Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Gerald Ford (1913-2006)


The United States 38th president has died at the age of 93. Gerald Ford Jr. the successor to Richard Nixon, died in his sleep. The high point of his presidency unfortunately was his pardon of President Nixon. He had the dubious distinction of not being elected, to either vice president or chief of staff. He was appointed to Spiro Agnew's job, and was next in line to Nixon. Something that's often overshadowed that happened during his term. The Viet-Nam war officially ended. If asked to summarize his presidency, I would call him the "middle of the road president". My condolences go out to the Ford family.

Monday, December 25, 2006

A Long List Of Hits




James Brown hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 or Billboard Top R&B Singles in four separate decades.


1956: "Please, Please, Please"

1959: "Try Me"

1960: "Think"

1961: "Baby, You're Right"

1961: "Bewildered"

1961: "I Don't Mind"

1962: "Lost Someone"

1962: "Night Train"

1963: "Prisoner of Love"

1965: "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"

1965: "I Got You (I Feel Good)"

1966: "Ain't That a Groove"

1966: "Don't Be A Drop-Out"

1966: "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"

1966: "Sweet Little Baby Boy"

1967: "Cold Sweat"

1967: "Let Yourself Go"

1968: "I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me)"

1968: "I Got The Feelin"'

1968: "Licking Stick - Licking Stick"

1968: "Say it Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud"

1968: "There Was A Time"

1969: "Ain't It Funky Now"

1969: "Give It Up Or Turn It A Loose"

1969: "I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up The Door, I'll Get It Myself)"

1969: "Let A Man Come In And Do The Popcorn"

1969: "Mother Popcorn (You Got To Have A Mother For Me)"

1970: "Get Up (I Feel Like Being Like A) Sex Machine"

1970: "Santa Claus Is Definitely Here To Stay"

1970: "Super Bad"

1971: "Escape-ism"

1971: "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved"

1971: "Hot Pants (She Got To Use What She Got To Get What She Wants)"

1971: "I'm A Greedy Man"

1971: "Make It Funky"

1971: "Soul Power"

1972: "Get On The Good Foot"

1972: "King Heroin"

1972: "Talking Loud And Saying Nothing"

1973: "I Got A Bag Of My Own"

1973: "Sexy, Sexy, Sexy"

1974: "Funky President (People It's Bad)"

1974: "My Thang"

1974: "Papa Don't Take No Mess"

1974: "Stone To The Bone"

1974: "The Payback"

1976: "Get Up Offa That Thing"

1985: "Living in America"

"Godfather Of Soul" James Brown (1933-2006)

One of this centuries most electrifying performers has passed away. James Brown expired at 1:45 a.m., after checking into the hospital yesterday. Needless to say he will be definitely missed. He was one of the last few pioneers from his era still on the scene. His music was tops on the charts for four decades, with an extended life from being sampled in today's Rap music. Click on the link to get a well documented account of the singers life and career.

http://news.aol.com/entertainment/music/articles/_a/godfather-of-soul-james-brown-dies/20061225081809990001

Below is the performance that made me a James Brown fan. I will always remember this whenever I think of the " Godfather Of Soul".


Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Hindsight Is 20/20


Of course knowing it would blow-up like it has, Pastor Steve Grimes would have handled it differently. All things considered, I'm not so sure I disagree with him. With the understanding of the way the church atmosphere is since the death of Adrian Rogers. The pastor may have thought this was just another trick. I do say another, as though it seems that this is not the first. I find it hard to believe this is the first time this issue came up in seventeen years. All these people coming forth with complaints now. Where have they been all this time? It's reminiscent of the Michael Jackson trial.

It amazes me how everyone wants to take matters in their own hand. The word of God has given us specific instructions on what we should do in cases like this. This situation could be best handled by following them. Since this is a church matter let's see what scripture has to say. To get things in a bibical mood, let's start right here. Let the law handle legal things. Let the word handle the spiritual.
Matthew 22:21
They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
Had this been put in the hands of the proper authorities(police)to begin with. The job would already be half done. What would happen then is what the word has told us here:
1 Timothy 5
24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.


