TAX TIME

It is tax time! You know this time of the year brings so much EXCITEMENT. That excitement is of course connected to the good vibes people develop because of the money they may receive in the form of an INCOME TAX RETURN. I remember how I at one time would 'hawk' my mailbox waiting for the mail carrier to deliver my W-2's. Similar to the young lady I saw waiting, and waiting, and waiting Saturday for the rude woman (black) who is charged with placing mail in boxes. This twenty-something tattoo-covered young lady was aggressive with her 'wait'. She basically camped out. And, when Ms. PMS Postal Service showed-up it was on! "Took you long enough. You usually arrive on Saturday between 11 and 12. Where you been? Dang! Now, Fast Tax is closed!"

What in h*ll is Fast Tax? Let me stop trippin'...I know what Fast Tax is. I try to pretend like I do not know because when I think about a business that's purposely set-up to exploit people I get frustrated. Equally frustrating is how my people line-up at H & R Block, and that other tax rip-off company that Magic Johnson promotes.

Get that?

Magic is a pitchman for a business that 'legally' swindles money from the disenfranchised. Isn’t he Mr. Entrepreneur Promoter? Mr. Financial Planning Pusher?

Magic can’t be broke! Why in heck is he pushing businesses like a Jackson-Hewitt Tax Services and Rent-a-Center?

Why is Magic Johnson pitching Jackson Hewitt and Rent-a-Center ...

Just had a thought.

I remember when I use to shop around for a fatherless black kid’s social security number so that I could get more money back...I ain't embarrassed by that. Other folk (white) do it more than ya know! Not that that makes it right - but it does need to be pointed out since black folk are relentlessly accused of doing it! Equal playing field...at least in my commentary.

Someone PLEASE call out the Magic!

Brian E. Payne sharing. Inspired by the increase in flat screen sales as a result of TAX TIME!
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/11/27/alg_tv_buyers.jpg

Obama and Gays in the Military

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=7bd7edf6e963fded8460

Does he realize the backfire this will have? The morale breakdown? He doesn't because he has never served in the military. It irritates me when men/women make decisions that will affect the military when they have no idea what the military is like. The challenges service men and women face.

The military is unwelcoming and ill-equipped to deal with men/women being 'out'. So, the military is supposed to change its core because a talking head wants it to? Because the president wants to appease his supporters?

Brian E. Payne sharing.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/30/AR2010013000404.html

The MAN at the State of the Union

I saw a man frustrated with inflated egos. I saw a man sick and tired of playground politics. I saw a man weaken by division. I saw a man mildly confident. I saw a man borderline pompous. I saw President Obama as a man with testicular fortitude. I was surprised considering up until the State of the Union he has been meek. Carefully gentle with his approach towards the Republican Party. And, while I wanted our President to grow some balls I was a bit put off by his sharp sarcasm and narcissistic facial impressions: as if he was shaking his head and whispering an arrogant laced comment to Reverend Wright about a man he believes is an idiot. Not similar in content, but like the elitist facial expression Bill Clinton made as he tried to get Ted Kennedy to support Hilary’s presidential bid: “A few years ago, he (Obama) would have been getting us coffee.” –Bill Clinton

My Fear Realized:

President Barack Obama has become Washington

It is PERFECTLY obvious that he means well and that he loves his country. A true Patriot! The man cares…that’s written all over his aged face. It is ingrained in his legislative policy and his former community activism. But, on January 27, 2010 from 9:00PM to 10:00PM it was confirmed that President Barack Obama has fully embraced partisanship.

Whoever wrote the address deepen the hole for America. Obama followed-up with the delivery of a speech that will be remembered as deliberately divisive and patronizingly scolding.

When I was a kid my mother told me to solve conflict with the opposite of what was causing the conflict. That’s what I was taught – and it worked in most cases. I guess Obama is all trying out. Done with political friendliness. Like I was when the school yard bully pushed me to the limit. I kicked him in the balls…like my momma told me told me too after she was burned out with my whining!

Barack Obama became my man on the 27th. He kicked the ‘seated’ Republicans in the teeth! Consequently, he satisfied his fickle supporters with that kick. As the dust settles it is painfully obvious that he did nothing different for the American people with his new approach.

Change and Hope may be lost if the President has truly become Washington. I am hoping he was bluffing…well, just a little.

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by Barack Obama’s angry smirks.

50 Bucks and You Can Have Yourself a Haitian Pickney

Blacks selling blacks...nothing knew. Forced/uncontrollable desperation eats away at morality! Still no excuse for this alleged crime against humanity!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/7086466/Haiti-earthquake-orphans-for-sale-for-50.html

Brian E. Payne sharing.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pickney

Knew I Could Count on The Nation

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/frontpageFeaturedArticle/article_6751.shtml

Can ALWAYS count on The Nation...to do something! Small and/or big.

Where ya at Church Folk? Churches? I know there are black churches among the THOUSANDS nationwide doing their 'own thing'. What about a national black church movement to assist Haiti? Nope. Will not happen...Denominations, differences in Christology, and contradictions in religious approaches prevents the unification of black churches for THE GREATER GOOD outside of their four walls. So asinine!

The Black Church gets no slack from me. God and Jesus don't either!! Remember, God is the reason for the earthquake. He does control all things, right?

-Brian E. Payne

I wanted to share some information. I wanted to be ‘low profile’ with it too. I wanted to simply throw something out there that was interesting to me. Share something I found on the social media page for Bison Round-Up, Howard University. A place where I frequent to associate with great minds!

Here is what I emailed to a few people who put up with my infiltration of ‘Truths’.

Gang Tours, Entrepreneurship at its BEST?

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100116/D9D92UDG0.html

The cyber conversation that proceeded was another opportunity for intelligent people to vent, share statistics, and tell The Truth.

The Truth is what you will find on this blog. No fluffy bullshit!

Read by clicking on the Comments icon below.

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Haitian Orphans, Mixed Feelings

Someone please tell me why I have such mixed feelings about all these white folk adopting the Haitian orphans? God knows I am happy for the kids. I truly am. For some reason I cannot get pass my hesitation to be 100 percent happy. Not sure what it is...I do know when I see the white to-be-parents loading up to go get the kids I somewhat get irritated because we (blacks) are not lining up to go get 'the dark ones'. When will blacks lead the charge to 'save a life' for a change? When I was in Haiti years ago I had the same feeling as I walked around noticing all the white people there trying to 'save lives'.... -Muata

The statement above opened-up an interesting dialogue. Read more by click on the Comments icon.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=9693b5caa88d1bc8023e

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Obama and 365 Days of Naiveté

365 days later, and President Obama admits he underestimated the resistance to his promise of change and vision of hope.

