I really can’t understand why some of our black athletes continue to put themselves in situations that resemble wrongdoing. Why do they continue to let me and all the other black folk who support them down? Why can’t they understand that their boorish behavior poorly reflects on the entire black community? May be they are cognizant of this, and just don’t care. I would not be surprised considering several of them appear to be mentally, spiritually, and emotionally unconnected to anything outside of themselves. Their lack of reverence for the law and uncontrollable rebellion is a recipe for complete destruction within American society. Think about all the black men you know or heard of who decided to behave this way. What was their fate? Death, incarceration, broke? Which is it?
One may gather that I am speaking of these young men as if they are not humans with flaws just like the rest of us. Perhaps it is my fault that I feel disappointed in Michael Vick and devastated that he is in this predicament. If he was not a famous running-quarterback would I still be devastated by his alleged peccant activity? Perhaps my feelings are a result of me holding Vick to a higher standard.
If Michael Vick is convicted we will have those who will rationalize his behavior and involvement in this horrific criminal enterprise. Some have already stated to me, “We sit and watch men box and fight, and no one says a word. What makes dog fighting so atrocious when we allow men to end up like Muhammad Ali? And, we pay to see it on Pay Per View.” I certainly understand this sentiment. However, I cannot support or tolerate an activity where animals are treated so brutally. The Pit Bull Terriers that are trained to fight do not have a choice. A man with a sane mind does. And, most of these boxers and extreme fight barbarians are of sound mind before they go in that ring to annihilate their opponent. They do not have an animal’s intelligence. These young men and women are able to reason on a human capacity level which is in most cases above the level of a dog’s intelligence. Some of these human beings even pray with traces of madness to beat their opposing competitor and pray to finish the fight “pretty”, which indicates they are aware of their actions. Think about it: praying to knock someone out or have them retreat into submission. What type of sense does that make?
Speaking of making sense out of madness: I can’t stop thinking about the details listed in the indictment against Michael Vick and the other cohorts: Body slamming, electrocution, and hanging of man’s best friend. And, how can I forget about the piece of equipment that was confiscated from Vick’s property that’s used to hold girly dogs in position so male dogs can rape the bearer of canine life?
Disappointment and Devastation.
This is where I am at today. Disappointed and devastated that another brotha is linked to foolishness and sociopathic behavior that not only will possibly terminate his Falcon’s paycheck, but further tarnish the reputation of brotha’s who are trying to stay out of prison and do the RIGHT thing. And, don’t be mistaken Vick has lived a privileged adult life. He is not a victim of America’s institutionalized cruelness towards black men. He is wealthy, was coddled at Virginia Tech, spoiled by the NFL, and supported by major endorsers. But, Mr. Vick could not let go of the thuggery. He had to “stay the same”. Staying the same and refusing to really change his life as a result of his stardom was his miscalculated decision. And now, those who wanted him to remain Michael Vick from “Bad News”, Virginia and not Mr. Michael Vick who has multi-million dollar contracts with the Atlanta Falcons organization, Nike, and Air Tran are about to show him that they never had any intentions to protect him. You would think Michael would understand that when a man’s back is against the wall he more than likely will not “stay the same”. He is going to change to protect himself. Too bad Vick did not consider this. Maybe Vick’s privileged back should have been put against the wall. Then he might know that some form of self-changing is necessary when you have no where or no one to turn to for support or help.
Have I convicted Michael Vick? No, I have not. I still try to believe in what they told me in civics class: innocence until proven guilty. Nevertheless, Michael Vick convicted himself a long time ago. He did so when he failed to take the necessary steps to protect his image. He does this every time he responds to reporters like an ignorant Negro. He did this when he flipped the bird to the fans that adored him. Michael Vick has been making this bed for a long time. The funny thing is it appears he just realized that he needed to project a more acceptable image by cutting his hair. After these outlandish allegations of bestiality he finally gets it. He finally understands that staying the same is not an option when working for the Man.
The NFL will not bail him out of this one. Too many white and black folk love dogs!
Someone please tell Michael Vick it is a privilege to play for the National Football League, and that the league will do any and everything to safeguard their image and reputation.
Written by Muata. Inspired by my Disappointment and Devastation.
An edited version of this commentary was featured as an op-ed piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and featured in its original form on CommentaryUSA.com.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Mastermind behind Sicko looks Sick, but He is on Point
As I sat and watched Michael Moore, the producer of Sicko, debate with a well respected physician, Sanjay Gupta, I had a thought: I find it extremely ironic that an obviously unhealthy man is promoting anything that relates to healthcare. Think about it. Here is a man who has two beer bellies - and he wants someone to listen to his opinion on the state of healthcare in the United States. Wait! I know what one or two of you are thinking: What does Michael Moore’s excessive weight have to do with his understanding of how jacked-up the American healthcare industry is? I get that!
Yes, I am aware that a few other countries’ healthcare systems work more efficiently than ours. Yes, I am aware that the facilitation of healthcare in the United States is biased, and even racist. However, I am also aware that it should be the responsibility of each American to be accountable when it comes to taking care of themselves. For example, I am perfectly aware that I have to monitor what I eat so I will not die of a heart attack or stroke considering I have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Watching what I eat is, in fact, me taking some responsibility not to overburden the healthcare system with doctors’ visits because I refuse to eat healthy. Believe me, after years of devouring ribs, burgers, chicken wings, and French fries I have discovered eating right can be difficult. Now, for those of you questioning my position on this: Do I make any sense yet? Or, am I a Sicko in your mind?
The truth of the matter is that it looks like Michael Moore is literally about to be a Sicko. Sicko in the sense that he may die as a result of overeating or eating the wrong foods. Just take a look at his triple chin, his flabby cheeks; and I also notice that he breathes heavy when he talks. He sounds like a big guy struggling to get out of a Kia Rio. I am embarrassed for Michael. Not because he is overweight. But, because he has the audacity to criticize America’s healthcare system (it should be criticized), and he is a self-induced health risk and a potential financial disaster for most insurance companies due to his love of donuts.
I am certain there are others out there who want to say or write what I am conveying, but can’t because of who they work for. Like Dr. Gupta, CNN’s Resident Health Contributor. I know it took almost everything in him not to say to Moore: ‘Man, please. You talkin’ bout healthcare and yo fat behind can’t even sit comfortably in that chair.’ He had to be thinking of something along these lines. And, I am sure some critic, like myself, is thinking my thoughts too.
I made every attempt not to go see Sicko with this very critical analysis of Michael Moore and his gut. It took everything in my realm of moral power not to be judgmental of the documentary in spite of Michael’s hypocrisy. I actually support his crusade to expose the deficiencies within healthcare and his efforts to inform those of us with our heads in the sand. Therefore, I wanted to come away from the movie having learned something and with more respect for Big Mike’s work. And, I did!
Sicko will make you laugh and it will make the toughest of us shed a tear or two. I was a victim of both. It was like experiencing Frankie Beverly’s hit song: Joy and Pain. As I sat there in the stadium style movie house with mostly senior citizens I felt elated when a few sickly people featured in the documentary were finally going to get the much needed healthcare attention (outside the US) they have lacked for months. I also had sympathy for those few people
mentioned in this soon to be award winning film who died as a result of the Land of the Free’s non-socialistic system of healthcare management. This is what I left the theater thinking about.
My thoughts of Moore’s blubber had waned. No longer was I blasting Michael Moore for being irresponsible with his health. No, I had a new mental agenda: What can I do to help? My feelings changed. I was now on Michael’s side. He convinced me. His mission to inform and incite response worked. Nonetheless, I am left wondering who in a position of authority to make a change will be shaken by men, women, and children dying simply because they do not have health insurance. Which one of our elected officials or presidential candidates will have the balls to push legislation through for universal healthcare? Barack is all for it, and appears to be serious about it. It is one of his top initiatives if elected. Hilary has a plan also, but we should remember that Hilary was appointed by her cheating husband to lead a healthcare revolution back when she was sleeping in the White House. What ever happen to that task force-type cause? If you don’t remember go see Sicko. I will give you a clue: $$$$.
It is the almighty dollar driving this massive profit gaining monster. The healthcare industry was never formed to take care of the citizenry of the United States. (Google Nixon and Healthcare or JUST GO SEE THE MOVIE. You will be surprised). Unlike France, Canada, Great Britain, and Cuba the United States refuses to help the poor and the newly poor. I would not be surprised if the poor only included the coloreds. No, our government even neglects children and the elderly of all races. I’m sure the seniors I sat beside at the AMC are clearly aware that they have been forgotten. Could this be the reason a bus load of them were there taking advantage of the discounted ticket price and free popcorn? I safely imagine: YES! They were there crying, and chatting throughout the movie because they are beneficiaries of the United States’ governments decision to be in cahoots with Kaiser Permanente, Humana, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and CIGNA.
As I sat there totally okay with those grandparents talking throughout the documentary, I began to think about my future. What will I do when my extended unemployment health insurance runs out? Will I be able to afford the quoted premium of $385 a month? Where will I get my Crestar from for a discounted price? What will happen if I get sick? I left the movies with all of this on my mind thanks to Michael Moore, but I am okay with another fat guy sharing the TRUTH with me. All I need now is one of those triple-decker cheeseburgers from Wendy’s!
Thanks, Michael. I have a chocolate covered cream filled donut waitin’ for ya!
Written by Muata. Inspired by those old folks who will have trouble getting popcorn kernels out of their dentures.
Yes, I am aware that a few other countries’ healthcare systems work more efficiently than ours. Yes, I am aware that the facilitation of healthcare in the United States is biased, and even racist. However, I am also aware that it should be the responsibility of each American to be accountable when it comes to taking care of themselves. For example, I am perfectly aware that I have to monitor what I eat so I will not die of a heart attack or stroke considering I have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Watching what I eat is, in fact, me taking some responsibility not to overburden the healthcare system with doctors’ visits because I refuse to eat healthy. Believe me, after years of devouring ribs, burgers, chicken wings, and French fries I have discovered eating right can be difficult. Now, for those of you questioning my position on this: Do I make any sense yet? Or, am I a Sicko in your mind?
The truth of the matter is that it looks like Michael Moore is literally about to be a Sicko. Sicko in the sense that he may die as a result of overeating or eating the wrong foods. Just take a look at his triple chin, his flabby cheeks; and I also notice that he breathes heavy when he talks. He sounds like a big guy struggling to get out of a Kia Rio. I am embarrassed for Michael. Not because he is overweight. But, because he has the audacity to criticize America’s healthcare system (it should be criticized), and he is a self-induced health risk and a potential financial disaster for most insurance companies due to his love of donuts.
I am certain there are others out there who want to say or write what I am conveying, but can’t because of who they work for. Like Dr. Gupta, CNN’s Resident Health Contributor. I know it took almost everything in him not to say to Moore: ‘Man, please. You talkin’ bout healthcare and yo fat behind can’t even sit comfortably in that chair.’ He had to be thinking of something along these lines. And, I am sure some critic, like myself, is thinking my thoughts too.
I made every attempt not to go see Sicko with this very critical analysis of Michael Moore and his gut. It took everything in my realm of moral power not to be judgmental of the documentary in spite of Michael’s hypocrisy. I actually support his crusade to expose the deficiencies within healthcare and his efforts to inform those of us with our heads in the sand. Therefore, I wanted to come away from the movie having learned something and with more respect for Big Mike’s work. And, I did!
Sicko will make you laugh and it will make the toughest of us shed a tear or two. I was a victim of both. It was like experiencing Frankie Beverly’s hit song: Joy and Pain. As I sat there in the stadium style movie house with mostly senior citizens I felt elated when a few sickly people featured in the documentary were finally going to get the much needed healthcare attention (outside the US) they have lacked for months. I also had sympathy for those few people
mentioned in this soon to be award winning film who died as a result of the Land of the Free’s non-socialistic system of healthcare management. This is what I left the theater thinking about.
My thoughts of Moore’s blubber had waned. No longer was I blasting Michael Moore for being irresponsible with his health. No, I had a new mental agenda: What can I do to help? My feelings changed. I was now on Michael’s side. He convinced me. His mission to inform and incite response worked. Nonetheless, I am left wondering who in a position of authority to make a change will be shaken by men, women, and children dying simply because they do not have health insurance. Which one of our elected officials or presidential candidates will have the balls to push legislation through for universal healthcare? Barack is all for it, and appears to be serious about it. It is one of his top initiatives if elected. Hilary has a plan also, but we should remember that Hilary was appointed by her cheating husband to lead a healthcare revolution back when she was sleeping in the White House. What ever happen to that task force-type cause? If you don’t remember go see Sicko. I will give you a clue: $$$$.
It is the almighty dollar driving this massive profit gaining monster. The healthcare industry was never formed to take care of the citizenry of the United States. (Google Nixon and Healthcare or JUST GO SEE THE MOVIE. You will be surprised). Unlike France, Canada, Great Britain, and Cuba the United States refuses to help the poor and the newly poor. I would not be surprised if the poor only included the coloreds. No, our government even neglects children and the elderly of all races. I’m sure the seniors I sat beside at the AMC are clearly aware that they have been forgotten. Could this be the reason a bus load of them were there taking advantage of the discounted ticket price and free popcorn? I safely imagine: YES! They were there crying, and chatting throughout the movie because they are beneficiaries of the United States’ governments decision to be in cahoots with Kaiser Permanente, Humana, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and CIGNA.
As I sat there totally okay with those grandparents talking throughout the documentary, I began to think about my future. What will I do when my extended unemployment health insurance runs out? Will I be able to afford the quoted premium of $385 a month? Where will I get my Crestar from for a discounted price? What will happen if I get sick? I left the movies with all of this on my mind thanks to Michael Moore, but I am okay with another fat guy sharing the TRUTH with me. All I need now is one of those triple-decker cheeseburgers from Wendy’s!
Thanks, Michael. I have a chocolate covered cream filled donut waitin’ for ya!
Written by Muata. Inspired by those old folks who will have trouble getting popcorn kernels out of their dentures.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Genarlow Wilson: We Protested to Continue the Fight
I looked out over the crowd. In the mini sea of protesters I saw faces of despair. Faces of frustration and faces of disappointment. I saw women who could have been my mother. Mothers who could have been seeking some level of justice for their sons, bothers, or husbands. I saw men who looked broken. Defeated and tired. We all were waiting to be militantly stimulated by a word of encouragement, faith, and persistence.
It was an emotional sight. So much so I could not contain my emotions. The more I swallowed the more I filled my Che Guevara handkerchief with tears. I was crying, but what for? Why was I crying at such an uncontrollable pace? The tears would not stop flowing. Even my cherished Che t-shirt was soaked with my wet symbol of emotion. My feelings were filled with anger and resentment. I was in that familiar place of not believing that we (black folk) still have to march and sing those sad songs of hope. It was not We Shall Overcome that I was hearing in the background. It was one of those songs that if heard you would know with certainty that slaves articulated it with harmony while picking cotton and while sitting in their open-air churches. Churches that capsulated aspirations, hopes, faith, and not premeditated entertainment and religious pimpology.
What I experienced on July 5th in Douglas County is what our ancestors routinely experienced: a daily struggle filled with dreams of freedom, justice, and equality. I was in this southern county, which is only 10 minutes from one of the blackest cities in America, to lend my support for a cause. Approximately three hundred of us like-minded descendents of slaves were in attendance. We were called there to support Genarlow Wilson. Something unseen forced us to travel in an extremely organized caravan from Martin L. King, Sr.’s former church, Ebenezer Baptist, to the steps of the courthouse in Douglasville, Georgia. About an hour away from that 1960’s fiery state of Alabama. The home of Selma and Montgomery. Those places where men, women, boys, and girls were killed just because they were black. It was their blackness that motivated the Klansmen to treat them with such hatred. No other reason. For this reason also, Mr. Genarlow Wilson is incarcerated. Some may say he is in prison because he and the others broke the law. I agree. However, I will refute anyone’s statement that does not mention he is locked-up because of his race. Genarlow is in jail with murders, rapists, and burglars because he is that symbol of fear: Black.
A couple of weeks ago I was engaged in a contentious debate with a black friend who led me to believe that he understood race not to be a factor in America’s make-up of today. I could not believe that this young man who may be a product of affirmative action believes race is not the United States’ number one domestic problem. At first I thought that I misunderstood him, and he contends to this day that I did. At the time, I did glean this miscalculation of race relations from his statements and personal insults. I could not have been wrong. He was too adamant and convincing. In the end, we were somewhat on the same page. I exited the email debate respecting his opinion, but his position on the matter still haunts me. I just can’t believe a black man who is more than likely viewed by his white peers as ‘My Black Friend’ - and not ‘My Friend’, believes race is irrelevant and Jim Crow in theory and action is dead. What will it take for me to believe his final statement?: “Race is relevant.”
