Will It Work

In light of the high crime, in the city of Memphis. We are at the point of almost desperation in coming up with a crime deterent. I usually agree with the policies of Mayor Herenton. I'm sorry, but not this time. I don't subscribe to the general idea. When all else fails, raise the taxes. That will get their attention. That's partly true, but it's not the solution. I'm not a blind Mayor Herenton supporter. Who just automatically agrees with everything he says. Mayor Herenton isn't just becoming aware of the crime problem. He lives in the city, like everyone else. Being sarcastic and over dramatic. Making snide remarks and taking stabs at the Mayor. Won't accomplish anything. But drive an even bigger wedge, between police and the citizens. Like it already has. Always remember " A littany of complaints, is not a solution". A lot of our crime is due, to lack of citizen involvement. He just went public with his suggestions for a solution. At this point it's only a proposal. If you don't like it, tell your city councilperson. They have to vote for the mayor's plan. I don't agree with raising taxes. They're already high enough. We need to capture some of the revenue, that leaves the city daily. I don't want to relax the residency requirement. It's already of little effect. I agree with community policing. That's an idea that's long overdue. Everybody promises to do it, but nobody has done it yet. And increasing the "Blue Crush" initiative. In my opinion, is a very good idea. As long as we have citizens with the "it's not me" attitude. Crime is going to flourish. We don't need 500 more police officers. That just sounds good. Even if they hired them. They still couldn't be everywhere at once.We just need to better utilize the ones we have. Make sure they're in the right place, and doing the right thing. With the citizens help of course.

Am I The Only One

I might sound like a hater, but I think I have a point. Why do they diminish Black politics, to unsubstantiated rhetoric? This mindset is rampant in Memphis politics. The race card is played almost every race. Upon further investigation, it's a nationwide problem. Once it gets pass the emotional, rubberstamped issues. Like racism, discrimination and now the war. Our views as Black people are no longer sought. They pretty much already know, what we're going to say.We generally vote the same way. Once the public hears what Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton have to say. They feel they have the pulse of the Black community.I was listening to one of my most liberal associates earlier today. I couldn't help but wonder. Does this guy ever listen to himself? Based on the things he says, he obviously doesn't. It's like he's reading from a script. No one could possibly come up with this madness, off the top of their head.

Which brings me to my point. The following article was posted in Time magazine, a national publication. I usually have respect for local columnist, Jackson Baker's opinion. Normally he is on point, in local politics. With his implication here I don't agree. See if you see the same thing.

Below is how Jackson Baker used the national spotlight. To draw attention to what I think, is calculated ignorance. I say calculated because, often they're just lies. Though his blog may be popular, it doesn't educate the reader. I don't find it funny, but I'm sure they're laughing.



Read the excerpt below:

Rhetoric has been heated. Thaddeus Matthews, a politically independent African American whose widely read local blog is part scandal sheet, part political tip sheet, early in the campaign dismissed "Joke Ford" as an uncredentialed political novice and high school dropout who lacked his congressman brother's finesse and did odd jobs for his father. That has also been the perspective of an influential corps of liberal white bloggers who pooled their efforts on Cohen's behalf during the primary.


Did you notice this? "influential corps of liberal white bloggers" What does that mean?

It's As Fair As Gambling Can Be

The people and voters, of Memphis Tennessee. Have finally discovered that the lottery, is not what they expected. There have been charges, of discrimination and disproportionate awarding. In regards to the disbursement of lottery funded scholarships. Blacks say Whites benefit unequally. Since Shelby county is it's biggest customer, and it has a majority Black population. That just indicates a mixup of priorities. It probably has more to do with the racial breakdown of the state. Than some farfetched racial conspiracy. Let's look at the official census numbers, before we jump to premature conclusions. Below are the most up to date statistics available. These are the state and national census statistics, up until the year 2005. Based on the previous population history. Just add about 27,000 residents to the state census numbers. About 6500 of them being under eighteen years of age. That should put you in line with the present demographics.

When we depend on gambling to pay for furthering education. In my personal opinion we're in deep trouble. Some of those people complaining about the program. Instead of investing in the lottery. They should invest in their own children's education. They want to reduce the grade point requirement from 3.0 to 2.5. In order to make the scholarship easier to get. That would defeat the purpose. It's supposed to be competitive. If you look at the numbers it is disproportionate. Only not as accused. Blacks make up less than 20% of the population. Yet they receive more than 20% of the scholarships. The losing party always has a complaint. I don't think they're cheating, anymore than allowed. The house always wins.


