The actions of Jeremiah Wright lately, are inexcusable. His words are divisive, his sermons are laced with conspiracy theories, falsehoods, and innuendo, yet, I do share "some" of his sentiments. I do believe the government has forsaken the African American community, and the community constantly faces injustices that are unheard of in other communities.
How many unarmed any races besides Black, do you hear getting shot to death by police, regularly? That being said, I feel Jeremiah's latest speech is naive, at best, and comparable to Black on Black crime, at its highest level. Why now? Why say that Obama's response to the sound bites were "what politicians do"? Why does it appear that he now has a vendetta against Obama?
Obama didn't disown Wright when the sound bites first came out. Yes, he distanced himself from the divisive remarks, but he said "he could no more disown Wright than he could disown the Black community". Bravo!! Jeremiah…… now exit stage left. That should have been the end of it if Jeremiah truly believed in Obama's candidacy.
The right wingers, and his opponents would still bring the issue up, but the significance of it would not have been as severe. Now, two weeks before the next round of primaries, Wright decides to go on a speaking tour, and not only reiterate the most caustic of his statements, but he also seemed to go after Obama, as if Obama somehow betrayed him.
Politics is indeed a dirty game, but when you are running for the highest office in the land, representative of EVERYONE, you cannot have it appear that you have aligned yourself with extremists or extremist causes through personal relationships, domestic or abroad. Yes previous administrations have engaged in clandestine activities, but it was done covertly, and that's beside the point, because it is WRONG to take sides when you are running for Commander in Chief. Your duty is to make sure everyone is protected, and do what's best for the Nation as a whole, according to the law.
The middle class is what makes this country strong. The elite of this country want to keep pace with the Oil barons and the heiresses from abroad so badly, they have forsaken their own well being, and the well being of the nation for SHORT TERM gains. Yeah, they have been raking in the profits, but take a look at the recent earning reports; it's practically down across the board. Without consumption, the profits will fall, and without income consumption drastically slows down. No one shops like Americans.
All this is more reason why we cannot afford to be distracted by the nonsense that keeps us in the dark. I am no prophet, but I am confident Obama is a superior choice. He OBVIOUSLY does not harbor "all" of the sentiments his Pastor expresses. After all the man's ancestry is half white. That fact is routinely omitted because they want to blacken him up as much as they can right now. Just like Guiliani doesn't agree with the Cardinal, but Guiliani still shows up to church, and even takes the sacrament, albeit, against the Cardinal's wishes. If he were Obama I'm sure this little fact would have marginalized him as well. But we all know the first Black President is going to have a boatload of crap to deal with. The first Black anything will always be challenged. These are the conditions we need to CHANGE. Everyone should be judged based on their capabilities, performance, and merit, primarily. But the first step will always be the most difficult. Here's to change, I hope we are prepared to make our voices heard, and stop chomping at the bit to destroy each other all the damn time, consciously or otherwise……
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
STATE OF DENIAL
I have heard many, including friends of mine who are not Black (even some Non African American “Blacks”) routinely dismiss Racism/ Inequality/ or Reparations due. As if Black people are a bunch of lazy ass whiners, who just sit around collect welfare, then bitch incessantly, without merit. I’m not going to front, many of us are, but not the majority of us. There are bad seeds from every race on earth. On the 45th Anniversary of Martin Luther Kings assassination, it’s time for AMERICA to honestly confront this issue, and deal with it. It’s not all good, and it is a MORAL DISGRACE that we still need to address this issue.
No one expects EVERYONE to “like” Black people; just EQUALITY. Treat every INDIVIDUAL justly, with respect, according to the LAWS we are governed by. Let us not forget that this country was built on our ancestors backs, “LITERALLY”. The contributions made by a great many great African American inventors, doctors, physicists, soldiers, etc, till this very day, are not profound in grade school teachings. Tell me that sh&* is not by design!!!!!!!
