how I should live. Damn that!”

I will stop here.

Some will find my response EXTREMELY full of generalities. However, I am a black man. I don’t speak for all – but my response comes from not just me. It comes from the sentiments of black men I communicate with in commentary/dialogue from all across the nation and even in the Caribbean. Just my take...

Being a Black Man (washingtonpost.com)

Brian E. Payne

Yelling, "You lie" would have gotten me killed

Lawmakers Denounce 'You Lie' Outburst at Obama - ABC News

Since President Obama has become president of the United States I have been concerned about the level of blatant disrespect that has been directed at him. Even more surprised by the disrespect certain individuals have for the Presidential Institution. The Office. I was also alarmed by the disrespectful discontent President Bush received in the form of animated pictures, video clips, and with an entire movie.

Kids will blurt random epithets out when they are frustrated and/or mad. Disappointed. I recall mumbling harsh words at my mother when she disciplined me. This act alone would reinstitute another butt whipping. She never heard my words - but the mumble was enough to disrespect her.

Yelling, "You lie" would have gotten me killed.

Joe Wilson, the congressman from South Carolina, has apologized. The President has accepted the apology. Now what?

Should we continue on like the vile comment was not made? Should Joe be reprimanded? Should The Left step-up?

Of course, I cannot move on as if nothing occurred. Thus the reason I am expressing myself in MS Word today. Yes, Mr. Wilson needs a harsh talking to or some level of punishment. And, those on The Left/The Democrats should respond. The response should not be a playground response. Nope. What the voters and supporters of President Obama need to do is speak out. Make their voices known and heard.

As I travel to work or to a coffee shop each and every day all I hear on the radio are steaming mad
over-the- top conservative talk radio hosts, ignorant RIGHT WING callers, and numerous men and women who are dedicated to the Republican Party. Loyal Americans.

I have always believed that the Democrats are weak. Pansies! Unable to 'be there' for their elected officials. Unlike the Republicans, for sure! The GOP followers are dedicated to the PARTY. Not the man. Loyal to what makes up the elephant symbol. These Americans will die for what they believe in. While the Donkeys sit back and do nothing. Basically, hide from confrontation. Flee when times get tough. Punk-out when their President gets disrespected.

Why do Democrats function this way?

They are fickle. Easy to sway. Emotionally driven to 'get happy' during a speech. Incapable of organizing after the victory, winning the presidency.

I left the Democrat Party years ago for various reasons: Too Liberal for my values and I stopped being fooled by their ‘dedication’ to Black issues. I also left because I could not have my name next to what they represent:

Weakness.

Where ya at, Democrats? Your president is all alone. By himself. Fighting for you while you are preoccupied: wondering if an illegal immigrant will get health insurance coverage. Please let Joe Wilson worry about that.

Written by Brian E. Payne.

Arrogance and Disloyalty Resurfaces: Mr. Green Got the Ax

I was at Borders Coffee Shop on Labor Day trying to formulate my thoughts about the recent resignation within President Obama’s Socialist Revolutionary Party. Van Jones. While there a homeless man asked me, “What do you think of Mr. Green. You know Van Jones?” An unlikely question coming from a homeless person. I usually get, ‘Do you have any change?’ Over the past year I have responded with, “Our President has a lot of Change that You can Believe In.” One of America’s “degenerates” told me in response one day, “Change my A**.”

Van Jones, a self described black nationalist is the most recent man, that America knows about, who has been exiled from his czar post as a result of our President’s persistence to maintain his political capital and cleanout his closet.

Is the Van Jones saga a turning point for Barack Obama?‎

Just by reading a few articles with Mr. Jones as the center of the commentary it was relatively easy for me to determine Van could be a ‘political liability’ for anyone in public office. If I, a man with a little intelligence, could make that determination - why couldn’t President Obama and his group of background checkers?

There are two reasons this slap in Van’s face has occurred.

Capitol Hill Arrogance:

Our president has become like his predecessor in that he may actually believe that the American people are clueless and do not pay attention to what occurs on The Hill. In this case, he for some arrogant reasoning thought that The Right would not find out about Mr. Jones. Now, please keep in mind that Van Jones has been connected to Marxist thought, communism in the so called Third World, and he has been an outspoken bullhorn for human rights. To add a career ending notation to his resume, Jones signed a petition that accuses the United States government of allowing the travesty of September 11, 2001 to occur. All eyebrow raisers for ultra conservatives. Mr. Van Jones was doomed from the beginning of his tenure with President Obama’s administration considering people like Glenn Beck is encouraging and inciting an all out ‘investigation’ of Barack’s associations. Lessons learned from Glenn Beck's media scalping of Van Jones‎

Disloyalty:

When it gets too hot in the kitchen, our President runs for the comforts of air conditioning. He disses those who have the same ideology: Black Radicalism. I wonder if he is prepared to divorce his once afro wearing wife. We (conservatives) may not be ready to accept it – but Barack Obama is radical. A man who has pushed the limits and who will continue to do so until he is stopped. He and Van are cut from the same fabric. Two men prepared to give their all for the cause. However, Mr. Obama is not like the Patrice Lumumba’s of the world: willing to remain loyal to those who have either helped him or those who are prepared to be maligned by the media all in his/her LOYALTY to the President. Barack Obama has proven that he cannot stand with us purposeful agitators when the pressure gets to a boiling point which prompts me to believe that he will not STAND with the common/everyday man and woman who voted for him when they need him to. He will be too busy protecting his political capital. Reputation…

What happened to the new politics that we were promised? Those politics will ruin you on The Hill. President Obama understands that. Unfortunately, our president has become what genuine-hearted men and women of The Right and The Left become:

Protectors of the Status Quo.