Like many of us who found a renewed faith in US politics, President Obama appears to have gotten it. He appears to understand his generated enthusiasm has been short-lived. Fleeting. Gone. This was expected by those of us who have been referred to as Uncle Tom haters, field Negro wet blankets, and pathetic black men jealous of the first black president. Go figure…Jealous. Really?

Reality has sat in. The intoxicating euphoria has been sobered. Of course, this is not meant to imply that there have not been any positive steps taken. Nope. It is a blunt reminder that President Barack Obama will not change the core of American politics: Deep-seated Dysfunctionalism.

Our government is broken. Yeah…you have heard that cliché before. Hearing it this time around has to really ring a bell because a man committed to change has been somewhat defeated within a year. For the second time in history, a president has become a lame duck after three hundred and sixty-five days. Just like Jimmy Carter.

The Demise of Obamamania is threefold:

1) Barack Obama actually believed that those on the Right would heed to his campaign
slogan, Change We Can Believe In. The Republicans NEVER believed in Obama.

2) Barack Obama miscalculated the power of conservative talk radio and television. Rush Limbaugh and Fox News are forces to be reckoned with. Obama’s administration has not fought fire with fire, neglecting to believe that many Americans agree with the Hannity’s and Beck’s of the world. These people actually hate Change that may come from a black man.

3) Barack Obama will foolishly continue to ‘work the other side of the isle’. This effort
continued after it has been solidified that the GOP is a Party of No, not Advancement?

Here is where President stands in the shallow minds of Americans and foreign nations:

Where’s the Love for Obama?

http://www.cnn.com/video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_freevideo+%28RSS%3A+Video%29#/video/politics/2010/01/20/am.costello.where.is.the.love.cnn

World Views Obama’s First Year

http://www.cnn.com/video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_freevideo+%28RSS%3A+Video%29#/video/world/2010/01/20/sot.obama.year.one.world.cnn

The discontent is growing - with a silver lining: black folk will remain in President Obama’s court no matter what. We have to be the most innocently misguided loyal people on earth.

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired that person saying, ‘Dang! It has only been a year.’

The Thrill is Gone
http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627069328557054

Dear Christian Broadcasting Network Staff,

Christian Justification, God’s Relationship with Haiti

Truth is subjective because humans need it to be. We are not willing to accept truth as it truly is, absolute. We are so modernly aloof that many will conclude that two plus two does not equal four. Yes, we are that ridiculous.

Truth can be discovered in various forms. People have been known to wake up in the middle of the night with a prophetic truth. People have pulled over from driving to note their truth on “not a winner” lottery tickets.

An additional interesting concept with truth is everyone believes that their truth is indestructible. Solid. Wrapped and sealed with cement. If this is the case, I can understand why so many believers have coined an earthquake as God’s way of getting non-believers attention. The believers do have an ancient text in their arsenal for validation while men like me have nothing but what Christians can label as unsubstantiated rhetoric. To be quite accurate, the believers are correct. I do not have a world-revered source I can go to support my argument. In my humble defense all I have is common sense – and one other fact: I and other non literal thinking intellectuals have the ability to ‘use’ the Christian’s dusty book to invalidate their premise; therefore leaving me with the logical revelation in this particular occurrence (Earthquake in Haiti) that God is NOT a murderer. If He some way some how reveals that He is a killer I will be prepared to fully disclose that He is fantasy, not real. In short, there will be No God for me any longer.

If God wanted to get Haiti’s attention, why did He use a deadly earthquake to do it? Why didn’t He spiritually encourage and anoint leaders from around the world to institute humanitarian policy that would have helped Haiti rebuild years ago? If God is so omnipresent and so powerful, why couldn’t He do something that would have protected life, not take life? http://worldharvestmissionsoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/dsci02321.jpg

The Christians including that foolish extremist, Pat Robertson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPyyXQN8cG0, cannot and will not venture to answer these questions because the shallow understanding that they have from the good book helps them use their religion to discredit other beliefs. If their religion did not discredit, what would their truth be? What foundation would it have? They have to have it this way to justify the actions of their biblical God. Justification for His murderous, divisive, intolerant, genocidal, misogynistic, and homophobic sanctions/enforcements.

If one takes away God’s so called purpose in this natural disaster we would be calling this event the work of Lucifer, or just a random act of Mother Nature.

I guess God and Lucifer are one in the same?

I will not praise the Duality of this God, or His perverse scripture: Exodus 35:2, Leviticus 20:13, John 12:48, and Deuteronomy 7:1-2/22:20-21.

Brian E. Payne

Thoughts of My Connection to Haiti

Just when I was planning to continue the 'race talk' my BlackBerry vibrated. The vibration was a News Alert: Haiti Rocked by Devastating Earthquake. At that moment I had to readjust my thoughts. Gather myself. Prepare for the anguish I would walk around with Wednesday. As I clicked on the link that would definitely reveal horrible news my demeanor began to change. I became angry, frustrated, depressed, and hopeless. Then I put my link to 'Breaking News' down; and asked myself, 'Why has Haiti had to endure so much atrocity?' As I labored over the question I thought of another question, 'Why does it appear that most people of darker skin around the globe have it so hard? This is where I stopped and began to write in my tattered journal that has complex questions that God has REFUSED to answer via my aged prayers.

Talk radio is my secondary lifeline outside of my personal life. Most of you reading know this. Writing is my primary passion. You know this too.

Another passion is my quest to understand. As I attempted to make sense of my final question above, I heard a Christian zealot speak the following ignorance over the airwaves:

"Haiti needs to repent. The people worship witch doctors. They do not believe in the saving grace of Jesus...and, now they must look to Jesus to be saved. No other way will work for them. Haven't they learned this? God will eventually get their attention. Until then He will continue to send divine devastation."

While I would love to blast this statement with My Truth I will not give it any credence. Acknowledgement. This is one time when I will be what may be perceived to be arrogant, and say:
This fool does not deserve my education…knowledgeable anti-Christian rhetoric.