People Quick Facts

Tennessee
USA

Population, 2005 estimate
5,962,959
296,410,404

Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005
4.8%
5.3%

Population, 2000
5,689,283
281,421,906

Population, percent change, 1990 to 2000
16.7%
13.1%

Persons under 5 years old, percent, 2004
6.5%
6.8%

Persons under 18 years old, percent, 2004
23.6%
25.0%

Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2004
12.5%
12.4%

Female persons, percent, 2004
51.1%
50.8%


White persons, percent, 2004 (a)
80.7%
80.4%

Black persons, percent, 2004 (a)
16.8%
12.8%

American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2004 (a)
0.3%
1.0%

Asian persons, percent, 2004 (a)
1.2%
4.2%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2004 (a)
0.0%
0.2%

Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2004
0.9%
1.5%

Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2004 (b)
2.8%
14.1%

White persons, not Hispanic, percent, 2004
78.1%
67.4%

I gave you the latest USA census figures first. Here are the numbers for the actual Hope scholarship. It further proves my assumption. Look and tell me what you think.


2005-2006 HOPE Scholarship


applicants by Ethnicity Awardees by Ethnicity Awards

Black 59,992 1,831 $5,599,126.00
White 160,967 24,978 $73,646,113.63
All Other 28,396 1,289 $3,861,602.00

2005-2006 HOPE Access Grant


Black 59,992 96 $219,000.00
White 160,967 173 $348,134.00
All Other 28,396 31 $67,050.00

2005-2006 Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant


Black 59,992 2,471 $3,028,353.00
White 160,967 9.279 $10,916,266.00
All Other 28,396 1,599 $1,937,471.00

Squared Off

After a heated discussion between Bill Clinton and Chris Wallace. The former president seemed to have lost his cool. Ranting and raving aimlessly. Basing his entire explanation on the accounts of retired General Richard Clarke. Who he claims was fired. Ms. Rice says he left by choice. After not being appointed to the head of "Homeland Security". Which was followed by a media blitz. That resulted in Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, coming forward in defense of the Bush administration. I must say she has done a very good job too. Bill Clinton is skilled at evading questions. As we well remember from the Lewinsky trial. Ms. Rice has systematically refuted all his arguments with known verifiable facts. In spite of all the recent proof provided, to question his actions. According to some polls I've read. Some of the public still believes him. The dreaded 9/11 report, used by the Democrats in the past. Suddenly isn't so credible to the Democrats. When it points at them. Look at the link below to get the full story:


http://news.aol.com/dailypulse/092606/_a/war-of-words/20060926105309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

The First Of Three

District 9 candidates gather for first debate

Sep 25, 2006 09:39 PM CDT

District 9 Debate: Darrell Phillips







Someone put Republican Mark White in the middle leaving Democrat Steve Cohen and Independent Jake Ford on either sides of the table and on either sides of some issues.

Cohen says, "I'm 100% against writing discrimination into the constitution."

Ford says, "I somewhat resent Mr. Cohen's connection between gay rights and civil rights. I think that is an issue that is like apples and oranges."

The first meeting of these three minds was mostly mild.

Mark White complained about Memphis City Schools and talked about the need for tougher immigration policies.

White says, "We have got to protect our borders. A country without borders is not a country."

But the debate drew attention to these two.

Cohen was wearing a Harold Ford Jr. sticker.

And Jake Ford is trying to break into elective office.

Repeatedly, Ford was unable to answer questions.

"I don't know the solution right now. I don't have the answer right now. I want to go to Congress to learn," says Ford.

Ford continues, "I have not read the entire patriot act. But one of the things I am certain of is that yes, we must pass it."

"You would almost have to know a lot about the system itself and at this time I do not have all of the answers here," continues Ford.

When the moderator asked about ethics, Ford had to answer first.

Ford says, "People are always going to find a way in order to advance their agendas. And certainly, we need watchdogs and protection agencies."

No mention was made of the FBI Operation TN Waltz, which led to his uncle's indictment on bribery charges. Cohen talked around it.

Cohen says, "People are so turned off to government and they're turned off because of rocky top and people who take money and say they're the deal makers and give me the money."

And White put it simply.

White says, "No lying. No cheating. No stealing. The last time I checked we'd taken it out of our schoolrooms."

At the very least, the debate hinted at an interesting race ahead.



