I would like to begin by stating that; I DO NOT KNOW THE DETAILS OF THE CHRIS BROWN/RIHANNA CASE. That being said, it appears that we now live in an increasingly “double standard” society, where chivalry only applies when it is advantageous to women.
Take the aforementioned case for instance, no one, outside of the individuals involved, and a handful of people, have ALL the “facts” in this case, yet, even before the Rihanna pic was released, there was a plethora of condemning statements, blogs, and articles directed at Chris.
If true, the mere insinuation Rihanna is purportedly contemplating taking him back says it all. She is either glutton for punishment, accepts partial responsibility for the “incident”, suffers from low self esteem, straight crazy, or, all of the above.
Now understand, I don’t condone anyone putting their hands on anyone, much less a woman, without probable cause, but, until the ALL THE FACTS come out, shouldn’t we withhold judgment/condemnation?
Secondly, in the event a man is assaulted by a woman, without physical provocation, does he ever have a right to defend himself?
Granted, a man should never use excessive force, and that very well may be the case in this instance, but he should have every right to retaliate/defend himself with equal force, if his rights are being violated, irrespective of gender.
All the man bashers need to fall back!!! You’re entitled to your opinion, but don’t bury the kid until BOTH versions of the truth are revealed.
The movement to liberate women has made tremendous strides within the past three decades, and rightfully so, but it appears society and the Law has overreacted/overcorrected, and due to the sins of our forefathers, lady liberty’s pendulum has swung unanimously, in favor of the fairer sex.
I’m not going to pretend that men still do not hold an unflattering share of guilt in a majority of domestic abuse cases, but sometimes, women have used the situation to their advantage, and exploited the law, with impunity.
There's a grey area, i.e. if you're being playful, or if someone is crowding you during an argument, but don't overstep your boundaries, and whatever you do, don't raise your hand to a man, if you don't want to get pounded out like a man..... And trust me, I have had my fair share of incidents. Last time, if it weren't for my past experience, maturity, and my level of sobriety, I would have probably done something very similar.
Proportionally, men are physically stronger than women, but in the spirit of equality, shouldn’t we have ensured that the rights of both sexes are equally protected by law, when the laws were being written?
Again, I do not know, and don’t pretend to know the details of any particular case, but for arguments sake, we need to treat each other as equals, with dignity, respect, and, within the law, period. Especially in regards to the people we profess to love. That’s the only way we will ever attain true equality, for all.
Peace,
BLAQ OPS
www.themachinenetwork.com
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
NY POST: WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?? - S. DELONAS
Dear NY Post,
As an independent Black man, I have often grappled with the idea, and in certain cases, found validity to the arguments that "some" African Americans use Racism as a crutch for social inequities.
That being said, there has been endless debate recently in regards to the continued celebration of Black History month, and ending affirmative action programs due to the "apparent" advancements/progress our nation, as a whole, has made in regards to racial equality, however, if S. Delonas' cartoon is any indication, clearly, racism is alive, well, and more subliminally sophisticated than many of us are readily willing to admit.
If this piece is any indication, as a society, we still have A LOT of work to do. It is painfully evident that "progress" has eluded the decision makers at the New York Post, and the grievances of those who relentlessly continue to fight for racial equality has been vindicated as well.
Sean Delonas’ depiction of a monkey being shot dead, followed by the caption "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill" is offensive, particularly to Black people. Not to mention the current Commander in Chief, who happens to be an extremely well educated, well spoken individual of color, a refreshing dose of optimism for all Americans, and the world abroad.
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/gossip.htm (2/18/09 Cartoon by S. Delonas)
I have read the Post and the Daily News virtually every single weekday, for over 7 years, and although some of your cartoons/articles are controversial, this is the first time I have ever felt OVERWHELMINGLY OFFENDED by one of your pieces. I asked the opinions of many of my peers before writing this letter, and not one person, of any race, could justify this piece, or deny it's racial connotations.
If someone from your organization does not publicly denounce the piece, make an attempt to clarify Sean's intent, and/or apologize for the sheer offensive nature of this cartoon, I am afraid you will lose many of your subscribers, and I personally, will lead the campaign encouraging everyone within my social network to discontinue reading your paper, immediately!!!!!
In light of this year’s historic election, and the Bi-Centennial commemoration of Abraham Lincoln, this is a slap in the face to all people of color, and should be reprehensible to ALL forward thinking/intelligent HUMAN BEINGS.
Sincerely,
Patrick C. Montero
A.K.A. Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
As an independent Black man, I have often grappled with the idea, and in certain cases, found validity to the arguments that "some" African Americans use Racism as a crutch for social inequities.
That being said, there has been endless debate recently in regards to the continued celebration of Black History month, and ending affirmative action programs due to the "apparent" advancements/progress our nation, as a whole, has made in regards to racial equality, however, if S. Delonas' cartoon is any indication, clearly, racism is alive, well, and more subliminally sophisticated than many of us are readily willing to admit.