I was out of High School for many years before I learned of the Tuskegee Airmen, Toussaint L’ouverture (led a rebellion defeating Napoleon – which led to the first liberated country on this hemisphere = HAITI), the Buffalo soldiers (fighters from the Carribean that helped the US gain it’s independence), Vivien Thomas (Cardiac Surgeon Engineer – No college education), Garrett Augustus Morgan (traffic light), that slaves built the White House and a great many of our monuments, I could keep dropping names but it’s a moot point. All you hear about is Martin Luther King, and no disrespect, but that whole sh*& was a big conspiracy anyway.. Both he and Kennedy were killed because of what they stood for, but King is widely accepted because he was a pacifist.
Although there is no proof our government was directly involved, some members of Congress are still fighting to have evidence released in regards to both assassinations, till this very day. Bet you if King was “Unite or Die” & “Liberty or Death”, as the founding fathers suggested when breaking free from England’s rule (CHECK YOUR HISTORY), they would have made a conscious effort to remove him from our memory banks, or desecrated his legacy entirely.
I for one, have personally experienced racism’s continued influence, both in my personal life, professional life, and vicariously, through individuals in the media spotlight. Believe it or not, I have even experienced racism from Blacks. The self hatred mantra has been so deeply seeded within the Black psyche, a great many of us don’t even realize, or care, that we do ourselves a tremendous disservice when we continue to tear each other apart, for the sake of perceived, minimal, or individual progress/recognition.
But in light of the continuing discrimination/abuses/injustices we are subjected to (i.e. today’s Sean Bell verdict), I am sad to say that our “bitching” has once again been justified. They knew what the likely outcome was going to be, that’s why they had helicopters and foot Police out in mass force around my neighborhood, at 7:30 this morning.
It’s obvious that black men are still feared, unless they are controlled. Without a doubt, being a NYC policeman has to be the most difficult, and sometimes, the least gratifying beat in the nation. But, it is an inherent responsibility for ever OFFICER to be courageous, and stoic, especially when faced with adversity. As it says on the side of the police cars “COURTESTY/ PROFESSIONALISM/ RESPECT” those values should extend to every single INDIVIDUAL, regardless of your race/gender/age/ nationality/etc/etc.
They make a big deal when black people use the word “Nigga” amongst themselves, although we use it phonetically. I hate it when kids use it on the bus, train, workplace, or in a public environment period, but if me and my boys are sitting around in the privacy of our own homes and we decide to joke around with each other, or say it in a rap song (labeled “ADULT CONTENT”), I should be able to say whatever the fuck I want to say. Fix the problem. DON’T PLACATE ME WITH TALK ABOUT ILLEGALIZING A WORD, WHEN PPL LIKE ME ARE LITERALLY BEING F*&^%D EVERY DAY. STOP IT!!!!!
Like Hockey, they commit far more offensive acts on the ice, in front of millions of children, but their antics are always written off as “part of the game”.. Really? Then why are they sent to a penalty box? Why are they suspended when the media/public reacts to a specific incident? And, are children not witnessing these acts of violence just the same? I know many may insist it’s part of the game, but just as with any “double standard” issue, consider the source (i.e. who wrote the rule book).
They took Rev. Wright’s words all out of context. He wasn’t talking about individual American’s. He was referring to the system, and the way we have been systematically screwed for over 400 years and counting. There are too many references to this point, so I won’t even go there. But all of the sudden, Obama goes from racist, to elitist now. They sure know how to disseminate misinformation. A lot of ppl I believe Obama would try to help, should he make it into office, wouldn’t vote for him NO MATTER WHAT.
If by chance Obama wins the election, boy is he going to have his work cut out for him. I want all of you reading this to make a note of every blunder this President seemed to overcome, then compare it to the sheer scrutiny Obama will be up against, if he ever survives a victory that is.
The other day Tori Hunter described how Boston fans routinely use racial slurs against Black players in the outfield, to which David Ortiz responded “that’s the way it is”. Pathetic!!!!!!!! We should never ever accept that type of behavior as the status quo, especially when we are in positions of power. It pisses me off, but I understand why Latin American Blacks disassociate themselves with African or American Blacks. The stigma is so fierce, they are more than happy to come to America and stand in solidarity with their fellow countrymen with their head up.