Pastor Grimes didn't have this opportunity being that he inherited the problem. In all fairness it's easy to play Monday morning quarterback. It's easy to come with the shoulda, woulda, coulda suggestions, hindsight is 20/20.

Color Is Not The Cause


Lately every time a Black candidate loses an election or is removed from an appointment. The reason given in Memphis, is always racism. In an offbeat sort of way that could be an underlying factor. The actions far more than outweigh the accusations. When you consider this is a predominately Black electorate, with mostly Black officials. It makes it hard to build a case against the White man. When you take into account all the reasons involved, racism comes in next to, if not last. This guy needed to be removed in my opinion. He has done a poor job and he has peddled his influence on the board. If his partners in crime get caught up it shouldn't bypass him. Mr. French has had I think a more than generous run, under this Herenton administration. Prior to this Mayor appointing him to several positions, being a fired policeman is the extent of his experience. When the fit hits the shan, I don't think he should be surprised. Two of his campaign supporters have been called on the carpet and temporarily closed. The connection between them is undeniable. He has been lenient with fines, and generous with permits. The idea that it doesn't matter who you associate with is totally absurd.

If race did play a part, I think it was in the voting. The councilman voted straight down the line with the exception of Myron Lowery. Now he is being accused of playing up to the White constituents, in search of future votes. Is he not allowed to vote against a Black person if he feels he has been ineffective? Joe Brown should have kept his comments to himself. I just hope when the smoke clears he won't have been indicted. He had made his position clear with his vote. If he didn't have a reason supporting his vote. The atmosphere didn't need to have the race card played. As for Mr. French not being reappointed, I am Black and I agree.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

FYI



Three Years And Nine Months Later

Latest Iraq toll: At least 2,956 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 2,370 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Opps, Looks Like He Did Something Stupid Again



This time he even had company !!!

This is living proof," if you let the devil ride, he'll want to drive". Considering all the things he has gone through in his career lately, you would think this guy would want to straighten out his ways. This idiot has only gotten worse. Now he has went from putting his mouth on people in the form of talking too much, to doing so literally. Well just short of breaking the law since it wasn't caught on camera. In his latest altercation he actually spit on cornerback D'Angelo Hall. This guy has crossed the line. Two things I was always taught to do. Keep your foot on the ground, and keep your spit in yor mouth. To do either one in my opinion, is asking for whatever you get. This guy is setting the wrong precedent in professional sports. He's giving the impression if you're good enough, you can get away with anything. In his next contract, if he gets one he'll just add in incidental cost to pay off fines. If that's the only action the league is going to take.

Carmello Anthony the highest scoring player in the NBA, has been inducted into this unheralded fraternity. He has joined the long list of professional athletes that have exhibited disgusting public behavior. It must have nothing to do with frustration from failure. In spite of them being at the top of their respective games. They go and do something recognizant of a grade school tantrum. What use to result in a bloody nose at best. Now cost these adults millions of dollars. He has joined the likes of Ron Artest and Bill Romanowski. In altercations that will cost them far more than they're worth. The latter ended up being asked to retire.

Looks like Terrell Owens does something annually. He was the subject of my first blog. Click on the link below:
http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2005/11/terrell-owens-from-cocky-to-contrite_13.html

Friday, December 15, 2006

Multiculturalism And Alligators



I ran across this earlier, I just had to post it on my blog.



Multiculturalism And Alligators

Better Than NASCAR




May 12, 2006

It is possible to derive an ashen satisfaction from watching really stupid people dancing on a tight rope over a den of alligators. At each resounding dental snap one yells “Yeeeeeeeee-ha! Told you so!” and reaches for another beer.

It makes a better Saturday night than a six pack and a bug zapper.

From the Washington Post: “Nearly half of the nation's children under 5 are racial or ethnic minorities, and the percentage is increasing mainly because the Hispanic population is growing so rapidly, according to a census
report released today.”

Now in newspaper parlance, “minorities” means “permanently underperforming and inassimilable minorities,” which is to say blacks, Latinos and, when anybody remembers, American Indians. It very seldom means successful minorities, such as Chinese, Greeks, white men, Jews, or Anglo-Saxons.