At the rally for Genarlow I kept hearing, “Race is relevant” in some form. It was like I wanted it to be an additional reason for me to be there waiting for Rev. Al Sharpton to grace us with his words of defiance. When Al finally had the crowd hypnotized while chanting: No Justice, No Peace a lone voice extinguished our mesmerizing state. This voice momentarily quelled our spirit of togetherness. Someone was disturbing our cause and our unity. The rattling voice came from a stringy-haired, out of shape, homely West Virginia-looking white girl. She was yelling, “This case is not about race.” What audacity! The black woman I was standing beside on this hot and humid day was floored. She was ready to grab this white girl’s jugular!
“You mean to tell me this white chick has the gall to stand among us and defy our position on this important matter?” I could not believe this chick’s impudence either. I also thought that it takes an insanely brave person to enter a sanctuary of black purpose, and disrupt the message we wanted to send to the newly named Uncle Tom: Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. But I was not surprised. (White folk move into the black neighborhoods we avoid. They ain’t scared.)
This woman was not crazy. She was just utilizing her First Amendment Right. Her boldness only empowered us protesters to yell louder and louder: NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE. In this act of solidarity we were successful at getting rid of that gnat. Her annoyance soon transcended into a victory, and all of us were recharged with vibrant determination to express more passionately our Freedom of Speech right while chanting: Free Genarlow Wilson.
Freedom is costly in America. Somebody has to pay for it. Some pay for it with money. Some pay for it with doing time. Others have to sacrifice. Sacrificing was easy for black men and women of the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. They did it for you and me. But, we fail daily to honor their sacrifice. We will not do what is necessary to maintain the little piece of freedom we think we now have. I have asked time and time again: What will it take for us (ALL of US) to understand that the struggle is not over? What will it take for us to understand that race STILL does matter? What will it take for you to join me and hopefully hundreds of other marchers/protesters on July 14, 2007 to support a black man wronged by the white man’s tool (judicial system) to keep us in bondage?
Join me: http://www.westmetronaacp.org/. Even if you are not the ‘fight the system type’ please come out for the exercise. Exercise with us folk who will have a dual workout: Marching and being heard.
Written by Muata. Inspired by Genarlow Wilson mother’s pain. It is written all over her face.
I looked out over the crowd. In the mini sea of protesters I saw faces of despair. Faces of frustration and faces of disappointment. I saw women who could have been my mother. Mothers who could have been seeking some level of justice for their sons, bothers, or husbands. I saw men who looked broken. Defeated and tired. We all were waiting to be militantly stimulated by a word of encouragement, faith, and persistence.
It was an emotional sight. So much so I could not contain my emotions. The more I swallowed the more I filled my Che Guevara handkerchief with tears. I was crying, but what for? Why was I crying at such an uncontrollable pace? The tears would not stop flowing. Even my cherished Che t-shirt was soaked with my wet symbol of emotion. My feelings were filled with anger and resentment. I was in that familiar place of not believing that we (black folk) still have to march and sing those sad songs of hope. It was not We Shall Overcome that I was hearing in the background. It was one of those songs that if heard you would know with certainty that slaves articulated it with harmony while picking cotton and while sitting in their open-air churches. Churches that capsulated aspirations, hopes, faith, and not premeditated entertainment and religious pimpology.
What I experienced on July 5th in Douglas County is what our ancestors routinely experienced: a daily struggle filled with dreams of freedom, justice, and equality. I was in this southern county, which is only 10 minutes from one of the blackest cities in America, to lend my support for a cause. Approximately three hundred of us like-minded descendents of slaves were in attendance. We were called there to support Genarlow Wilson. Something unseen forced us to travel in an extremely organized caravan from Martin L. King, Sr.’s former church, Ebenezer Baptist, to the steps of the courthouse in Douglasville, Georgia. About an hour away from that 1960’s fiery state of Alabama. The home of Selma and Montgomery. Those places where men, women, boys, and girls were killed just because they were black. It was their blackness that motivated the Klansmen to treat them with such hatred. No other reason. For this reason also, Mr. Genarlow Wilson is incarcerated. Some may say he is in prison because he and the others broke the law. I agree. However, I will refute anyone’s statement that does not mention he is locked-up because of his race. Genarlow is in jail with murders, rapists, and burglars because he is that symbol of fear: Black.
A couple of weeks ago I was engaged in a contentious debate with a black friend who led me to believe that he understood race not to be a factor in America’s make-up of today. I could not believe that this young man who may be a product of affirmative action believes race is not the United States’ number one domestic problem. At first I thought that I misunderstood him, and he contends to this day that I did. At the time, I did glean this miscalculation of race relations from his statements and personal insults. I could not have been wrong. He was too adamant and convincing. In the end, we were somewhat on the same page. I exited the email debate respecting his opinion, but his position on the matter still haunts me. I just can’t believe a black man who is more than likely viewed by his white peers as ‘My Black Friend’ - and not ‘My Friend’, believes race is irrelevant and Jim Crow in theory and action is dead. What will it take for me to believe his final statement?: “Race is relevant.”
At the rally for Genarlow I kept hearing, “Race is relevant” in some form. It was like I wanted it to be an additional reason for me to be there waiting for Rev. Al Sharpton to grace us with his words of defiance. When Al finally had the crowd hypnotized while chanting: No Justice, No Peace a lone voice extinguished our mesmerizing state. This voice momentarily quelled our spirit of togetherness. Someone was disturbing our cause and our unity. The rattling voice came from a stringy-haired, out of shape, homely West Virginia-looking white girl. She was yelling, “This case is not about race.” What audacity! The black woman I was standing beside on this hot and humid day was floored. She was ready to grab this white girl’s jugular!
“You mean to tell me this white chick has the gall to stand among us and defy our position on this important matter?” I could not believe this chick’s impudence either. I also thought that it takes an insanely brave person to enter a sanctuary of black purpose, and disrupt the message we wanted to send to the newly named Uncle Tom: Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. But I was not surprised. (White folk move into the black neighborhoods we avoid. They ain’t scared.)
This woman was not crazy. She was just utilizing her First Amendment Right. Her boldness only empowered us protesters to yell louder and louder: NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE. In this act of solidarity we were successful at getting rid of that gnat. Her annoyance soon transcended into a victory, and all of us were recharged with vibrant determination to express more passionately our Freedom of Speech right while chanting: Free Genarlow Wilson.
Freedom is costly in America. Somebody has to pay for it. Some pay for it with money. Some pay for it with doing time. Others have to sacrifice. Sacrificing was easy for black men and women of the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. They did it for you and me. But, we fail daily to honor their sacrifice. We will not do what is necessary to maintain the little piece of freedom we think we now have. I have asked time and time again: What will it take for us (ALL of US) to understand that the struggle is not over? What will it take for us to understand that race STILL does matter? What will it take for you to join me and hopefully hundreds of other marchers/protesters on July 14, 2007 to support a black man wronged by the white man’s tool (judicial system) to keep us in bondage?
Join me: http://www.westmetronaacp.org/. Even if you are not the ‘fight the system type’ please come out for the exercise. Exercise with us folk who will have a dual workout: Marching and being heard.
Written by Muata. Inspired by Genarlow Wilson mother’s pain. It is written all over her face.
Monday, July 02, 2007
When You Can't Find Anything of Value to Watch on Television - Don't Stop Surfing
As I physically and psychologically prepared myself to endure the 2007 BET Awards Show I began to think about why I vehemently dislike BET’s version of an award show. After about two minutes of thinking I came to one realization: The Black Entertainment Television Award Show is not really produced to award people for their craft. Yes, entertainers receive the coveted and Best Whatever awards, but the most popular elements of the show are the performances. This is what everyone wants to see and witness; and BET knows this. Not the Life Time Achievement Award and Humanitarian Award presentations. When this special time of honorary came most of us got up from our comfortable positions, relieved ourselves, and/or found something fattening to chew on for the remainder of the fabulous marathon. ‘How do you know this, Muata? Hey, I really don’t know what you did when Diana Ross was being honored. Just speculating and doing something I should not: Assume. Nonetheless, I can tell you what I did: I muted the television. I was not interested in being bombarded with Diana Ross’s musical achievements. Was not feeling it. I do respect Mrs. Ross. I just could have cared less about her during my time and moment of needing entertainment. Considering I don’t go to one of these mega churches down here in Atlanta, I have to get my entertainment in at every possible opportunity.
Opportunity is what I was looking for throughout my time of viewing a few of the performances. I needed a reason to find something else to watch on this night. I needed something inspirational or funny; not interludes of feeling embarrassed by an act of stupidity; and definitely not something that would make me feel like destroying my tube television. But, ravaging my TV is what I felt like doing when I channel surfed back to that three hour lip-synching concert on BET. Thanks to 50 Cent I had an out. The opportunity presented itself! After his performance I knew it was time for me to stop the index finger workout with my remote control. So, I settled on a show that proved to be touching and little more substantive.
I know exactly what some of you are thinking: Can Muata ease-up a little and enjoy himself? While that question rolls around in your head please be reminded that enjoyment comes in various forms. And, on this night I selected to be entertained by Shaquille O’Neal. We all know Shaq is a clown. When he is not ferociously dunking a basketball or elbowing those that try to defend him, he is usually somewhere smiling or helping someone else smile. This is exactly what I needed on the 26th of June 2007. Some good humor and not overweight Mo'Nique glorifying unhealthiness. I have Shaq to thank for the rescue - and nothing but a middle finger for Curtis Jackson! This man continues to make me feel like pulling a sheet over my head in an effort to hide my displeasure and embarrassment. And, I have this message for Mo’Nique: Getting obese should not be encouraged.
As I typed this commentary I could not think of a time when I felt Shaq was less than a role model. I have heard about the alleged philandering thanks to Cry Baby Koby, but on most accounts O’Neal has been a stellar citizen within the NBA, and from taking one hour of my precious time on Tuesday I learned that Shaquille is reaching out in the most unusual way: He is making an attempt to fight childhood obesity.
On his new reality show, SHAQ’S BIG CHALLENGE
(http://abc.go.com/primetime/shaqsbigchallenge/index?pn=index) he is proving to the world that there are superstars who care about “the youth”. We all know that there isn’t any financial reason for Shaquille O’Neal to spend his time off from missing free throws with six overweight, extremely unpopular, and positive-attention seeking kids. He could be at home with his wife and children, but Shaq is making a difference in the life of Kit. Kit is one of the kids. She is 14 years old and she is suppose to weigh 110 pounds. Unfortunately, Kit is at a mind blowing 263 pounds. Or, how about Walter who weighs 285lbs. He is a 14 year old who behaves like a four year old.
I spent the remainder of my night wondering if Mr. O’Neal will be able to conquer the task of getting these young people to a healthy weight. I spent my night wondering if the 206 pound Cuban kid, Chris, would be able to fight the temptation to eat the additional servings at the family dinner table. Cubans still eat at the table together as a family. I also spent my night frustrated with the parents of these fat children. They are fat because their parents eat junk! It is always the most innocent of us who suffer. In this case it is six children whose combined weight is 1,377 POUNDS. Astonishing! Keep in mind that this mixture of black, white, and Hispanic kids are not even 15 yet. They are waiting to grow older with heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments.
Waiting is what I will be doing as this reality show plays itself out. I will be watching too. But, the waiting is where I will be mostly. Waiting for Shaq to win another championship. This time I want it to come off the court, and in the gym with these fat kids.
By the way, I did make it back to the Best Whatever Award Show. Thankfully, I surfed back in time to see the Humanitarian Award winner Don Cheadle be honored for his efforts to raise awareness of genocidal conditions in the African region of Darfur. Now, that’s what I am talking about! Another brother doing big things, and not something stupid like walking around all day with one hand holding up a pair of shorts while having to walk bow-legged because the pants are about to fall down. Big Dummies!
Written by Muata. Inspired by another poorly produced award show. Inspired by my dislike for ALL award shows. And, you thought it was just the black one!
Opportunity is what I was looking for throughout my time of viewing a few of the performances. I needed a reason to find something else to watch on this night. I needed something inspirational or funny; not interludes of feeling embarrassed by an act of stupidity; and definitely not something that would make me feel like destroying my tube television. But, ravaging my TV is what I felt like doing when I channel surfed back to that three hour lip-synching concert on BET. Thanks to 50 Cent I had an out. The opportunity presented itself! After his performance I knew it was time for me to stop the index finger workout with my remote control. So, I settled on a show that proved to be touching and little more substantive.
I know exactly what some of you are thinking: Can Muata ease-up a little and enjoy himself? While that question rolls around in your head please be reminded that enjoyment comes in various forms. And, on this night I selected to be entertained by Shaquille O’Neal. We all know Shaq is a clown. When he is not ferociously dunking a basketball or elbowing those that try to defend him, he is usually somewhere smiling or helping someone else smile. This is exactly what I needed on the 26th of June 2007. Some good humor and not overweight Mo'Nique glorifying unhealthiness. I have Shaq to thank for the rescue - and nothing but a middle finger for Curtis Jackson! This man continues to make me feel like pulling a sheet over my head in an effort to hide my displeasure and embarrassment. And, I have this message for Mo’Nique: Getting obese should not be encouraged.
As I typed this commentary I could not think of a time when I felt Shaq was less than a role model. I have heard about the alleged philandering thanks to Cry Baby Koby, but on most accounts O’Neal has been a stellar citizen within the NBA, and from taking one hour of my precious time on Tuesday I learned that Shaquille is reaching out in the most unusual way: He is making an attempt to fight childhood obesity.
On his new reality show, SHAQ’S BIG CHALLENGE
(http://abc.go.com/primetime/shaqsbigchallenge/index?pn=index) he is proving to the world that there are superstars who care about “the youth”. We all know that there isn’t any financial reason for Shaquille O’Neal to spend his time off from missing free throws with six overweight, extremely unpopular, and positive-attention seeking kids. He could be at home with his wife and children, but Shaq is making a difference in the life of Kit. Kit is one of the kids. She is 14 years old and she is suppose to weigh 110 pounds. Unfortunately, Kit is at a mind blowing 263 pounds. Or, how about Walter who weighs 285lbs. He is a 14 year old who behaves like a four year old.
I spent the remainder of my night wondering if Mr. O’Neal will be able to conquer the task of getting these young people to a healthy weight. I spent my night wondering if the 206 pound Cuban kid, Chris, would be able to fight the temptation to eat the additional servings at the family dinner table. Cubans still eat at the table together as a family. I also spent my night frustrated with the parents of these fat children. They are fat because their parents eat junk! It is always the most innocent of us who suffer. In this case it is six children whose combined weight is 1,377 POUNDS. Astonishing! Keep in mind that this mixture of black, white, and Hispanic kids are not even 15 yet. They are waiting to grow older with heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments.
Waiting is what I will be doing as this reality show plays itself out. I will be watching too. But, the waiting is where I will be mostly. Waiting for Shaq to win another championship. This time I want it to come off the court, and in the gym with these fat kids.
By the way, I did make it back to the Best Whatever Award Show. Thankfully, I surfed back in time to see the Humanitarian Award winner Don Cheadle be honored for his efforts to raise awareness of genocidal conditions in the African region of Darfur. Now, that’s what I am talking about! Another brother doing big things, and not something stupid like walking around all day with one hand holding up a pair of shorts while having to walk bow-legged because the pants are about to fall down. Big Dummies!
Written by Muata. Inspired by another poorly produced award show. Inspired by my dislike for ALL award shows. And, you thought it was just the black one!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
White Baby Momma Found Dead: My Thoughts, Reactions, and Questions
Last week I started writing a commentary on the affects of irresponsible parenting. I began on Thursday and finished it with proper editing Sunday night. My plan was to share it with my reading population and a few editors of parenthood focused magazines this Wednesday, but then Bobby Cutts, Jr. was charged with the murder of one of his baby mommas (report has it that he has 3) and with the killing of his allegedly unborn child. Of course my intentions changed. I could not pass up an opportunity to address this Lacy and Scott Peterson type case.
http://beta.cnn.com/2007/US/06/25/davis.slaying/index.html
Unlike a typical commentary, I would like to highlight and share a few of my immediate reactions, thoughts, and questions after I got a whiff of Jessie Davis going missing.
*Nothing new. Another white girl missing.
*When will all this news coverage discontinue concerning white women? I am tired of hearing news stories about these Lindsay’s, Paris’s, Britney’s, and even the Jessie’s.
*After three days of Jessie being missing: “She dead and someone close to her killed her.”
*Some deranged white boy she was dealing with shot and killed her.
*After I discovered Bobby Cuts, Jr. is black: “I pray this brother did not kill her and that unborn baby.”
*Why is this handsome brother making babies with an extremely average looking white chick?
*Shouldn't the police be more aggressive with the investigation? Are they straddling the line because Bobby is a cop?
*Why are some black folk coming to the defense of Mr. Cutts so fast?
*The media is doing it again: Convicting Bobby pre-trial.
*How is Mr. Cutts connected to this overweight black woman: Myisha Lynee Ferrell (it appears he has always liked his women of lighter skin tone and less heavy) who was arrested for providing the police with false information?
*And, the big thought: Just because he attended church, volunteered with the youth ministry program, is reported to be a caring & loving person, intelligent, and “God-fearing” (according to the pastor who officiated Bobby’s wedding) does not mean he is incapable of killing someone.