See the candidates:

http://www.wmcstations.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=977651&h1=District%209%20Debate%3A%20Darrell%20Phillips&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=174633&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=7&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D5457169&rnd=88670816

Should They Really

If you have to coerce them to take advantage of the priviledge. Do you really need them casting votes? I don't think they should. If they don't know what they're voting for. All in all, if you ask my opinion. I think we would be better off without them. I like the campaign being staged by the people of Arkansas. They are asking that you don't vote. If you don't know what you're voting for. I think that's a message that should ring true everywhere. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Everyone that's a legal citizen over eighteen years of age, that's not a convicted felon. After registration has the right to legally vote. That's where the problem lies. In the illegal votes being cast. If you ask me, there's a whole party. Depending on just that. There has been a suggestion floating around. To institute picture voter identifications. Community Activist "Al Sharpton", states Blacks don't have time to apply. He claims it would farther disenfranchise them. What exactly are they doing? The people they're after are very impressionable. Anyone who pays $30 for a $5 t-shirt. To tell them to do something, they should already be doing. I would say is gullible. People that have this mindset, are the target of these campaigns. I know they have the right to vote, but should they really?

Bob Corker (R-TN)

Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN)

Bill Frist ( Retiring Senator)

http://frist.senate.gov/

The Other Race

Here in Memphis we have become so engulfed in the race for the 9th congressional seat. We tend to overlook the Tennessee Senate race. That's an even bigger slice of the pie. There are only 100 senators, compared to 435 congressman. Remember when they only needed one Senator, to contest the election of 2000. They couldn't get the one that they needed. They're not just going to give this power to anyone. Thank God they won't. Like the candidate Harold Ford Jr., Memphians just take for granted he has this area on lock. It may boil down to whoever wins, their district. They have to win their particular stomping ground. The area where they are known. I know their are several people in Memphis, that won't support Ford. Even though they're faithful Democrats. Their are probably some in Chattanooga that feel the same way about Corker. Even though they're staunch Republicans. My guess is you will see more of the forementioned, than you will the latter.

I have found these three videos of Sen. Bill Frist, Harold Ford Jr. and Bob Corker. The man vacating the job, and those wanting to take his place. I think these three videos give a synopsis of who they are, and what they're about. It doesn't tell you everything about them. It gives you a place to start though. Look at them and see what you think.

A Little Late Wouldn't You Say

I'm not particularly a fan of Bill Clinton. I think he is a brilliant man, but morally bankrupt to some degree. He is only a man, born to make mistakes. So I don't hold his falling short of glory against him. But not when the whole world is watching you. As a president of the United States, he is held to a higher standard. When caught with your hands in the cookie jar, you have to pay the baker. That just proves, it goes for everyone. People are quick to say "he's not the first man to get caught". That may be true, but he was the first president.

He could have went a long way toward redeeming himself. Had he revealed his inactivity regarding terrorism before now. He is just now saying, what supporters of George Bush have known all the time. All this time people have been praising him like some demagogue. When he has been lying to the American public all along. Ironically I wrote a story about this just a couple of days ago. http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2006/09/is-that-why-they-turned-out-to-be.html. Now the issue has hit the news. ABC showed a made for T.V. move that chronicled the events of 9/11. Clinton and his compadres did everything they could , to keep it off the air. I always say "this president will look better, after he's gone". This is just the first of truths, to eventually come out of many. In the link below. See what he had to say.

http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/bill-clinton-angrily-defends-bin-laden/20060923131109990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

What Do You Think So Far (Jake Ford)

http://jakefordforcongress.com/contactus.html

What Do You Think So Far (Mark White)

http://www.votemarkwhite.com/

Impressions

I won't say first impressions, because I've already seen them both before. I know everyone hasn't had that opportunity. This will be a first for some. Both candidates unlike their opponent Steve Cohen. Don't have a history, of previous political forum appearances. I already have my mind made up, who I'm going to support. There is really nothing they can say in a public setting, that would change my mind. It's all about platfoms, in my opinion. "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything".We have two videos here to break the ice. Give us some idea of who they are. This is their response to a question about infant immortality. Steve Cohen didn't appear. He sent a standin, Steve Gallagher. He attended a fundraiser previously scheduled by actress Cybil Sheperd. The questions were sent to the candidates in advance. See what you think.