Haiti, the FIRST black led country in the WORLD and the FIRST independent nation of Latin America, was forgotten a long time ago. Haitian Americans rarely go back in numbers, the United States has treated the country like a stepchild for decades - and God, Himself, abandoned the people years ago.

It is obvious Haiti is a sore that seeps infection. Not many want to be connected to the country. I have met Haitians here on America's blood-soaked soil who are embarrassed by their nationality. To my surprise I received this avoidance of connection when I was describing my brief – but pleasant time spent in The Forgotten Place. At first I could not understand why this beautiful black-black woman would try to dodge her heritage. Actually, I was pissed...I in turn told her I was too. Then I left her with a name that I hoped would help her identify with Haiti’s remarkable history, François-Dominique Toussaint L'ouverture.

Inconsequently, the very people that I equally give a vigorous challenging time are the people who speak with such reverence for Haiti’s history. They are the same people who have displayed consistent compassion for the country. These Caucasian men and women are returned Peace Corps Volunteers. The love they gained for the people while they tirelessly gave all of themselves to Haiti is unmatched. When the Peace Corps leadership decided to evacuate the volunteers for the final time I recall the tears streaming down the faces of America’s majority of Peace Corps volunteers (white women). Nothing I said could console them. They wanted to stay. They regretted at that moment that they were associated with America’s bureaucracy, the Peace Corps.
I questioned then, ‘Why do these people have so much love for Haiti?’ Then…I traveled to this mostly Catholic nation to work. So much for ‘witchcraft’…?

As we go through this sad day with tears for Haiti; and later witness a painful Recovery Effort - I really want someone with some intellectual reason to help me with my question:

'Why does it appear that most people of darker skin around the globe have it so hard?

If the question is not answered I will be okay. Unfortunately, my quest to figure this one out will remain unachieved. Leaving me with my love and the hope my employer will allow me to take a leave of absence for 2-3 weeks. I have to get back to Haiti. The Forgotten darkies need more darkies to sacrifice for them.

Brian E. Payne

http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/search?q=Give+Your+Last+-+and+You+Shall+be+Saved...African+Style

Black People Don’t Need a Race Talk

All over the news this week we will hear and read about what Harry Reid is quoted as saying in a new book, Game Change. Some will use this latest American pacification as an opportunity to remind the rest of the world that we have a race problem. Like that is news. Others will push further, and declare America needs to have a discussion about race. An overdue frank dialogue. One that’s expected to clear the air. I guess the infamous Beer Summit was unsuccessful (http://afrostoshelltoes.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Beer-Summit-09.jpg)?

While all of the above plays out I plan to sit back. Chill…with my thirty year unpopular position:

Black people do not need to participate on any level in a race talk. We are the subjects (as always), not the perpetrators of the ignorance. Yes, we have ‘color’ issues within the black community (a ramification of the brutal African Diaspora). What we do not have is full fledge ignorance and stupidity along the lines of what we are in the minds of white people. No, this is not to imply that white people who wonder if black people have tails are ignorant. It is intentionally implied that these white persons are stupid! Just idiots! Don’t chuckle…you should be shocked because just 20 years ago there was a lily white girl from Maryland that asked a southern black girl, “Do you have a tail?” Place: High Point College, 1989.

My point, black people are pretty much not responsible for the countless understandings, thoughts, and beliefs that white people have about black people unless white people watch Hip-Hop videos all day long. I definitely do not believe there is evidence in our history that indicates that we told white people that we have tails like Spot. The accepted misunderstandings about Negroes, Blacks, African Americans, or whatever they call us is of no fault of our own. We have proven what we are e.g. Dubois, Simone, Ali, and Truth. White people from the past and today are to blame for the ignorance. So, why in the hell do I, a black man, need to sit around a table and tell white America that black people are humans? Humans who can speak-well. Humans who are intelligent. Humans who know you (white people) are the ones with the race problem. White people are systematically conditioned to have this problem. Western Civilization dictates and validates that they are Supreme; and others are Second Class. So, how can they move from that thought process without completely defying what their culture mandates?

You made us in the image that made you feel more secure, Mr. White Person. We had no choice in the matter. And, now you want us to help you tear down your deliberate and successful effort to tarnish blackness? You can’t be serious…You can have this discussion with my dog, Spot. He knows that I am nothing more nothing less, his two-legged Master…unlike the masters of the past who treated dogs better than black HUMANS.

And, for those Negroes who continue to want this dialogue: What would you say during this meeting of the minds? – ‘See, massa, Eyes can speak duhs Queen’s English too.’

When will black people stop trying to prove to white America that we are worthy?

Brian E. Payne

Welcome Home, Tiger

http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2010/01/06/as-vanity-fair-cashes-in-tigers-image-crawls-into-the-gutter/?ncid=webmaildl1

My grandmother told me, "Brian, you are going to be something...just keep in mind that you will always be a Ni**er to them. No matter what you accomplish."

I loved my grandmother. She was so honest, and so right. Her statement by no means made me feel inferior. It has helped me navigate through the mess America has made and continues to make. She gave me this advice out of love. So, I would not be hurt. She told her sons the same thing before they left for Vietnam. Guess what? She was right then too. Raymond and Jerry came back Ni**ers who fought in a war for America. Following American military orders to kill innocent men, women, and children while in a foreign land. Their payment was to be reminded that they were 'less than' - "Whites Only. No Ni**ers allowed."

Tiger is at home now. He just like every black man walking around on American soil. He shaped his recent image (chronic philanderer) - but one thing he did not do during his development was associate himself with anything/anybody that could connect him to what? A Ni**er.

Now, he one...even after winning at THEIR game. I ain't surprised at all.

Grandma was right!

BTW, what black man would let himself be pictured that way - and not know it was to demean him and all other black men? You guessed right. One who trusted the system of America. Tiger believed in the system because he has never faced it as a what? Black man...

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Give Your Last - and You Shall be Saved...African Style

As I thought about my previous posting, and the lost of another 'follower' I began to think about how religion, in this case Christianity, continues to poison the minds of men and women worldwide. So, I began to research. The video below validates once again my mantra:

Christianity in its present form is deadly...in many ways: intellectually, spiritually, and financially.

God Bless and pass the offering tray.

Please watch the eight minute video.

http://vimeo.com/7196941

*Photo: Snakes are made. They just don't walk up in the church. They learned their craft from The Church.