These are just my thoughts, reactions, and questions. Not sure what you are thinking (would like to know), but this situation has already inundated black talk radio. After listening this morning to one show, I was reminded that most people typically have preconceived thoughts concerning various events and other happenings in the news. What amazed me this morning was the level of allegiance we (black folk) give to black suspects when he/she allegedly commits a crime against a white person (quick to defend), but when a black suspect commits a crime against another black person we RARELY support the black person being accused. We RARELY say or do anything to address the black-on-black crime. We even toss it up with: ‘That Negro did it.’ We usually don’t discuss the matter (nothing to say).
Interesting.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Paris and Pacman are Dummies
Every time I press the channel button on my confusing remote control I hear or see the name Paris Hilton, and I am bound to be overloaded with Ms. Hilton since she is scheduled to be released from jail on Monday. One would think that I only get four or five stations. I don’t. I pay for well over one hundred channels (a waste of my unemployment dollars), but my interest is typically geared toward the news therefore I have numerous selections. Which is the reason why I continue to see some anorexic looking white chick on my television screen. A white chick who has not contributed anything of value to this society. A white chick that became known to the world just because her parents own hotels. She is nothing more than a spoiled white girl who was born into wealth. She is the pathetic white girl everyone wants to be around just so they can get freebies. Not because she has personality. She, in my world, is a glorified loser with money! I am not hatin’ on Paris, but I do despise what she represents: White Privilege.
Paris just happens to be one of the numerous celebs who received preferential treatment from our unfair judicial system- thus the reason why she is my target today. A target that I have no compassion for whatsoever. I don’t care if the pressure from being rich has “gotten to her”. My compassion will remain with the destitute and poor. Does this make me a hater? I would hope not. I am a man that respects authority, and wants everyone no matter how much money they are worth to respect the law. Paris Hilton and others like Pacman Jones have proven they do not. Both apparently think their status shields them from society’s rules and regulations, and some believe their fan created status has. But, Paris’s status in this case has somewhat helped Americans reevaluate. Despite the granted release from county lock-up, she is back in jail. This is an improvement for the racist and socio-economically biased justice system that America has created. I NEVER thought a judge would order her back to her cell. Once she was released I thought: This is America.
Paris is truly a waste of my writing and thinking time, but the actions of that celebrity kiss-up sheriff are not. While Ms. Hilton is back in jail, this sheriff continues to stand by his decision. It is this man’s thought process that’s disturbing. What Paris did on that whack sitcom is simple compared to the sheriffs’ actions. He defied a judge’s authority. He made a unilateral decision without considering the backlash. His decision was not out of concern for Paris it was made to placate to his mindset and the mindset of other well-to-do white folk: ‘Wealthy white girls should not be locked-up with scanty Hispanic and Black inmates. She is different.’ Different how? You know the answer to that: She is white!
Pacman Jones (a black man) will never receive this type of exclusive treatment. He can’t at this point considering his record and involvement in stupid activities. The latest addition to Pacman’s rap sheet is astonishing in the sense that Mr. Jones just pledged to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that he wanted to get his life together. He even dropped his baseless and ill-advised suspension appeal. It sounded to me that Pacman had learned the lesson the NFL and NBA has been trying to convey to all its million dollar jocks: ‘Either live by our rules or get kicked out of the league.’ I was wrong. Pacman decided to go to another strip club in Atlanta - and allegedly act like a N-word! Yep, I said it! He was acting like what most black people dislike. A damn N*%$@#.
No need to go into detail regarding his actions while in the strip club (“I am going to get my gun.”). No need to go into detail regarding his actions while outside the strip club (Shots fired from the car he was said to be in). I am certain the truth with this case will catch up with Mr. Jones, and then Mr. White man will ban him from the league. This will be his story while Ms. Hilton’s story will be laced with glamour. She will get out of jail and still be wealthy. Mr. Jones will be some dread head brotha in the hood telling stories that begin with, ‘I use to…’.
If only Pacman and his posse would act like responsible black people and not idiotic Negroes. If only Paris would drop the ‘I am a privileged white chick in America’ attitude. Both would be OUT of TROUBLE.
http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/pacman-charged-with-two-felonies-in/20070620151209990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
Written by Muata. Inspired by those black folk who still create irresponsible excuses for FOOLISH behavior perpetrated by N*%$@#!. Inspired by arrogant white folk who still believe they are entitled.
Paris just happens to be one of the numerous celebs who received preferential treatment from our unfair judicial system- thus the reason why she is my target today. A target that I have no compassion for whatsoever. I don’t care if the pressure from being rich has “gotten to her”. My compassion will remain with the destitute and poor. Does this make me a hater? I would hope not. I am a man that respects authority, and wants everyone no matter how much money they are worth to respect the law. Paris Hilton and others like Pacman Jones have proven they do not. Both apparently think their status shields them from society’s rules and regulations, and some believe their fan created status has. But, Paris’s status in this case has somewhat helped Americans reevaluate. Despite the granted release from county lock-up, she is back in jail. This is an improvement for the racist and socio-economically biased justice system that America has created. I NEVER thought a judge would order her back to her cell. Once she was released I thought: This is America.
Paris is truly a waste of my writing and thinking time, but the actions of that celebrity kiss-up sheriff are not. While Ms. Hilton is back in jail, this sheriff continues to stand by his decision. It is this man’s thought process that’s disturbing. What Paris did on that whack sitcom is simple compared to the sheriffs’ actions. He defied a judge’s authority. He made a unilateral decision without considering the backlash. His decision was not out of concern for Paris it was made to placate to his mindset and the mindset of other well-to-do white folk: ‘Wealthy white girls should not be locked-up with scanty Hispanic and Black inmates. She is different.’ Different how? You know the answer to that: She is white!
Pacman Jones (a black man) will never receive this type of exclusive treatment. He can’t at this point considering his record and involvement in stupid activities. The latest addition to Pacman’s rap sheet is astonishing in the sense that Mr. Jones just pledged to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that he wanted to get his life together. He even dropped his baseless and ill-advised suspension appeal. It sounded to me that Pacman had learned the lesson the NFL and NBA has been trying to convey to all its million dollar jocks: ‘Either live by our rules or get kicked out of the league.’ I was wrong. Pacman decided to go to another strip club in Atlanta - and allegedly act like a N-word! Yep, I said it! He was acting like what most black people dislike. A damn N*%$@#.
No need to go into detail regarding his actions while in the strip club (“I am going to get my gun.”). No need to go into detail regarding his actions while outside the strip club (Shots fired from the car he was said to be in). I am certain the truth with this case will catch up with Mr. Jones, and then Mr. White man will ban him from the league. This will be his story while Ms. Hilton’s story will be laced with glamour. She will get out of jail and still be wealthy. Mr. Jones will be some dread head brotha in the hood telling stories that begin with, ‘I use to…’.
If only Pacman and his posse would act like responsible black people and not idiotic Negroes. If only Paris would drop the ‘I am a privileged white chick in America’ attitude. Both would be OUT of TROUBLE.
http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/pacman-charged-with-two-felonies-in/20070620151209990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
Written by Muata. Inspired by those black folk who still create irresponsible excuses for FOOLISH behavior perpetrated by N*%$@#!. Inspired by arrogant white folk who still believe they are entitled.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Governments Latest Waste of Time: Immigration Reform
Blogs, newspaper columns, magazine articles, and letters to the editor inbox’s are saturated with heated opinions on the new immigration reform bill. Meaningful and substantive talk radio has covered the subject. People are discussing the matter at salons, coffee shops, and at manicure and pedicure businesses. Well, I would imagine that the communication is done on the DL in these convenient store-looking nail places considering the Asian or Mexican massaging our feet are probably working illegally. No, not even on the DL because they don’t understand or speak the ‘should have been already’ official language of this country. ‘For English press or say 1.’
One - Damn it!!
While this chatter is taking place no one is really addressing the subject with a passion for what is right except Lou Dobbs. Lou for the past ten months has informed the world of his opinion and his objectives regarding illegal immigration in spite of criticism from alien sympathizers. Simply put, he believes the nation has taken the wrong turn. I must agree with Lou. We have been on this hazardous road that has led us to where we are now for decades. And now, the Bush administration along with a few “compassionate” democrats are trying to remedy a virus with cheap antibiotics. I cautiously applaud their efforts, but one must admit that this is so typical of the United States government.
Our elected officials have known for years that our border shields are relatively easy to infiltrate. We have been aware that in the early morning hours of darkness that packs of Mexicans are climbing fences, crawling in underground tunnels, and hiding underneath car seat covers attempting to get a taste of what America calls freedom (http://www.ubersite.com/m/19993). A freedom that has been disguised as opportunity. An opportunity to have a better life on the mainland.
What I cannot understand is the zeal and dedication to get to these United States when in fact the law breakers lives are not significantly better than what they just experienced in El Salvador, Russia, and Senegal. They are still living like insects. They are still working for unfair wages. They are still struggling to feed their flock of children (someone needs to introduce them to birth control). And, even with all this familiar and routine drama they have become criminals. People who have boldly broken the law. I was always told if you break the law you should be charged with a crime and you could go to jail. With that information I have done my best to live like a good Negro so I would not become some jailhouse felon’s sugar plum. On the other hand, I guess Ricardo and Anastasia did not fear the laws that are/were legislated throughout capital cities in the United States. Actually, they have rebuked, mocked, and flat out disrespected the unions’ laws in an effort to breathe the disgusting American air.
This is an air that Babylon has blown into the “third world” for years. From television to print media, our way of life has been inhaled and exhaled by men/women who are socially and financially depressed. The American media and Hollywood have plastered this shallow lifestyle that many of us are guilty of living on the tube airwaves. On those Lilly white, superficial, and shallow soap operas we Americans live quite well. We have the finest clothes. We reside in elaborate homes. We have a lot of indiscriminate sex. Even on the African American’s primer channel (Black Entertainment Television) we live Young and Restless lives, but only in a different complexion of skin. On this mind destructive and culturally denigrating network we are viewed and assessed by desperate people crowding around a black and white 13 inch in small villages in India. People who, by the way, want to be Mr. Curtis Jackson, the self proclaimed Tupac! I wonder if these Indians know that Tupac had some poetic talent unlike 50 cent. Probably not. Amaru Shakur’s flamboyant gangsta lifestyle is what they would like to emulate. I just pray Indian men do not start wearing oversized white T’s. Can you see them with that red dot, Air Force Ones, and Big & Tall store blue jeans?
Emulation is certainly what the new niggers for the American government do when they get here. However, they do make every attempt to create their Mexican and Armenian culture with distorted mindsets. You know, the newly established American mindset that they have received from television exposure. This leads to a double mentality. While they fight to maintain some essence of their culture they are trying to be a Bold & the Beautiful character. This effort has to be difficult to manage. But, this is not too different from America’s Negroes reality. For years now we have been trying to be black while aspiring to be white like snow. The illegals should take some advice from us: You will always be a No Count in this capitalistic swamp. The reality is destined to smack them in the face, and then America will have a huge dilemma: More angry and resentful No Counts to deal with. Yep, just like the mad black man white and black America has failed to deal with appropriately because of the Shelby Steele described guilt (http://www.amazon.com/White-Guilt-Together-Destroyed-Promise/dp/0060578629).
So, I say to my elected official, ‘Vote for this crap of a bill. Give them amnesty. Give them what we (black folk) begged you for. Give them that path to become apart of the citizenry. An American. African Americans have this internationally hated title, and your “title gift” is questionable since you really did/do not want to give us what you are dying to give them: An opportunity. And, you would like to give them this so called privilege even after they have broken your laws.’ This is America.
Once again, Black America has been back-slapped. What is amazing to me is that not many of us black folk realize it. We must be too caught-up in scratching to be considered what the illegal alien will be after he pays the government $5,000: An American. If we were truly America’s American we would not be trying to “prove” our worth to the world’s new amnesty granting bully.
Written by Muata. Inspired by my desire for the criminals to be brought to justice. Inspired by this statement from the Freedom Chaser: “Round them all up and send them back! Isn’t this what they did to the black slave when he/she was captured after escaping from the 18th, 19th, and 20th century boss man (slave master)?”
One - Damn it!!
While this chatter is taking place no one is really addressing the subject with a passion for what is right except Lou Dobbs. Lou for the past ten months has informed the world of his opinion and his objectives regarding illegal immigration in spite of criticism from alien sympathizers. Simply put, he believes the nation has taken the wrong turn. I must agree with Lou. We have been on this hazardous road that has led us to where we are now for decades. And now, the Bush administration along with a few “compassionate” democrats are trying to remedy a virus with cheap antibiotics. I cautiously applaud their efforts, but one must admit that this is so typical of the United States government.
Our elected officials have known for years that our border shields are relatively easy to infiltrate. We have been aware that in the early morning hours of darkness that packs of Mexicans are climbing fences, crawling in underground tunnels, and hiding underneath car seat covers attempting to get a taste of what America calls freedom (http://www.ubersite.com/m/19993). A freedom that has been disguised as opportunity. An opportunity to have a better life on the mainland.
What I cannot understand is the zeal and dedication to get to these United States when in fact the law breakers lives are not significantly better than what they just experienced in El Salvador, Russia, and Senegal. They are still living like insects. They are still working for unfair wages. They are still struggling to feed their flock of children (someone needs to introduce them to birth control). And, even with all this familiar and routine drama they have become criminals. People who have boldly broken the law. I was always told if you break the law you should be charged with a crime and you could go to jail. With that information I have done my best to live like a good Negro so I would not become some jailhouse felon’s sugar plum. On the other hand, I guess Ricardo and Anastasia did not fear the laws that are/were legislated throughout capital cities in the United States. Actually, they have rebuked, mocked, and flat out disrespected the unions’ laws in an effort to breathe the disgusting American air.
This is an air that Babylon has blown into the “third world” for years. From television to print media, our way of life has been inhaled and exhaled by men/women who are socially and financially depressed. The American media and Hollywood have plastered this shallow lifestyle that many of us are guilty of living on the tube airwaves. On those Lilly white, superficial, and shallow soap operas we Americans live quite well. We have the finest clothes. We reside in elaborate homes. We have a lot of indiscriminate sex. Even on the African American’s primer channel (Black Entertainment Television) we live Young and Restless lives, but only in a different complexion of skin. On this mind destructive and culturally denigrating network we are viewed and assessed by desperate people crowding around a black and white 13 inch in small villages in India. People who, by the way, want to be Mr. Curtis Jackson, the self proclaimed Tupac! I wonder if these Indians know that Tupac had some poetic talent unlike 50 cent. Probably not. Amaru Shakur’s flamboyant gangsta lifestyle is what they would like to emulate. I just pray Indian men do not start wearing oversized white T’s. Can you see them with that red dot, Air Force Ones, and Big & Tall store blue jeans?
Emulation is certainly what the new niggers for the American government do when they get here. However, they do make every attempt to create their Mexican and Armenian culture with distorted mindsets. You know, the newly established American mindset that they have received from television exposure. This leads to a double mentality. While they fight to maintain some essence of their culture they are trying to be a Bold & the Beautiful character. This effort has to be difficult to manage. But, this is not too different from America’s Negroes reality. For years now we have been trying to be black while aspiring to be white like snow. The illegals should take some advice from us: You will always be a No Count in this capitalistic swamp. The reality is destined to smack them in the face, and then America will have a huge dilemma: More angry and resentful No Counts to deal with. Yep, just like the mad black man white and black America has failed to deal with appropriately because of the Shelby Steele described guilt (http://www.amazon.com/White-Guilt-Together-Destroyed-Promise/dp/0060578629).
So, I say to my elected official, ‘Vote for this crap of a bill. Give them amnesty. Give them what we (black folk) begged you for. Give them that path to become apart of the citizenry. An American. African Americans have this internationally hated title, and your “title gift” is questionable since you really did/do not want to give us what you are dying to give them: An opportunity. And, you would like to give them this so called privilege even after they have broken your laws.’ This is America.
Once again, Black America has been back-slapped. What is amazing to me is that not many of us black folk realize it. We must be too caught-up in scratching to be considered what the illegal alien will be after he pays the government $5,000: An American. If we were truly America’s American we would not be trying to “prove” our worth to the world’s new amnesty granting bully.
Written by Muata. Inspired by my desire for the criminals to be brought to justice. Inspired by this statement from the Freedom Chaser: “Round them all up and send them back! Isn’t this what they did to the black slave when he/she was captured after escaping from the 18th, 19th, and 20th century boss man (slave master)?”
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Choice: Abortion should not be politicized, liberalized, or right-winged
There have not been too many times that I apprehensively pranced around a subject. A subject that Rudy Giuliani cannot shake. A subject that’s clearly decisive. It is a subject that most men never chat about while having a good CAO with a Cameroon wrap and a taste of Kentucky’s finest, Knob Creek. We just don’t feel a need to debate or dialogue about abortion. Men typically find themselves talking about sports, their high school/college days, who we had sex with last week, last night, or twenty years ago, and even religion. Abortion is too heavy for us modern day cavemen, but now and then we will state our peace on the subject. And, today is my day to give my reverential two cents with the hopes I will not be perceived as judgmental, nescient, shallow, and/or self-righteous. Nevertheless, I must admit that I plan to be unabashedly frank. I cannot tip-toe around this hot subject any longer. Muata must speak – with the hope no one will personalize this commentary.