As we look forward to a massive slewing away from the dominance of European whites in America, what may we expect? What will these huge minority populations do? It is instructive to look at what they have done so far.

Some thirteen percent of the country is now black, and thirteen percent Latino: over a quarter in all. Blacks remain intractably far below the white population academically. An astounding proportion can’t read, and of those who can, few do. The gap hasn’t closed, despite Head Start, integrated schools, segregated schools, more funding, welfare, black teachers, black school boards, black mayors, remedial instruction, or anything else.

The gap appears on every known test of mental capacity or scholarly achievement—SATs, GREs, ACT, LSATs, MedCats, Stanford-Binet, Wechsler, Raven’s matrices. Nothing makes a difference. Everything has been tried. Because of this, we got affirmative action or, as kids once said, make believe.

Further, blacks are not assimilating. Despite pushing, shoving, laws, legislation, regulation, and relentless indoctrination, the races are not melding at a rate that will produce results any time soon. The huge black necrotic regions of the cities, that whites never see, are so big and isolated as to be impervious to outside influence. If you have not spent time in police cars in such places, you cannot imagine the hopelessness and hatred that brood there. If you think that “hatred” is too hard a word, go look. I have. Whether the hatred is justified doesn’t matter. It exists.

Yes, I will be called a racist for saying these things. I hope so. Today, “racist” means “one who says what everybody else knows.” It is a badge of intellectual honor. Nonetheless, it remains that if I could change any of these conditions, I would. I don't enjoy seeing people in lousy circumstance. I just don’t know what to do about it. Neither does anyone else.

Now, Latinos. Americans seem to think that the word denotes one kind of people, namely Mexicans, conceived as sitting torpidly under cactuses while wearing sombreros. Actually the variety of Latinos is great, from Argentines who amount to Europeans to Bolivians who are Indians. The Latinos coming into America are heavily Indian and uneducated. Mexican ophthalmologists do not swim the river. Mexicans who can make a decent living do not want to live in the United States. Thus the US gets the losers, the second-grade educations, people who on average have neither the intellect nor the urge to study. Yes, there are exceptions. But they are exceptions.

Everyone says, “But the Hispanics work hard.” They do indeed, in the first generation. Many people in fields such as construction have told me that the Latinos are the backbone of their operations, that blacks don’t want to work, have attitudes, show up if they feel like it and quit without warning. The Latinos work, now. Their children do terribly in school, however, drop out, and lose the desire to work. Then they join gangs.

Nice white people don’t know about gangs. Maybe they think of West Side Story. I used to ride in Chicago, with the PD and with the South Side Gang Initiative, a federally funded program in the rotting satellite cities, Markham, Robbins, and Fort Ord. I saw the gangs. There were the Black Gangster Disciples, the Vice Lords, the Latin Kings, the Latin Cobras, the P Stones, the El Ruykins who came out of the old Blackstone Rangers and, earlier, Blackstone Raiders. They aren’t the Jets, people. They’re killers. And they loathe white America.

I once interviewed a ranking Vice Lord in the Cook Country Jail. Why, I asked, did blacks kill each other so much? “They’d rather kill whites,” he answered, “but they know they’d lose.” There's a lot of that. When I left Washington four years ago, Mara Salvatrucha (look on the web) was appearing in Arlington, Virginia, and now their graffiti are show up in Springfield, Virginia.

Law enforcement in America relies on having a white population that is mostly law-abiding. It has no good way of responding to large numbers of violent criminals, especially when they are backed by politically potent voting blocs. The crucial question, or a crucial question, is what proportion of the new minorities will fall into the permanent underclass? How much permanent underclass can the nation stand?

Another crucial question is this: If half the children today are of minorities, then in no more than eighteen years half the kids of college age will be. Unless they show a sudden scholarly afflatus which has not heretofore been in evidence, this means that soon the US will have to compete with China with the brains of only half the nation. This is not to mention secondary effects, such as enstupidating all schools to hide the failures of the minorities. Do you suppose that the Chinese are doing that?

Now, from the same story in the Washington Post, this: “William H. Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution, predicted that the United States will have 'a multicultural population that will probably be more tolerant, accommodating to other races and more able to succeed in a global economy.'"