If this piece is any indication, as a society, we still have A LOT of work to do. It is painfully evident that "progress" has eluded the decision makers at the New York Post, and the grievances of those who relentlessly continue to fight for racial equality has been vindicated as well.
Sean Delonas’ depiction of a monkey being shot dead, followed by the caption "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill" is offensive, particularly to Black people. Not to mention the current Commander in Chief, who happens to be an extremely well educated, well spoken individual of color, a refreshing dose of optimism for all Americans, and the world abroad.
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/gossip.htm (2/18/09 Cartoon by S. Delonas)
I have read the Post and the Daily News virtually every single weekday, for over 7 years, and although some of your cartoons/articles are controversial, this is the first time I have ever felt OVERWHELMINGLY OFFENDED by one of your pieces. I asked the opinions of many of my peers before writing this letter, and not one person, of any race, could justify this piece, or deny it's racial connotations.
If someone from your organization does not publicly denounce the piece, make an attempt to clarify Sean's intent, and/or apologize for the sheer offensive nature of this cartoon, I am afraid you will lose many of your subscribers, and I personally, will lead the campaign encouraging everyone within my social network to discontinue reading your paper, immediately!!!!!
In light of this year’s historic election, and the Bi-Centennial commemoration of Abraham Lincoln, this is a slap in the face to all people of color, and should be reprehensible to ALL forward thinking/intelligent HUMAN BEINGS.
Sincerely,
Patrick C. Montero
A.K.A. Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 12, 2009
FABRICATED OUTRAGE: A-ROID
Lately, there has been no shortage of headline furor directed at the celebrities that satiate our daily appetites for entertainment/drama, and serve as our national punching bags when they screw up, but the outrage is overrated, and disingenuous to say the least.
A-Rod
This guy can’t get out of his own way, granted, but the sheer amount of criticism he receives, borrowing a quote from Iron Mike, is ludicrous. I make no excuses for his bad choices, his personality flaws, how much money he makes, or the fact that he has not been part of a championship in his illustrious career, however, to act as if his bad judgment has profoundly compromised the “integrity” of the game is hypocritical, at best.
How soon we forget. The steroid era helped MLB reemerge as one of our nation’s favorite past time. Prior to Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa’s epic quest for the home run crown, the league was practically on life support. True, the players method of enhancing their natural ability was CHEATING, AND ILLEGAL, but ANYONE with half a brain knew these guys were juicing.
At the time, MLB turned a blind eye; they did not sound the alarm internally or otherwise. If they took the initiative to clean house, implemented more stringent drug testing, and put the players on notice right off the bat (no pun intended), perhaps they would have been able to redeem the league's integrity, and they would have suffered minimal collateral damage, even if their efforts were leaked afterwards.
Some in the media, and the “regular joes” have been making outlandish accusations. They act as though these players are the dregs of society. They question how much money A-Rod makes, but if they could afford to pay him $25mil a year, the rest of the team, operating costs, luxury tax, etc, the question they should be asking is, how much money are the owners making off the game.
Without a doubt, the players were wrong for using PED’s, but people are making statements as if “anyone” could simply inject performance enhancing drugs, and ta-da, they would become All Stars overnight as well……. WRONG! The players are the performers, they are the ones the fans come to see, and they have every right to a fair share of the revenue the game generates.
I played with guys juicing in High School, and guess what, the guys that did not have the skills to compete at the highest level, sat on the bench, whether they were clean or not. Most of the big names snared in this controversy were great before they started using. They may have cheated but they were NEVER talentless bums.
Without a doubt, the drugs enhanced their natural abilities, but as we can see A LOT of athletes in general, cheated in order to live up to the immense challenges, expectations, and pressures, to remain at the top of their game. Once you’re incapable of performing, they will put you out to pasture, quickly, and no one sheds a tear for them, besides their fanatics.
I long for the day, society in general, will be sincere, and reserve judgment when anyone screws up. Introspect a bit, analyze your life or the lives of people you know and/or love personally, and use that bad example as an opportunity to correct any similar inequities, instead of piling on.
Yes, celebrities make an enormous amount of money, they are privileged, some of them ignorant, and the spotlight is part of the game, but never forget, no matter how god like they may appear to be, at the end of the day they are mortals, and they are individuals, just like every single one of US.
The game of life can be treacherous, and for these athletes, the spotlight is alluring, entrapping, but ultimately, brief. When critics use a celebrity’s demise as an opportunity to totally destroy their character, to me, it only reveals their inner most insecurities, jealous nature, and hateful tendencies.
Just hope and pray that karma does not creep up and expose your shortcomings to the world abroad. Lord knows, we all have flaws, as does every individual on this planet, WE’RE ALL imperfect by nature, and rightfully so, but we all aspire to be great in our own way, but sometimes the chosen path leads us astray.
Ultimately, demonizing icons/celebrities does NOTHING to improve YOUR life. At the end of the day that responsibility is solely up to you, despite your profession, wealth or lack thereof, your background, upbringing, physical characteristics/impairment, environment, etc.
Always remember, don’t throw stones whether or not you live in a glass house.