Experiencing the death of a child, I am told, is one of the most difficult travesties both men and women could possibly face and work through. Some say one never gets pass the unexpected shock and piercing pain, which means that these parents are forever changed by what the Christian God has guaranteed: DEATH. But, no one expects for God’s death angel to strike the most innocent of us. Or, is it the devil’s death angel? I have always been confused by this. Maybe some Christian reader will help me understand. Anyway, there is one thing I am not addled by, and that is the aborting of a life.
Dictionary.com defines abort in this clear, concise, and non-circuitous way:
*to bring forth a fetus from the uterus before the fetus is viable; miscarry.
*to develop incompletely; remain in a rudimentary or undeveloped state.
*to fail, cease, or stop at an early or premature stage.
I know several women who have had miscarriages. A few of them probably did not initially know that they miscarried considering it can occur without the female being aware. I know a couple of women who knows someone who had to deliver a baby with no heartbeat. And, I do know some women who terminated their pregnancies. They decided to do what the third definition states. Not one of the listed occurrences is easy to deal with. Nonetheless, statistics report that terminating pregnancies is the most popular of the situations. The numbers and research also indicate that abortion is readily presented as an option by doctors and counselors more so to African American women in comparison to Caucasian women. Funny how this advice appears not to be given to the influx of Hispanic female illegal immigrants considering they are having babies just so their offsprings can gain American citizenship; and then we (tax payers & legally working people) have to take care of their children via the social services that we RARELY use. This is America!
Reasons why women go to abortion clinics seeking that $300-$1200 service are vast. Roe v. Wade has given women the opportunity to make their own decisions on what to do with their undeveloped, but really “developed” fetuses (if there is a pulse it is developed). Pro-Choice is what we call it, and today’s climate threatens its existence. Presently, this choice is what a few presidential hopefuls (white men) are debating all across the country on the “behalf” of all American women within the United States. They are making an attempt to appease their constituents and other people who want to know where they stand on this topic that’s truly perceived as the moral standard question. By the way, who determines what a moral standard is and can be? Some say the church and others believe it is our conscience. I prefer my conscience. But, what if my sister was faced with the illness that’s detailed in this video clip? Please watch: http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/health/2007/05/30/candiotti.extreme.morning.sickness.cnn
I guess if Mitt, Huckabee, Christopher, or Kucinich becomes president of the United States they will either put forth legislation to reverse Roe v. Wade or keep it the way it is, a woman’s choice. The choice that flat lines heartbeats and brainwave activity.
Isn’t it ironic, and worldly typical that the gender that will ultimately have the final say on a female decision is MALE? Actually, I find it insulting to women that these blue suit wearing 50 plus age white men are swimming upstream when asked a question on abortion. The only one who is adamant about his position is Mr. 911 Savior, Rudy. He has said on countless occasions that abortion is morally wrong, but he has also conveyed to the nation that the act is a female’s choice. You have to respect a man that tells his truth!
Choice, is where I would like to passionately hone in on. We all make decisions. Some are more important than others, and some of our decisions are run of the mill. Routine and not that significant. But, abortion has proven to be in the category of IMPORTANT. At least that’s what I would like to believe, but living on earth has proven otherwise. While abortion is an option for Cindy, Julie, Shaquita, and Lexus perhaps it should not be. Just think about that for a moment before you turn this commentary into, A Passing Judgment Referendum. What if abortion was only an option for those cases that are critical i.e. mother could die, child could be born with a debilating disease or birth defect, you know those incidents a few of the presidential candidates are willing to grant pardons for?
Why aren’t our boxers and panties in a knot when healthy, young, middle-age women break one of the Christian’s Ten Commandments? Are we so far to the left that we feel a need to be silent? Well, some of us are harping. But, where is the uproar like we hear and see during Pro-Choice rallies? Yes, we have those fanatics standing outside abortion clinics causing psychological harm to the “mentally prepared” women who plan to allow Dr. Dawkins assist them with aborting a life. We also have Mr. Boyfriend who is in most cases supporting the young lady’s termination decision at her side. Well, to be fair, some of these male baby makers may not be in agreement of the decision. They may want the child to be a future city council woman, surgeon, athlete, etc.
Abortion, a decision that is NOT easy for MOST women. The decision is made for various reasons. It just so happens that right or wrong is the judgment that has been applied to it. Did we think judgment would not surface regarding an act that affects a life that has no say in the matter? Would we feel better if the following was not a reality?: aborting a fetus has become a brand of allergy medication on aisle eight at Walgreens. It is a choice. Unfortunately, the over-the-counter brand is a generic one, not top of the line like Claritin. For some, top of the line are of the ideals of Pro-Life.
Choice. We make the hot and steamy decision to pull or pants down. Have unprotected sex, and then we, both men and women, are in a panic because Aunt Flow has not appeared. So panicky that it appears that pastor has just announced Jesus is returning tomorrow. Oh! I forgot that pastor has said, ‘Behold, Jesus is returning’ before on NUMEROUS occasions. Jesus is such a character! It is almost like we did not know there was the miracle known as pregnancy. But, we are definitely - without a doubt aware that abortion can fix our poor choice which is supported by this “appropriately” selfish decision we call Pro Choice.
There would be no need for these presidential puppets to talk and talk about the moral standard of abortion if we made better choices. Most people know right from wrong. We just refuse to mention what is right and wrong out of fear of being labeled a conservative or liberal. It is a travesty that Americans choose to placate and compromise rather than stand up for values and righteousness.
The grey area and PC is killing us! How I wish someone would tell it like it is without fear of being labeled bleeding heart or ultra conservative!
Call me what you want. I select to be a realist with fuddy-duddy views and opinions on this matter.
http://www.abortionfacts.com/learn/learn.asp
Written by Muata. Inspired my efforts not to offend; and if I did please accept my apology for saying what I believe needs to be said.
Experiencing the death of a child, I am told, is one of the most difficult travesties both men and women could possibly face and work through. Some say one never gets pass the unexpected shock and piercing pain, which means that these parents are forever changed by what the Christian God has guaranteed: DEATH. But, no one expects for God’s death angel to strike the most innocent of us. Or, is it the devil’s death angel? I have always been confused by this. Maybe some Christian reader will help me understand. Anyway, there is one thing I am not addled by, and that is the aborting of a life.
Dictionary.com defines abort in this clear, concise, and non-circuitous way:
*to bring forth a fetus from the uterus before the fetus is viable; miscarry.
*to develop incompletely; remain in a rudimentary or undeveloped state.
*to fail, cease, or stop at an early or premature stage.
I know several women who have had miscarriages. A few of them probably did not initially know that they miscarried considering it can occur without the female being aware. I know a couple of women who knows someone who had to deliver a baby with no heartbeat. And, I do know some women who terminated their pregnancies. They decided to do what the third definition states. Not one of the listed occurrences is easy to deal with. Nonetheless, statistics report that terminating pregnancies is the most popular of the situations. The numbers and research also indicate that abortion is readily presented as an option by doctors and counselors more so to African American women in comparison to Caucasian women. Funny how this advice appears not to be given to the influx of Hispanic female illegal immigrants considering they are having babies just so their offsprings can gain American citizenship; and then we (tax payers & legally working people) have to take care of their children via the social services that we RARELY use. This is America!
Reasons why women go to abortion clinics seeking that $300-$1200 service are vast. Roe v. Wade has given women the opportunity to make their own decisions on what to do with their undeveloped, but really “developed” fetuses (if there is a pulse it is developed). Pro-Choice is what we call it, and today’s climate threatens its existence. Presently, this choice is what a few presidential hopefuls (white men) are debating all across the country on the “behalf” of all American women within the United States. They are making an attempt to appease their constituents and other people who want to know where they stand on this topic that’s truly perceived as the moral standard question. By the way, who determines what a moral standard is and can be? Some say the church and others believe it is our conscience. I prefer my conscience. But, what if my sister was faced with the illness that’s detailed in this video clip? Please watch: http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/health/2007/05/30/candiotti.extreme.morning.sickness.cnn
I guess if Mitt, Huckabee, Christopher, or Kucinich becomes president of the United States they will either put forth legislation to reverse Roe v. Wade or keep it the way it is, a woman’s choice. The choice that flat lines heartbeats and brainwave activity.
Isn’t it ironic, and worldly typical that the gender that will ultimately have the final say on a female decision is MALE? Actually, I find it insulting to women that these blue suit wearing 50 plus age white men are swimming upstream when asked a question on abortion. The only one who is adamant about his position is Mr. 911 Savior, Rudy. He has said on countless occasions that abortion is morally wrong, but he has also conveyed to the nation that the act is a female’s choice. You have to respect a man that tells his truth!
Choice, is where I would like to passionately hone in on. We all make decisions. Some are more important than others, and some of our decisions are run of the mill. Routine and not that significant. But, abortion has proven to be in the category of IMPORTANT. At least that’s what I would like to believe, but living on earth has proven otherwise. While abortion is an option for Cindy, Julie, Shaquita, and Lexus perhaps it should not be. Just think about that for a moment before you turn this commentary into, A Passing Judgment Referendum. What if abortion was only an option for those cases that are critical i.e. mother could die, child could be born with a debilating disease or birth defect, you know those incidents a few of the presidential candidates are willing to grant pardons for?
Why aren’t our boxers and panties in a knot when healthy, young, middle-age women break one of the Christian’s Ten Commandments? Are we so far to the left that we feel a need to be silent? Well, some of us are harping. But, where is the uproar like we hear and see during Pro-Choice rallies? Yes, we have those fanatics standing outside abortion clinics causing psychological harm to the “mentally prepared” women who plan to allow Dr. Dawkins assist them with aborting a life. We also have Mr. Boyfriend who is in most cases supporting the young lady’s termination decision at her side. Well, to be fair, some of these male baby makers may not be in agreement of the decision. They may want the child to be a future city council woman, surgeon, athlete, etc.
Abortion, a decision that is NOT easy for MOST women. The decision is made for various reasons. It just so happens that right or wrong is the judgment that has been applied to it. Did we think judgment would not surface regarding an act that affects a life that has no say in the matter? Would we feel better if the following was not a reality?: aborting a fetus has become a brand of allergy medication on aisle eight at Walgreens. It is a choice. Unfortunately, the over-the-counter brand is a generic one, not top of the line like Claritin. For some, top of the line are of the ideals of Pro-Life.
Choice. We make the hot and steamy decision to pull or pants down. Have unprotected sex, and then we, both men and women, are in a panic because Aunt Flow has not appeared. So panicky that it appears that pastor has just announced Jesus is returning tomorrow. Oh! I forgot that pastor has said, ‘Behold, Jesus is returning’ before on NUMEROUS occasions. Jesus is such a character! It is almost like we did not know there was the miracle known as pregnancy. But, we are definitely - without a doubt aware that abortion can fix our poor choice which is supported by this “appropriately” selfish decision we call Pro Choice.
There would be no need for these presidential puppets to talk and talk about the moral standard of abortion if we made better choices. Most people know right from wrong. We just refuse to mention what is right and wrong out of fear of being labeled a conservative or liberal. It is a travesty that Americans choose to placate and compromise rather than stand up for values and righteousness.
The grey area and PC is killing us! How I wish someone would tell it like it is without fear of being labeled bleeding heart or ultra conservative!
Call me what you want. I select to be a realist with fuddy-duddy views and opinions on this matter.
http://www.abortionfacts.com/learn/learn.asp
Written by Muata. Inspired my efforts not to offend; and if I did please accept my apology for saying what I believe needs to be said.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Either he really does not get it or he is simply playing politics
“I don’t think white people will not vote for me because I am black. If they don’t vote for me it is because I have not demonstrated to them the leadership qualities that they desire.”
This is a direct quote from an interview transcript Barack Obama had with George Stephanopoulos. This statement alone confirms my germinal belief about Barack: He simply is not prepared for the garbage that comes with the presidency of the United States. A black man who believes he is going to get the majority of the white vote because of his leadership capabilities is demonstrating to the world he is either clueless or trying his best to be positive. Being positive is perfectly okay. We all need to be now and then; while never forgetting about REALITY.
What real world does Barack live in? Does he understand that America is still a racist society? Does he realize that he is just another Negro with a suit and tie? Is Barack that naïve to think his blackness does not play a role in a white person’s decision? Doesn’t he comprehend that some black people will not vote for him because they subconsciously believe he is the color of incompetence? (similar to some blacks deciding not to seek the services of a black doctor or dentist because the physician is that “dreadful” color: BLACK)
Of course I was floored by his assessment as I listened to him do everything possible to convince the viewing population that he is the best Democratic candidate and will be the best president post Bush. I was even getting excited about him for once until he decided to be “positive” and/or politically correct. Initially, I said that Barack is not ready to be the president of the United States. But, over the past few months I have listened to him clarify his position on a few extremely important matters and detail a plan for his stint as the Commander and Chief. From my re-analysis of Mr. Obama’s verbiage I was starting to lean his way. Just a little. However, I could never get pass my suspicion that he does not display to me that he is really ready to sleep in the white house with an authoritative personality. I kept thinking: Does he have the balls to be the president of this conflicted country and will he be another Peace Corps-type for a president like James Earl Carter, Jr.? I just believe Barack Obama is too good for the US presidency, like the former peanut farmer proved to be. Too good in character. And, too vulnerable to be corrupted by the heavy weight-ness of Americas’ ferocious politics.
The last thing I would like to witness is Barack Obama get engulfed by the fecal matter that comes with attempting to be a good president. Good president? What does it take to be a good president anyway? President Walker Bush was a decent president for millions of people before he decided to annihilate Iraq and later support the Shiites. President Jefferson Clinton was a good president until he decided to receive blow jobs in the oval office. President Milhous Nixon was a good president until he ordered someone to eavesdrop. President Wilson Reagan was a good president until his War on Drugs Initiative revealed the alarming differences in prison sentencing for crack vs. powder cocaine offenders. My point is that we, the America voters, can never tell who will be a good president because of changing and evolving circumstances. All it takes to be black listed by voters is one mishap (Howard Dean episode). Just one because of our inability to see past the here and now.
All we have in our intellectual arsenals to make our decisions is the candidate’s scripted political history and their manufactured responses to critical questions. We have nothing that helps us understand them as people first and candidates second which leaves us with what we want them to be for us. Yes, even with voting we have made our selections based on what we personally believe we need. Not on what the country needs.
Evidently, Americans feel we need a change. The people have spoken. Both democrats and republicans. But, what will change? No, a better question - what has changed? We will still be entrenched in Iraq. We are not just going to precipitously leave the Iraqi people high and dry. If you believe these democratic law makers are willing to step-up and jump ship you may be just as naïve as Mr. Obama. We will still have no solution to the ever growing problems within the healthcare system. We will continue to put education at the bottom of the agenda. We definitely will not have an answer for the social security crisis our administrations dating back to Ford have created. Finally, we will NEVER have a solution to America’s race problem until both white and black people are honest with themselves and each other. Barack was not honest with Stephanopoulos. He gave the correct answer to appease America so he can get votes for a position his personality is not ready for, while surely not saying this truth to white and black America: ‘I am aware many of you have issues with my skin color. I am aware some of you will not vote for me because of your racist and self-hatred beliefs, but America needs me because I am the BEST leader in this pack of perpetrators.’ Nope, this sincerity and honesty will not come from Barrack because he is doing and saying what he believes he needs to as a result of PLAYING POLITICS.
As these power thirsty white men, one innocently callow black man, one ambassador-type American of Mexican decent, and one hardboiled white woman are saying what we want them to say so we can feel better the country is falling apart:
-Illegal immigrants are bankrupting the social services. (something I have a great deal of abhorrence towards) -The American Dream of purchasing a home has become nightmares for those bamboozled by sharks who the government failed to regulate.
-Companies are exporting their businesses leaving thousands of hard working blue collar folk jobless.
-The American family is under assault because of reckless liberalism e.g. gay marriage & carefree abortion.
-Our youth are on self destructive rampages i.e. using hard drugs (meth) & participating in real dangerous coition, and not clothes up grinding.
Written by Muata. Inspired by the reaction my younger sister had after a white man called her and her friend black nappy-headed niggers. Welcome to reality, Melanie! Inspired by the need for someone to tell Barrack Obama that the hearts and minds of most Americans have not changed. We just do a better job of hiding our contempt for each other now! And, if you don’t believe me ask the average black person what they really think about those Napoleon-complex brown skin brothers crossing the border illegally. We (black folk) have become the new George Wallace-type.
This is a direct quote from an interview transcript Barack Obama had with George Stephanopoulos. This statement alone confirms my germinal belief about Barack: He simply is not prepared for the garbage that comes with the presidency of the United States. A black man who believes he is going to get the majority of the white vote because of his leadership capabilities is demonstrating to the world he is either clueless or trying his best to be positive. Being positive is perfectly okay. We all need to be now and then; while never forgetting about REALITY.