How heart-warming. I suggest that William H. Frey is a thoroughgoing fool, but this is common among academics.The whole touchy-feely multy-culty idea that forcing people together will make them love one another, kum bah yah, is simply wrong. Right now, there is a tremendous repressed hostility between blacks and whites, the lid being held on by federal power, tight control of the press, and rigorous political correctness. Whites, huge numbers of them, detest Latino immigrants and would love to expel them from the country. Serious friction grows between blacks and Latinos as Latinos push blacks out of regions they once controlled. We’re not moving toward accommodation. We’re moving toward trouble.

What will happen as the economy declines and the minorities continue growing in number? As they continue demanding through political power what they cannot obtain on their merits? As standards of living drop, and the pie isn’t creamy enough to give everyone juicy freebies?

It will be nothing if not entertaining. Bring it on. Love them alligators

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Give A Description Of Jesus

I was asked to give a description of Jesus Christ. I gave the usual explanation of Revelations 1:13-19, and 19:11-16. That's the standard description given by the average believer. Even most Christian preachers for that matter. This person drew my attention to what I feel is an over site on my part. Most people have only investigated as far as they have been told. They heard enough to satisfy their curiosity and they left it at that. Most people haven't actually taken time to read the entire story for themselves. Revelations is the least read and understood book in the entire bible. Revelations are the revelations of Jesus Christ himself. Written by John on the Island of Patmos. Why would Jesus need a description of himself ? I know I'm not the first person to come to this conclusion. Read Revelations 1:1-4 for yourself. I honestly hadn't read it to get the full understanding before now. I have used this scripture many times, to prove a point I thought. Without anyone ever calling my hand. They obviously hadn't read it either. I'm guilty of quickly dismissing the opinions, of non-believers and Muslims. For once they actually had a valid point. It was just for the wrong reasons. Now I realize I just was as wrong as they were. After much study and meditatio. I've come to this conclusion. The holy bible doesn't give a description of Jesus.

The most credible source to date, is what is called the "Archko volume". It contains transcripts of legal documents written during the time, Jesus walked the earth. Publicus Lentullus and Pontious Pilate, both gave detailed accounts of his appearance. The book that was published in 1887, was the translation by a Missouri preacher named W.D. Mahan. Who claimed to have visited Rome and Constantinople, Turkey. Those who look at spirituality from an ethnic point of view. Are probably going to reject this description. More than likely they will claim this was written by the White man too. Click on the Link below and read it for yourself. It made sense to me, see what you think.


http://www.thenazareneway.com/likeness_of_our_saviour.htm

Sunday, December 10, 2006

FYI



A Bone To Pick
We are born with 300 bones at birth. When we reach full maturity we only have 206 bones left. In the course of our development we loose 94 bones.

Be On The Lookout



Loyalty is to be commended in certain situations. A sign of a good leader,is one who takes care of those around them. Even in the case of the "second chance program". Headed up by a convicted felon "Yolonda McFadden". It's the same through and through, in Memphis politics. In the eyes of the Mayors opposers, it might be classified as corruption. Considering the jobs he's created and appointed people to head. One might make a valid case. Though I don't agree, I still wouldn't call it that. When you look at all the jobs in question. And how they came about. I think this is something that would qualify as normal. Unfortunately in more situations, than most of us would like. If we don't benefit from nepotism or favors ourselves. We know someone that does. Everything the mayor does, just gets more attention. He's just doing what those before him, have always done. How many people have their jobs because of Jim Rout or Dick Hackett? There might even be some Wyeth Chandler residual.That doesn't make it right by any means.That's just the status quo in Memphis. The people in power have made a practice, of promoting their family and friends. Don't even mention affirmative action. And the obvious effect it has had. It directly correlates with the number of female Blacks in positions of power. Whether they are the best candidate or not. Our entire local government is built on cronyism and favors. That's why we have the only dual government in America.