Yours truly,
Blaq Ops
http://www.themachinenetwork.com/A-Rod
This guy can’t get out of his own way, granted, but the sheer amount of criticism he receives, borrowing a quote from Iron Mike, is ludicrous. I make no excuses for his bad choices, his personality flaws, how much money he makes, or the fact that he has not been part of a championship in his illustrious career, however, to act as if his bad judgment has profoundly compromised the “integrity” of the game is hypocritical, at best.
How soon we forget. The steroid era helped MLB reemerge as one of our nation’s favorite past time. Prior to Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa’s epic quest for the home run crown, the league was practically on life support. True, the players method of enhancing their natural ability was CHEATING, AND ILLEGAL, but ANYONE with half a brain knew these guys were juicing.
At the time, MLB turned a blind eye; they did not sound the alarm internally or otherwise. If they took the initiative to clean house, implemented more stringent drug testing, and put the players on notice right off the bat (no pun intended), perhaps they would have been able to redeem the league's integrity, and they would have suffered minimal collateral damage, even if their efforts were leaked afterwards.
Some in the media, and the “regular joes” have been making outlandish accusations. They act as though these players are the dregs of society. They question how much money A-Rod makes, but if they could afford to pay him $25mil a year, the rest of the team, operating costs, luxury tax, etc, the question they should be asking is, how much money are the owners making off the game.
Without a doubt, the players were wrong for using PED’s, but people are making statements as if “anyone” could simply inject performance enhancing drugs, and ta-da, they would become All Stars overnight as well……. WRONG! The players are the performers, they are the ones the fans come to see, and they have every right to a fair share of the revenue the game generates.
I played with guys juicing in High School, and guess what, the guys that did not have the skills to compete at the highest level, sat on the bench, whether they were clean or not. Most of the big names snared in this controversy were great before they started using. They may have cheated but they were NEVER talentless bums.
Without a doubt, the drugs enhanced their natural abilities, but as we can see A LOT of athletes in general, cheated in order to live up to the immense challenges, expectations, and pressures, to remain at the top of their game. Once you’re incapable of performing, they will put you out to pasture, quickly, and no one sheds a tear for them, besides their fanatics.
I long for the day, society in general, will be sincere, and reserve judgment when anyone screws up. Introspect a bit, analyze your life or the lives of people you know and/or love personally, and use that bad example as an opportunity to correct any similar inequities, instead of piling on.
Yes, celebrities make an enormous amount of money, they are privileged, some of them ignorant, and the spotlight is part of the game, but never forget, no matter how god like they may appear to be, at the end of the day they are mortals, and they are individuals, just like every single one of US.
The game of life can be treacherous, and for these athletes, the spotlight is alluring, entrapping, but ultimately, brief. When critics use a celebrity’s demise as an opportunity to totally destroy their character, to me, it only reveals their inner most insecurities, jealous nature, and hateful tendencies.
Just hope and pray that karma does not creep up and expose your shortcomings to the world abroad. Lord knows, we all have flaws, as does every individual on this planet, WE’RE ALL imperfect by nature, and rightfully so, but we all aspire to be great in our own way, but sometimes the chosen path leads us astray.
Ultimately, demonizing icons/celebrities does NOTHING to improve YOUR life. At the end of the day that responsibility is solely up to you, despite your profession, wealth or lack thereof, your background, upbringing, physical characteristics/impairment, environment, etc.
Always remember, don’t throw stones whether or not you live in a glass house.
Yours truly,
Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
NO SECRET....
I've said it long ago, a superstar is all this team is lacking, period! Although Hell Week has started off 0-2, and despite the organization's bumbling of the Marbury situation, I am confident this team is "constantly" improving, and should get their first taste of the playoffs this year.
If the core continues to develop their game individually, and, within the D'Antoni system, once we land an SUPERSTAR, sky is the limit. Mark my words......
I only hope I am financially capable to witness the re-emergence of the Franchise, first hand, when it happens.
Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
BERNARD DREAMS OF GARDEN'S FUTURE KING 2/05/09 NY POST
Reached at his home in Atlanta, King, who watched Bryant's historic night on television, told The Post it would be "phenomenal" if the KnicksNew York Knicks can sign King James in 2010.
"The Knicks need a superstar," said King, the Brooklyn-born forward who is still a big Knicks fan. "They should always have a superstar like LeBron. Being in New York, the biggest media capital in the world, it would be phenomenal. It's something I would love to see. The Knicks deserve to be mentioned in the top echelon of the league. LeBron would be a perfect fit in the offense because D'Antoni would love to run with him."
***************************
Let's just hope karma doesn't derail the potential of a superstar coming to the club in 2010. Obviously, the league is privy to the way the organization treated Steph, and although he was a perennial malcontent, he did not deserve to be ostracized like that.
He did everything they asked of him in the off/pre season, they should have given him enough rope to hang himself, but the organization jumped the gun, which has transformed him into sort of a "martyr" in the eyes of many around the league.
That being said, the current cast of players on this team are primed for championships, we just need that "ONE" piece. Hopefully, time will grant the organization clemency, and All Stars will once again gravitate back to the biggest Basketball stage in the world.
Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
STAR IS NOT KEEN ON GUTTED TEAM 2/05/09 NY POST
The Knicks traded away their two leading scorers, frantically trying to clear salary cap space for the 2010 free-agent class that is headlined by LeBron James and includes Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. King James offered them both a tantalizing reminder of what they're chasing, and a warning of how not to get him.
"It all depends on what type or caliber of players you have. And if you're a team that you feel is trying to build toward the future, then I definitely would," James said. "If I was in that position and I felt like our team was geared toward the future and not the present,
I'd try to put myself in a position where I at least had a chance to get a big market player.
"But you don't want to just trash the season you have, and disrespect the players you have on the team. . . . It would be a tough decision for me if I was running a team."
If the core continues to develop their game individually, and, within the D'Antoni system, once we land an SUPERSTAR, sky is the limit. Mark my words......
I only hope I am financially capable to witness the re-emergence of the Franchise, first hand, when it happens.
Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
BERNARD DREAMS OF GARDEN'S FUTURE KING 2/05/09 NY POST
Reached at his home in Atlanta, King, who watched Bryant's historic night on television, told The Post it would be "phenomenal" if the KnicksNew York Knicks can sign King James in 2010.
"The Knicks need a superstar," said King, the Brooklyn-born forward who is still a big Knicks fan. "They should always have a superstar like LeBron. Being in New York, the biggest media capital in the world, it would be phenomenal. It's something I would love to see. The Knicks deserve to be mentioned in the top echelon of the league. LeBron would be a perfect fit in the offense because D'Antoni would love to run with him."
***************************
Let's just hope karma doesn't derail the potential of a superstar coming to the club in 2010. Obviously, the league is privy to the way the organization treated Steph, and although he was a perennial malcontent, he did not deserve to be ostracized like that.
He did everything they asked of him in the off/pre season, they should have given him enough rope to hang himself, but the organization jumped the gun, which has transformed him into sort of a "martyr" in the eyes of many around the league.
That being said, the current cast of players on this team are primed for championships, we just need that "ONE" piece. Hopefully, time will grant the organization clemency, and All Stars will once again gravitate back to the biggest Basketball stage in the world.
Blaq Ops
http://blaqops.blogspot.com/
STAR IS NOT KEEN ON GUTTED TEAM 2/05/09 NY POST
The Knicks traded away their two leading scorers, frantically trying to clear salary cap space for the 2010 free-agent class that is headlined by LeBron James and includes Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. King James offered them both a tantalizing reminder of what they're chasing, and a warning of how not to get him.
"It all depends on what type or caliber of players you have. And if you're a team that you feel is trying to build toward the future, then I definitely would," James said. "If I was in that position and I felt like our team was geared toward the future and not the present,
I'd try to put myself in a position where I at least had a chance to get a big market player.
"But you don't want to just trash the season you have, and disrespect the players you have on the team. . . . It would be a tough decision for me if I was running a team."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
THIS IS WHY!!!!
** STICK UP KIDZ FOOTAGE *** http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhlBAr2x4FBC1jLOZ2
I'm glad these dudes are advertising their conquests. Maybe now people can begin to comprehend the level of ignorance (those of us who understand how "palpable" the threat is) can be on the "streets".
Maybe now people can understand what led Plaxico to do something so terribly stupid last Fri. I make NO excuses for his stupidity, but like I said in my previous blogs, I only fault him for NOT obtaining a concealed weapons permit, NOT registering his firearm(s) {in every state he frequents}, and NOT learning how to properly handle/secure a firearm, and putting innocent lives in jeopardy, PERIOD!!!!!
Granted, many high profile celebrities, private citizens, etc, floss a little too hard, but that is OPINION. We're all individuals, and we ALL have an inherent right to defend our life+property, as stated by the Constitution of the United States of America.
ALTHOUGH YOU ARE ENTITLED TO YOUR OPINION, YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO CAUSE SOMEONE BODILY HARM UNLESS IT' IS SELF DEFENSE, AND YOU DAMN SURE HAVE NO RIGHT TO TAKE SOMEONE'S PROPERTY, PERIOD!!!!!!!
Again, your OPINION is discretionary, but the law is the law, and if someone earned their money, it's their PREROGATIVE to spend it any way they please, and/or, purchase any material item they can afford and/or desire. Make no mistake, when you are a successful, especially minorities, YOU ARE A TARGET. Especially in today's economy.
Which leads some of us to say, "hey, they shouldn't have those chains, rings, drive those cars, go to those clubs/bars, carry that much cash, need a gun, buy those clothes/shoes, be out late", etc, etc, etc. Notice a trend here???
Last I checked this was AMERICA, and although the way a victim carries himself/herself may be a prominent factor in MANY cases, it still does not justify the crime, and it shouldn't be a factor when we opine whether or not, that individual should carry a firearm to protect themselves.
This type of mentality is comparable to a woman who dresses provocatively. Although you may find her style of dress extremely distasteful, again, THAT IS YOUR OPINION! Sure it may bring her unwanted attention, especially from immature, ignorant, sexually challenged members of our society, but it does not give them the right to verbally accost her, touch her, especially, assault her sexually or otherwise.