Tamara Mitchell-Ford

Up until this point, I have only seen pictures of Mrs. Ford. Today I had the oppurtunity to hear her speak. Cameo if you will, unedited and unrehearsed. Whether or not she was just whistling Dixie, I don't know. Only time will tell. If she's serious or not, that remains to be seen. She responded to a topic called "A woman scorned", I was impressed by her demeanor. Not so much with who she was, but what she said. She is a trial lawyer by trade, from a well to do family. So it came as no surprise, that she was well spoken and articulate. I expected her to be pompous and foolish. To my surprise she was quite the opposite. She to the contrary, was quite humble and accomodating. I found her attitude refreshing.

Obviously she is an attractive woman. Even in jail attire, she looks pretty good. Whatever she pursues, she'll probably be successful. Bev Johnson tried to make it a "National Enquirer" moment, but Tamara didn't take the bait. She didn't seize the oppurtunity to lowrate John Ford. He was fortunate to have a wife of that caliber. She behaved as a lady, and implored the other women to do as well. For all those women who aspire for the negative. I hope they were listening. Most women in her relationship position, won't even get close to her level. They won't get the financial benefits, let alone the marital status. For those who might mistakenly get it confused. Thinking it is something big, and how they would react. If they were in her position. Some of them even taking sides with the mistress. She cleared the slate. Regardless who it is, and what you think you're gaining. Anything except the right thing. Will eventually play out.

Lawsuits By Losers

Today I heard the first conflict between the two parties filing lawsuits against the Election commission. One is calling themselves "Coalition For Fair Elections". Seemingly headed by defeated candidate "Shep Wilbun". The other one is headed by Rome Withers and Minister Yahweh. As I listened to the two organizations talk. I couldn't help but think to myself. Initially if one was successful, it would cancel the other one out. Shep Wilbun had already given his acceptance speech to his supporters. Before he was informed that he had lost. It seems he was ready to accept the results of the Diebold at first.

The Election commission did things a little different this time. They didn't reease the results until all the precints were reported. To get an overview of the machine and how it works. In case you don't already know read the site below. It provides a demonstration from setup, to the voting process. It gives you a better understanding of the machine itself.

http://www.diebold.com/dieboldes/

The disgruntled losers have found this site to backup their unsupported claims. If a equally unimpressive site was found stating otherwise. These same people would question it's credibility. They would find it redundant and boring. The majority of those complaining about the Diebold voting machines. Couldn't even hook up their own DVD player. Let alone alter a voting machine. The Diebold voting machine has become the scapegoat for everyone that loses a race. Rep. Cynthia McKinney D-GA, has joined forces with the latest lawsuit group. She made the news headlines earlier this year, for another civil rights complaint. Click on the link and read the story : http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2006/04/lawmaker-or-lawbreaker.html . I might add that she just lost her bid for reelection.


Some of these people were willing to accept the results of this machine earlier. As long as they were winning. Minister Yahweh and Rome Withers, were at least original. They filed their complaints beforehand. They anticipated the Democrats losing. Their bases were covered, which ever way the ball bounced. After getting it past the beginning stages. A lawyer has suddenly taken the case. They have taken it upon themselves to file a $100,000,000 class action lawsuit on behalf of the registered voters. Of course if it is successful, they'll receive a percentage. That's the motivation behind the movement. Click on the link below. To find out how to hack the machine.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marty-kaplan/how-to-hack-a-diebold-vot_b_26301.html

Disappearing Workers

Here is an exaggerated example, of what is happening all around the country. After the mass protest staged by Hispanics in March, see (http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2006/03/this-is-just-in-los-angeles.html). We shouldn't be surprised. The city in Georgia was mainly supported, by the poultry industry. Immigrant workers seem to dominate the chicken trade. It's hard, honest work that doesn't pay a lot. Here we have a classic example, of our country's dilemma. They fill undesirable jobs, as well as become consumers. A certain segment of our community. Have become dependent, on the economy they provide. In addition to those that just benefit. They buy beer and cigarettes. Not to mention clothes and food. Many of the immigrants are illegal, but all of their money is green.



Read the link below for the news story:

http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/immigration-raid-makes-a-ghost-town/20060915141409990003?cid=2449

Is That Why They Turned Out To Be A Headache

I started on this story right after the anniversary of 9/11, but I just got around to finishing it today. It came abruptly back to mind this morning. When I heard someone talking about the acceptance of prewar intelligence. The fact that everyone that had a vote, believed what the CIA said. Is more than just a coincidence. It's the only thing they had to consider. Hindsight is 20/20, it's easy to say what we should have done. The Democrats want to dump the Iraqi war, at the feet of the Bush administration. How soon we forget what happened in 2000. Under the Bill Clinton administration, in regards to terrorist attacks. The "Twin Towers" bombing, wasn't the first time it happened. There were at least two other warnings. For this blog we'll address this one.