What real world does Barack live in? Does he understand that America is still a racist society? Does he realize that he is just another Negro with a suit and tie? Is Barack that naïve to think his blackness does not play a role in a white person’s decision? Doesn’t he comprehend that some black people will not vote for him because they subconsciously believe he is the color of incompetence? (similar to some blacks deciding not to seek the services of a black doctor or dentist because the physician is that “dreadful” color: BLACK)
Of course I was floored by his assessment as I listened to him do everything possible to convince the viewing population that he is the best Democratic candidate and will be the best president post Bush. I was even getting excited about him for once until he decided to be “positive” and/or politically correct. Initially, I said that Barack is not ready to be the president of the United States. But, over the past few months I have listened to him clarify his position on a few extremely important matters and detail a plan for his stint as the Commander and Chief. From my re-analysis of Mr. Obama’s verbiage I was starting to lean his way. Just a little. However, I could never get pass my suspicion that he does not display to me that he is really ready to sleep in the white house with an authoritative personality. I kept thinking: Does he have the balls to be the president of this conflicted country and will he be another Peace Corps-type for a president like James Earl Carter, Jr.? I just believe Barack Obama is too good for the US presidency, like the former peanut farmer proved to be. Too good in character. And, too vulnerable to be corrupted by the heavy weight-ness of Americas’ ferocious politics.
The last thing I would like to witness is Barack Obama get engulfed by the fecal matter that comes with attempting to be a good president. Good president? What does it take to be a good president anyway? President Walker Bush was a decent president for millions of people before he decided to annihilate Iraq and later support the Shiites. President Jefferson Clinton was a good president until he decided to receive blow jobs in the oval office. President Milhous Nixon was a good president until he ordered someone to eavesdrop. President Wilson Reagan was a good president until his War on Drugs Initiative revealed the alarming differences in prison sentencing for crack vs. powder cocaine offenders. My point is that we, the America voters, can never tell who will be a good president because of changing and evolving circumstances. All it takes to be black listed by voters is one mishap (Howard Dean episode). Just one because of our inability to see past the here and now.
All we have in our intellectual arsenals to make our decisions is the candidate’s scripted political history and their manufactured responses to critical questions. We have nothing that helps us understand them as people first and candidates second which leaves us with what we want them to be for us. Yes, even with voting we have made our selections based on what we personally believe we need. Not on what the country needs.
Evidently, Americans feel we need a change. The people have spoken. Both democrats and republicans. But, what will change? No, a better question - what has changed? We will still be entrenched in Iraq. We are not just going to precipitously leave the Iraqi people high and dry. If you believe these democratic law makers are willing to step-up and jump ship you may be just as naïve as Mr. Obama. We will still have no solution to the ever growing problems within the healthcare system. We will continue to put education at the bottom of the agenda. We definitely will not have an answer for the social security crisis our administrations dating back to Ford have created. Finally, we will NEVER have a solution to America’s race problem until both white and black people are honest with themselves and each other. Barack was not honest with Stephanopoulos. He gave the correct answer to appease America so he can get votes for a position his personality is not ready for, while surely not saying this truth to white and black America: ‘I am aware many of you have issues with my skin color. I am aware some of you will not vote for me because of your racist and self-hatred beliefs, but America needs me because I am the BEST leader in this pack of perpetrators.’ Nope, this sincerity and honesty will not come from Barrack because he is doing and saying what he believes he needs to as a result of PLAYING POLITICS.
As these power thirsty white men, one innocently callow black man, one ambassador-type American of Mexican decent, and one hardboiled white woman are saying what we want them to say so we can feel better the country is falling apart:
-Illegal immigrants are bankrupting the social services. (something I have a great deal of abhorrence towards) -The American Dream of purchasing a home has become nightmares for those bamboozled by sharks who the government failed to regulate.
-Companies are exporting their businesses leaving thousands of hard working blue collar folk jobless.
-The American family is under assault because of reckless liberalism e.g. gay marriage & carefree abortion.
-Our youth are on self destructive rampages i.e. using hard drugs (meth) & participating in real dangerous coition, and not clothes up grinding.
Written by Muata. Inspired by the reaction my younger sister had after a white man called her and her friend black nappy-headed niggers. Welcome to reality, Melanie! Inspired by the need for someone to tell Barrack Obama that the hearts and minds of most Americans have not changed. We just do a better job of hiding our contempt for each other now! And, if you don’t believe me ask the average black person what they really think about those Napoleon-complex brown skin brothers crossing the border illegally. We (black folk) have become the new George Wallace-type.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Blessed and Highly Favored
The next time I hear someone say, ‘I am blessed and highly favored’- I might just regurgitate. You cannot imagine how disgusted I am about having this statement reach my ears.
What does this statement truly mean? I will tell you: 'We (Christians) are blessed because we are saved and God favors us because we have decided to be apart of His Christian church/religion/kingdom, and you are/have not.' Not many Christians will tell you this with humility or without arrogance. Unfortunately, when they do reveal this to you it is done on a level of 'you are down here and we are UP here'.
The funny thing is I NEVER hear Muslims, Buddhist, Taoist, and the numerous other “religious” folk answering the phone with this statement. Perhaps they are secure in their beliefs and don’t need to boastfully broadcast to the world their so call “position” with God. I am of the belief this statement is made out of insecurity by the average Christian.
Who are these Christians trying to convince of their favor? I don’t have a need to know where you (the Christian) THINK you stand with God. I can careless. What type of response are they expecting to receive? Does it make them feel better to declare their "made up" status with their Lord?
Question: I guess that child of Muslim parents dying of AIDS in Africa is not blessed and highly favored? Ya see, the way I see it God is not going around blessing and favoring people. If he is, he has left out that innocent child in Africa. Hasn’t he??? If he is, he is involved in this Freewill concept these Christ followers proclaim he "gave" to the world. According to Christian doctrine, God granted freewill and then said to us ‘Here you go, humans. Do what you will.’ Isn’t it obvious we are doing as we will i.e. chaos, war, destroying the environment?
Do we actually believe God is involved in the details of our lives? If he is, why isn’t he rescuing the millions of kids being sexually molested and killed by "praying" adults while "moral" people are praying to keep our kids safe?
Also, why is there a need to ‘hold onto the everlasting arm of Jesus’ if you have been blessed and favored? The way I see it there is no need to seek comfort or security from The Son of Man (hold on to the everlasting arm of Jesus) if you are covered with the blood of Jesus (blessed and favored).
I ain’t crazy and I ain’t mad with Christianity. I am being real with REAL questions, and NO one is answering or addressing them for us folk who are THINKING and SEARCHING for a new path that will possibly lead us to some level of intellectually understanding, and not understanding by faith. To understand via your faith means one cannot move from that understanding without fusing in the dogma that's apart of their anima.
Written by Muata. Inspired by the devoted Christians who forget that their religion states that they are SINNERS first and SAINTS later.
What does this statement truly mean? I will tell you: 'We (Christians) are blessed because we are saved and God favors us because we have decided to be apart of His Christian church/religion/kingdom, and you are/have not.' Not many Christians will tell you this with humility or without arrogance. Unfortunately, when they do reveal this to you it is done on a level of 'you are down here and we are UP here'.
The funny thing is I NEVER hear Muslims, Buddhist, Taoist, and the numerous other “religious” folk answering the phone with this statement. Perhaps they are secure in their beliefs and don’t need to boastfully broadcast to the world their so call “position” with God. I am of the belief this statement is made out of insecurity by the average Christian.
Who are these Christians trying to convince of their favor? I don’t have a need to know where you (the Christian) THINK you stand with God. I can careless. What type of response are they expecting to receive? Does it make them feel better to declare their "made up" status with their Lord?
Question: I guess that child of Muslim parents dying of AIDS in Africa is not blessed and highly favored? Ya see, the way I see it God is not going around blessing and favoring people. If he is, he has left out that innocent child in Africa. Hasn’t he??? If he is, he is involved in this Freewill concept these Christ followers proclaim he "gave" to the world. According to Christian doctrine, God granted freewill and then said to us ‘Here you go, humans. Do what you will.’ Isn’t it obvious we are doing as we will i.e. chaos, war, destroying the environment?
Do we actually believe God is involved in the details of our lives? If he is, why isn’t he rescuing the millions of kids being sexually molested and killed by "praying" adults while "moral" people are praying to keep our kids safe?
Also, why is there a need to ‘hold onto the everlasting arm of Jesus’ if you have been blessed and favored? The way I see it there is no need to seek comfort or security from The Son of Man (hold on to the everlasting arm of Jesus) if you are covered with the blood of Jesus (blessed and favored).
I ain’t crazy and I ain’t mad with Christianity. I am being real with REAL questions, and NO one is answering or addressing them for us folk who are THINKING and SEARCHING for a new path that will possibly lead us to some level of intellectually understanding, and not understanding by faith. To understand via your faith means one cannot move from that understanding without fusing in the dogma that's apart of their anima.
Written by Muata. Inspired by the devoted Christians who forget that their religion states that they are SINNERS first and SAINTS later.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Millennium Generation Black Men: The New Pacifier Nation?
It does not surprise me that some white men still to this day carry themselves with an arrogance that exudes “I am a privileged man in this society – back the hell off”. It does not surprise me that some white men continue to think that they are better than other folk with darker skin. But, what has recently amazed me is the new attitude many of our black men and boys have been displaying, which motivates me to ask: Are these black males still sucking areolas and nipples at the ages of 3 to 25?
Before you stop reading or continue to read because you think I am on my way to “blasting black men” please be informed of this: I will NOT use this opportunity to torpedo my fellow brothas. Nope, I will not. However, I will share with you my thoughts on an unusual phenomenon within black culture. Queer in that I, as a 36 year old man, do not know of any black men my age who are walking around with a pacifier in his mouth.
Yes, there are black men my age out there who sistas claim want their mommas and not them as a girlfriend or wife. The sistas claim these men are still licking for breast milk. “Behaving like spoiled crybabies who eat and eat – and never feed their women!” Nonetheless, I am of the belief that if you were born in the seventies you still have a clue of what it really means to be a black man in America. Now, for these brothas born in the eighties and nineties my previous statement does not apply to many of them. These think-they-know something about hip-hop and information technology savvy Face Book addicts are beginning to be true Public Enemies. Not in the way the Public Enemies were described while I was growing up, but in the sense that they have taken on behavior that is reflective of too much coddling by momma which will eventually alienate them within this society of it is not my problem and dangerous narcissism. Black men cannot pull the same bull as our white counterparts.
I never thought I would see a black woman begging and pleading with her 5 year old son to sit down or come to her. I never thought I would see little black boys running throughout the grocery store like untrained monkeys. I never thought I would hear of a black kid smacking his momma. I never thought I would witness a black momma allowing her son to get away with just about anything. I always knew that mommas, particularly black mommas, favored their boys - but I never thought... You get my point.
What was totally foreign in my small black environment in North Carolina has finally made it into the mainstream of African American families: Total Disrespect for Momma. To be very honest I never heard a black kid say, ‘Kiss my azz, momma.’ I did not even think a child could formulate the thought to say it. On the other hand, this type of communication from white kids with their parents was and has continued to be a common occurrence. Even when I heard this level of impudence back in the day I just knew that the white kid was going to get a MAJOR beaten later. Evidently, I was wrong. These white kids did not get beat down when they were younger as far as I could tell because I was a witness to this type of disrespect of parents while attending that predominately white school in North Carolina. That place where I learned a few things about life. Thank God I did not pick up a crude reverence for my mother there.
Lately, black mothers for some reason have been giving out passes to their sons. It is evident in the young men’s actions: Never wanting to take responsibility for poor behavior. Making excuses for their problems. Never acknowledging that they have made a mistake. And, the ultimate: Using this behavior as a justification for their “plight” in life. Can you believe it? These sorry behind teenage boys are running around here believing that we have totally failed them. Yes, my generation and my mother’s have not completely done all we can do to assure our children are in a better position in the next 10 to 20 years, but we have not failed them to the extent we are the source behind: Total Disrespect of Momma.
However, there is indication that black mommas are failing our boys. I want to believe that my sistas with children today are not coddling their black boys to death (literally), but statistics and their behavior points to momma as part of the problem. Why can’t black women remove the pacifiers from our black men’s mouths? Why have they taken on this new role of ‘son, I will hold you in my arms and wipe your behind until you are 25’? Perhaps it has always been this way and I just did not conceptualize the magnitude, or are the affects finally reaching our doorsteps and schools with a vengeance? Momma is prone to “take-up” for Kris after he blatantly misbehaves in an orderly classroom. Ask any teacher or principal in urban America!
I emphatically believe more black women are refusing to cut the umbilical cord sooner, and it is causing us to be apart of this pathetic Coddler Nation along with the other America. Here we go again taking on what they do. I wonder if we are going to start outsourcing breast feeding. You read that right: (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18313552/). When are we going to realize that their ways do not necessarily jive with our mode of living, let alone childrearing? Don’t we have a different set of problems that our men face each and every day? Persisting on timeout as a method of punishment for kicking little Shawanda in the face is not an appropriate form of chastisement for Andre. What brotha you know will be given a light prison sentence for backhanding a Susie? That Negro will go straight to prison for abusing America’s beacon of beauty!
To address the apparent two sides to this dilemma and not place sole blame on our phenomenal black mommas, we must put some responsibility on the shoulders of the pansy-behind absentee male baby makers. I have continuously heard and read, “A son needs his father”. But, what does this truly mean? Does this imply if our fathers were in the homes these non-appreciative boys will behave differently? If this is the case, why cannot these black men who help make the babies understand that staying in the home or at least being a dad is CRITICAL? I seriously can’t believe some of us actually LEAVE. Get LOST. Then we wonder why black folk are stuck in third gear. My disdain for this dude is over the top! He really does not get it: The man is supposed to lead and make things happen for the family. We were not created to be cowards! This black man should be ashamed of himself.
It all boils down to what I call Manhood Responsibility. Just be a man. Why is there a need for manhood development training programs considering women when faced with having to be there for the life they help create are PRESENT? They take on the responsibility to be a mother while our men voice that they have to ‘find themselves’. This particular double standard is ruining our future along with babying Lil DJ.
How much longer will we allow this double standard to exist? When will our mothers realize that coddling is not working? Let Joe-Joe cry! When will these baby making boys stop walking around here frontin’ as men when in fact they are little punks? Man up!
Written by Muata. Inspired by those black mommas wearing both pair of shoes: Mom’s and Dad’s. Inspired by what I am going to do the next time I hear my son say, “I want my momma.”
Before you stop reading or continue to read because you think I am on my way to “blasting black men” please be informed of this: I will NOT use this opportunity to torpedo my fellow brothas. Nope, I will not. However, I will share with you my thoughts on an unusual phenomenon within black culture. Queer in that I, as a 36 year old man, do not know of any black men my age who are walking around with a pacifier in his mouth.
Yes, there are black men my age out there who sistas claim want their mommas and not them as a girlfriend or wife. The sistas claim these men are still licking for breast milk. “Behaving like spoiled crybabies who eat and eat – and never feed their women!” Nonetheless, I am of the belief that if you were born in the seventies you still have a clue of what it really means to be a black man in America. Now, for these brothas born in the eighties and nineties my previous statement does not apply to many of them. These think-they-know something about hip-hop and information technology savvy Face Book addicts are beginning to be true Public Enemies. Not in the way the Public Enemies were described while I was growing up, but in the sense that they have taken on behavior that is reflective of too much coddling by momma which will eventually alienate them within this society of it is not my problem and dangerous narcissism. Black men cannot pull the same bull as our white counterparts.
I never thought I would see a black woman begging and pleading with her 5 year old son to sit down or come to her. I never thought I would see little black boys running throughout the grocery store like untrained monkeys. I never thought I would hear of a black kid smacking his momma. I never thought I would witness a black momma allowing her son to get away with just about anything. I always knew that mommas, particularly black mommas, favored their boys - but I never thought... You get my point.
What was totally foreign in my small black environment in North Carolina has finally made it into the mainstream of African American families: Total Disrespect for Momma. To be very honest I never heard a black kid say, ‘Kiss my azz, momma.’ I did not even think a child could formulate the thought to say it. On the other hand, this type of communication from white kids with their parents was and has continued to be a common occurrence. Even when I heard this level of impudence back in the day I just knew that the white kid was going to get a MAJOR beaten later. Evidently, I was wrong. These white kids did not get beat down when they were younger as far as I could tell because I was a witness to this type of disrespect of parents while attending that predominately white school in North Carolina. That place where I learned a few things about life. Thank God I did not pick up a crude reverence for my mother there.
Lately, black mothers for some reason have been giving out passes to their sons. It is evident in the young men’s actions: Never wanting to take responsibility for poor behavior. Making excuses for their problems. Never acknowledging that they have made a mistake. And, the ultimate: Using this behavior as a justification for their “plight” in life. Can you believe it? These sorry behind teenage boys are running around here believing that we have totally failed them. Yes, my generation and my mother’s have not completely done all we can do to assure our children are in a better position in the next 10 to 20 years, but we have not failed them to the extent we are the source behind: Total Disrespect of Momma.