Brian E. Payne sharing.

There are a ridiculous number of churches in the city of Decatur (Georgia) - Just STUPID

That was the subject heading of an email I sent to a group of friends/associates on January 6, 2010. You can say it was my non Facebook‘status’. I shall NEVER become a Facebooker! My 2010 commitment…

I went on to declare:

"Christianity in its present state (as presented and represented by blacks) is a self defeating prophecy."
-From Exposing Christianity, My Way of Sharing an Alternative to the Church's Truth

My making an ass of myself (assumption) leads me to believe that well over 65% of the churches are black churches.

As a result of my status and statement, I have lost another reader of my commentary. Devoted Christians cannot take the heat…

The Back and Forth can be read by clicking on the Comments icon below.

*Picture: We still going to the altar and coming back empty handed...The same...No change.

Happy reading...and remember that Jesus loves You...Not the Forgotten Ones.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Exposing-Christianity/Brian-E-Payne/e/9781424194131

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Outside the Lines: Cleaning House

For years now I have had countless arguments with men and women who are NOT athletes on the subject of college players getting financially compensated for their talents; like most entertainers and craftsmen. While watching Outside the Lines this Sunday I am even more convinced of this:

If the NCAA and the college athletic programs are going to function as a business they should do what businessmen do to keep their business in business: PAY THEIR EMPLOYEES - not with some worthless degree either.

Have you read the stats on how much your degree is worth? Pathetic...

Business Transaction (below)

“John Calipari inherited a Kentucky basketball roster from Billy Gillispie. Having recruited a handful of players, including freshman John Wall, Calipari needed roster room. A half dozen players from Gillispie's tenure say they were encouraged to leave. "Outside the Lines" tracked down four of those players, who said Calipari told them they were unlikely to get much playing time. Kentucky officials say Calipari just wanted players who fit his style. Tom Farrey reports Sunday on "Outside the Lines."

OTL: Cleaning House Promo - ESPN Video - ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4782616&categoryid=2378529

*There is a white college quarterback who has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA for using his likeness in a video game.
Good for him!

*These black athletes need to support the HBCU's by going to the HBCU's. I bet my last dollar that if over 45%of these black jocks start going to HBCU's a new process will take place.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/961/961679p1.html

Shared by Muata.

The New Year will definitely bring about contemplation, regrets, and thoughts of happiness and sadness. All of us have ups and downs. This is a part of the process we accurately label as Life.

Many lives have been literally destroyed by the economic downturn and 10 percent unemployment rate. Actually, both have been impetus to the wreckage. Wreckage that eventually becomes our past. But, how do we move on from foreclosure, divorce, repossession, levies, and all the other consequences of America’s inevitable mess? How do we rectify our lives when the last year in a decade may not bring about meaningful employment, fair bank loans, better salaries, affordable health insurance, and rejuvenated spiritual faith? The questions are endless and answerless when there is so much uncertainty and a fading hope.

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the holiday season. It is a reminder to have fun, enjoy life, and be thankful that my mother is still with us, alive. Without her I cannot imagine going on. Life for me will end. It would be over without Mary Catherine Scott. Believe me, when I say “over” I don’t mean that I will cease to exist. I am sure I will live on, with my mother’s spirit, in me. I am also sure that many more wrecks will occur as a result of her unavailable guidance.

A long lost friend rode home with me the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day. On the ride up we had a joyous time reminiscing about our lives growing up in Thomasville, North Carolina. The good times and the bad. The drama we caused for ourselves - and the unfortunate pain we caused for others.

It was an easy drive partly because we lost track of the minutes and miles. I am so thankful my lack of attention to Interstate 85 did not cause a wreck.

Wreck – What is the first thought you have when you read that word?

I envision and think of a car accident.

During the ride home Jonathan (not real name) talked about his adult life with such conviction. He is well aware of his mistakes, mishaps, and what affect they have had on his life. They have brought a unique - and appreciated humility. I found it intriguing that Jonathan has been through so much e.g. prison, homelessness, and unemployment. Despite all this wreckage he still generates such pleasantness just with his presence.

He had no idea that I was hanging onto every single word, phrase, and statement. I told him, “You are writing my year end commentary.”

In four and half hours I learned so much. I have been to two highly touted universities; and I must admit that one of the best professors I have had was Jonathan. He earned the best description without charging me $80,000. The outrageous cost of my ‘schooling’.

The ride was summed up with 5 words.

The Wreckage of Our Past

Our past will come back to haunt us. That is a fact. Your past is what you have to build a new you. It can be used as a cleansing and/or purification. Our past is littered with fender benders and total lost wrecks. It is our responsibility to drive carefully while on earth to avoid the wrecks. Yes, some are unpreventable – but the carefulness we implore can ease impacts.

As I prepared to drive back to Atlanta, Georgia with my favorite Professor I received a dreadful call from Jonathan. He was calling to inform me that his mother died. The second comment from him in between weeps was, “I am so thankful I had the opportunity to apologize to her for the pain my PAST caused. I was wrong then…and I made peace with her.”

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by a ride I will NEVER forget. Thank you, Jonathan.

Happy Old Year!

Life as Improvisation

We are making up life as we go.

Every decision we make is like an impromptu decision. Even when we think we have the plan all worked out. In place. Nice and tidy with no blemishes that WE can detect with our superficial inspection; life remains reflective of a split second decision; made-up on the whim. Fragile.

For those who do not believe this, I can guarantee that over the past 10-20 years you have asked yourself on several occasions in the privacy of your thoughts:

'What happen to my plan?'

And

You more than likely have concluded or began a moment of 'taking stock of my life' contemplation with the following:

'It was not supposed to be this way.'

Life is unpredictable. Uncontrolled. We need to stop trying to dominant and in many cases defeat it...and just live it. If we don't, we are nothing more than a slave to the conditional plans that may not become reality.

What's real is today.

Chose to live...not belabor.

Failure is an option when one knows what to do at the moment of the failure:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#34614653

Laugh and Skip...I dare you!!!

Brian E. Payne

Your Most Memorable Christmas Gift?