Rendering him without a real home. Soulfully homeless. No real place to sleep without guilt. In the end, the homeless man I exchanged words with on Labor Day 2009 will not be void of integrity. Defeated by politics. He has somewhere to sleep. Thankfully, it is NOT in the White House.

Degenerate - a person who has declined, as in morals or character, from a type or standard considered normal.

Written by Brian E. Payne.

People are People

Are we? If people are people, why are there so many physical characteristics, personality dimensions, and behaviors that ultimately identify us as unique individuals? I have heard time and time again: “We all bleed.” Yes, we do – but I contend that we are more different than we are alike because of secular conditioning.

That is totally opposite from what we were told in kindergarten. I am aware of that.

Over the years, I have tried to be fair and non recklessly judgmental. However, I am only human. “I am only human.” Isn’t it ironic that we typically hear this when someone is on the verge of doing something wrong/immoral? Isn’t it interesting that, “I am only human”, is prefaced during those times when we feel insecure? Isn’t it interesting that we present this to clarify why we “sinned”. Isn’t it revealing that we use this overplayed justification when we want to say or do something that mirrors our true feelings? Feelings that are usually hurtful/damaging to someone’s self concept or ego?

The use of the word ‘only’ within this declaration indicates to me that we, humans, understand ourselves to be limited. Somewhat defected or of lesser stature. Lower on the mammal chart: Are four legged creatures smarter? Wiser? Better decision-makers? Kinder?

Kindness is a personality output that I attempt to project into the universe both in my personal and professional life. Unfortunately, the make-up of my job prevents me from being as kind as I would like to be. I have to tell people ‘No’ more often than I would like, and in some cases my ‘No’ is communicated because an individual is too aggressive, limited in their education, and believe it not because he/she is significantly overweight.

I cannot imagine how it feels to be humiliated because of ‘fatness’. I cannot imagine what it feels like to be out of breath all the time. I cannot imagine having to sit in seats that are too small. I cannot imagine having to give the convenient and mischaracterized “my overactive thyroid” excuse for weight gain all the time. I cannot imagine being told ‘No’ because of obesity. These realities are in fact daily occurrences for ‘fat people’.

How they got to this place of obesity is never compassionately considered. Us, slim and in shape people really do not give a damn. We don’t. We just see these pathetic donut eaters as people who have no self control or the unfortunate beneficiary of the fat gene. We don’t take into consideration that their weight may be connected to psychological trauma. I, myself, have been known to temporarily soothe my emotional scars with food. Fortunately, the eating of a cheeseburger and fries at 11:00PM does not end-up as a disgusting bulge in my midsection. High metabolism, a dedication to working out for health reasons (high cholesterol and hypertension – THANKS to my unhealthy father), and a legitimate fear of getting fat does it for me. But, I have gained a few pounds in my old age. I am not the owner of a tight six pack anymore!

What I do wish I was the owner of at times are blinders. I wholeheartedly wish that I did not see the people I interview for employment. Here is why.

This past week I sat down with a young lady to talk with her about her work experience and her motivation for applying for the job I identified as a good fit for her via her resume. When I stepped out of my office to look for her I was amazed to find a woman who is about 5 feet 4 inches and weighing about 400 pounds. I was not surprised that she could barely get out of the chair as I approached her. I was not surprised that she struggled to take each step as she walked toward my small office. I was not surprised that she had to literally wrestle and tug to get in the seat I had available for her. I was not surprised that my mind had issued a ‘No’ before she articulated to me, in response to my question of her well-being, “I am tired.” What a way to start an interview for employment: “I am tired.”

I was tired too at that moment. Tired of being: Only human. And, tired of saying ‘No’ to another desperate job seeker.

My decision to issue a ‘No’ to this woman was not formed as a result of how she responded to my plethora of interview questions. I must admit, however, that even with her obesity she is not a ‘good fit’ for my program. That realization was a gift for me considering I did not want to face the dilemma of having a dynamic candidate with me having an Only Human mindset. My ‘No’ decision was rooted in what many of us become over time: Only Human. We cannot help it. This is what we are: Only Human. Full of prejudices and discriminations. And, sadly, pre-judgments.

Guess what?

People are People. I am who I am. A recycled product: Made in America.

This ‘No’ was sealed in my mind when I noticed that she was among America’s obese. I apologize for being American!