However, there is indication that black mommas are failing our boys. I want to believe that my sistas with children today are not coddling their black boys to death (literally), but statistics and their behavior points to momma as part of the problem. Why can’t black women remove the pacifiers from our black men’s mouths? Why have they taken on this new role of ‘son, I will hold you in my arms and wipe your behind until you are 25’? Perhaps it has always been this way and I just did not conceptualize the magnitude, or are the affects finally reaching our doorsteps and schools with a vengeance? Momma is prone to “take-up” for Kris after he blatantly misbehaves in an orderly classroom. Ask any teacher or principal in urban America!
I emphatically believe more black women are refusing to cut the umbilical cord sooner, and it is causing us to be apart of this pathetic Coddler Nation along with the other America. Here we go again taking on what they do. I wonder if we are going to start outsourcing breast feeding. You read that right: (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18313552/). When are we going to realize that their ways do not necessarily jive with our mode of living, let alone childrearing? Don’t we have a different set of problems that our men face each and every day? Persisting on timeout as a method of punishment for kicking little Shawanda in the face is not an appropriate form of chastisement for Andre. What brotha you know will be given a light prison sentence for backhanding a Susie? That Negro will go straight to prison for abusing America’s beacon of beauty!
To address the apparent two sides to this dilemma and not place sole blame on our phenomenal black mommas, we must put some responsibility on the shoulders of the pansy-behind absentee male baby makers. I have continuously heard and read, “A son needs his father”. But, what does this truly mean? Does this imply if our fathers were in the homes these non-appreciative boys will behave differently? If this is the case, why cannot these black men who help make the babies understand that staying in the home or at least being a dad is CRITICAL? I seriously can’t believe some of us actually LEAVE. Get LOST. Then we wonder why black folk are stuck in third gear. My disdain for this dude is over the top! He really does not get it: The man is supposed to lead and make things happen for the family. We were not created to be cowards! This black man should be ashamed of himself.
It all boils down to what I call Manhood Responsibility. Just be a man. Why is there a need for manhood development training programs considering women when faced with having to be there for the life they help create are PRESENT? They take on the responsibility to be a mother while our men voice that they have to ‘find themselves’. This particular double standard is ruining our future along with babying Lil DJ.
How much longer will we allow this double standard to exist? When will our mothers realize that coddling is not working? Let Joe-Joe cry! When will these baby making boys stop walking around here frontin’ as men when in fact they are little punks? Man up!
Written by Muata. Inspired by those black mommas wearing both pair of shoes: Mom’s and Dad’s. Inspired by what I am going to do the next time I hear my son say, “I want my momma.”
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Homelessness: A Laughing Matter
On April 9, 2007 at approximately 9:15am I saw a black man running across a very busy intersection in Atlanta. He was in a 200 meter stride. It appeared he was trying his best to get to an area where he could go unnoticed while urinating. As I watched this man struggle to unzip his pants I began to laugh uncontrollably. For some reason on this Monday morning I needed a reason to laugh and I guess someone to laugh at. I found my victim in a black homeless man. As I drove past this man, who could have been my uncle Raymond at one time or even me if I don’t find a job real soon, I continued to laugh. I just found the scene to be hilarious for some odd reason. He just could not get his penis out of his jeans to relieve himself. His difficulty became my sick joke and my pleasure entertainment as I road in the comforts of my luxury vehicle.
When I finally lost view of this particular man and as soon as I approached Garrett Morgan’s invention I saw another black man in the cross walk talking to himself and carrying a briefcase. He had on shorts, a filthy white t-shirt, dilapidated looking Chuck Taylor’s, and suspenders. Immediately, I thought: He is homeless. He had to be dressed like that and looking so defeated. Here it was 43 degrees in April, and this black man had on shorts. He had to be cold, but his destination in his mind was work.
While I experienced the comedic moment, I shared the play-by-play with someone extremely important to me. She did not appear to find the urinating man story to be funny. I just believe my animation tickled her. Remember, I was literally falling out of the driver’s seat giggling. As I continued to have this cell phone morning chat outside of my free minutes timeframe I began to really “get in-tuned” with what I was making fun of on this eventful morning. It got additionally clearer to me when I parked, and a homeless woman asked me for some money for breakfast. In my unsympathetic way I refused to press the down portion of my driver’s side window lever to hear what this broken soul asked of me. I read her lips as I gazed into her intense eyes: “I am cold and hungry. Can you please spare a dollar?”
In those eyes I saw pain, embarrassment, humiliation, and personal disgust, but I still could not bring myself to communicate with this homeless black woman. I guess I did not really SEE her as a human being. She must have been what my dear friend described within her question while I laughed at that man trying his best to take a leak: Is he a real man or a homeless man? After realizing the magnitude of her question an apology came through my cell phone, and then and only then did I began to understand that this series of events was either divine or an opportunity for me to make it a God Sent Message. Considering I do believe in God, I want to believe that this Power we claim to identify with and who we pray to each night was communicating something to me. Even if one day some “logical” human being proves there is no God, I will always believe that there was a God Force speaking to me via on my faith on April 9, 2007 between the minutes of 9:15am and 9:30am.
For a few months now I have been trying to think of another way to give something back. You know, do something other than constantly talk and write about the ills affecting the black community, speaking occasionally at schools, raising my son, donating money to the United Negro College Fund, and mentoring my nephew.
Every since my first day of working in the Five Points area of Atlanta I have disliked that I must entrench my spirit and being in the mess that plays out without interruption or failure in the heart of America’s fastest growing metropolis. I despise the self-degradation that I see, and the lack of personal responsibility displayed by my people. I truly detest the ramifications that have been inflicted upon us as a result of an oppressive and racist governmental system. In spite of this internal conflict, one thing has been ongoing within me: I have, in my unique way, connected with the homeless population on Broad, Trinity, and Mitchell streets. Through significant mental anguish and my uncouthly compassion another meaningful cause will be added to my life.
As of today, I have decided to team up with a program that feeds the homeless on Saturday mornings in that same parking lot where I see black men and women walking around in a trance begging for a little bit of my government granted salary. The director of the program doesn’t know it yet, but he will be surprised when I stop by this coming Saturday morning with bags of hand-me-downs. I remember those bags filled with goodies!
Your help is needed. If you live in the Atlanta metro area please go through your closets, and donate those “old” clothes to a good cause. I will even pick them up. There is not a huge rush because this weekend some black man who, by the way, could be my father will get two pair of shoes, a few shirts, and some slacks from my closet.
If you would like to donate please let me know ASAP. Also, if you are reading while living in another city please encourage your church to think about forming a homeless ministry. I will even do what I can from afar. Hold up – all of our churches are already addressing this issue. Righhhht!
Lord, help us to SEE these aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandfathers, grandmothers, mommas, and fathers as REAL PEOPLE and not homeless people.
Written by Muata. Inspired by that man who I hope finally got his penis out of his pants.
When I finally lost view of this particular man and as soon as I approached Garrett Morgan’s invention I saw another black man in the cross walk talking to himself and carrying a briefcase. He had on shorts, a filthy white t-shirt, dilapidated looking Chuck Taylor’s, and suspenders. Immediately, I thought: He is homeless. He had to be dressed like that and looking so defeated. Here it was 43 degrees in April, and this black man had on shorts. He had to be cold, but his destination in his mind was work.
While I experienced the comedic moment, I shared the play-by-play with someone extremely important to me. She did not appear to find the urinating man story to be funny. I just believe my animation tickled her. Remember, I was literally falling out of the driver’s seat giggling. As I continued to have this cell phone morning chat outside of my free minutes timeframe I began to really “get in-tuned” with what I was making fun of on this eventful morning. It got additionally clearer to me when I parked, and a homeless woman asked me for some money for breakfast. In my unsympathetic way I refused to press the down portion of my driver’s side window lever to hear what this broken soul asked of me. I read her lips as I gazed into her intense eyes: “I am cold and hungry. Can you please spare a dollar?”
In those eyes I saw pain, embarrassment, humiliation, and personal disgust, but I still could not bring myself to communicate with this homeless black woman. I guess I did not really SEE her as a human being. She must have been what my dear friend described within her question while I laughed at that man trying his best to take a leak: Is he a real man or a homeless man? After realizing the magnitude of her question an apology came through my cell phone, and then and only then did I began to understand that this series of events was either divine or an opportunity for me to make it a God Sent Message. Considering I do believe in God, I want to believe that this Power we claim to identify with and who we pray to each night was communicating something to me. Even if one day some “logical” human being proves there is no God, I will always believe that there was a God Force speaking to me via on my faith on April 9, 2007 between the minutes of 9:15am and 9:30am.
For a few months now I have been trying to think of another way to give something back. You know, do something other than constantly talk and write about the ills affecting the black community, speaking occasionally at schools, raising my son, donating money to the United Negro College Fund, and mentoring my nephew.
Every since my first day of working in the Five Points area of Atlanta I have disliked that I must entrench my spirit and being in the mess that plays out without interruption or failure in the heart of America’s fastest growing metropolis. I despise the self-degradation that I see, and the lack of personal responsibility displayed by my people. I truly detest the ramifications that have been inflicted upon us as a result of an oppressive and racist governmental system. In spite of this internal conflict, one thing has been ongoing within me: I have, in my unique way, connected with the homeless population on Broad, Trinity, and Mitchell streets. Through significant mental anguish and my uncouthly compassion another meaningful cause will be added to my life.
As of today, I have decided to team up with a program that feeds the homeless on Saturday mornings in that same parking lot where I see black men and women walking around in a trance begging for a little bit of my government granted salary. The director of the program doesn’t know it yet, but he will be surprised when I stop by this coming Saturday morning with bags of hand-me-downs. I remember those bags filled with goodies!
Your help is needed. If you live in the Atlanta metro area please go through your closets, and donate those “old” clothes to a good cause. I will even pick them up. There is not a huge rush because this weekend some black man who, by the way, could be my father will get two pair of shoes, a few shirts, and some slacks from my closet.
If you would like to donate please let me know ASAP. Also, if you are reading while living in another city please encourage your church to think about forming a homeless ministry. I will even do what I can from afar. Hold up – all of our churches are already addressing this issue. Righhhht!
Lord, help us to SEE these aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandfathers, grandmothers, mommas, and fathers as REAL PEOPLE and not homeless people.
Written by Muata. Inspired by that man who I hope finally got his penis out of his pants.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
War changes you, but what else am I suppose to do?
Clearly, the Iraq war has changed the political and social landscape of the United States and the Middle East. As a result of this pointless war villages in Iraq and in small poor towns throughout the United States have suffered. The suffering is noticeable in countless ways. American men and women are coming home maimed. Children are parentless, and Iraqi men and women are scarred for life. Their country will never be the same. The remnants of war will forever linger above the sunsets in Fallujah, Baghdad, South Hill, and in Fayette-nam: home of the 82nd Air Borne.
If you listen to the conservative pundits you will gather that they believe this war is justifiable. According to them it was the right thing to do. If you lean to the left and if you avoid the conservative news networks you are among a group of people who believe fighting this war was one of the United States government’s biggest mistakes. I disagree with this. America’s most drastic mistake was nonchalantly allowing black men and women to be victimized by a system of blatant and institutionalized racism. Anyway, the Iraq war is not only bankrupting the federal reserve it is exposing our third world type conditions to the world.
The government’s involvement in this war has made us vulnerable to additional criticism. We are no longer viewed as the country that has it together. How can we be when the individuals who serve in our armed forces cannot receive appropriate healthcare back on American soil? You would think this fine country could at least house their wounded in non-molded infested dwellings which, as a matter of fact, I have seen in countless hospitals in the developing world - but we are considered the First World. Now, that is worth responding with: Wow! But no, we the United States of America are deficient in this area. We have dropped the ball again. You would think we would have learned something during and after both World War I and II. And, after the Vietnam War. Our men and women faced the same issues back then. Again, Wow!
Do we honestly believe our soldiers were aware of the military’s deficiencies before they volunteered to safeguard the great United States? I often wondered as a high school senior why that Army recruiter was so persistent and evasive. She was always seated each and every Friday in the Thomasville High School Student Union. She did not miss a Friday of tip-toeing around the important questions. I also wondered why so many of my friends walked up to her information table. Actually, at the time I was intrigued by the military. Deep down in my subconscious I wanted to come home alive in a uniform, but I could not get the words of my uncles out of my head. The words were: “Do not fight for this country. This country will turn its back on you.” These were the words of two former military men. When I got older I asked my uncles why did they join. Both of them without hesitation said, “I did not have anything else to do, and I wanted to leave this small town.”
There is a lot of psychology in their statement. Two black men wanted to do something with their lives. Two black men had a desire to get out of a small town. These are the same exact reasons why some of my classmates approached that recruitment table 20 years ago. They wanted to flee all those negative elements that make up a small town i.e. limited mentalities and debilitating unemployment. Their interest did not stem from a passion to serve this country. They were not boasting with American pride. There was no reason for us to be in love with Uncle Sam’s country. We were poor and black. Two characteristics that forced us to remember “our place”. But, we did have a desire to do something with our lives. We were motivated to be somebody. To do more than what the former upper classmen did.
Back then (the late 80’s) in my small town there was a concerted push for young men and women to do something with their lives. The teachers and guidance counselors encouraged us to go to college or to get a job in the furniture factories. However, starting your work career off at a furniture factory was not held in high esteem. Our parents wanted “more” for their children, and going to college was a challenge for too many of us. But, going to the military was an easy answer. I can remember so many adults communicating that join the Army message. When I think about their persistence now I get repulsed, but I do understand and respect their efforts. They just wanted us to make something of ourselves. They wanted to be proud of us. No harm in that.
Most people have felt the pressure to be successful. No one wants to be a failure. I wholeheartedly believe that. Nevertheless, in our efforts to promote the things our children must do to be successful I believe it is absolutely essential that we do not promote a line of work that has a high potential to leave our men 1) mentally traumatized, 2) resentful, and 3) unemployable. My uncles’ personalities and lives give indication to all three despite their ability to successfully navigate through America’s crippling deceit and unfulfilled promises. I honor Raymond and Jerry Payne. They have done their very best under the illusionary banner we hypocritically take so much pride in: Democracy.
Unfortunately, after 30 plus years this is the same result for our young black men. Yes, there are “success stories”. And, I agree that the military can lead one on an amazing path of success. Nonetheless, the war America raged has proven that there is a negative side that our men NEVER hear about when being courted by that recruiter in the crisp uniform. Their methods of minority recruitment are filled with all types of sensory enticements: loud rap music, girls representing the Army with mid-drifts and booty shorts on, and vehicles with flashy rims. This is the way the Army recruits in what they call the urban market. The picture within this link is an example of what they use to attract young black men at HBCU’s and outside of strip malls in places like Atlanta, Detroit, and Houston (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2848327010072832045qBnLgZ).
Not only, is America’s wing of defense tapping into flamboyant marketing directed to black men and women. They also have the audacity to camp out in small rural towns where the population is mostly white. Yep, they even prey on young whites in the heart of America, the mid-West. The approach is somewhat the same they just don’t bring the fully loaded Hummers blaring the rap song, Throw Some D’s On It. No, the white Marine and Navy recruiters go to the local Friday night football game and hoodwink those teenagers by playing on the emotion of fear. That fear is rooted in the question: ‘What will I do with my life?’
War has changed too many of us. It is my hope the change for those successfully bamboozled will come as a result of the TRUTH: ‘The military’s purpose is to protect and defend the United States. There is a GOOD chance you will have to fight in a war, and you may be killed.’
If the Bush Administration has its way we will be fighting and fighting with no end to the fighting in sight, which means more young and poverty stricken 18 to 25 year olds will come home with no legs or possibly in a coffin wrapped in a symbol that’s hated by most of the world: The American Flag. Just because foreigners arrive at our doorsteps does not mean we are beloved by them. The American government has made enemies and they continue to do so with a renewed zeal of imperialism. Just travel to Europe, Africa, and Asia; and dialogue with the common folk. They resent the America that’s caused so much strife and unnecessary changes in their fragile countries.
The detrimental changes as a result of this war:
*3,218 US soldiers killed and 24,042 seriously wounded in Iraq
*Iraqi Military and Police Casualties - 6,271
*Iraqi civilian causalities have been significantly under reported. Casualties are reported at 50,000 to over 100,000, but may be significantly higher. Some informed estimates place Iraqi civilian causalities at over 600,000.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2954716&page=1
Written by Muata. Inspired by the 18 year old white kid who told Richard Engel, CNN reporter, “God knows I was not prepared for this.” Inspired by the 20 year old black man who told a BBC reporter, “I want to go home. I regret I ever joined the military, but what else was I suppose to do?”
If you listen to the conservative pundits you will gather that they believe this war is justifiable. According to them it was the right thing to do. If you lean to the left and if you avoid the conservative news networks you are among a group of people who believe fighting this war was one of the United States government’s biggest mistakes. I disagree with this. America’s most drastic mistake was nonchalantly allowing black men and women to be victimized by a system of blatant and institutionalized racism. Anyway, the Iraq war is not only bankrupting the federal reserve it is exposing our third world type conditions to the world.