Let me reiterate.... Plaxico was an idiot because he did not obtain a license, and he was ignorant as to how to properly transport/discharge a firearm. But I understand the reasoning, TOTALLY. For those of you who know me well, if I ever reach a significant level of financial success, whether or not I'm famous, NEWS FLASH, I'll be packing heat, on a regular basis.
I would have a valid concealed weapons license/permit. My firearm(s) would be registered in every single state I resided in. I would have all the proper accessories (clips, holster, etc). I would target practice, regularly, and have membership in a gun club. And, I would ensure I know how to properly handle/fire my firearm(s), intricately.
God forbid, some naive, career criminal, wannabe thug, underestimating fool would try me. True, he/she may get me first, but if they slipped, and I was POSITIVE they were trying to get at me, I'M SHOOTING TO KILL!!! I will purposely try to put as many rounds in their cranium, and center mass, as possible.
In the event I didn't have, or couldn't get my license, I would have no shame in hiring professional security. They too would all be required to be fully trained/licensed to carry/discharge a firearm, and I would encourage them to "shoot to kill" any (CONFIRMED) potential perpetrators, as well.
One thing is for sure, that/those perpetrators would never have the opportunity to hurt anyone else. Obviously, this subject has touched a nerve, and for those of you accustomed to my rants, as usual, topics I am passionate about cause me to bloviate/debate excessively. I apologize for that aspect of this column, but I make no apologies for the content.
I absolutely loathe people (terrorists, rapists, murderers, stick up artists, etc) who choose to prey on the innocent, or, someone that has earned their wealth. I have nothing but the highest level of contempt for them. God forgive me for saying it, BUT I HATE THEM, IMMENSELY!!!
If you pay attention to the headlines, the criminals always have guns, because they don't give a $%#! about the LAW. Last year, many athletes were reminded of the perils of fame when Sean Taylor (a personal friend of Plaxico) was murdered in his own home. Last week, Steve Smith (Plaxico's teammate) was robbed outside his home.
I have attached a laundry list of additional incidents below. Some of these attacks were completely unprovoked, there was NO so called flossing, or strip club/night club fraternization.
It’s a shame Plaxico had to jeopardize his career, and his freedom, in order to bring this issue to the forefront.
You may not agree, or even find my opinion offensive. It is fully within your right to do so, as it is within my right to express myself. But one thing is fact, if I'm ever in that position, I will be FULLY LEGAL, & I will attempt, with all my power/resources, to put anyone who treads on my life, property, or family SIX FEET DEEP, without a shred of remorse.
Stick up kidz, be very happy I'm not rich!
Happy Holidays Everyone, LOL................
Sincerely, Blaq Ops
**** JACKSONVILLE Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is paralysed below the waist and has had his left leg amputated after being shot earlier this month.
The NFL player and former teammate Kenneth Pettway were waiting for two women outside an apartment complex in Jacksonville on September 2 when a gunman fired into their car.
Collier was hit 14 times but Pettway was not injured and police believe Collier was the target. He was the third NFL player shot in the past 18 months.
NBA foward Antoine Walker was duct tapes and held at gunpoint during a robbery at his home July 9, 2007 in Chicago's River North neighborhood.
NBA center Eddy Curry and his family were robbed at gunpoint in his suburban Chicago home. They two were bound with duct tape and robbed of cash and jewelry by masked gunmen.
NFL cornerback Dunta Robinson was robbed at gunpoint in his home at night when two men entered Robinson's Fort Bend County home shortly before 8 p.m., bound him with duct tape and then made off with several pieces of jewelry.
University of Miami football player and NFL prospect Bryan Pata, who was shot to death Tuesday at his apartment complex in Kendall, Fla. Pata, 22, was licensed in Florida to carry a concealed weapon.
Five Duquesne basketball players who were shot in September on the Pittsburgh campus. All survived.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle, who was shot in the abdomen and robbed of a $20,000 watch last year while he sat in his Mercedes in Miami. McDougle survived.
Vanderbilt running back Kwane Doster, an NFL prospect, who was shot and killed in 2004 in the parking lot of a nightclub in Tampa .
Former Red Sox minor leaguer Dernell Stenson, who was shot to death in 2003 after he was kidnapped in his SUV by two men outside a nightclub in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy, who was fatally shot by a teammate, Carlton Dotson, in 2003 in Waco, Texas.
Chris Childs, then a guard for the New Jersey Nets, who was robbed at gunpoint outside New York nightclub Justin's in 2002 of $30,000 worth of jewelry and cash.
Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia and his cousin, who were robbed at gunpoint of $44,000 worth of jewelry and cash in 2002 at a Cleveland hotel.
Tim Carter, a New York Giants receiver, who was carjacked outside a New Jersey movie complex in 2002 and robbed of his BMW and $10,000 worth of jewelry and cash.