According to a study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, Between 15 percent and 30 percent also said they would rather walk away from their marriage, give up the possibility of having children, be depressed, or become an alcoholic rather than be obese. http://obesityfacts.com.au/?p=176

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by that flame-broiled double cheeseburger that Burger King has for one dollar.

TIME Magazine: America's Obesity Crisis

Magic working Magic on his People

A few years ago Earvin Magic Johnson coined himself as a pusher and spokesperson of black entrepreneurship and community development. With his athletic determination he was able to break the tree hugger insulation Starbucks had around their corporation. Actually, he was/is the only man who was able to secure a significant franchise deal with this killer of mom and pop coffee shops.

In his persistence not only did he increase his wealth he introduced gourmet coffee to urban areas: the hood and siddity land i.e. Cascade, Atlanta. He has other ventures that encourage and promote black financial empowerment and employment too i.e. movie theatres (Largo, Maryland). But, his efforts have not produced much financial capital for those identified.

I should not be too disappointed. Collective black wealth building is a concept that has been forgotten by most black folk. We (ME INCLUDED) too busy making someone else rich while THEY continuously disrespect and exploit us (we allow it).

How many of you black women still going to the Asians to get ya nails done? How many of us fellas purchasing our 22 ounces at the Around Da Corner Stop and Shop (owned by an Asian)?

I am almost certain that those two questions do not apply to us Progressive black folk. Right? It does apply to the black man/woman in locales The Progressives rarely visit, however.

I will humbly disclose that I had the unpleasant financial opportunity to dwell amongst the ‘forgotten’ when I returned from serving with the Peace Corps: I frequented Pay Day Loan establishments to make ends meet.

Just waiting on Earvin to invest in this leech for a business alternative.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Payday_loan_shop_window.jpg/271px-Payday_loan_shop_window.jpg

“Our integrated for and non-profit efforts create a unique and comprehensive offering. As a minority owned and operated brand, we are in the unique position of understanding these valuable communities, have long-standing relationships with them, and continue to be motivated to serve them in order to increase the quality of life for these vibrant, yet often neglected, neighborhoods.” –Magic Johnson Enterprises http://www.magicjohnson.com/index.php

If Magic is so dedicated to increasing wealth and financial literacy, which equates to quality of life, within the “neglected” communities, why in the h*ll is he the pitchman for Rent-A-Center? Why is he pushing black people to get their "taxes done" at Jackson-Hewitt over urban radio airwaves?

Rent-A-Center: Exorbitantly overpriced and keeps its customers in debt with their high finance charges. I know their MO, when I was a teenager my family’s frig was repossessed by them.

Jackson-Hewitt: Charges ridiculous fees to complete tax returns and encourages a 'spend ya loot now mentality'. These resemblances of liquor stores (quick fixes) are on every corner in black and brown environments.

We have a responsibility when we know better. Earvin Magic Johnson knows better. I know better. You reading know better.

This crap has to end.

If you know someone who has a low to moderate annual income please recommend the VITA program:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers

If you know someone who needs appliances and/or furniture please recommend that they visit the local Goodwill store:

Locate a Goodwill® Store

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by: The Great and Wondrous Dr. J:

Julius Erving Interview -- Academy of Achievement

Control…We have none.

Control is a force that we try to master in various ways. One way is in our ridiculous attempts to unknowingly (subconscious) dominant others. Some do this in an extremely detrimental way while others do it in a more coy way. On the sly - but thought of in a harmless innocent fashion. In such a way that the perpetrators of the undercover control, at times, have no idea that they are locking down their grip on the individual or individuals within reach. For example, men and women do things for each other under the guise of trying to be caring and loving while knowing full well that their motivation comes from the pits of selfishness: Looking for or expecting something else that they cannot completely disclose at the present moment.

The attempt may be operating from the disposition of subconscious because MOST people have no other outlets to control their very own lives. To bring this void to the conscious level only reminds them that they are minute in this universe. Smaller than a grain of sand. They are control impotent on the job, and in many facets that they desire to be ‘important’. Taken seriously. Consequently, this leaves these pathetic souls with not many options to be in control...ever!

Has this been you? It was me at one point as I traveled on this journey. More on the most humiliating - BUT humbling 7 hours of my life later.

So, what many of us do is try to control what is in striking distance: our relationships with others. We do this not realizing that our mates/spouses are in the same boat that we are in: unable to control anything outside the immediate. Gridlock. Tension is imminent. Conflict is abound and later dissolution (break-up) is inevitable. In the end, two people with false senses of control end-up alone. Literally by themselves...all because the power that they want was snatched from them as soon as they made themselves vulnerable to the other.

Vulnerability is what we need to master. Not, control. We are weaken by the impact of vulnerability. However, a chance must be taken to open-up without worries of getting played. Then we must have the respectable fortitude to productively ‘deal’ with any pain that may present itself: Nothing Last Forever.

Ironically, pain is something we all will face - and in most cases we have no real effective way to handle it. As a result, we over time destroy ourselves spiritually and crap on each other relentlessly.

We must find a better approach.

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by Chef! I thank him for taking care of me when I had NO CONTROL WHATSOEVER.