The government’s involvement in this war has made us vulnerable to additional criticism. We are no longer viewed as the country that has it together. How can we be when the individuals who serve in our armed forces cannot receive appropriate healthcare back on American soil? You would think this fine country could at least house their wounded in non-molded infested dwellings which, as a matter of fact, I have seen in countless hospitals in the developing world - but we are considered the First World. Now, that is worth responding with: Wow! But no, we the United States of America are deficient in this area. We have dropped the ball again. You would think we would have learned something during and after both World War I and II. And, after the Vietnam War. Our men and women faced the same issues back then. Again, Wow!
Do we honestly believe our soldiers were aware of the military’s deficiencies before they volunteered to safeguard the great United States? I often wondered as a high school senior why that Army recruiter was so persistent and evasive. She was always seated each and every Friday in the Thomasville High School Student Union. She did not miss a Friday of tip-toeing around the important questions. I also wondered why so many of my friends walked up to her information table. Actually, at the time I was intrigued by the military. Deep down in my subconscious I wanted to come home alive in a uniform, but I could not get the words of my uncles out of my head. The words were: “Do not fight for this country. This country will turn its back on you.” These were the words of two former military men. When I got older I asked my uncles why did they join. Both of them without hesitation said, “I did not have anything else to do, and I wanted to leave this small town.”
There is a lot of psychology in their statement. Two black men wanted to do something with their lives. Two black men had a desire to get out of a small town. These are the same exact reasons why some of my classmates approached that recruitment table 20 years ago. They wanted to flee all those negative elements that make up a small town i.e. limited mentalities and debilitating unemployment. Their interest did not stem from a passion to serve this country. They were not boasting with American pride. There was no reason for us to be in love with Uncle Sam’s country. We were poor and black. Two characteristics that forced us to remember “our place”. But, we did have a desire to do something with our lives. We were motivated to be somebody. To do more than what the former upper classmen did.
Back then (the late 80’s) in my small town there was a concerted push for young men and women to do something with their lives. The teachers and guidance counselors encouraged us to go to college or to get a job in the furniture factories. However, starting your work career off at a furniture factory was not held in high esteem. Our parents wanted “more” for their children, and going to college was a challenge for too many of us. But, going to the military was an easy answer. I can remember so many adults communicating that join the Army message. When I think about their persistence now I get repulsed, but I do understand and respect their efforts. They just wanted us to make something of ourselves. They wanted to be proud of us. No harm in that.
Most people have felt the pressure to be successful. No one wants to be a failure. I wholeheartedly believe that. Nevertheless, in our efforts to promote the things our children must do to be successful I believe it is absolutely essential that we do not promote a line of work that has a high potential to leave our men 1) mentally traumatized, 2) resentful, and 3) unemployable. My uncles’ personalities and lives give indication to all three despite their ability to successfully navigate through America’s crippling deceit and unfulfilled promises. I honor Raymond and Jerry Payne. They have done their very best under the illusionary banner we hypocritically take so much pride in: Democracy.
Unfortunately, after 30 plus years this is the same result for our young black men. Yes, there are “success stories”. And, I agree that the military can lead one on an amazing path of success. Nonetheless, the war America raged has proven that there is a negative side that our men NEVER hear about when being courted by that recruiter in the crisp uniform. Their methods of minority recruitment are filled with all types of sensory enticements: loud rap music, girls representing the Army with mid-drifts and booty shorts on, and vehicles with flashy rims. This is the way the Army recruits in what they call the urban market. The picture within this link is an example of what they use to attract young black men at HBCU’s and outside of strip malls in places like Atlanta, Detroit, and Houston (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2848327010072832045qBnLgZ).
Not only, is America’s wing of defense tapping into flamboyant marketing directed to black men and women. They also have the audacity to camp out in small rural towns where the population is mostly white. Yep, they even prey on young whites in the heart of America, the mid-West. The approach is somewhat the same they just don’t bring the fully loaded Hummers blaring the rap song, Throw Some D’s On It. No, the white Marine and Navy recruiters go to the local Friday night football game and hoodwink those teenagers by playing on the emotion of fear. That fear is rooted in the question: ‘What will I do with my life?’
War has changed too many of us. It is my hope the change for those successfully bamboozled will come as a result of the TRUTH: ‘The military’s purpose is to protect and defend the United States. There is a GOOD chance you will have to fight in a war, and you may be killed.’
If the Bush Administration has its way we will be fighting and fighting with no end to the fighting in sight, which means more young and poverty stricken 18 to 25 year olds will come home with no legs or possibly in a coffin wrapped in a symbol that’s hated by most of the world: The American Flag. Just because foreigners arrive at our doorsteps does not mean we are beloved by them. The American government has made enemies and they continue to do so with a renewed zeal of imperialism. Just travel to Europe, Africa, and Asia; and dialogue with the common folk. They resent the America that’s caused so much strife and unnecessary changes in their fragile countries.
The detrimental changes as a result of this war:
*3,218 US soldiers killed and 24,042 seriously wounded in Iraq
*Iraqi Military and Police Casualties - 6,271
*Iraqi civilian causalities have been significantly under reported. Casualties are reported at 50,000 to over 100,000, but may be significantly higher. Some informed estimates place Iraqi civilian causalities at over 600,000.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2954716&page=1
Written by Muata. Inspired by the 18 year old white kid who told Richard Engel, CNN reporter, “God knows I was not prepared for this.” Inspired by the 20 year old black man who told a BBC reporter, “I want to go home. I regret I ever joined the military, but what else was I suppose to do?”
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Silence is Killing us
The Silence is Killing us is a commentary response to our inability to face ourselves and do what is necessary to remove the shackles of mental slavery. The chains are no longer present, but the affects of the chains are. Being that African Americans DO perfectly understand that we are killing ourselves one must ponder if we are capable of SAVING ourselves. I believe we can without the thralldom of religion, but first we must acknowledge that we are catering to the enemy by not accepting personal responsibility and by avoiding the disturbing reflections in the mirror. We are better than what we display to the world!
The culture of silence has regulated us to a culture of personal responsibility avoidance. No one is responsible for their behavior. The “dog did it excuse” is pervasive throughout America. We have become a culture of finger pointing which will ultimately leave us in “bad shape” as Farrakhan has on numerous occasions passionately communicated to jam packed arenas full of black people.
When I was a child my grandmother faithfully stressed to me that my reputation will be determined by two things: the way I conduct myself and how I handle my problems. She told me to behave like I have some sense and to always and I repeat ALWAYS be responsible for my issues, and NEVER blame my neglectful, asinine, stupid, and ignorant behavior on “the system” or on someone else. Her basic message: “Brian, take responsibility. The issues and solutions lie within.”
Whatever happened to this type of child rearing? Where are the parents who feed this to their children? Are there any remaining? What mechanisms are in place in our public school system to foster this type of guidance? More specifically and in line with current events, where was the outcry from our black politicians, the black community, and our civic/religious leaders when two teenagers were caught red handed supplying cherry flavored marijuana blunts to two toddlers {http://youtube.com/watch?v=SPgKZOfG89Q}. I will tell you where we are: We are waddling in our inability to grab a hold of PR: Personal Responsibility. We are too busy waiting on a white person to say or do the “wrong” thing. Once again, our attention is misguided and shameful on every level. Rhetoric? Ranting? It is, but this needs to be said and read repeatedly.
When I heard about this incident I was on the road driving to one of the black community’s leading events. The CIAA basketball tournament is regarded as the premier sporting event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Not only is the basketball play entertaining, the action surrounding it is what I call top-notch. Yes, I am referring to the partying and networking, but I want to point out also that these all day and all night long parties are mature in nature, safe, and fun. No teen or early twenties type of drama whatsoever. At the completion of the weekend festivities I felt so proud that some fool did not pull a gun because someone stepped on his sparkling white Air Force Ones.
Anyway, as I drove up interstate 85 this ridiculous crime was shared with me by a teacher. When he finished describing what I later saw on CNN and Fox my immediate question to him was: Were the teenagers black? The impetus to this question is “deep seated” in my desire not to be embarrassed by black people’s trifling behavior. Something I constantly write and talk about with love. Something that makes me want to smack a few of my people. Something that can be prevented if WE do what needs to be done to reverse the tide of self destruction. Remember that song with those two words throughout? I believe part of the lyrics are, “we are headed for self destruction”. This was when hip-hop had a positive message and image.
What I am even more embarrassed by is our lazy and sorry-behind response. We are no where to be found on this issue. But yet, a few weeks ago we were all over the news complaining about a white man giving Barack Obama an accolade. Well, I and a few other black folk took it as a compliment. I suspect my line of thought was way off considering I was blasted by friends who thought I was not down with blackness. One person insinuated that I am recklessly critical of my people. Another friend mentioned that I was selling out.
Selling out? Well, selling out to me is when we are not flooding the internet blogs with condemnation of irresponsible behavior. Selling out is when we remain hush-hush when a black person does something imbecilic. Selling out is when our great arms of “protect the black folk from the white media” i.e. NAACP are no where to be found when devastating events like the one the world has viewed on YouTube over 160,000 times occur. Do I need to list any other examples of selling out? I shall not! I will only be accused of “hatin’ on black folk”. Watch the video and really see who is hatin' on us. Try to figure out what the black community is doing to address this opprobrious act, and you will see whose hatin' on black folk. We are doing the hatin’ as a result of our tight lips.
Back to personal responsibility. But first try to stomach the latest YouTube video that further supports my claim that black folk are becoming more and more reluctant to grabbing a hold of Personal Responsibility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUv3Y7f1hRc
I have personalized this commentary because I saw the devastation of four black youth last week. The two and five year olds may have been smoking weed for months. Weed heads already! The two teenagers evidently are shiftless and lack the necessary gumption to do something meaningful with their lives. What do we have as a result: the uncle and his boy will go to America’s second home for black men (prison) and the two toddlers are now wards of the state. The Great Savior: White Family will save the toddlers, I imagine. Pathetic! And guess what, the white man had nothing to do with this one. Wait a minute! I forgot the reason for the two young men’s behavior is a result of slavery. Once again slavery is the card we have played. Why not drop down the Ace so we can ace ourselves out of this self defeating culture of... What? I can’t hear the word. Oh! That word is SILENCE.
If only we would fall in love with personal responsibility and not the lyrics from the song This is why I am Hot. If only we would as a people stop condoning foolishness. Those of you who believe we do not condone it answer this question: Why aren’t we up in arms when we commit crimes against black humanity?
‘Brian, there you go again. You are being unfair to black people.’ Okay then, I will attempt to
re-direct my finger. “Grandma Frankie, please forgive me.” Read below.
Last week, actually on the same day as the world witnessed the demise of the African American family again, Dr. Rod Paige, former Secretary of Education was on Fox news giving his progress report on the public school system. When asked what grade he would give the taxpayers school system he responded with C-. When asked what the grade would be if the Department of Education would take away the wealthiest districts of the public school system he responded with D or D-.
Maybe those two black teenagers’ behavior is a reflection of a failing school system. If the system was working they more than likely would have been at school and/or valuing the importance of reading a book. What do you think?
This one was written by a disappointed and embarrassed Muata. Inspired by the teenager who gave the 5 year old a ganja shot gun? Inspired by those black folk who were QUICK to hang the falsely accused white boys from Duke University. Inspired by little black boys who need positive black men in their homes.
The culture of silence has regulated us to a culture of personal responsibility avoidance. No one is responsible for their behavior. The “dog did it excuse” is pervasive throughout America. We have become a culture of finger pointing which will ultimately leave us in “bad shape” as Farrakhan has on numerous occasions passionately communicated to jam packed arenas full of black people.
When I was a child my grandmother faithfully stressed to me that my reputation will be determined by two things: the way I conduct myself and how I handle my problems. She told me to behave like I have some sense and to always and I repeat ALWAYS be responsible for my issues, and NEVER blame my neglectful, asinine, stupid, and ignorant behavior on “the system” or on someone else. Her basic message: “Brian, take responsibility. The issues and solutions lie within.”
Whatever happened to this type of child rearing? Where are the parents who feed this to their children? Are there any remaining? What mechanisms are in place in our public school system to foster this type of guidance? More specifically and in line with current events, where was the outcry from our black politicians, the black community, and our civic/religious leaders when two teenagers were caught red handed supplying cherry flavored marijuana blunts to two toddlers {http://youtube.com/watch?v=SPgKZOfG89Q}. I will tell you where we are: We are waddling in our inability to grab a hold of PR: Personal Responsibility. We are too busy waiting on a white person to say or do the “wrong” thing. Once again, our attention is misguided and shameful on every level. Rhetoric? Ranting? It is, but this needs to be said and read repeatedly.
When I heard about this incident I was on the road driving to one of the black community’s leading events. The CIAA basketball tournament is regarded as the premier sporting event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Not only is the basketball play entertaining, the action surrounding it is what I call top-notch. Yes, I am referring to the partying and networking, but I want to point out also that these all day and all night long parties are mature in nature, safe, and fun. No teen or early twenties type of drama whatsoever. At the completion of the weekend festivities I felt so proud that some fool did not pull a gun because someone stepped on his sparkling white Air Force Ones.
Anyway, as I drove up interstate 85 this ridiculous crime was shared with me by a teacher. When he finished describing what I later saw on CNN and Fox my immediate question to him was: Were the teenagers black? The impetus to this question is “deep seated” in my desire not to be embarrassed by black people’s trifling behavior. Something I constantly write and talk about with love. Something that makes me want to smack a few of my people. Something that can be prevented if WE do what needs to be done to reverse the tide of self destruction. Remember that song with those two words throughout? I believe part of the lyrics are, “we are headed for self destruction”. This was when hip-hop had a positive message and image.
What I am even more embarrassed by is our lazy and sorry-behind response. We are no where to be found on this issue. But yet, a few weeks ago we were all over the news complaining about a white man giving Barack Obama an accolade. Well, I and a few other black folk took it as a compliment. I suspect my line of thought was way off considering I was blasted by friends who thought I was not down with blackness. One person insinuated that I am recklessly critical of my people. Another friend mentioned that I was selling out.
Selling out? Well, selling out to me is when we are not flooding the internet blogs with condemnation of irresponsible behavior. Selling out is when we remain hush-hush when a black person does something imbecilic. Selling out is when our great arms of “protect the black folk from the white media” i.e. NAACP are no where to be found when devastating events like the one the world has viewed on YouTube over 160,000 times occur. Do I need to list any other examples of selling out? I shall not! I will only be accused of “hatin’ on black folk”. Watch the video and really see who is hatin' on us. Try to figure out what the black community is doing to address this opprobrious act, and you will see whose hatin' on black folk. We are doing the hatin’ as a result of our tight lips.
Back to personal responsibility. But first try to stomach the latest YouTube video that further supports my claim that black folk are becoming more and more reluctant to grabbing a hold of Personal Responsibility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUv3Y7f1hRc
I have personalized this commentary because I saw the devastation of four black youth last week. The two and five year olds may have been smoking weed for months. Weed heads already! The two teenagers evidently are shiftless and lack the necessary gumption to do something meaningful with their lives. What do we have as a result: the uncle and his boy will go to America’s second home for black men (prison) and the two toddlers are now wards of the state. The Great Savior: White Family will save the toddlers, I imagine. Pathetic! And guess what, the white man had nothing to do with this one. Wait a minute! I forgot the reason for the two young men’s behavior is a result of slavery. Once again slavery is the card we have played. Why not drop down the Ace so we can ace ourselves out of this self defeating culture of... What? I can’t hear the word. Oh! That word is SILENCE.
If only we would fall in love with personal responsibility and not the lyrics from the song This is why I am Hot. If only we would as a people stop condoning foolishness. Those of you who believe we do not condone it answer this question: Why aren’t we up in arms when we commit crimes against black humanity?
‘Brian, there you go again. You are being unfair to black people.’ Okay then, I will attempt to
re-direct my finger. “Grandma Frankie, please forgive me.” Read below.
Last week, actually on the same day as the world witnessed the demise of the African American family again, Dr. Rod Paige, former Secretary of Education was on Fox news giving his progress report on the public school system. When asked what grade he would give the taxpayers school system he responded with C-. When asked what the grade would be if the Department of Education would take away the wealthiest districts of the public school system he responded with D or D-.
Maybe those two black teenagers’ behavior is a reflection of a failing school system. If the system was working they more than likely would have been at school and/or valuing the importance of reading a book. What do you think?
This one was written by a disappointed and embarrassed Muata. Inspired by the teenager who gave the 5 year old a ganja shot gun? Inspired by those black folk who were QUICK to hang the falsely accused white boys from Duke University. Inspired by little black boys who need positive black men in their homes.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Barack is just another Man with Black Skin
I will not take anything away from Barack Obama and I shall not insult him, but I will say that I do believe Mr. Obama is not prepared to be the next president of these United States of America. Several of you reading are probably wondering how I can come to that conclusion and a few of you may be in agreement. For those of you in agreement, I pray you have come to your belief based on Barack’s political life, his position on various topics/issues, and his voting record in the senate. I, for one, refuse to jump on the band wagon just because he has black skin. You get that? Black skin. Not, African American. To be African American means you have had the opportunity in life to truly identify with being a black American. Barack Obama claims he “identifies” with the less fortunate and most demised people on earth, but I question this. It is my hope he eventually tells the world’s populace how he relates to being a black American man by having a white mother and Kenyan father. However, I don’t expect him to because if he does he may prove to be too black for his white fans.