The problem is the administration is reflective of the minds, of the voting community. Some people live for the so-called hookup. We expect some things to be a given. Many citizens suffer from an entitlement mentality. We have far too many deserving people that are being overlooked. In favor of people with the right connections. Let's just be honest here. If Yolonda Mcfadden wasn't an above average looking woman. We wouldn't even be having this discussion. There are people that are much more deserving. They just don't look as good. I won't accuse her of what they call "flatbacking". Though a lot of this is taking place. I will say this though. I would likely attribute her meteoric rise to the fact. That someone has or wants to get next to her personally. I don't blame Ms. McFadden for capitalizing. She can't help how she looks. Smart and pretty women, always have an advantage. Until the people of Memphis become more concerned with character, than charisma. Things like this will continue to happen.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Like Father, Like Son?













It's strange how history repeats itself. Everything that comes around, has already happened before. "It's the same old soup reheated". As one of my friends would say. With the almost unanimous confirmation of Robert Gates (95-2), as secretary of defense. Replacing the enormously unpopular Donald Rumsfeld. I can't help but think. How soon we forget. Mr. Gates was bosom buddies with George Bush Sr. during his term. Remember the Iran contra scandal? What appears to be subtly happening here. Is the Democrats reverting back to a previous administration's position. Like the one prior, to that of former president Bill Clinton. Being an Independent conservative myself. It was interesting to hear this observation made, by a hardcore Republican. Someone who sticks with the Republican party no matter what. It serves as confirmation to my earlier assumptions. The Democrats really don't have a plan. They're to the point of willing to use Republican strategy. Now that they control both the house and the senate. Their lack of direction has become painfully obvious. It would be to blatant, to just stay the course. Like the President has repeatedly said. That would be admitting that President Bush was right all along. Instead they go back and get old ideas, from members of his father's team.

I have often said that this President, will look better after he's gone. Some things held against him, was actually the work of his father. I think the father was more of a globalist than the son. To the detriment of the American worker. To the benefit of big business. Some of his decisions were solely on behalf, of world trade. It's ironic that when you reach a certain level. Regardless of party. All politicians are the same. Notice how chummy George H, and Bill Clinton have gotten lately. He's even calling him his adopted son. It is rumored that the President and his father, aren't getting along. Word is that the President took a stand against the old man. Telling him with all due respect. I appreciate you insight and counsel, but I'm in charge now. This President in my opinion has done a very good job. In spite of the many challenges. He has repeatedly risen to the occasion. No matter what he has done, the people have been critical. That's not to say he has done everything right. Other than God and Jesus Christ,tell me who has. Many Democrats already realize they have been duped. They already see signs of abandonment. I think the next two years will show. Just how much like the father, the son really is.

This Is Another Step

This is another step toward America being overtaken by inside attacks. I went to this congressmans web-site, it was written totally in spanish. I could understand very little of what was written. This man is a member of the 110th congress. After an extensive search of the site. I found the tab for english translation. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I'm not the dullest either. This is a blatant attempt to force the Hispanic culture on America. That should be the first step in becoming legal. They should be required to understand at least basic english. If I went to Mexico, I would expect to speak spanish. The nerve of some of these people. There are those who aren't supposed to be here anyway. They still want America to roll out the red carpet. Do you invite strangers in your house? Then make them comfortable once they get there.

This guy isn't new to the game. He has been at this for a while. He has represented the 16th district in Texas since 1996 . He is the one Nancy Pelosi has picked, to head the "Central Intelligence agency". Over long time Black member "Alcee Hastings". The CBC should be upset about that. For the most part, they have been relatively quiet. I think they're anticipating bigger battles. They don't want to waste resources here. I wrote an article earlier about Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn), the first Muslim elected to congress. Read my earlier blog http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2006/10/longest-journey-has-beginning.html This guy is a beginner, Reyes is a seasoned pro. They both in my opinion represent the same thing. I think this is just another step, in the wrong direction.

Read more about congressman Reyes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvestre_Reyes

Getting Out Of The Line Of Fire


This Of course, is just my opinion. But I think city coucilwoman Tajuan Stout-Mitchell, is getting out of the rat race. With all these bombs being dropped around her. She is running for safer ground. I can't say that I blame her. You better believe shots have been taken at her. Politics is a dirty game. It's getting harder and harder to stay clean. I'm sure Ms. Mitchell isn't perfect, just like everyone else. She probably has taken the bait before, just not this time. There have been many instances before. Where I feel her position has been compromised. I do think she is a decent lady though.