Telfair's cousin, Stephon Marbury, then a guard for the New Jersey Nets, who was robbed in 2000 of a $150,000 diamond necklace as he waited in his Bentley for a light to change in Manhattan.
Antoine Walker, then a Celtics forward, who was among six people robbed at gunpoint in 2000 outside a nightclub in Chicago. The robbers made off with $100,000 worth of jewelry, including Walker's $55,000 Rolex, and $3,000 in cash.
On November 26, 2007, at 1:45 a.m., NFL safety Sean Taylor was shot in the upper leg by an armed intruder at his Palmetto Bay, Florida home, critically wounding him by severing his femoral artery. The next day, Taylor died in the hospital.www.blaqops.blogspot.com
I'm glad these dudes are advertising their conquests. Maybe now people can begin to comprehend the level of ignorance (those of us who understand how "palpable" the threat is) can be on the "streets".
Maybe now people can understand what led Plaxico to do something so terribly stupid last Fri. I make NO excuses for his stupidity, but like I said in my previous blogs, I only fault him for NOT obtaining a concealed weapons permit, NOT registering his firearm(s) {in every state he frequents}, and NOT learning how to properly handle/secure a firearm, and putting innocent lives in jeopardy, PERIOD!!!!!
Granted, many high profile celebrities, private citizens, etc, floss a little too hard, but that is OPINION. We're all individuals, and we ALL have an inherent right to defend our life+property, as stated by the Constitution of the United States of America.
ALTHOUGH YOU ARE ENTITLED TO YOUR OPINION, YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO CAUSE SOMEONE BODILY HARM UNLESS IT' IS SELF DEFENSE, AND YOU DAMN SURE HAVE NO RIGHT TO TAKE SOMEONE'S PROPERTY, PERIOD!!!!!!!
Again, your OPINION is discretionary, but the law is the law, and if someone earned their money, it's their PREROGATIVE to spend it any way they please, and/or, purchase any material item they can afford and/or desire. Make no mistake, when you are a successful, especially minorities, YOU ARE A TARGET. Especially in today's economy.
Which leads some of us to say, "hey, they shouldn't have those chains, rings, drive those cars, go to those clubs/bars, carry that much cash, need a gun, buy those clothes/shoes, be out late", etc, etc, etc. Notice a trend here???
Last I checked this was AMERICA, and although the way a victim carries himself/herself may be a prominent factor in MANY cases, it still does not justify the crime, and it shouldn't be a factor when we opine whether or not, that individual should carry a firearm to protect themselves.
This type of mentality is comparable to a woman who dresses provocatively. Although you may find her style of dress extremely distasteful, again, THAT IS YOUR OPINION! Sure it may bring her unwanted attention, especially from immature, ignorant, sexually challenged members of our society, but it does not give them the right to verbally accost her, touch her, especially, assault her sexually or otherwise.
Let me reiterate.... Plaxico was an idiot because he did not obtain a license, and he was ignorant as to how to properly transport/discharge a firearm. But I understand the reasoning, TOTALLY. For those of you who know me well, if I ever reach a significant level of financial success, whether or not I'm famous, NEWS FLASH, I'll be packing heat, on a regular basis.
I would have a valid concealed weapons license/permit. My firearm(s) would be registered in every single state I resided in. I would have all the proper accessories (clips, holster, etc). I would target practice, regularly, and have membership in a gun club. And, I would ensure I know how to properly handle/fire my firearm(s), intricately.
God forbid, some naive, career criminal, wannabe thug, underestimating fool would try me. True, he/she may get me first, but if they slipped, and I was POSITIVE they were trying to get at me, I'M SHOOTING TO KILL!!! I will purposely try to put as many rounds in their cranium, and center mass, as possible.
In the event I didn't have, or couldn't get my license, I would have no shame in hiring professional security. They too would all be required to be fully trained/licensed to carry/discharge a firearm, and I would encourage them to "shoot to kill" any (CONFIRMED) potential perpetrators, as well.
One thing is for sure, that/those perpetrators would never have the opportunity to hurt anyone else. Obviously, this subject has touched a nerve, and for those of you accustomed to my rants, as usual, topics I am passionate about cause me to bloviate/debate excessively. I apologize for that aspect of this column, but I make no apologies for the content.
I absolutely loathe people (terrorists, rapists, murderers, stick up artists, etc) who choose to prey on the innocent, or, someone that has earned their wealth. I have nothing but the highest level of contempt for them. God forgive me for saying it, BUT I HATE THEM, IMMENSELY!!!
If you pay attention to the headlines, the criminals always have guns, because they don't give a $%#! about the LAW. Last year, many athletes were reminded of the perils of fame when Sean Taylor (a personal friend of Plaxico) was murdered in his own home. Last week, Steve Smith (Plaxico's teammate) was robbed outside his home.
I have attached a laundry list of additional incidents below. Some of these attacks were completely unprovoked, there was NO so called flossing, or strip club/night club fraternization.
It’s a shame Plaxico had to jeopardize his career, and his freedom, in order to bring this issue to the forefront.