Along the lines of politics, if you are “too black” in America you will never win the presidency. Being too black means you personally identify with the struggles, the plight, and the suffering of African Americans. It also means you are willing to voice your disdain or frustrations publicly without fear of losing mainstream (white) corporate and private donors. If you are light in skin tone, non-intimidating looking, possess an international viewpoint, shockingly articulate, and unwilling to officially stand up for the wrongs that continue to be perpetrated among black folk in America like Al Sharpton or Louis Farrakhan you are their man! Oh! You can’t have a perm either.
It is interesting to me that Hilary Clinton can voice her frustrations about the government’s neglect of poor black men and women without fear of ridicule or financial abandonment. She has been known to blast the government and fully support the “black cause” on countless occasions. Just like our first black president, William Jefferson Clinton! It is as if she gets a pass from her white followers. Let’s explore this for a minute. Senator Clinton, a white lady from Illinois, can rant about my disadvantages as an African American and Senator Obama can not. Is it that those white financial backers of Barack are okay with him being non-confrontational? Are they okay with him not “stirring trouble”? Do they prefer a non-agitator? Yes, they do. He is their “clean” man that helps them forget about their present and/or past racist beliefs. He makes them feel better and more comfortable. Now, for the black followers of Obama he to some degree brings feelings of pride and accomplishment despite his ancestry and upbringing. The brown skin is sufficient! But, what if he was Asian? Would black people vote for him then? No, they probably would not. The Asian will need to have a little black blood in his blood stream. Ridiculous!
Even if Barack is everything the majority wants and since his blackness is enough for blacks, America is STILL not ready for a president who is not the product of white parents. And we actually believe race relations are getting better in America. We can change minds, but we cannot change hearts and deep-seated beliefs.
America is a compilation of misguided opinions and debilitating insecurity. Regardless of race or gender the United States cannot be saved via the presidency. We are slowly, but surely heading toward a third world condition, and part of the problem is we elect our leaders because of the candidate’s skin color, rock star status, maleness, devotion to Christianity, and if he/she has smoked marijuana or not. Everything but relevant experience and the ability to lead effectively.
Written by Muata. Inspired by those people out there who will cast a presidential vote for Oprah Winfrey just because she is POPULAR. Inspired by the reading of Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope.
Along the lines of politics, if you are “too black” in America you will never win the presidency. Being too black means you personally identify with the struggles, the plight, and the suffering of African Americans. It also means you are willing to voice your disdain or frustrations publicly without fear of losing mainstream (white) corporate and private donors. If you are light in skin tone, non-intimidating looking, possess an international viewpoint, shockingly articulate, and unwilling to officially stand up for the wrongs that continue to be perpetrated among black folk in America like Al Sharpton or Louis Farrakhan you are their man! Oh! You can’t have a perm either.
It is interesting to me that Hilary Clinton can voice her frustrations about the government’s neglect of poor black men and women without fear of ridicule or financial abandonment. She has been known to blast the government and fully support the “black cause” on countless occasions. Just like our first black president, William Jefferson Clinton! It is as if she gets a pass from her white followers. Let’s explore this for a minute. Senator Clinton, a white lady from Illinois, can rant about my disadvantages as an African American and Senator Obama can not. Is it that those white financial backers of Barack are okay with him being non-confrontational? Are they okay with him not “stirring trouble”? Do they prefer a non-agitator? Yes, they do. He is their “clean” man that helps them forget about their present and/or past racist beliefs. He makes them feel better and more comfortable. Now, for the black followers of Obama he to some degree brings feelings of pride and accomplishment despite his ancestry and upbringing. The brown skin is sufficient! But, what if he was Asian? Would black people vote for him then? No, they probably would not. The Asian will need to have a little black blood in his blood stream. Ridiculous!
Even if Barack is everything the majority wants and since his blackness is enough for blacks, America is STILL not ready for a president who is not the product of white parents. And we actually believe race relations are getting better in America. We can change minds, but we cannot change hearts and deep-seated beliefs.
America is a compilation of misguided opinions and debilitating insecurity. Regardless of race or gender the United States cannot be saved via the presidency. We are slowly, but surely heading toward a third world condition, and part of the problem is we elect our leaders because of the candidate’s skin color, rock star status, maleness, devotion to Christianity, and if he/she has smoked marijuana or not. Everything but relevant experience and the ability to lead effectively.
Written by Muata. Inspired by those people out there who will cast a presidential vote for Oprah Winfrey just because she is POPULAR. Inspired by the reading of Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope.
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Moment of Reflection: Honoring the Black Man
Getting excited usually causes goose bumps to develop for many of us. I typically get a rush of coldness that consumes my skin. It feels like the blood streaming through my veins is 10 degrees. I love this feeling because it reminds me that I am experiencing some level of pleasure. With all the stresses of the day pleasure is something we all need in our lives.
During the latest State of the Union address I got that feeling right before President Bush walked down the isle of the capitol building chamber. The feeling intensified as he approached the podium. When he finally made it to his position to address his colleagues and the world I began to dream. In my dream I pictured President Bush as a black man. Yes, a black man. Then I continued with my fantasy imagining him with dark skin, a bald head, and a well groomed beard. He was black! I was successful at creating a president in my own image.
Lately, I have been feeling proud to be a black man. I am thankful God decided to make me black of course. However, at times watching the news can make me somewhat frustrated with my people which makes me want to pull a sheet over my head. But, not this week.
First, to see another black man who is the epitome of humility be acknowledged by the most powerful man in the universe during the State of the Union was another bone chilling experience. Dikembe Matombo is considered one of the top defensive basketball centers of all time, but this is not the way he will be remembered by us who try to look beyond someone’s athleticism. He will remain in my memory as the towering figure who was invited to stand up at the request of the President of the United States to be recognized as a humanitarian GIANT. A man who did not forget about the suffering people in the Democratic Republic of Congo while he made millions of dollars as a basketball player. He is more than the man who blocked countless jump shots while contributing his financial fortune to a foundation dedicated to the building of a hospital for the poorest of the poor: Africans. He is a man many of us need to emulate.
Second, the pride I feel about Lovie’s and Tony’s success. These two men have made history. The Super Bowl XLI teams will be lead by two black men. They represent a species that was once called useless Negroes and Black Niggers. The species that at one moment in history was not associated with intelligence. The humans who were told that they were nothing more than athletic entertainers. Now, we have proven to the world that we have the know-how to manage players with big egos and manage a game that presents complications if you are not well versed on calculated strategy. Simply put, it takes a whole lot of coaching smarts to get to the Super Bowl.
Finally, there is that regular guy on his way to work, Wesley Autrey. This black man decided to save another life by putting his life in jeopardy. How many of us would jump in the path of a New York City subway train? I must be honest; it would have to be a non-stranger for me to risk my precious life in that capacity. No, not Mr. Autrey. He did what Jesus would have done. Wow! We have so many BLACK Jesus’ walking around today. I commend Wesley Autrey. He is that man who mumbled to President Bush during the State of the Union address, “You are the man.” What a thing! Even when he was being honored he shared the praise with a man who many believe can careless about black people.
After the State of the Union, the stimulating chills were gone. I was back in the United States. I was in “my country”. A country that's knee deep in a civil war. A country that’s not ready for a black president. A place where even black people would prefer light skin over dark skin which is the reason some black folk would rather Tony Dungy’s team wins the Super Bowl. A place that’s beginning to recognize the black man’s intellectual talents and philanthropic contributions. It is also a country that needs to understand that the black man is capable of giving the ultimate sacrifice like Matombo and Autrey.
Written by Muata. Inspired by those little bumps that preceded my dream.
During the latest State of the Union address I got that feeling right before President Bush walked down the isle of the capitol building chamber. The feeling intensified as he approached the podium. When he finally made it to his position to address his colleagues and the world I began to dream. In my dream I pictured President Bush as a black man. Yes, a black man. Then I continued with my fantasy imagining him with dark skin, a bald head, and a well groomed beard. He was black! I was successful at creating a president in my own image.
Lately, I have been feeling proud to be a black man. I am thankful God decided to make me black of course. However, at times watching the news can make me somewhat frustrated with my people which makes me want to pull a sheet over my head. But, not this week.
First, to see another black man who is the epitome of humility be acknowledged by the most powerful man in the universe during the State of the Union was another bone chilling experience. Dikembe Matombo is considered one of the top defensive basketball centers of all time, but this is not the way he will be remembered by us who try to look beyond someone’s athleticism. He will remain in my memory as the towering figure who was invited to stand up at the request of the President of the United States to be recognized as a humanitarian GIANT. A man who did not forget about the suffering people in the Democratic Republic of Congo while he made millions of dollars as a basketball player. He is more than the man who blocked countless jump shots while contributing his financial fortune to a foundation dedicated to the building of a hospital for the poorest of the poor: Africans. He is a man many of us need to emulate.
Second, the pride I feel about Lovie’s and Tony’s success. These two men have made history. The Super Bowl XLI teams will be lead by two black men. They represent a species that was once called useless Negroes and Black Niggers. The species that at one moment in history was not associated with intelligence. The humans who were told that they were nothing more than athletic entertainers. Now, we have proven to the world that we have the know-how to manage players with big egos and manage a game that presents complications if you are not well versed on calculated strategy. Simply put, it takes a whole lot of coaching smarts to get to the Super Bowl.
Finally, there is that regular guy on his way to work, Wesley Autrey. This black man decided to save another life by putting his life in jeopardy. How many of us would jump in the path of a New York City subway train? I must be honest; it would have to be a non-stranger for me to risk my precious life in that capacity. No, not Mr. Autrey. He did what Jesus would have done. Wow! We have so many BLACK Jesus’ walking around today. I commend Wesley Autrey. He is that man who mumbled to President Bush during the State of the Union address, “You are the man.” What a thing! Even when he was being honored he shared the praise with a man who many believe can careless about black people.
After the State of the Union, the stimulating chills were gone. I was back in the United States. I was in “my country”. A country that's knee deep in a civil war. A country that’s not ready for a black president. A place where even black people would prefer light skin over dark skin which is the reason some black folk would rather Tony Dungy’s team wins the Super Bowl. A place that’s beginning to recognize the black man’s intellectual talents and philanthropic contributions. It is also a country that needs to understand that the black man is capable of giving the ultimate sacrifice like Matombo and Autrey.
Written by Muata. Inspired by those little bumps that preceded my dream.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Killing of Hussein and Williams: America's Lost
I did everything I could to limit my media intake over the past two weeks. I wanted this past holiday season to go unspoiled by bad news. Unfortunately, on January 2, 2007 I was reminded that the news is a hideous reflection of the world we live in. Murder, robbery, child molestation, corporate scandal, the dirtiness of politics, and the killing of Saddam Hussein became pieces of trash in my psyche as I sat and watched the top news stories and the nation pay respect to Gerald R. Ford.
The drive-by shooting of Denver Broncos cornerback, Darrent Williams did not make me cry. I imagine not many Americans nationwide are shedding tears over a black man getting gunned down. Typically the death of a black man does not faze us. We have always been somewhat uncaring with this type of incident; especially white people. Why would we be in mourning anyway? He was just another black man slaughtered by another brotha! Even with my lack of emotion regarding this murder I am puzzled. In a daze, wondering why didn’t I cry? What further surprised me was my response to the White House sanctioned execution of Mr. Hussein. It was the execution of Saddam that choked me up. Yes, you read that correctly. Watching Saddam be escorted to his death was my moment of weakness. I finally succumbed to my emotions. Why?
After thinking about “why” I have concluded that my tears were not for Saddam, the dictator. They were for a human being. With all our flaws, indiscretions, and those things Christians call sins mankind is still worthy of being mourned. We breathe in oxygen to live. We experience happiness and sadness. We laugh. We celebrate. And, we try to enjoy life as we did during this past holiday season. We are human! Humans who have/had a mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, auntie, grandfather and grandmother. We are Gods’ creations.
Saddam’s death solidified once again what I think about America. The land of pseudo democracy! The land of circumvented justice. The land of illusionary freedom! The land of HYPOCRISY!! For years America committed the same crime that Saddam was hanged for: Crimes against Humanity. Our government annihilated the Native Americans. Our government lynched and decapitated the black slaves. Nonetheless, not one pilgrim or slave owner was charged in the deaths of those innocent human beings. The United States presidents during the time of these Crimes against Humanity were not charged and convicted. They were allowed to continue their presidency while the killings continued on a more than regularly basis. It was a daily occurrence carried out by hateful men and women who happened to be white.
A few of you maybe wondering, ‘Not again, Muata. We already know America is littered with hypocrisy.’ I know too. However, it amazes me how we continue with accepting this behavior and mentality from our government. We have accepted it which actually regulates us to robots. You can get a robot to do anything. Robots can even be programmed to be mutes, foolish materialistic consumers, lazy reality television watchers, overeating fat boys and girls, and clueless objects. OBJECTS. Is this what we have become?
Saddam Hussein and Darrent Williams were not objects. They were men: Gods’ creations. Saddam was said to be a ruthless tyrant and a murderer, but I can think of several white men who supposedly lead this nation who are guilty of allowing America’s first inhabitants to be killed and who destroyed the black family unit. They are the same type of men who allow our young men and women to be killed over in Iraq as they fight a senseless war.
My questions for the United States Government: Who are the real criminals? What did removing and executing Saddam solve?
My concluding statement to the United States Government: Time will tell. I can’t wait for your hypocrisy to become a noose. I am ready to take that Dead Man Walking stroll with you. I will be carrying the noose.
Written by Muata. Inspired by my disdain for the United States Government. Inspired by those fools who shot and killed Mr. Williams. Inspired by those numerous people downloading the You Tube video hanging of a HUMAN BEING. Pathetic!
The drive-by shooting of Denver Broncos cornerback, Darrent Williams did not make me cry. I imagine not many Americans nationwide are shedding tears over a black man getting gunned down. Typically the death of a black man does not faze us. We have always been somewhat uncaring with this type of incident; especially white people. Why would we be in mourning anyway? He was just another black man slaughtered by another brotha! Even with my lack of emotion regarding this murder I am puzzled. In a daze, wondering why didn’t I cry? What further surprised me was my response to the White House sanctioned execution of Mr. Hussein. It was the execution of Saddam that choked me up. Yes, you read that correctly. Watching Saddam be escorted to his death was my moment of weakness. I finally succumbed to my emotions. Why?
After thinking about “why” I have concluded that my tears were not for Saddam, the dictator. They were for a human being. With all our flaws, indiscretions, and those things Christians call sins mankind is still worthy of being mourned. We breathe in oxygen to live. We experience happiness and sadness. We laugh. We celebrate. And, we try to enjoy life as we did during this past holiday season. We are human! Humans who have/had a mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, auntie, grandfather and grandmother. We are Gods’ creations.
Saddam’s death solidified once again what I think about America. The land of pseudo democracy! The land of circumvented justice. The land of illusionary freedom! The land of HYPOCRISY!! For years America committed the same crime that Saddam was hanged for: Crimes against Humanity. Our government annihilated the Native Americans. Our government lynched and decapitated the black slaves. Nonetheless, not one pilgrim or slave owner was charged in the deaths of those innocent human beings. The United States presidents during the time of these Crimes against Humanity were not charged and convicted. They were allowed to continue their presidency while the killings continued on a more than regularly basis. It was a daily occurrence carried out by hateful men and women who happened to be white.
A few of you maybe wondering, ‘Not again, Muata. We already know America is littered with hypocrisy.’ I know too. However, it amazes me how we continue with accepting this behavior and mentality from our government. We have accepted it which actually regulates us to robots. You can get a robot to do anything. Robots can even be programmed to be mutes, foolish materialistic consumers, lazy reality television watchers, overeating fat boys and girls, and clueless objects. OBJECTS. Is this what we have become?
Saddam Hussein and Darrent Williams were not objects. They were men: Gods’ creations. Saddam was said to be a ruthless tyrant and a murderer, but I can think of several white men who supposedly lead this nation who are guilty of allowing America’s first inhabitants to be killed and who destroyed the black family unit. They are the same type of men who allow our young men and women to be killed over in Iraq as they fight a senseless war.
My questions for the United States Government: Who are the real criminals? What did removing and executing Saddam solve?
My concluding statement to the United States Government: Time will tell. I can’t wait for your hypocrisy to become a noose. I am ready to take that Dead Man Walking stroll with you. I will be carrying the noose.
Written by Muata. Inspired by my disdain for the United States Government. Inspired by those fools who shot and killed Mr. Williams. Inspired by those numerous people downloading the You Tube video hanging of a HUMAN BEING. Pathetic!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)