Christmas typically brings feelings of joy and excitement. Hideous holiday decorations. The distinctive sound of Nat King Cole’s voice singing The Christmas Song. Brandy spiked eggnog. Another fried turkey dinner. And, the celebration of Jesus’ life for those who believe He is immaculately divine and Christology convinced His birthday is in the winter month of December.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Oh! Forgot about the Gifts: The most important aspect of Christmas for this commercialized day of remembrance and definitely the most regarded ‘gain’ for people who place importance on what they receive rather than what they give.

Giving is better than receiving. Right? Whatever. I would rather receive any day. But, since we try to adhere to the way we are suppose to be, unselfish, we put forth an effort to give. Some give more than others. I sincerely try to move away from the innate human characteristic, selfishness, daily. During the holidays too. Wait…forget that! It is Christmas! No need for me to be politically correct! During Christmas I expect not to get much. Just the way that I am. When I think about it, I cannot recall a gift that was that special to me anyway. Before those reading who have given me a gift get upset, let me elaborate.

The gifts received have been appreciated. However, the gifts over my 39 years have not been remarkably precious. Not gifts that I hold deathly dear. Groundbreaking or something that I cannot live without. With that mediocre ‘elaboration’, I have two questions:

Is there a gift that you can think of that means the world to you? Is there a gift that you can go to now, and say, ‘this gift is/was so adorable? It means the universe to me.’

Your response says a lot about you and the person who gave you the gift. It also speaks volumes about this ‘tradition’, and what we have made of it.

Perhaps, we will receive a meaningful gift if we ask someone to Please Come Home for Christmas. ‘Home’ does not have to be a physical place. It can also be bringing oneself back to the authentic base: emotionally and spiritually. Let’s help each other get or back here.

Brian E. Payne sharing. Let’s make Christmas merry and more gift memorable!

The Christmas Song by Nate King Cole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_W7p35SzuI

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year by Johnny Mathis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pI-gtDY5jA

Please Come Home for Christmas by Charles Brown

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

The Cheetah is the Fastest Animal on Earth, not you…Tiger

I tried not to give any say to the Tiger Woods saga. I really did. I have actually tried my best not to say his name – but after two occurrences pertaining to his personal messiness I changed my mind.

First, a friend shared the following quote with me:

“A man is only faithful as his options.”

What does that mean? Well, my take on it is if a man’s options (women) are abundant he is more prone to cheat or if a man’s options (women) are limited he is less likely to cheat. Now, how does that play out? Let’s use Atlanta as an example or any other major urban city:

More women than men dictates that a man will be more tempted to cheat. The options are too widespread for him to allow these ‘desperate’ women to run around untapped. Here is another example: If a man decides to limit his running of the streets (go home instead of going to Lucky Lounge) he somewhat limits his options of seeing or being prey for these ‘desperate’ women. Well, Publix is a dangerous place for non self controlled men. It is a skillful art to control the penis, and a day to day struggle!

Second, I decided to watch one of those celebrity news shows…again (I am hooked) – and it has been reported that Tiger may have had up to ten mistresses. Now, you tell me, what man can handle ten women? Who has the physical and mental stamina to mingle with ten ‘desperate’ women? Also, what idiot for a man believes he can manage all those menstrual personalities? Hell, one is enough! I want to believe that the latest money chasers, adulteress, and/or fame seekers are not legitimate mistress. If not, Tiger is more of an idiot (like most of us men who serial cheat or have serially cheated) than I thought.

He first became an idiot to me when he made a point to tell the world that he is not black – but I still respect the brotha…well, mixed Asian-Black guy, with all my heart! Haven’t these high profile black men learned that in the end the ONLY group that will stand with them is the same men and women Tiger denied?

Blacks

By the way, there would not be a Cheetah if there were not a Jezebel…

A comparison to Jezebel (Tiger’s ten women) suggests that a female is a whore masquerading as a good girl, who by manipulation and/or seduction misleads men (idiots like Tiger and too many other men) into sins of sexual immorality (cheating); sending them to hell (destroying families).

I will not under any circumstances remove responsibility from men who cheat. However, to cheat it takes two. All these allegedly accommodating women had to know Tiger is married. Let’s address that instead of beating the same drum: Men Cheat. What about these trifling and DESPERATE women?

Brian E. Payne sharing…hoping for a response.

Redemption

Not to my surprise, Michael Vick appears to be learning what his athleticism, ego, and celebrity prevented: What is truly important!

In His Own Words:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4704458

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Where the News Left me This Week

Watching the news is my way of staying connected to the world. During my moments of news intake I usually have a range of emotions. If I am not yelling at the television in anger I am wiping tears. Many of those tears are not of joy. They stem from what this world has become. Some will argue that the world is better off than it was four decades ago. In some ways it is. No doubt. I haven’t seen any German Shepherds ripping flesh from a human/civil rights protester lately.

What I have seen and heard are tragic stories of reality. Have I handled learning of these events appropriately? No, I have not. But, what choice do I have when my DNA dictates that I stay connected to the pulse of the United States, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa? Should I deny my intellect and spirit of what it craves? Perhaps, I should considering where the news ‘leaves’ me.

This week has been a journalist’s candy store. He/she has had so much to choose from: The State Dinner Party Crashers, The Tiger Woods’ Personal Soap Opera, The Slaughter of Four Police Officers in Seattle, The Use of the First Authorized Embryonic Stem Cells, The White House Commitment of 30,000 Additional Military Service Men and Women for Afghanistan, and World AIDS Day. While I found most of the stories to be legitimate – but not news worthy, I was not surprised that Tiger’s car accident was the leading story for three days. This confirming my belief why TMZ and ET are so popular: Americans are pathetically engrossed in the lives of people who live in glamour. I was not surprised that Brian Williams closed Wednesday’s NBC Nightly News program with a brief South African AIDS awareness story; and I was definitely not surprised that commentators, bloggers, and radio talk show host leaked President Obama’s Justification speech (Afghanistan) eight hours before he lame duckishly delivered it to the world.

Afghanistan is where I remain. Stuck on this story! Unwilling to leave it!

As I prepared to write this commentary I asked myself a question. The question encouraged introspection…well, it did momentarily. After thinking on my question I determined that whatever I say in confliction or disagreement of the massive troop surge then evacuation I cannot escape the thoughts of the criticism that I am bound to receive. Since I am not one to shy away from what I believe and voicing it - I will conclude this commentary with that question:

Who does this war belong to now?