She has taken an administrative role at City Hall. Heading up Intergovernmental Relations, earning $85,000 a year. She will serve as a liaison between the city and various government agencies. Contrary to what many people are saying. This job wasn't created. It was vacated by someone who took another position. What I think we are witnessing here lately. Is people seizing opportunities, as they present themselves. I think these people anticipate a more informed electorate. As well as a more powerful crackpot group. Who don't vote issues, but idiosyncrasies. These women want a more stable future than that. They don't want to depend on the voters any longer, for a paycheck.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

I Wouldn't Call This Civil


The Democrats want to view the situation in Iraq, as a subsequent civil war. I wouldn't give what's happening that much credit myself. I would call it gang warfare, by a group of Muslim extremist. Let's first define what a civil war is: Main Entry: civil war
Function: noun
: a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country.
The war in Iraq is not being fueled, by the Iraqi people. Insurgents are being shipped in to fight, from other countries. The people are thankful for what the American troops are doing. That's something the media doesn't talk about. They were under a dictator before America invaded them. Saddam Hussein was lining them up and killing them indiscriminately. Without a doubt there is a religious war going on between the Sunnis and the Shite's. Then of course we have the Kurds. They're just looking for a place to call home. America is the voice of reason. In the midst of all these unstable forces. How do you classify a belief that promotes the slaughter of innocent women and children, as a religion?

As I have always stated, and I think the president says it best. "We don't negotiate with terrorist". All of the latest reports. And the recent proposals. The "Baker, Hamilton report" the "Iraqi Intelligence" study. Suggest exactly what we have said we wouldn't be doing. Starting something monumental and not completing the job.That's why we are there to begin with. To provide a Democratic way of life. Like we as American citizens enjoy. And attack terrorism at it's base. I'm not a military strategist by any stretch of the imagination. Even I know this. You don't give the enemy time to build a weapon to defeat you. If possible you nip it in the bud. Maybe that's the reason the American public doesn't have the stomach to do what they should. The first step in solving the problem, is acknowledging it's presence. I can think of many ways to describe this war. One description I wouldn't use though. I wouldn't call this civil.

The Huey P. Long Syndrome


Throughout history there have been people, to come along with exceptional influence. One of these people would be Huey P. Long. The former governor and senator, in the late twenties and early thirties. He was once a political powerhouse, in the state of Louisiana. He created the "share the wealth platform", a model used by may politicians today. It's built on the premise of taking the wealth from the rich, and redistributing it to the poor. Just as the people gobbled it up then. They're buying it now. As witnessed through these last midterm elections. It was once said that Governor Long was so popular with the voters. The only thing that would keep him from being reelected. Was "If he was caught in bed, and took a picture. With a live animal, or a dead body". That's pretty popular in my opinion.

The residual effects of that type thinking, are evident in Louisiana today. Especially in the old New Orleans. Where 65% of it's former residents, pre-Katrina were renters. Unemployment was among the highest in the country. It also had the distinction of being the "crime capital of the United States". Here in my city of Memphis Tenn., the mentality must have caught on too. Crime and foreclosures are at an all time high. We are in the midst of a FBI corruption sting. Some of the constituency are still trying to make excuses, even with pictures and tapes. We put the politicians on pedestals. Making them larger than life. Huey P. Long tricked the voters 3/4 of a century ago. Some people are still falling for the okey dokey today.


To read more about Huey P. Long, click on link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huey_Long

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Another Dancers Music Stops



Today former county commissioner Michael Hooks. Was sentenced for his role, in the Tennessee Waltz. He took twenty-six thousand dollars, in exchange for his vote. His son Michael Hooks Jr., is indicted too. The son has yet to go to trial. But it appears taking bribes, was a family affair. Today the father was sentenced. He received twenty-six months in jail. That equates to a month behind bars, for every thousand he took. He could use that much time out of circulation. It will give him a chance to get clean. As I always say. "That isn't the first time he did it, just the first time he got caught".