You may not agree, or even find my opinion offensive. It is fully within your right to do so, as it is within my right to express myself. But one thing is fact, if I'm ever in that position, I will be FULLY LEGAL, & I will attempt, with all my power/resources, to put anyone who treads on my life, property, or family SIX FEET DEEP, without a shred of remorse.
Stick up kidz, be very happy I'm not rich!
Happy Holidays Everyone, LOL................
Sincerely, Blaq Ops
**** JACKSONVILLE Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is paralysed below the waist and has had his left leg amputated after being shot earlier this month.
The NFL player and former teammate Kenneth Pettway were waiting for two women outside an apartment complex in Jacksonville on September 2 when a gunman fired into their car.
Collier was hit 14 times but Pettway was not injured and police believe Collier was the target. He was the third NFL player shot in the past 18 months.
NBA foward Antoine Walker was duct tapes and held at gunpoint during a robbery at his home July 9, 2007 in Chicago's River North neighborhood.
NBA center Eddy Curry and his family were robbed at gunpoint in his suburban Chicago home. They two were bound with duct tape and robbed of cash and jewelry by masked gunmen.
NFL cornerback Dunta Robinson was robbed at gunpoint in his home at night when two men entered Robinson's Fort Bend County home shortly before 8 p.m., bound him with duct tape and then made off with several pieces of jewelry.
University of Miami football player and NFL prospect Bryan Pata, who was shot to death Tuesday at his apartment complex in Kendall, Fla. Pata, 22, was licensed in Florida to carry a concealed weapon.
Five Duquesne basketball players who were shot in September on the Pittsburgh campus. All survived.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle, who was shot in the abdomen and robbed of a $20,000 watch last year while he sat in his Mercedes in Miami. McDougle survived.
Vanderbilt running back Kwane Doster, an NFL prospect, who was shot and killed in 2004 in the parking lot of a nightclub in Tampa .
Former Red Sox minor leaguer Dernell Stenson, who was shot to death in 2003 after he was kidnapped in his SUV by two men outside a nightclub in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy, who was fatally shot by a teammate, Carlton Dotson, in 2003 in Waco, Texas.
Chris Childs, then a guard for the New Jersey Nets, who was robbed at gunpoint outside New York nightclub Justin's in 2002 of $30,000 worth of jewelry and cash.
Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia and his cousin, who were robbed at gunpoint of $44,000 worth of jewelry and cash in 2002 at a Cleveland hotel.
Tim Carter, a New York Giants receiver, who was carjacked outside a New Jersey movie complex in 2002 and robbed of his BMW and $10,000 worth of jewelry and cash.
Telfair's cousin, Stephon Marbury, then a guard for the New Jersey Nets, who was robbed in 2000 of a $150,000 diamond necklace as he waited in his Bentley for a light to change in Manhattan.
Antoine Walker, then a Celtics forward, who was among six people robbed at gunpoint in 2000 outside a nightclub in Chicago. The robbers made off with $100,000 worth of jewelry, including Walker's $55,000 Rolex, and $3,000 in cash.
On November 26, 2007, at 1:45 a.m., NFL safety Sean Taylor was shot in the upper leg by an armed intruder at his Palmetto Bay, Florida home, critically wounding him by severing his femoral artery. The next day, Taylor died in the hospital.www.blaqops.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
STAR BURIED
I withheld my criticism long enough. The organization has made some bold moves recently; however, they have completely bungled the Marbury saga.
I wanted to give D'Antoni the benefit of the doubt, but despite the organizations relative resurgence, it is evident D'Antoni was petrified of Marbury becoming "successful" in his system.
I seriously thought D'Antoni was developing the younger guys and testing the malcontent's temperament, but apparently, that was the furthest thing from his mind.
I watched every single game, summer league, pre season, and regular season. No disrespect to Duhon, and I commend him on his franchise record setting assist total. That being said, I truly believe Marbury had the potential to be even better.
Marbury very nearly averaged an assist for every minute he was on the floor. But that is a moot point because I'll never get to justify my point of view unless he does it for another team.
If they were so hell bent on getting rid of him, why wouldn't you showcase his talent in order to have another team bite on the $22 million? The organization was hoping he would have had a meltdown, or relented to their wishes of a buyout, but they obviously don't know "Starbury" very well.
In any event, I am still an avid Knick fan, and despite all the King James talk, I still think we can win now. I still have a shred of hope cooler heads will prevail and Marbury will don the uniform, and play out the last season, but I won't hold my breath.
The only issue now is Curry. He has been banished to relative obscurity; they don't even talk about him anymore. I hope the organization gives him an ultimatum to shape up, because if he's not on that path, he definitely deserves the parting shot Marbury got. I don't think anyone will have a grievance with that.
I wanted to give D'Antoni the benefit of the doubt, but despite the organizations relative resurgence, it is evident D'Antoni was petrified of Marbury becoming "successful" in his system.
I seriously thought D'Antoni was developing the younger guys and testing the malcontent's temperament, but apparently, that was the furthest thing from his mind.
I watched every single game, summer league, pre season, and regular season. No disrespect to Duhon, and I commend him on his franchise record setting assist total. That being said, I truly believe Marbury had the potential to be even better.