We know the answer…but many are not prepared to call a spade a spade. We are not ready to hold President Obama’s feet to the fire e.g. demand he stop sanctioning death sentences for America’s young for America’s Insecurity: fear of the deserved retribution. I wonder if he would hand over this death to

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01250/obama-girls_1250715c.jpg

We know the answer to that question too…

Change We Can Believe In

Shared by Brian E. Payne.

Controlled Violence, the Direction of Football

The swamp's trailer park quarterback does it again (Drew Brees). This time he did it against the NFL's Golden Boy and once unbeatable coach, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Two sparkling pristine figures and Goodell models for the new National Football League. Clean image player and a no nonsense coach!

Since Roger Goodell's arrival he has been on a mission to 'clean-up' the league. Some have not been appreciative of his efforts while others are thankful that someone has not played too many front office politics when it comes to the character of America's third best past time, football. Baseball still pulls at our patriotism and NASCAR, believe it or not, is the most watched sport in North America!

Professional football is not a sport that can be 409-ed. It is purposefully violent and unrelentingly poised for indecency. From the painful looking linebacker hits to the vile talk on the field there is not one element of this fanatically driven sport that leaves me with: 'Oh. What a sweet game.' There has never been sweetness:

Hard Hits Out on the Pee Wee Football Field « The Slanch Report

Football on all levels gives Pop Warner boys and draft-hopeful men the opportunity to freely act out their brutal physicality and unchecked machismo. As I typed that I had a vision of a cave man beating his chest in excitement from killing his week's dinner. Football players, particularly, Jack Lambert-types and including one offensive player, Hines Ward, are acting out their true rattlesnake natures. So when I hear that Goodell is "cleaning up the league" I question:

What can he tidy-up in a sport that requires its million dollar mules and end zone entertainers to behave like untamed mammals?

Bear strength coupled with cheetah speed and lion instinct is a ripe recipe that the NFL must have to appease its gladiator spectators.

Let's be honest, without the helmet to helmet hits and shit talking bravado the game would be boring for most Americans. We yearn to see the intellectual artist of the sport (the quarterback) helmet flying off and a good verbal back and forth that will hopeful encourage a left hook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNIJFSo7WI&feature=player_embedded

This is what America loves, violence. It is who we are, tamely crude animals. In this case, on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Thursday we have an opportunity to view what defines us for free. No pay for view and no all out brawl-like cage fighting: Ultimate Fighting. Who pays to watch this blood sport...anyway?

Professional football is in a peculiar situation. Will the leaders make way for what the fans want or will they really control the violence?

With Goodell as the commissioner I suspect that he will protect his investments. He is on a mission to get rid of the once upon a time TO's and silly Ocho Cinco's while ensuring his Roger Stabauch's of the game are protected.

I don't blame him: Clean House!

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the Terry Bradsaw of the 21st century, Drew Brees Pumps Up the Saints

Gun Violence: An American/Black Problem

I was listening to Keeping it Real with Al Sharpton today.

Lately, I have been trying to gauge which direction my spirit leans while listening to talk radio – and discerning what I should hold onto. What I have noticed is that my patience for liberal noise is not high (MSNBC). Actually, the emotional threshold is extremely low. I have also noticed that I have no 'compassion' for the lingering issues that black Americans inflect upon themselves day to day. If I, a black man, has stop caring just imagine what our white brothers and sisters are thinking.

Of course I have empathy for any person who is a non-contributing victim of violence or any other affect that typically plagues America’s communities. What I cannot appear to accept any longer is the ongoing problems that black people complain about. Such as, black on black gun violence. Those of us who do express concerns usually do not live amongst those that continue to shame the black race. Well, what’s left to shame!

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence : Statistics Overview

It amazes me that the National Action Network has to (still) stage rallies that address an issue that has been analyzed, dissected, and re-analyzed for decades. Shouldn't we (black people) be past the self hatred killing of each other?

Rev Al Sharpton and NAN to Lead Emergency Day of Outrage Around ...

A colleague, a black man, asked a serious question in the presence of whites the other day:

"Why do black people discuss the same black issues, same black diagnosis, and same black treatment over and over again?

I asked him, "What issues?"

He listed the same occurrences that I have heard for years. Like the one (gun violence) that gave birth to the National Day of Outrage.

Really?

Are we really that concerned that it requires a themed calendar day?

I just don't get it. I respect Al Sharpton for his continued efforts at "fighting the good fight". My question to him the next time I call into his show:

Aren't you tired of the same fight?

I am. Must be the reason why I get so irritated with black talk radio. What about the environment, health care reform, international relations, federal budget usage, and governmental and corporate corruption? However, the Brady link does indicate that gun violence is an American problem. Not a black one…

I beg to differ.

A Brian E. Payne Expression

The Right to Life is a Human Right

This week I wanted to focus all my attention on the ridiculously confusing health care debate considering the House of Representatives narrow accomplishment last week. I planned to begin my non-intellectual analysis by asking the question that’s getting a lot of media play these days:

Is health care a human right?

While thinking about the question…and my answer (H*ll no!) I decided to look for a human right definition. Here is what I found. It actually mirrors my understanding of what so many people around the world lack. Including the United States!

The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, often held to include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law.

–Dictionary.com

Health care, TANF, Welfare, and other social services are not mentioned.

This definition also got me to thinking about “the right to life”. What does that really mean when life is snuffed out so freely? When a child’s life is of no importance? Not valued?

N.C. Police Charge Mother in Missing Girl Case - Local News News ...

“Right to life is a phrase that describes the belief that a human being has an essential right to live, particularly that a human being has the right not to be killed by another human being.”

If you are wondering where I am going with this, note that I used the word “wanted” in the first paragraph. First sentence.

I can answer all the Sunday school questions related to ‘life’. Who is the giver of life? God. Who is in control of life/humanity? God. Both questions are predictably answered with God. You can read that…You probably have an identical answer.

God in all his useless magnified glory and reverence is the giver of human rights. He provides us with initial freedom and liberty. So says the Sunday school teacher! But, where is His protection after ‘injecting us’ (we did not ask to become terminal creatures) into His fragile and now doomed world?

As an agnostic believing adult, I must admit that I do not require God’s protection. However, my expectation for a child’s protection is paramount! With this understandable expectation, we must acknowledge that security for our children is absent. The news story above is only one justification for my belief.