Which brings up my next point. He didn't take responsibility for his actions, out of remorse. He owned up to what he did, because he got caught. If E-Cycle hadn't happened, he would still be on the take. It amazes me that some people think he deserves a medal for not going to trial. He only did that, to help his sentence. Had he gone to trial and been found guilty. He would have gotten more time. He saw what happened to Roscoe Dixon. In addition to the comments of the judge. This wasn't based on generosity, instead it was selfishness. He didn't do it to save the people the expense. He did it spare himself.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

The Egg Doesn't Roll Far, From The Nest


I wasn't aware that these two guys were brothers until today. With a last name like Eggeletion. I should have figured as much.The Eggeletion brothers (Josephus) first Black mayor of Broward county, and (Andre) part time writer and radio host. Though I haven't met either one in person. I've talked to Andre on a few occasions. In my humble opinion he is a double-minded individual. He's plenty smart, just misdirected. They both seem to be what we call "problem profiteers". This guy inflames rebellious attitudes in Blacks. Yet he and those like him. Don't believe the hype themselves. If they do, you can't tell by their actions. They only talk a good game. They're riding around in Mercedes Benz and BMWs crying racism. While they fleece the flock. He has made a name for championing the causes of the poor. Along the way he has made several influential friends himself. Often in the form of developers and big business. And most notably waste management companies. I didn't expect to discover all this about him, but I'm not surprised. Look at the link below. If you are not familiar with Mayor Eggeletion. You might be surprised:
http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/Issues/2004-12-16/news/feature_full.html



I assume Andre is the younger of the two. I'm judging that based on the hair and name. Josephus doesn't have any hair on top. Which leads me to think, it's probably a result of male pattern baldness. And not just a style. That still doesn't mean anything. Just consider the name itself. Being a Jr., is usually is a sign of being the first son. Whether he is or not is of little consequence. Andre hasn't reached the prominence of his brother, being the first Black mayor and all. Though he is somewhat accomplished in his own right. He has a nationally syndicated radio broadcast. Where he shares his views two hours a day five days a week. He has also written a couple of books. He is respected by some economist for his world banking views. I guess he would be considered somewhat of a Renaissance man. Well read and versed, in his area of specialty. Personally I think his area of specialty is spreading it on thick. Now I see where the arrogance comes from. He comes from a place where his hype is working. Obviously in Florida, where he's from. The majority think like him. His brother serves as somewhat proof. What's frightening about this whole thing. There are pockets of people with this mindset everywhere. Look at Liberty City, and it's homegrown terrorist. Since Andre seems to love talking about the White man. Wonder what he would say about this? Since the inception of slavery, there has always been Blacks like him and his brother. They were the ones who rounded up other Blacks, for the slavetraders. I would love to hear what people have to say about their father. Based on his two sons. It would be very interesting. The egg doesn't roll far, from the nest.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Charity: It's The Right Thing to Do


So what are we to make of the fact that conservative Americans donate 30% more to charity than liberal Americans? A new book called "Who Really Cares" by Syracuse University professor Arthur Brooks is not going to please the Howard Dean crowd. The book states flat-out that religious Americans who vote Republican are far more likely to be generous to the downtrodden than secular-progressives.

The big question, of course, is why? Liberal philosophy is all about "nurturing" people who need help. The "tax the rich" crew can't yell loud enough that more money needs to go to Americans in need. Just not their money.

That may be unfair, but probably is not. The cornerstone of liberal economic thought is "income redistribution;" that is, big government taking assets from the affluent through taxation and giving said assets to the less well-off through entitlements like subsidized health care, housing, educational scholarships and the like. The left is also big on imposed "economic justice," things like guaranteed wages and lifetime job security.

But a funny thing happened on the way to socialism. Americans who believe in "income redistribution" give 75% less to charity than Americans who do not, according to Dr. Brooks. That is a stunning differential.

I believe this is a religious thing. Secular-progressives believe in individual gratification, and that often takes money. Buying that jazzy new SUV and that vacation home can deplete disposable cash fast. If it's all about you, then you are thinking about you, not about poor Dave down the street.

But devout Christians, Jews, and Muslims are compelled to help the poor by their beliefs. Personal gratification is not a big theme in scripture. Jesus was a huge "help your neighbor" guy. For J.C., it is all about Dave down the street, not the latest material possession.