It appears in retaliation, to the USS Cole bombings. The only thing that America done,was bomb an aspirin factory. That might appear to be somewhat sensational to some. That's just calling a spade a spade. Those who know the real deal, would have to concur. In all honesty it's the truth. That may not be the totality of our response to terrorism. Until the president sent troops to Afghanistan. That's all we as Americans have, that's noted or recorded. If we really want to know the truth, it started long before 9/11. Read the link below to find out exactly what happened



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing

He Doesn't Have To Leave The House

Call me a wet blanket, if you like. I'll take that for the sake, of telling the truth. I wasn't as excited about the adventures of "Dog The Bounty Hunter", and his recovery squad. As everyone else was, until last week. I couldn't put my finger on what it was. I just knew it was something. Everybody else was caught up in the hype. Well, almost everybody else. As it turned out, he was wanted by Mexican authorities. They knew he was wanted. In the midst of all the hoopla. We were celebrating a fugitive. He knew he was wanted all the time.

There were too many flaws in his lifestyle, as it were. To suddenly be given the power, of both Judge and jury. It was an accident waiting to happen. I thought he came across as a legalized thug. Who had been given rockstar status. Whenever I watched his television show, I saw lapses in his judgement. He was a bit of what I call a "hotdog". He was his own biggest fan. He had some jacked up habits, but he was the boss. He was always just ahead of his biggest bond. To capture three bond jumpers. He didn't have to leave the house.

" I Can't Takes No More"

It seems odd to be asking people not to eat spinach. That's just the opposite of what we've always been told. We have been encouraged to clean our plate. Eat all your vegetables. Clean your plate, you'll grow big and strong. This is sort of a public service announcement. In a strange cycle of events. One person has died, fifty others have gotten sick. From fresh bagged spinach. I have never said this before, but " don't eat the spinach". It could be hazardous to your health.


http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/e-coli-cases-traced-to-bagged-spinach/20060914195709990002?ncid=NWS00010000000001

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

It seems Anna Nicole Smith, has reached another lowpoint. Her son Daniel Wayne Smith, was found dead. In a hospital room, while visiting her in the Nassau, Bahamas. Only two days after she gave birth, to her newborn daughter. Seems like Anna is always going through something. Her most popular episode in the public eye, is her marriage to 88 yr. old Billionaire J. Howard Marshall. For those that don't remember. She was only 26, at the time. The court battle between her and his son R. Pierce Marshall, has remained in litigation for nearly ten years. In the midst of all this trouble she found a silver lining. She was the subject of her own popular reality show. It didn't win any Emmy's for acting or anything. It made her a household name though. She was later allowed to pursue the estate of her husband. After his son Pierce Marshall, was declared the sole heir. He died this past June, at the age of 67. Get the full story at the link below:


http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,1013308_3305120_0_,00.html

I guess the title of the post, really applies to her weight. She has experienced one of the most miraculous weight losses, I've ever seen. One day she was overweight, the next time I saw her. She looked like a model again. I'm sure Trimspa's stock skyrocketed, as a result. She has been appointed the company spokesperson. Go to the website and read their tribute:

http://www.trimspa.com/

In the latest episode she has lost her only child, until the recent birth. As soon as something good takes place, in her life. It seems something equally as bad happens. Her life is like someone doing aerobics. One step up,and one step down. This just goes to prove in the words of Sean Puffy Combs, "Money Ain't A Thang". When the bell tolls, your wealth doesn't matter. Foul play hasn't been ruled out in his death. In any event, a priviledged life has ended. Read below to get a more indepth account.

http://news.aol.com/entertainment/articles/_a/death-of-anna-nicole-smiths-son/20060911064609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

With the way things are going now. What will happen next? From all this hardship, she should get a message. I don't know if she is a spiritual person. If not, it won't dawn on her. When we think we are getting away with something. Often the payback is not worth the price. What goes up, must come down.

Passion Or Pay

We can't expect our teachers to work for substandard pay. All educators should make an above average living. In my opinion, it's like the hand that rocks the cradle. In all instances we have to provide an education for our children. Especially those that want to learn. Like it or not, even those that don't. When we look back over history. Those entrusted with our education, have never been adequately compensated. Thank God knowledge is power. It has it's greatest impact, when it's shared with others.