The Pigs had us Running

I remember when my friends and I would take off running when we saw the police. It never failed. We could have been sitting on our momma’s clunker chillin’ eating cherry Now and Laters - Momma should have kept her 1980 Nova: Cash for Clunkers: What You Need to Know Reuters – but when the Pigs (such a disrespectful description) rolled-up on us, without hesitation and for no real legitimate reason at all, we would begin to run to the creek. The creek was our hiding spot. Nothing but boys would go down to the stream that separated the New Projects from the Old Projects.

Now, before you folk from ‘the north’ begin to blast me about my beloved projects just know that I grew-up in Thomasville, North Carolina. The country. Our projects were “townhomes” according to my college buddy, Lamont Morrow: “Man, please I am from the city. I know what projects are…I grew-up there. Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn. These are projects stop trippin’.”

http://www.bluejake.com/images04/misc/2004_1_projects3.jpg

I never did go to Lamont’s projects. I would not have made it one night!

What I did ‘make’ was a mockery of law and order each and every time I ran from the police. Not that they were coming for me – but I exhibited behavior that was ‘hood acceptable’, and confusing to the policemen. Think about it for a moment…We ran from those who are in uniform to Protect and Serve. These white men, and occasional token black cops, were just doing their job: On patrol on James Avenue. They were making certain that we were not being violated or committing violations. That’s all. However, I and many other African Americans for various reasons without significant personal justification may not have any respect for police officers.

Of course, I have asked myself why over the years. Then all I have to do is click on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROn_9302UHg

After countless years, I cannot watch all of this video. In this act of police brutality which was later in effect sanctioned by the Los Angeles’ courts in the form of acquittals – perhaps a pervasive repugnant-ness of cops is understandable? Or, what about the Haitian immigrant that was viciously sodomized by a gang of cavemen frontin’ as New York City policemen?

Abner Louima - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I don’t relive these horrible occurrences in law enforcement history via commentary to spread venom. The acts alone are enough to leave one with lasting negative impressions of the Men in Blue. I am just contemplating lately about why so many people of color hate the police. Even as I recall these stories I cannot say that I dislike the police…as my early project days my have indicated…I am just leery of them. Unable of trusting them.

One thing I will NEVER do is raise my children to disrespect the laws of this unjust land and the enforcers of the law. Warren Balentine, a man I like when he is not trying to please all his radio talk show listeners, said something that I agree with: “One of the best weapons we can give our black kids is a general understanding of how law works.” He is right. He was also correct when he alluded to this: “We all should practice some level of civility toward law enforcement.”

http://ultimatecollegehouseparty.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/cop-1.jpg

Cops are not all bad. I actually want to believe that most are good. Un-crooked. On the Up and Up. With this positive mindset we should support them and appreciate the sacrifice they make. Also, just maybe the young girls featured in this story (below) would have told the cops the truth if they we not scared of them:

Dallas Girl, 14, Jailed With Adults For 10 Days - cbs11tv.com

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the Pigs…no sorry: The Good Police!

What is all the Fuss about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGBi722T6iA&feature=related

Someone help me, I thought the idea was to make sure all the uninsured in the United States (preferably citizens, IMO) obtain coverage? If this is the plan, why in the world are these town hall meetings morphing into all out rebellion? Are these people protesting against President Obama’s new socialistic agenda, are they more concerned with what they may lose within their coverage, or are they pissed because the reform will be another social taxation e.g. Medicare?

I can’t figure it out.

America’s Freedom of Speech facade is such an advantage and disadvantage...at times: Some folk need to shut the h*ll up and others need to understand that it is not an absolute! I actually respect the opportunity to publicly voice opinions. If I did not I would not send readers a commentary every week. Nonetheless, the healthcare debate continues to divide the nation. Some are accusing the Republican Party of “sending the mob” to democrat lead town hall meetings to create havoc. If this is the case: THEY ARE WRONG. THE WHITE HOUSE IS WRONG FOR THIS: Asking the public to forward emails to the White House email account if one receives an email notification with misinformation about or challenges to the new healthcare initiative. What is this a ‘police state’? Is our government in the business of keeping tabs on people who have opposing views? Yes: Black Panthers, SCLC, All African People Revolutionary Party, and the Nation of Islam.

http://firstamendmentrap.co.cc/freedom_of_speech/

The outcome will be a passing of Health Care Reform. That’s a given. The Republicans are too insufficient in numbers and leadership to stop this forceful push from President Obama. Loud-mouth Rush can’t even help them! The yelling and screaming will soon be history; and then we will look back on this political circus with respect or disrespect for the protest. I will be one to respect it! I will also be one to disagree with and detest the methods that are being taken to pass the bill: impatient intensity, a strategic effort but insincere plan to slow down the push, and the ignorance that members of congress appear to have relating to the reform they are about to sign-off on.

All of this fuss about socialism principles will further put us against them and them against us. I am not too frustrated by or defensive about the new administration’s intentions. Not at all. My concern stems from what I, a working tax paying citizen, may have to help pay for next. Already paying for cheap condoms and Similac!