I spoke to ppl from DR, PR, Venezuela, Belize, Guyana, etc, etc, they treat them like “NIGGERS” over there too. If you bring a “white” girl home you can do no wrong, but bring a dark skinned chick home, it’s like you violated your entire lineage, or some type of code. Mind you, these are the Black Latin families (NOT ALL) I’m talking about. God forbid, I can just imagine what the conversation would be like with (SOME) “white” Latin families. I was watching Bill Maher 2 weeks ago, and he asked a Latin girl how would her family react if she brought a black man home, she immediately said they would disapprove, but then he asked, what if you brought home Obama, to which she responded, “they would be fine with that”. I guess the only time you’re Blackness is forgiven is when your tremendously wealthy, and/or popular, because she didn’t even meet that HYPOTHETICAL dude, but she just knew they wouldn’t accept it. SAD SAD SAD!!!!!!!!
As for the White family, an older African American (legal gun owner), who shot a racist Italian kid from Long Island, who came to his door with a mob over some bullshit rumors conjured up by an associate of his, threatening to White’s son. Who would fault a White man from shooting a Black man who showed up in front of his house with a mob of thugs, WRONGLY, threatening his son and making sexually explicit remarks about his wife???? What prosecutor would have this man spend one day in jail??
I know Bell and his cohorts were no Angels, but that is beside the point. Bravery should be a prerequisite in order to be an officer of the law in NYC. You are governing the most diverse race of people anywhere in the world. And, if you shoot someone to DEATH, because you THINK they have a gun, at the very least, you should make sure that individual has a gun, or some type of weapon, regardless of the situation. Don’t justify your actions because you don’t make that much money, or because you were “afraid”. If you’re afraid of Black urban men, DON’T BECOME A FUCKIN COP.
No one expects EVERYONE to “like” Black people; just EQUALITY. Treat every INDIVIDUAL justly, with respect, according to the LAWS we are governed by. Let us not forget that this country was built on our ancestors backs, “LITERALLY”. The contributions made by a great many great African American inventors, doctors, physicists, soldiers, etc, till this very day, are not profound in grade school teachings. Tell me that sh&* is not by design!!!!!!!
I was out of High School for many years before I learned of the Tuskegee Airmen, Toussaint L’ouverture (led a rebellion defeating Napoleon – which led to the first liberated country on this hemisphere = HAITI), the Buffalo soldiers (fighters from the Carribean that helped the US gain it’s independence), Vivien Thomas (Cardiac Surgeon Engineer – No college education), Garrett Augustus Morgan (traffic light), that slaves built the White House and a great many of our monuments, I could keep dropping names but it’s a moot point. All you hear about is Martin Luther King, and no disrespect, but that whole sh*& was a big conspiracy anyway.. Both he and Kennedy were killed because of what they stood for, but King is widely accepted because he was a pacifist.
Although there is no proof our government was directly involved, some members of Congress are still fighting to have evidence released in regards to both assassinations, till this very day. Bet you if King was “Unite or Die” & “Liberty or Death”, as the founding fathers suggested when breaking free from England’s rule (CHECK YOUR HISTORY), they would have made a conscious effort to remove him from our memory banks, or desecrated his legacy entirely.
I for one, have personally experienced racism’s continued influence, both in my personal life, professional life, and vicariously, through individuals in the media spotlight. Believe it or not, I have even experienced racism from Blacks. The self hatred mantra has been so deeply seeded within the Black psyche, a great many of us don’t even realize, or care, that we do ourselves a tremendous disservice when we continue to tear each other apart, for the sake of perceived, minimal, or individual progress/recognition.
But in light of the continuing discrimination/abuses/injustices we are subjected to (i.e. today’s Sean Bell verdict), I am sad to say that our “bitching” has once again been justified. They knew what the likely outcome was going to be, that’s why they had helicopters and foot Police out in mass force around my neighborhood, at 7:30 this morning.