I was in support of the teachers, and I still am to some degree. I didn't like the sixteen day walkout. I guess the end justifies the means. They got what they wanted. You can't ask them to take a cut in pay. When they should be getting an increase. At worst we should be asking them, to wait on their raise. I think they had a valid argument, based on pay alone. I heard several protestors say it was about the children. When you want to convince the public of something. Just say it's for the children. That will usually do the trick. Had the teachers been concerned about the welfare of the children. The teachers wouldn't have refused to go to work. Was this situation driven by passion for teaching, or a rise in personal pay? For me the truth would be an adequate explanation.



Read the news story below:

http://news.aol.com/nation/story/_a/striking-detroit-teachers-reach-deal/n20060912084309990006?cid=505

Shouldn't This Cause Concern

What do the law abiding citizens do, when the law becomes the lawless? Here a sheriff is trying to justify his wife taking nude pictures. And posting them on the internet. When it is clearly a conflict of interest. How can you enforce pornographic laws, when your wife is in the industry? It's like leaving the fox,to guard the henhouse. Not to mention she's a former prison inmate. She was paroled only last year, for drug related charges. This sheriff at best, is a bad judge of character. I would be less concerned. If this was a case of a wife turned bad. Sometimes people go through a mid-life crisis, that cause them to do weird things. This seems to be a pattern with her. The couple have been married eleven years. I guess the first sign of trouble. Is the fact that he is nine years her junior. Her defense is she hasn't broken any laws. It might not be against the law, but is it right? According to some of the citizens it's not. Our society has become so liberal in it's thinking. Some of us go along with just about anything. You can drive a nail with a brick. But why go through the trouble, when you can use a hammer? The wife of a sheriff should be more concerned with appearances than that. Even worse the sheriff shouldn't agree. To get the full story read the link below:


http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/towns-top-cop-quits-over-nude-photos-of/20060908140709990008?cid=2360

No Jewels At Pearly Gates

A meeting was held this past Saturday to rally support for Independent candidate Jake Ford. I don't think it was very successful. If it was, those who attended aren't telling anyone. Just like the "Millions More Movement" meeting held last week. Getting someone to give you an update, of what was said. Is like pulling wisdom teeth. The same people seem to support both causes. That's why I mentioned the latter. I must admit I was shocked, there wasn't more people interested in this. Could it be they aren't concerned about issues? Some people will or won't vote for him regardless. From what I've been told, only about 25 people showed. A candidate received the Democratic nomination, on the Ford name alone. In all honesty though. I think it has more to do with the organizers, than the candidate himself. In the future Mr. Ford may find some people hurt you more, than they help. You may gain 100 votes, but lose 1000.

Jake Ford For Congress

I don't know how to take Jake Ford's new website design. I expected it to be more issue oriented, after it's redesign. I didn't get what I expected though. It has no more information than the original. For those who don't know him. It doesn't even provide his picture. Let alone his platform, or what he stands for. The one thing he has, on his site is factual. Though to the untrained eye, it's not very clear. It's supposed to outline the 9th congressional district. His campaign thus far is uninspired much like his website. We can't accuse him of giving false statements, or being deceptive like his opposition. That's easy because he hasn't said anything.

It's Only Fair

In light of the resignation of Kathryn Bowers, from her senate seat(district 33). A replacement will be chosen to take her place. Instead of just choosing the person who received the second highest number of votes. In this case Steven Webster. He received over 2500 votes, in the Democratic primary. It will be decided by 37 board members, of the local Democratic party.That sounds like purely politics. If the Democrats are at all concerned with credibility. They will do the right thing. Let's see if they rise to the occasion.


Check out his site:

http://electstevewebster.com/index.htm

For Conspiracy Theorist

In my opinion it's totally absurd, to think the 9/11 bombings were planned by the present administration. Are some people so consumed with hate for George W. Bush? They have abandoned all logic and reasoning? How could you get all these people to go along with such a sinister plan of destruction? This catastrophe had far reaching effects. Not just those who were killed immediately, but the family and friends left behind. In order to pull this off. Someone, somewhere would have raised a fuss. This was not a one man operation. I am not an expert myself. But neither are most of the people, that buy into this conspiracy madness. I couldn't begin to break their arguments down intellectually. It brings to mind the saying" For those who don't believe, no explanation is good enough. For those who do, no explanation is needed". I'm not prepared to invest that kind of time myself. Someone has done that for us below. Read what they have to say regarding, what they call myths. Go to the link below:


http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/defense/1227842.html

Tragedy Remembered

Today is the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in American history. On the day of 9/11, 2001. The "Twin Towers" were bombed by Islamic terrorist. It was like a page taken from a science-fiction movie. I watched the whole thing on television. Unfortunately it was very real. Those people against the war would say, "Iraq has nothing to do with the bombing". That may be true to a degree, but not totally. I say anyone involved with the training, or sanctuary of these terrorist. Is a place that needs to be stamped out. We as a superpower, should do anything within our power. To bring this to a halt.Take a look at the link below, in case you need a reminder:


http://www.youtube.com/watch_fullscreen?video_id=mM30LexiWPs&l=150&s=2A24520B94F7E107:8A51374783A7BCE6&fs=1&title=9/11

Six In One Hand, 1/2 Dozen In The Other

Someone sent me this e-mail earlier, along with some others. Which I found very informative. At first I was offended somewhat, just mainly out of habit. Then I thought I was guilty of the same thing the e-mail talked about. Then I thought about the letter itself. This sounded like something, I had heard before. Then I suddenly remembered. It's because I said it myself. If a White person doesn't have the nerve to say this, who will? At least someone who will be taken seriously. Blacks don't take Blacks serious who make statements like this. When a Black person says this. They are labeled a sell-out or accused of having a lack of concern, for their race. With little or no regard for what's right or wrong. The truth is the truth , no matter where it comes from. Read the e-mail below, see what was written.



Someone else besides me finally said it. how many are actually paying attention to this?

There are African Americans, Mexican Americans, AsianAmericans, Arab Americans, Native Americans, etc. and then there are just Americans.

You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction. Youcall me "Whiteboy," "Cracker," "Honkey," "Whitey," "Caveman" and that's OK.

But when I call you, Nigger, Kike, Towelhead, Sand-nigger, camel Jockey, Beaner, Gook, or Chink you call me a racist.

You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you,so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live?

You have the United Negro College Fund. You have Martin Luther King Day. You have Black History Month. You have Cesar Chavez Day. You have Yom Hashoah You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi You have the NAACP. You have BET.

If we had WET(White Entertainment Television) we'd be racists. If we had a White Pride Day you would call us racists. If we had White History Month, we'd be racists. If we had any organization for only whites to "advance" our lives, we'd be racists.

We have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain Chamber of Commerce.Wonder who pays for that?

If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships, you know we'd be racists. There are over 60 openly proclaimed Black Colleges in the US, yet if there were "White colleges", they would be racist colleges.

In the Million Man March, you believed that you were marching for your race and rights. If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.

You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and orange, andyou're not afraid to announce it. But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.

You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us. But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug-dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society, you call him a racist.

I am proud. But, you call me a racist.

Why is it that only whites can be racists?

All Lying Dogs Aren't Asleep

I am not a supporter of Mr. Roland, but he hasn't done anything bad. At least not anything that's been recorded so far. My distrust for Mr. Roland, is based on his political associations. He has adjoined himself with what I consider, some seedy characters. His platform below contains a lot of empty promises. That's nothing out of the ordinary for politicians. Unfortunately, they usually tell lies trying to garner votes. If he wants to beat Ophelia Ford. I would be more impressed with some solid propositions. Not just what the voters want to hear. Which is what most of these positions are. Below is what he has listed as his platform so far. Along with my assessments.

Platform:1. Education Being on the advisory board of the TN Lottery, I have learned that only 10%of the lottery money is allocated to funding education. That breaks down to8% for hope scholarships for college students and 2% for pre kindergarten and afterschool kids. The reality is that if we don't get funding for the students in between (K - 12th grade), they will never be eligible for the hope scholarships. The solution is to take an additional percentage of the lottery money and fund the kids in the K-12 group.

Everytime I hear someone trying to paint a bright picture, of the lottery and it's benefits. From that point on out. I take their solutions with a grain of salt. I wonder what's the next thing they're going to try and twist. The lottery is a bad deal overall. The people of Tennessee want gambling regardless. The lottery is already in place. The scholarships were just a smokescreen. To divert the attention of the hard sells. Since Mr. Roland is on the advisory board. He knows better than most. The numbers won't be changed to make more people eligible. This proposal sounds good, but it won't happen.

2. Health CareAfter learning there are 1/2 million people in Tennessee without any health insurance, and that the Governor cut several thousand people from theTenncare rolls, I have decided we need to do something to help those who cannot help themselves. The first way is to take some of the TDOT's 1.7billion surplus funds and divert it to pay for Tenncare and get this groupof disenfranchised citizens back on the rolls. State government took the money from the cigarette settlement and diverted it to the general fund,which caused a shortfall in the Tenncare system. I advocate doing something similar, by taking money from the roads projects and putting it intoTenncare. Are roads more important than people's lives?