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_n2622_v125/ai_19217177/

I am perfectly in agreement, ‘if you have you should consider sharing’ – but I am adamant about NOT giving a dime to those who do not do for themselves. This is the sentiment of many. Voicing it should not be an alarm or indication that the one mentioning it is a cold-hearted white Republican. I am not. My registered voting status is Independent, and last I checked I am BLACK.

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. –Proverbs 21:13

I want equality across the board. For those people with good intentions e.g. seeking employment with health benefits, trying to stay in good health, etc. who are unable to pay for health care: I am WILLING to donate some of my loot via higher taxes. If a person is shiftless and uses tax payer dollars to buy a case of Welch’s grape soda, salty Swanson frozen dinners, Oreo cookies, and sugar-laced cereal (too many to single out one): I am UNWILLING to donate any of my loot via taxes.

Perhaps, yesterday I should have told the woman with two fat face kids about my unwillingness while I was shopping at Kroger on a strict budget. Soon my and your tax dollars will have to pay for her child’s foot amputation as a result of diabetes.

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by Mjiba Adeze Frehiwot.

http://touchingtrulytouching.blogspot.com/

The District is No More

Going back to a place that was once familiar can cause disappointment. Change, of course, can be good - but change that causes unfamiliarity can bring pleasantry to some and bewilderment to others. I am among the many former District of Columbia transplants who are bewildered by the new high rise condo buildings, independently owned coffee shops, and swank looking restaurants.

To my surprise white people actually walk the streets that were once considered 'seriously off limits'. Even I, a big bald black brotha, would not walk in the Trinidad community or on any DC streets where the preconceived possibility of getting harassed or robbed is high. However, our Caucasian counterparts are riding platinum scooters and walking costly full bred dogs (poodles) up and down the street without a care in the world.

Life is safe and good for the residents on S, T, and U Streets. The police officers on mountain bikes make sure of that. The stick-up kid has a suburban locale now. He no longer robs the white tourist near the famous hotel where President Reagan was shot. No. He has finally and completely relocated his self-survival thieving operation to PG County. As a result, the elderly who moved out the city to get some peace have to contend with violent home invasions. ‘Blatant disrespect of the elderly ONLY occurs in the United States.’

Nothing I have typed is new to the DC area or any urban center. The initial seeds of the inevitable, gentrification, were planted in disgraced Marion Barry's city when I was planning to leave America's capital. The new youthful mayor has fully embraced the ‘developments’. Why would he not? It is the responsibility of mayors to ‘clean-up’ the mess. Giuliani did it!

Off to Atlanta I went, and the departure of what once characterized the District of Columbia dwindled away: high crime rates, pervasively visual homelessness, and the abandonment of countless row houses.

To read my words one would think that DC is void of Benning Road carjacking, Pennsylvania Avenue sleeping in the park, and North Capitol property squatting. Not the case. The District still has its long standing issues. Nonetheless, one cannot help but notice the 'improvements’ that gentrification brings. Even here in Atlanta, where the city leaders boast with pride the ethnic and social economic cleansing: only major city in the union without a Housing Authority (projects), are loving the fruits of urban renewal.

After discussing this new and final chapter with a friend while I spent my weekend in my second home I concluded that what's synonymous with improvement or getting better is WHITE. Think about that for a moment...

"If a metropolitan city becomes an improved and safer place to live the way you can tell is if there are more white people becoming residents." –Anonymous DC City Councilman

That is an extremely depressing commentary. It basically says that black folk are incapable of 'making a city better'. I do not necessarily agree with this line of thought - but there must be something truthful/factual about what I am conveying. DC and Atlanta were polluted with murder, litter, and urban squander prior to the whites entering. We cannot dispute this. It is true! With this truth, when will we, black people, begin to take back our communities?

Here is a model:

Miami Gardens, Florida – The state’s largest city with the most African Americans listed as residents. Blacks can do it…if they want it!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#31193895

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by Go-Go. It has NEVER left DC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6gtcy9qN5s

Son makes Decision for Dad

*Please check out video below after reading*

Monday, was the first day of football practice for Judah Mordecai. Both, Judah and I were nervous. Judah will not fess-up to his preoccupation - but I guess my maturation has encouraged me over the years to be honest with my feelings. My Judah is still at that age of not admitting to what makes him fearful. Soon he will learn that fear is a 'best friend', and not an emotion to 'punk' compartmentalize. *He can start by fearing the POLICE! They have been known to randomly kill black men.

As I watched young men run up and down the mosquito-infested field, I could not stop thinking about how I DO NOT WANT Judah to play football. My 'wants' are irrelevant at this point in his development. It is he who is the decider of his extracurricular activities. My job is done along these lines.

I have pressed upon him the REMARKABLE advantages of owning a football team. I have pressed upon him the importance of being in a decision making role: in the FRONT office. *Isn't it interesting that the men who determine the fate (reinstatement, trade location, salary, type of community service, etc.) of the players are mostly white - but yet the league work horses/players are 90 percent African American?