God is missing. Unavailable when a child or any innocent man/woman is brutalized by one of His creations? Think about it. God created the very being that takes life?

Many of you who have been with me on this spiritual and theological journey may be asking, ‘Why does Brian emotionally torture himself with this? Why can’t he just accept that God’s job was completed on that seventh day?’ So says the Sunday School Teacher!

I can’t get there. To that understanding: Intellectual Dead end…when we need the essence of our human rights preserved:

The Right to Life

We do not have a ‘right’ to life/live when life is drastically vulnerable. Easily taken away from our future, children. Not sure why I require so much explanation considering God, Himself, sanctioned the murder of The First Born…So says the Sunday school teacher!

As we think about if we deserve an expensive service, health care, as an entitlement please think with me:

Why did God create us if He knew we would face evil and unpreventable atrocities?

There is no purpose in this that I can obtain from a Sunday school teacher. Well, there may be ‘something/somebody’ responsible, The Elusive Devil, is at work again:

http://news.mync.com/site/news/story/44291/amber-alert-authorities-search-for-missing-5-year-old-girl/

“We don’t know what happened – but we know the devil did this.”

I guess I will do what I and others have always done: Seek God…and Blame the Devil. We definitely ain't shaming him. Satan in full control!

I am done for now...

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by a victim of God’s inaction, Shaniya Davis.

Muhammad: Is Where he belongs…now

John Muhammad is no more. Dead. Put to sleep with tax payer revenue: taxes kill people.

Do I care that he was put to rest by the state? No, I don't. Am I a proponent of the death penalty? Yes, I am in some cases. I actually want to be the one to inject the lethal dose if the man/woman on the gurney has taken or terrorized the lives of the innocent e.g. children.

Does this make me a mean and uncaring person? Nope. Not in my mind. Judgmental? Perhaps. I will be that under these circumstances.

Justice rarely shows itself in this world these days. The days and moments of biblical accountability and punishment are long gone. Can't you tell? Out with the Old Testament in with the New Testament. A testament that has proven to give us humans a much easier way to function. And, a dangerous green light to behave badly without worrying too much about a stoning.

Muhammad (how I wish he did not carry the name of such a wonderful prophet) was a stone cold killer. Unremorseful. Not that his remorse would have mattered to me. Perhaps, to the New Testament junkies it would have. The bleeding hearts. They may be now wondering where is my New Testament belief in God's forgiveness and grace.

I don't have any for the DC Sniper.

Besides, seeking forgiveness is a cheap way to get over on God. Typically, what we demand forgiveness for will be selfishly done again. Therefore, regulating the 'price' of forgiveness to an inexpensive loaf of bread.

Cheap bread gets stale fast! At least it can be used for something good e.g. bread crumbs. There was no re-usage (rehabilitation) for John Muhammad. His hatred and evil-ness could not be 'fixed' like Saul's.

A commentator last night summed it all up for me:

"Muhammad got to die in peace tonight. His murdered victims did not. Those of us who lived through the horrific time of this unrelenting maniac were victims too."

He is right on. I remember the fear this sociopath sadistically had lingering over the DC Metro area. Everyone was terrified:

'Will I be next?'

I also recall the critics 'predicting' that the serial killer was an educated disgruntled white man. They were wrong. They, the biblical scholars, are not wrong about Saul; the now Paul of the Good Book...however. He was purified. Changed. Does this mean I could be wrong about John Allen Muhammad? Was there any room for redemption?

Either way, wrong or right, forgiveness or unforgiveness, redemption or redemption denied, John Muhammad is where he belongs:

A way from here! With more like him lurking…He was a military man…Like Major Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood Killer.

I guess my next commentary should be a question, What is our Military Creating?

Written by Brian E. Payne

The Evolution of Sports

Zenyatta: She was the Smart One!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud_XPH6Eix4

The ‘girl’ horse showed those ‘boys’. Was the horse responsible for the strategy used to win?

Brandon Spikes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QY-laDyAd4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvQX0eomzg8

First Clip: Fundamentally sound football tackle - and definitely clean. Considering the behavior in the Second Clip, I am wondering what Spikes said to Moreno after the ‘clean’ hit? How do we, parents/mentors/uncles/aunts, explain the behavior in the Second Clip; and the punishment to our children? Only suspended for one game?

Jahvid Best

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzKKUJ5eRxo&feature=player_embedded

This is a necessary opportunity to teach football little leaguers that leaving your feet while running is DANGEROUS.

As we continue…

Washington Redskins vs. Atlanta Falcons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0uJZqr9Us

As the old saying goes, 'the church is no different from world.' It was solidified years ago that sports will be a reflection of the world...with all its nastiness.

Elizabeth Lambert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNmPybFK2_o

This young lady is mentally ill...as many of us in this world have become. Wow. She crazy.

LeGarrette Blount

http://www.sportsviews.com/video/3295/LeGarrette_Blount_punch_--_best_quality_video
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-t25-oregon-blount&prov=ap&type=lgns

Behavior punished then rewarded. He gets to play again...?

Let's not forget how Tommie Harris (Chicago Bears) punched a player this past Sunday.

Let's not forget how Ochocinco attempted to give a referee a dollar this past Sunday...to get a replay call to go his way. Then he used the word bribe in the post game interview. Dumb!

Just wanted to share with you what ‘stood out’ for me already in the month of November in the World Wild World of Sports.

Brian E. Payne

What was Once Sacred

I was raised to believe that education is precious. Sacred. "No one can take it away from you." I have memories of my uncle Jerry never failing to ask me every single day, "What did you learn today?" How that question irritated me! I now ask Judah Mordecai the same question hoping he will take this as an indication that education is critical. For him to understand that a tidbit learned is an investment in his future. As I continue to push this concept in to the forefront, parents have to balance the growing contradiction that school systems, state legislators, and Capitol Hill lawmakers project.

How do we, as a nation, answer the following question that a 5th grader asked President Obama while he was pandering to get elected?

"Why is education being cut if America really cares about the future of its youth?"

This young lady is onto something. Right?

We have seasoned teachers being forced into retirement, furloughed, and pay cuts occurring routinely throughout the United States. We also have superintendents communicating the 'don't be too comfortable' in your job security to teachers.