Marbury very nearly averaged an assist for every minute he was on the floor. But that is a moot point because I'll never get to justify my point of view unless he does it for another team.
If they were so hell bent on getting rid of him, why wouldn't you showcase his talent in order to have another team bite on the $22 million? The organization was hoping he would have had a meltdown, or relented to their wishes of a buyout, but they obviously don't know "Starbury" very well.
In any event, I am still an avid Knick fan, and despite all the King James talk, I still think we can win now. I still have a shred of hope cooler heads will prevail and Marbury will don the uniform, and play out the last season, but I won't hold my breath.
The only issue now is Curry. He has been banished to relative obscurity; they don't even talk about him anymore. I hope the organization gives him an ultimatum to shape up, because if he's not on that path, he definitely deserves the parting shot Marbury got. I don't think anyone will have a grievance with that.
PLAXI - BLAST
Plaxico Burress finally has done what his critics have, without good reason, predicted since he started acting up. His indecision has affected the TEAM, adversely.
Common sense should have sunk in, the writing was on the wall, and his fear of being a "TARGET" had merit, but unfortunately, he was lulled into a false sense of invincibiliity, and willfully BLASTED his way into the abyss, which is LAW ENFORCEMENT, who have no qualms about voicing their dislike of "Hip Hop", "Thug", or "Urban" culture. Especially when it is exemplified/glorified by multi millionaires.
The LEADER of our exhaulted defense is now caught in the snare. I can sympathize with Pierce because I too have found myself in the precarious position of putting my freedom in jeapordy, in order to protect a "friend".
I have no regrets because I did what I did out of instinct/love for an otherwise good person, but most importantly, it was a "victimless" incident.
Make no mistake, I was LUCKY to escape unscathed, and if I got caught, I would have had to accept the consequences, because I knew what I was getting myself into, and I am my own man at the end of the day.
That being said, if Antonio winds up getting into serious trouble, I blame Plax, and only Plax. Pierce may have done something wrong, but he tore into Plax before trying to help him and the organization avoid unecessary scrutiny. Especially at a time when the TEAM is seriously making another run at the ultimate TEAM goal, which is a championship.
Plax gets NO sympathy. He had the money to get licences that would have allowed him to legitimately carry his weapon(s), but he was complacent, now that may seriously interrupted an otherwise brilliant TEAM effort, and his family suffers as well.
I'm so grateful no one else got shot. I hope this serves as a lesson to us all. Promoting that bullshit gets US NOWHERE!!!! Especially the "Hip Hop"/ "Urban" community.
I AM representative of the urban/AA Gen Next culture. I was raised listening to Hip Hop. I had to decide for myself what was right and wrong. I hate to see us continue to kill ourselves/careers, and lose our wealth/freedom, especially when so many pray for our downfall.
You have a right to protect yourself, but especially if you got cake, you have a primal responsibility to legitimize your shit, in order to ensure the very people you love or care about are not affected, or, implicated by your bullshit.
WAKE THE FUCK UP!!!!!!
Common sense should have sunk in, the writing was on the wall, and his fear of being a "TARGET" had merit, but unfortunately, he was lulled into a false sense of invincibiliity, and willfully BLASTED his way into the abyss, which is LAW ENFORCEMENT, who have no qualms about voicing their dislike of "Hip Hop", "Thug", or "Urban" culture. Especially when it is exemplified/glorified by multi millionaires.
The LEADER of our exhaulted defense is now caught in the snare. I can sympathize with Pierce because I too have found myself in the precarious position of putting my freedom in jeapordy, in order to protect a "friend".
I have no regrets because I did what I did out of instinct/love for an otherwise good person, but most importantly, it was a "victimless" incident.
Make no mistake, I was LUCKY to escape unscathed, and if I got caught, I would have had to accept the consequences, because I knew what I was getting myself into, and I am my own man at the end of the day.
That being said, if Antonio winds up getting into serious trouble, I blame Plax, and only Plax. Pierce may have done something wrong, but he tore into Plax before trying to help him and the organization avoid unecessary scrutiny. Especially at a time when the TEAM is seriously making another run at the ultimate TEAM goal, which is a championship.
Plax gets NO sympathy. He had the money to get licences that would have allowed him to legitimately carry his weapon(s), but he was complacent, now that may seriously interrupted an otherwise brilliant TEAM effort, and his family suffers as well.
I'm so grateful no one else got shot. I hope this serves as a lesson to us all. Promoting that bullshit gets US NOWHERE!!!! Especially the "Hip Hop"/ "Urban" community.
I AM representative of the urban/AA Gen Next culture. I was raised listening to Hip Hop. I had to decide for myself what was right and wrong. I hate to see us continue to kill ourselves/careers, and lose our wealth/freedom, especially when so many pray for our downfall.
You have a right to protect yourself, but especially if you got cake, you have a primal responsibility to legitimize your shit, in order to ensure the very people you love or care about are not affected, or, implicated by your bullshit.
WAKE THE FUCK UP!!!!!!
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