Most importantly, I have conveyed to my Judah what I expect from him in regards to sports, academics, and clothing:

"Only a few make it to the 'big leagues'. So, putting all ya eggs in that athletic basket is not a good idea. Keep ya options open. Read two-three books a month, and never allow me to catch you saggin'."

If I had my say on this one, Judah Mordecai would be going to guitar and/or violin lessons (like I had planned) considering I am not an avid promoter of sports. Why?

The dynamics of youth sports have changed drastically. It is all about winning now. No socialization skills or fundamentals focus. The affects of this NEGLECT are prevalent. Think about the young athletes who could have ‘been somebody’ (according to shallow-minded black folk). Their lack of learning to properly function in society ruined their aspirations and destroyed the over zealous dreams of one track-thinking parents: 'My son will be the next Vincent Young.' *More black folk should encourage: "their sons to be judges so that they can be in a position to have an affect on the horribly imbalanced judicial system."

My Judah is growing up. This decision was his, not mine. Watch/listen:

He did say at the end that he wants to be an astronaut...Thank the Lord!

White Cop and White America’s Arrogance

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/cop_who_arrested_gates_not_sorry_072209

Cop will not apologize and some are saying, “Gates should not have allowed his emotions to get the best of him.” I actually heard that from a handkerchief head this morning. Seriously, the man was in/at his docile. His freaking home. He complied with the policeman’s commands – but still got the metal bracelets placed around his wrist.

Gates' emotions were Sounding the Alarm. A Ringing of the Bell…AGAIN. If he would not have yelled he would not have gotten arrested. The arrest was needed!

This situation is TEACHING MOMENT for the world: Proof that America is still dealing with race. Still…

This situation is an OPPORTUNITY for Whites to self-reflect. Will they do it? No.

The white cop with his “NO APOLOGY” stance is typical and indicative of white arrogance and supports the following: Most White folk are incapable of empathizing with Black America’s pain. A deep-rooted pain that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

I have always understood that if one voices their wrongs and attempts to rectify the wrongs, a new day is on the horizon (learned that in kindergarten). Unfortunately, America will remain in a horrible past that has molded this pathetic country. Here we are, in 2009 – and White America cannot practice one of Jesus’ best attributes: Humility. But, we are a Christian Nation?

The ball to REALLY address racism is in White hands. Sadly, they will not do anything with the ball. Even after the most powerful man in the world said:

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/072309_Obamas_full_comments_on_Gates_incident

Their arrogance stinks! And, yet blacks/Hispanics are “the problem” in America.

Not a rant. A repeated TRUTH.

What shall I do:

Continue to remind this country that they are/were wrong. Just maybe, my efforts will reach the heart of one white person.

Brian E. Payne

Black In America 2

I should have watched the second installment of CNN’s Black in America 2 – but after a full day of work and writing I decided to watch our president plead his case for universal health care, have a drink (Bacardi 8 and Coke), and then I started writing again. So, there I was thinking about my day while the syndicated Delilah Radio Show played in the background.

It was definitely an eventful day.

Three minutes into my drive to my office my Jeep Cherokee ran out of gas. This was not a big deal considering I was able to coast right into a gas station. Around mid-morning I got into an argument with a friend. This was disappointing because I think I hurt her feelings. After five seconds of entering my beloved home at the end of my day, I discovered that my electricity was not on. I was initially stunned then I realized that I did forget to pay the bill. Two of the three occurrences did not faze me at all. I took both in stride, and adapted. The argument affected me the most. Nonetheless, I moved on to have a productive day.

Watching another Soledad O’Brien piece would have given me an unwanted energy boast. So, I guess this is why I sent the following question out prior to leaving work:

Are you looking forward to CNN’s Black in America 2? If you are or not, why?

Click on the Comment icon to read the responses.

Shared by Brian E. Payne

The Delilah Radio Show:

http://www.radiodelilah.com/home/home.html

Black in America 2:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/black.in.america/

New Peace Corps Director...A BLACK MAN

The following entry is an email correspondence sent to fellow Returned Peace Corps volunteers.

Some of you reading received an email from me with the first link below. For you, I have a confession:

I did not click on the link before I sent it. That means I HAD NO IDEA that our new Peace Corps Director is a black man.

Yes, I admit that I send links/emails onto others without reading or viewing from time to time. I am GUILTY. So after I decided to open the link, simply because 'something' was nagging me to, I was AMAZED that a black man was selected.

Why?

Because it is rare. Rare for a black man to lead any international relations/affairs/development agency. I can probably count on my hands the number of black men who I know that have lived and worked overseas. There are many around the United States - but the number is extremely low (out of a group of 66 men and women I was the ONLY black man in my Peace Corps training class). Heck, there are not that many black men who have traveled over waters to donate a week of time to the underprivileged.

Those of us who have served for lengthy periods are not more evolved. Better. Nope, not in the least! However, I must say that I am more well-rounded as a result of me joining the Peace Corps; and then working for Peace Corps for 8.5 years.