Here he has suggested an awful lot of switching funds around. If we take the money from TDOT now, where does it come from later. The program needs to stand on it's own. His solutions are based on money being spent elsewhere. That it is supposedly not needed. The Tenncare medical plan is good in theory, but it doesn't work. The only healthcare that ultimately works. Is the kind that people pay for. Those thousands of people cut, weren't supposed to be on the rolls anyway. The program was riddled with fraud and abuse. The people he's appealing to in this election, only represent 30% statewide. If this fight advances, which I don't think it will. It won't be for them.

3. Urban Growth The big concern in the rural areas is "urban sprawl". Why not develop the urban areas that are blighted and leave the rural areas alone. We can takethe money that is being used to create infrastructure in rural areas, where people don't want it, and use it in the inner city, where the neighborhoods need to be rehabilitated anyway. There are thousands of vacant lots inside the city of Memphis that could be used for this construction. The infill would help the city of Memphis by creating homes for taxpayers, which in turn would create jobs, thereby raising revenue for the city and county.

Who says the citizens don't want redevelopment in the rural areas? To the contrary, I think that's part of the problem. We're using government funds to give incentives to developers. To build new subdivisions. Everybody wants to live outside of Memphis. I agree all government money allocated for redevelopment, should be used to redevelop existing areas. That's not what the people want though. They want to move farther and farther out. Why would he be concerned with this issue anyway? The district he is running for has no rural areas. I guess he could say, he is trying to get money the district might be losing. That would be stretching it though. It could possibly be construed by some. As him trying to off-set the migration or invasion of Millington, where he lives. A lot of the surrounding areas have found they don't welcome the sudden growth.

4. Senior Citizens After doing exhaustive research , I have learned that the largest concentration of senior citizens reside in senate district 29. I believe we should take care of those who have taken care of us. Elderly people who are no longer working should not have to worry about losing their homes to the government for failure to pay property taxes. My recommendation is to enact a "Homestead" act where we freeze or roll back property taxes for the elderly. Once a person dies, the property tax will be reinstated for whomever becomes the owner.All the above can be done without raising taxes! We are simply reprioritizing the allocation of our assets in Tennessee.

It would be wonderful if this city could afford this. There is some assistance for those earning less than $20,000 a year. The truth of the matter is, we can't afford to be so generous. If the senior citizens didn't pay property taxes here. Who would we collect them from? Many young people in this city. Don't own anything anyway. They still live in these houses, with their elderly relatives. If the senior citizens are no longer working. Unless they are disabled. They should be retired. In both cases they should be getting a check. I am in favor of senior citizen discounts. You still have to pay your way. Age doesn't make others responsible for you.

Mr. Roland is on the Republican steering committee. Based on the things he has said here. He doesn't sound like one to me. I think he says one thing to the Black voters. To his party members something else. A double minded man can't be trusted. What do you think?

Mayor Herenton "My Way" (Remix)

When It Finally Rains, It Pours

Just the other day Rep. Kathryn Bowers. Was talking about her long record of service, to the Memphis community. She claims a history in politics, for over forty years. Obviously the voters were swayed, by her effort to fight the establishment. She refused to resign her post. Even though she appeared to be guilty. She acted as though nothing had happened. I guess to a degree her plan worked. They voted her back into office overwhelmingly, even with her scheduled court appearance. Before the ink could dry, on her latest apology. Here she is in trouble again. Night before last she was charged with DUI, after sideswiping a UPS truck. She didn't take a breathalyzer test. So they can't say it was alcohol. She was transported to the hospital. The test was performed there. Now they're saying it was prescription drugs. What did you expect though?

I don't mean to kick a person, when they're down and out. But all of this is after the fact. All this has come to light, after the E-Cycle investigation. These latest newsflashes have nothing to do, with her taking the bribes. I'm sure all these ailments, didn't just pop up yesterday. Are they simply being used to divert attention, from the real issue. Maybe she should have been more corncerned with her health earlier. Than she was, with trying to steal. I thought she looked sickly anyway. If she hadn't been to the doctor, she should have. I think this may be a ploy to play, on the Judges sympathy. I think it's just a matter of reaping what you sow. No matter how long the sun might be shining. When it rains it pours.