It’s obvious that black men are still feared, unless they are controlled. Without a doubt, being a NYC policeman has to be the most difficult, and sometimes, the least gratifying beat in the nation. But, it is an inherent responsibility for ever OFFICER to be courageous, and stoic, especially when faced with adversity. As it says on the side of the police cars “COURTESTY/ PROFESSIONALISM/ RESPECT” those values should extend to every single INDIVIDUAL, regardless of your race/gender/age/ nationality/etc/etc.
They make a big deal when black people use the word “Nigga” amongst themselves, although we use it phonetically. I hate it when kids use it on the bus, train, workplace, or in a public environment period, but if me and my boys are sitting around in the privacy of our own homes and we decide to joke around with each other, or say it in a rap song (labeled “ADULT CONTENT”), I should be able to say whatever the fuck I want to say. Fix the problem. DON’T PLACATE ME WITH TALK ABOUT ILLEGALIZING A WORD, WHEN PPL LIKE ME ARE LITERALLY BEING F*&^%D EVERY DAY. STOP IT!!!!!
Like Hockey, they commit far more offensive acts on the ice, in front of millions of children, but their antics are always written off as “part of the game”.. Really? Then why are they sent to a penalty box? Why are they suspended when the media/public reacts to a specific incident? And, are children not witnessing these acts of violence just the same? I know many may insist it’s part of the game, but just as with any “double standard” issue, consider the source (i.e. who wrote the rule book).
They took Rev. Wright’s words all out of context. He wasn’t talking about individual American’s. He was referring to the system, and the way we have been systematically screwed for over 400 years and counting. There are too many references to this point, so I won’t even go there. But all of the sudden, Obama goes from racist, to elitist now. They sure know how to disseminate misinformation. A lot of ppl I believe Obama would try to help, should he make it into office, wouldn’t vote for him NO MATTER WHAT.
If by chance Obama wins the election, boy is he going to have his work cut out for him. I want all of you reading this to make a note of every blunder this President seemed to overcome, then compare it to the sheer scrutiny Obama will be up against, if he ever survives a victory that is.
The other day Tori Hunter described how Boston fans routinely use racial slurs against Black players in the outfield, to which David Ortiz responded “that’s the way it is”. Pathetic!!!!!!!! We should never ever accept that type of behavior as the status quo, especially when we are in positions of power. It pisses me off, but I understand why Latin American Blacks disassociate themselves with African or American Blacks. The stigma is so fierce, they are more than happy to come to America and stand in solidarity with their fellow countrymen with their head up.
I spoke to ppl from DR, PR, Venezuela, Belize, Guyana, etc, etc, they treat them like “NIGGERS” over there too. If you bring a “white” girl home you can do no wrong, but bring a dark skinned chick home, it’s like you violated your entire lineage, or some type of code. Mind you, these are the Black Latin families (NOT ALL) I’m talking about. God forbid, I can just imagine what the conversation would be like with (SOME) “white” Latin families. I was watching Bill Maher 2 weeks ago, and he asked a Latin girl how would her family react if she brought a black man home, she immediately said they would disapprove, but then he asked, what if you brought home Obama, to which she responded, “they would be fine with that”. I guess the only time you’re Blackness is forgiven is when your tremendously wealthy, and/or popular, because she didn’t even meet that HYPOTHETICAL dude, but she just knew they wouldn’t accept it. SAD SAD SAD!!!!!!!!
As for the White family, an older African American (legal gun owner), who shot a racist Italian kid from Long Island, who came to his door with a mob over some bullshit rumors conjured up by an associate of his, threatening to White’s son. Who would fault a White man from shooting a Black man who showed up in front of his house with a mob of thugs, WRONGLY, threatening his son and making sexually explicit remarks about his wife???? What prosecutor would have this man spend one day in jail??
I know Bell and his cohorts were no Angels, but that is beside the point. Bravery should be a prerequisite in order to be an officer of the law in NYC. You are governing the most diverse race of people anywhere in the world. And, if you shoot someone to DEATH, because you THINK they have a gun, at the very least, you should make sure that individual has a gun, or some type of weapon, regardless of the situation. Don’t justify your actions because you don’t make that much money, or because you were “afraid”. If you’re afraid of Black urban men, DON’T BECOME A FUCKIN COP.
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