"Unless Georgia’s revenue picture rebounds dramatically in the coming weeks, I would anticipate next year’s State funding of public education may be even less than this year’s...My best advice is to be extremely cautious in your personal budget decisions. You have my promise that I will do everything I can, in concert with the School Board, to minimize the impact of any additional State funding reductions on our valued employees." -A Georgia school system superintendent

My Message

The greatest asset to mankind is his ability to be educated.

And yet, this nation allows a downturn in the economy to affect something that should be sacred.
As you are reading, there is some talk about the Atlanta Falcons building a new stadium. Guess who Arthur Blank, wealthy investors, and some state leaders want to help foot the bill?

The tax payers.

I would rather my taxes be increased to keep a good teacher from getting a termination letter.

Where are our priorities?

Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by another night awake thinking about the State of America.

Why didn't anyone do anything?

That has been asked by countless people over the past few days?

Well, we all have our reasons/excuses/justifications we can form into flowery language. Most times we speak in the beauty of landscapes to not offend and/or to not be real about reality. We just go with the flow:

It is what is

How I have heard this over the past 10 years.

It is what it is

This is stated as if there is some form of defeat lurking. As if we have been permanently defeated. Like we, as humans, have been demolished by our creations: hate, greed, insensitivity, and cowardice.

Cowards are those men and women who stood by and allowed a 15 year old girl to be raped by maniacs who, by the way, deserve a death sentence. A sadistic raping for what I am sure seemed to be an eternity for the young lady.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuA5DFzDKkE

While this indecency and brutality is enough to make me nauseas, what is equally toilet hugging is what the viewers of the reality scene did:

Nothing

Reminds me of a friend who claims she “selects” to choose her battles. While I understand that, what alarms me is that we, people who claim to be for the people, now have a tendency to choose battles that will not make us too uncomfortable. Gotta be in First Class and/or VIP! Gotta keep 'their' job. (Yes, sir Boss)!

I wonder what Angela Davis, or a more 'cautious' rebel would have done if a big-wig (Good Ole Boy) of an agency entered a board room dressed with traditional Gambian attire on as a Halloween costume. What would James Farmer have done? I will tell you:

He would have selected to battle.

The present culture of the United States is so rooted in a sickening contagious inaction. So much so, our kids sit back and partake in real (really real) criminal reality events i.e. watching a helpless woman get gang banged.

I am curious: what was that like for them? Did they get a rush? Like the one they get when playing those video games that have a V on the label that represents extreme Violence. Or, is it like the hard-on a man gets when viewing a porn flick?

Was there ever a moment in someone's limited intellect: This is not right? I want to believe that was at least a fleeting thought. If not, what we are dealing with is not a Nation of Punks, as I have so passionately and accurately described over the past 10 years - what we have is a Nation of Sociopathic Zombies.

Zombies are what we are supposed to dress as on Halloween; not as an African elder, by the way! Good Ole Boy needs to be told that. I challenge my friend to at least voice her discontent officially, or NEVER speak of it again in frustration to anyone. Almost like those who claim about politicians – but don’t vote.

Also, if the twenty plus young men and women who 'watched' the assault were anything like the Africans before us they would have done something - and if we were true natives of Africa we would be prepared to render an appropriate judgment for those beast who sexually and emotionally traumatized the 15 year old girl outside a homecoming dance.

So much for home!

Written by Brian E. Payne on a BlackBerry at 3:00AM, October 29, 2009.

Could not sleep...haven't in 2 days. Something's wrong. Yes it is. I am so disappointed in what we have become.

I wonder if the attached photo image ‘inspired’ the rape?

Words are strong. They can uplift and they can be used as tools of destruction. Ultimately words have meaning. A purpose for their use. The picture tells a story. I will tell another below.

Play on Words: Praise, Good, Mercy, and Help

Two weeks ago I had a long and tiresome email discussion with two women who are Born Again. Yeah, Born Again. What does that mean, by the way? I thought one can be born only once…Guess I am not into the religious terminology minutia. I should be, I did spend three years ‘mastering’ my intelligence in seminary. The interestingly surprising – but pleasant reality about my time while at seminary: the professors did not spend useless time on the religiosity and semantics that typically dilute spiritually and theology. Praise God!

Praise God

is a saying that most of us articulate when we are pleased and/or relieved e.g. she’s not pregnant, Praise God! ‘Oh, God’ is another signature expression…typically during sex. Would you agree? Actually, there are countless religious phrases we blurt when we are positively or negatively affected by a major life event or minor situation.

When we say, ‘Lord Have Mercy’, I am of the belief that we are implying that we are possibly astonished, seeking grace, or in disbelief. If we take a deeper look at the statement it is a request. We are asking God to have mercy thus implying that people are of the understanding that God is the Mercy Giver. Also, indicating that without this divine mercy we cannot rectify situations without His assistance which also means we believe God is significantly involved in our lives.

Through His ‘graceful involvement’ we are encouraged to believe and say in unison,

Good is God

My question:

With what we boldly, intelligently, and ignorantly claim to know about God, do we really believe that our behavior is in need of mercy?

If that is the case, we are well aware that some behaviors are inappropriate – and then we go and act in ways that leave us and others repeatedly saying,

Lord Have Mercy

Giving evidence that we are not learning, and leaving me to conclude with another sincere request:

God Help Us

Written by Muata. Inspired by the two Born Again Holy Rollers.

Prayer: A Waste?

Last week I received a chain email (below). Like all chain emails especially the ones with references to religiosity I typically delete on sight. Not this one! Not this time! I was determined to state my non-believing/agnostic peace that’s littered with seminary education. Read the chain email content - and heated dialogue that ensued as a result of my response. -Muata

Prayer is what it's going to take…

Folks, if you have not noticed...few Presidents have ever worked this hard for our country, having to deal with such hatred and ill-will. Many wonder, does he ever sleep? Only God can sustain such energy, knowledge, and perseverance. Will you please join in this prayer?

Let's keep this going!

Lord,we pray for optimum health, mental clarity, and political prosperity for President Barack Obama. We pray that what he lacks in political 'experience' you make up for with supernatural wisdom and power. We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they will stumble and fall; and that your love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' will be done through him.We pray mightily for his protection. We plead the Blood of your son, Jesus, over him and his family. We reverently ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt, harm, and danger as he serves as the President of the United States of America.We thank you and praise you for answering our sincere prayers, in Jesus' precious name, AMEN!

Is this prayer supose to be heard by God? Is it effective? -Muata