And, to now witness history: The First Black man to lead the agency that I respect and love is not only remarkable, it is emotional for me. Now, when those less fortunates that Peace Corps volunteers serve worldwide, an additional statement is being made:

From the top, a BLACK man cares about the countries so many of us western-polluted Americans NEVER think about.

I am proud. Very Proud.

*I have to acknowledge that this would have not been a reality if it were not for President Barack Obama. I am not a euphoric emotion-driven fan - but I do give a 'Big-up' when it is due.

Aaron Williams - First Black Male Peace Corps Director http://peacecorpsconnect.org/bio/aaron-williams

Carol Payton - First Black and First Female Peace Corps Director:

http://www.answers.com/topic/carolyn-r-payton

Brian E. Payne
RPCV 1994-1996

Antigua, Eastern Caribbean

Today’s Advertisements: Should I be Perplexed?

Yeah...the photo advertisements got my attention too. Do you want to purchase the perfume/cologne...NOW?

Maybe it’s me. Not sure. Perhaps, I am too protective of Judah, my 10 year old. Or, could it be that I am too hyper-sensitive. Whatever it is I am certain that there is at least one parent or even a non-parent who will agree with me on the following.

Television Commercial:

A female enters what appears to or could not be her home. She has a nice size purse and she is dressed like she is ready to go out on the town. She's eating yogurt. As she approaches the family room there is a female on the floor in a yoga position. She explains to the woman who entered the house that she is working on her digestive health. The female in her going-out jeans says, “Why don’t you try some Yoplait Plus it is for digestive health.” While still in the yoga pretzel the young woman says, “HONEY, I can’t find my hand.”

Watch here:

http://www.yoplait.com/spots/default.aspx (The Yo-Plus: Yoga ad – to the right)

Are you wondering what got my son’s attention?

The term of endearment, Honey, is what baffled him.

“Dad, why is a woman calling another woman honey?”

I answered his question without regurgitating my social-cultural-political verbiage. I have saved that for you to ponder with me.

Is this some outlandish producer’s way of pushing a lesbian relationship agenda? Marketing to lesbians to increase yogurt sales? It might be considering that this nation is moving so far beyond traditional values/the natural order; and so close to the EXTREME LEFT (which by the way is supported by our Leftist President).

Thinking too much? Nonetheless, I wanted to share with you so you can analyze the commercial, tell me what you think, and hopefully consider the psychological destruction ad’s and other mechanisms to sell products could be doing to the psyche of our future (the kids).

Here’s an ad that got a lot of attention from conservatives. Liberals rationalized it to the point of a non-issue: ‘It’s just flamboyant marketing.’

http://images2.cafemom.com/images/user/gallery/post_1492157_1245169392_med.jpg

The picture was on a billboard in Time Square for all (children included) to see.

Here’s another one. This time using kid friendly bunny rabbits:

http://images.ibsys.com/2004/0511/3292380.jpg

Notice the rabbit hitting ‘it’ from the back?

Someone please tell me that I am not becoming some un-cool Conservative Stiff in my old age.

I may just be SERIOUSLY concerned about the Hard Left this country has taken over the past thirty years.

Just me talking again, Brian E. Payne.

Obama on Africa...Typical

I am not surprised President Obama has this position on Africa: Unwilling to say that the affects of colonialism/oppression/destruction is justification for the complexity of Africa. This is the same man who will keep passing legislation to give Israel millions each and every year. The same man who will ignore Haiti's cry. Definitely disappointing coming from him. He is the first black president and he selects NOT to acknowledge that neo-colonialism continues to affect the Continent? (I don't need for him to blame, btw). I am happy we have a black man who appears to be a decent man in the white house - but I have always been leery of all politicians. Especially, when it comes to Africa. He cannot even politically embrace his homeland. Express sympathy for its present condition.

It is amazing that men will sell their souls to be in a leadership position in the United States.

Much respect to Sharpton, Farrakhan, Malcolm, Garvey, Vesey, Turner, and more.

They represent and represented. Barack Obama is what he is when it comes to Africa: a Typical American Politician. That equates to a Jelly-Back. A Coward who can't speak ALL the truths about the Homeland.

What about Africa?

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by my question.

Most Charities Supported by a Rock Star?

Yes. It was Michael.

Never knew that.

I came home to watch the memorial service on CNN. On my way home I scanned the radio for a live feed. I found one on 1380AM. It was not until I heard the first song. The first speaker. That I began to get emotional. Crying.

A buddy of mine asked me the other day, "Why are all these people crying like they KNEW Michael Jackson." Well, I am one of those people, I didn't KNOW MJ. But yet, I am sitting in my fitness center all emotional. Not crying anymore - but so devastated that this world has lost more than a rock star. We have lost a caring man. A giving man. Yes, we have plenty of those. Or, do we...?

Yes, there are those who care. Who give...but not enough. Nevertheless, the way I see it. Feel it. Michael Jackson cared beyond my comprehension. His words and deeds have proven that.

How I wish I could be like Mike. That statement/wish should help me and others re-evaluate and re-define ourselves. In death we MUST learn.

Words from Al Sharpton:

"There was nothing strange about Michael...It was strange what Michael had to deal with..."