The statistics say that religious Americans give four times as much money to charity each year than secular people, and are 23 times more likely to volunteer to help people than folks who never attend church. And here's another crushing stat: If liberals donated blood at the rate conservatives do, the nation's blood supply would rise 45%.

So in this season of giving, Christmas, a word some liberals don't like to say, it might be worth pondering just who is really looking out for the have-nots. The leftist media often portrays conservatives as mean, cruel and insensitive to the plight of the downtrodden. But, as the tax returns of multi-millionaires Dick Cheney and Al Gore prove, the media image is false. The Vice President gives millions to charity, Mr. Gore very little.

So the next time you hear a big government liberal bloviate about helping the poor, please trot out the statistics mentioned in this column. And then tell that person that in America today, giving money to charity seems to be the right thing. What's left is not even close.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Dot ...Dot... Dot....



My Harrison the FBI special agent, that's at the head of all the latest Memphis stings. Is quite proficient at her job. I call her Ms. Pacman. Based on the conviction numbers she has accumulated. When she gets through around here. All the dirty elected representatives, will be doing prison time. The new Melvin Purvis G-Man this time, is a timid looking little Black lady. Well she's not so little anymore. Maybe that's the reason for her effectiveness. The crooks aren't taking her serious. In spite of her repeated warnings. The corrupt politicians, and obviously the dealers too. Think that it's business as usual. The latest incidents just happened, in the last few months. It would appear that they would be leery at least, considering the fate of some of their co-horts. In some cases even their relatives. This just proves an old saying. "Power corrupts absolutely, absolute power corrupts".

Have you ever saw a loose thread and pulled it, and it didn't seem to stop? By the time it stopped unraveling, the whole garment had come apart. That or had a hangnail,waiting to be removed. But then once you pulled it. It seemed to go all the way up to your neck. That's what we are experiencing here. It's like the domino effect. This whole thing started with the juvenile court scandal. With Shep Wilbun and his crew. The uncovering of one crime, only reveals another. What a tangled web they have woven. Everybody is telling on everybody, to save their own skin. They better take heed to what 'My Harrison' said. "Tap, tap, tap. Dot, dot, dot. You never know when the FBI is watching you.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Just Doing What They Do




The people kill me with all these double standards. How can voters complain about these two councilmen taking money? When they elected Steve Cohen to congress. The voters knew these guys past, and they still reelected them overwhelmingly. Ricky Peete was convicted of taking bribes. Edmund Ford, supposedly had a drug problem. They both got so many votes. It's like they ran unopposed. Perry Steele campaigned religiously against Edmund Ford, and still didn't get 2000 votes. Edmund Ford visited a couple of churches, hugged some of the sisters. It was a done deal. I don't even remember who ran against Ricky Peete. He won by a landslide. Now voters are crying about corruption. Mr.Ford and Mr. Peete. They're just making it do what it do.

As far as this accusation of taking pennies. If it doesn't cause a problem. I'll gladly take that change. Bill Gates himself would accept $3000, and he's the worlds richest man. With all these bankruptcies and foreclosures in Memphis. If you can't use it, give it away. You're bound to know somebody in need. If you can't use it yourself. Everytime a drug dealer makes a sale, do you suppose he makes $3000? I don't think he does. Not a dealer here in Memphis anyway. If they do, they have been in the game for a while. If we called their name. Some of us would recognize them. At least here in Memphis. If they haven't been around, they won't be out there long. Somebody will pick them off. Out of pure jealousy. Most of us take, or have taken chances for a whole lot less. Some people put their life on the line. Every time they go to work. Policemen, firemen and teachers to name a few. According to some of the complaints I hear. Many citizens work for 40 hrs. a week, for an entire month. And don't make that much money. This isn't the first time for either of them. This time they just got caught.

And as far as anybody that's on the take. There's no honor among thieves. I heard all that about "snitches get stitches". That's just a bunch of crap. The people that buy into that, end up getting stitches anyway. Just those obtained for a less honorable reason. When a crook is faced with time or telling. Which one do you think they're going to choose? I hope your freedom doesn't depend on it, but if it does. I'll see you when you get out.