Words from Brooke Shields:

"Michael saw everything with his heart."

Written by Muata.

The Tragedies Begin with that Money Hungry Glance

I started writing a commentary entitled, Typical Jump-off, to offer my opinion on the death of Steve McNair. The writing commenced while sitting in a cabana smoking a Brazilia Maduro cigar, sipping on a Tommy Bahama rum and Coke, and watching countless BEAUTIFUL women pass. Several of the glancing females wondered who my friends and I were considering the cabanas at this hot spot in Atlanta cost a pretty penny to reserve. Little did they know that my regular status, pleasant demeanor, flirting skills (with women only), decent tipping habits, and writing abilities got me the comfortable seating space for free. Yeah, the females possibly assumed I was some Million Dollar slave. They cash eye-balled me and the fellas for what seemed like an eternity. Some even came over to pretend to be interested ONLY in us, and not our perceived status. Small talk lead to the inevitable and predictable question: What do you do for a living? The faces of disappointment were hilarious after I informed them that I was a Recruitment Manager for a non-profit and a struggling writer. Then I saw nothing but the back of their heads that were full of cheap weave. Some even had two to three month old hair-do's that looked like beehives. And, they wanted my attention, money, and time?! Good thing my momma did not raise a fool. No Drink-Chasing Prostitutes and Nappy Heads for me!

As for Steve McNair. Many are calling him a fool today. I have questioned his intentions with that 20yr old - but I have not made it to the judgment level. Believe me, I am one to say that WE ALL need to hold each other in ACCOUNTABILITY judgment. This brand of personal accountability check is considered ‘judging’ by too many! If only we would judge with love. Perhaps, Steve would have been home with his wife and Sahel would not have been an adulteress.

Some are saying that all they will remember about Steve is his tragic fate. I somewhat thought this is where my mind would go prior to reading the article at the link below. My mind changed after being reminded of Mr. McNair's contribution to the world. It was not only a 13 year career as a Tough Quarterback. No, Steve McNair beat several odds to become a NFL horse. Just read up on him. He was more than a man who cheated on his wife. Of course this is where the minds of many women will linger. That's surprising in itself, but typical, considering the average female doesn’t know what it takes to be a black quarterback in the National Football League. They probably have no idea that he was a charitable man.

Why not think of the positive with Steve McNair? We are doing it with Michael Jackson even though we are AWARE that MJ may have been a pervert. A Snatcher of Children’s Childhoods via molestation.

Either way, this does not change the fact Steve McNair died in a condo with a 20yr old Kia driving No Body. Killed violently. As a pathetic cheater in the eyes of the same females I described in the opening paragraph of this commentary:

Glancing Money Hungry Chicks looking for an affair/relationship/f*ck with a man who looks like he makes his loot by running up and down a football field. I should have played along with these imposters of decent women. All it took was one $10 drink and a puff of my $15 cigar to hookem'. Sad.

We make the decisions in our lives. Steve shallowly made his and Sahel Kazemi did too.

http://jay-mariotti.fanhouse.com/2009/07/05/mcnair-legacy-turns-to-sex-blood-death/?icid=mainmaindl1link2http%3A%2F%2Fjay-mariotti.fanhouse.com%2F2009%2F07%2F05%2Fmcnair-legacy-turns-to-sex-blood-death%2F

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the prayer that my friends will not allow me to throw my life away on/over a Jump-Off.

Life is Out of Your Control

Friday is my 39th birthday. One more year and I will be the big FORTY. Can’t wait for that one. Yeah, right. Seriously, I will celebrate that one with all of myself and definitely with friends…ONLY.

Turning 39 does nothing for me, it does not spark any feelings of excitement, nor generates any feelings of euphoric insight. I am just another year older. Of course I can ask myself the same rhetorical question many of us ask each year, ‘What have I learned?’ To be quite honest with you I have not learned anything different from last year.

The world continues to turn each second with or without me learning a damn thing. Actually, if I am really really honest with myself I have not learned any lessons in some areas. Evidence of that is in my duplicated mistakes.

Some believe the world is getting Barack Obama better and others emphatically believe the world is on an irreversible downward spiral. If you know me you know exactly what I think about this world: No comment. Well, let me share one: Me nah like dis place!

No matter what I think one thing is for sure, we are here to get older and then die. Think about that for a moment. Finish? We live to die. That can be such a waste. However, what we do between birth and death is up to us and provides some level of validation to the divine purpose if we do something with our lives. Some chose to do nothing of humanitarian value and others strive to be what God predestined. Think about that too. Predestined?

If it is already written in God’s history book we are in affect just playing our lives out in an orchestrated role. Somewhat like a set script that’s written for us.

Perhaps, in the five minutes it took me to write this it has been reaffirmed to some that what lies between birth and death may just be out of our control. Imagine that. We have no control or power over what becomes of the gift God granted? Makes me ask, ‘Why did God give us life if He has to control it?’

As a matter of theological fact, the lackadaisical way God is managing our lives makes me want another Manager or another Freewill Contract.

Convoluted by Muata.