Is This A Trick

I haven't been able to figure out why Chris Thomas approached this from a religious perspective as opposed to a cultural one. Those who know the origin of the celebration, know it was originally designed as an alternative to a white Christmas. It was the brainchild of Ron Karenga back in 1966. Needless to say times have certainly changed since then. But let's advance our discussion to 2007. In our politically correct society it has morphed into a cultural celebration. The focus is now on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Which by the way are shared by the " Symbionese Liberation Army."


I know if I saw this distinction about Kwanzaa in my limited thinking. Any lawyer worth his weight in salt, did so as well. In this situation all the elected officials walk away as winners to a degree. They all were allowed to pander to their respective bases without really ruffling any feathers. I haven't been able to find out if Judge Walter Evans is elected in a city wide election or not, which I think would dictate his position. In this case he didn't have a choice though, Chris Thomas and his attorney's took it out of his hands. In this case the correct ruling satisfied their wishes. Supporters of Henri Brooks wouldn't expect any less from her. She was her afrocentric, pious, self-righteous self as usual. Someone suggested that she might be gearing up to run for the 9th congressional district. Though I hadn't thought of that, the idea is not too far fetched. This latest episode rivals Steve Cohen's request for an apology for slavery from the government. It only encouraged those who buy into that brand of politics. Finally what was Chris Thomas thinking when he filed this suit? I believe he knew exactly what he was doing. He sacrificed a few votes, in exchange many. He may have come across as racist to some, but he took up the mantle for far more Christians and conservatives.

Merry Christmas

What I Think

My feelings regarding this issue are somewhat bitter/sweet. Everyone affected in this ordeal is not guilty, but they'll endure pain just the same. I don't buy into the notion that the He's didn't know what they were doing. At least that Jack He didn't. The father was a college professor at at the "University Of Memphis". He by no means was a dumb uneducated man. Would they hire someone who didn't speak english? In my opinion, to the contrary he is quite smart.

I think the girls mother is the victim here. She didn't and still doesn't speak good english. Theody father got mixed up in a sex scandal, for supposedly trying to speak the universal language to a female student. Charges were eventually dropped, due to the girl not following through. Which is not unusal in rape cases. I think he signed away his daughter, in attempt to stay out of jail. If you ask me, the problems at the house caught up with him. "If momma isn't happy, nobody is." She didn't know what was happening to her daughter, but her husband did.

Read the full accounting below:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/24/annas-journey-5-months-later-a-new-life-annas-5/

This Is Not Kingdom Building

Since everyone is worried about what the churches are doing in the community these days. Why is no one raising a fuss about this rally to raise money for the He's return to China? This money could have been used to help Christians right here in Memphis, especially with the holidays upon us. This family is returning back to China. Where I'm sure they won't be spreading their supposed new found faith. The only reason a Christian church should be getting involved in this is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is not Kingdom building.

Read the story below:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/18/he-family-donations-sought/

Many people think Kwanza is an ancient African celebration. In reality, Kwanzaa was established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga (Ron Everett) as an alternative to the traditional Christmas. It is not a religious holiday in a sense, but it does have a semi spiritual foundation. It's roots are that of a religious revolution. For political reasons it purpose has evolved to provide an opportunity for the African American community to celebrate their heritage and reinforce positive community values. If I'm not mistaken those principles were laid down over 2000 years ago. Kwanzaa is celebrated for 7 days beginning on December 26th and ending on January 1st. Listed below is the meaning of Kwanzaa and all the seven principles.

Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle

Remember The Reason For The Season

Regardless which one of these images look like the Jesus you serve. Or whether you even think Dec. 25th, is the exact day he was born. In spite of what some would have you think. Christmas is not a pagan holiday. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

Can You Say "Scapegoat"

Today I saw the front page story about the sentence Darrell Catron received for his role in the "Tennessee Waltz Investigation." In lieu of spending time in jail he was given eighteen months probation, and eight months with a home monitoring device. The first thing that came to my mind was, he's being made a "scapegoat." I believe his role in this entire ordeal has been exaggerated. I think his sentence allows them to wrap this whole thing up in a neat little package. At least give the appearance of being closed. He was an assistant to Shep Wilbun at Juvenile court. How did his influence reach all the way to the state senate and John Ford? I hope these politicians don't think the coast is clear, and start back up again. Remember we have a whole new crop in office. Many who are fortunate they weren't in office at that time. Don't think no one is looking, the spy is still out there watching. Read the news story below:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/19/informant-in-waltz-sting-gets-probation/

Get On The Bus

Yet another chapter has been added to Deaunta Farrow saga. The Arkansas supreme court is reviewing the case again to see if it warrants a special investigator and a special grand jury. It was determined that the biased Judge did have the right to request a special hearing. You can stick a fork in a electrical socket, but should you? Are we going to just keep going until we get a different verdict? When someone says that all the others were wrong, their decision is going to be appealed as well. The whole cycle starts over again.

I already see who's going to benefit from this latest idea. I wonder will this trip be free? If area churches donate their buses, the ride shouldn't cost anything. The people in the capital city are going to get a little tired of so many protesters from West Memphis. A planned rally of about 1000 is going to petition the supreme court to reopen the case for "The West Memphis Three" today. It will be interesting to see how many people get on the bus.

Erik Sammis Back At Work

The exonerated officer Erik Sammis went back to work yesterday. His partner Jimmy Evans went back last week. He has been cleared by the Justice Department, the Arkansas state police and the city of West Memphis. I don't know what job he's doing now, but he has the support of the department. Some people see this as a direct slap in the face of the black citizens of West Memphis. I don't think that's the case though. The people of West Memphis can't see the forest for the trees. It would be better for him to take a job offer elsewhere on his own, than to be fired by the chief. That would kill two birds with one stone. They would have him off the force and the city wouldn't be liable for a lawsuit. Even Al Sharpton was claiming that as a victory.

Racist Representation

Every white person in Shelby county has a right to be upset that Henri Brooks holds a seat on the county commission. She is black and just that, and makes no bones about her bias. Thank God she has no more power than she does, it would be dangerous around here. Even though I'm black, she would probably consider me the enemy too. I heard her make some statements today, that would have got a Republican kicked from office. I don't want to say a lot about her, I have nothing good to say. I've always been told "if you can't say something good, don't say anything at all."

Sharpton Is Suspect

I hate that Rev. Al Sharpton has been named the voice of black America by the news media. The danger in that is, as soon as he does something unethical they judge all black America by that as well. Al Sharpton doesn't speak for me in most cases if ever. A lot of others share my feelings, but we're not on the evening news like him. Why should I as a black person have to defend his actions when he gets caught? Last week several of his associates and employees were supenoed, but they didn't bother him. They have twenty audio tapes and even a video to bolster the case. In the largest corruption scandal in Philadelphia history. Al Sharpton was accused of brokering city contracts, in exchange for contributions to his 2004 presidential campaign or civic organization (NAN). All of the other people involved are already in jail doing time. How do you think he got away, if indeed he did? I don't think he has, it was just a temporary stay. I think what they did is just take their time to build a better case against him.

Rico Is Riding

I won't call him a liar because I wasn't there. Let's just say, I don't believe what he said. While protesting in front of the FedEx Forum with a sign calling out child molesters and crooked politicians. The self proclaimed "Mayor of North Memphis" Rico Rivers, said Mayor Willie Herenton pulled up in a car and threatened to kick his butt. That's not what he said, but you get the point. Since the sign mentioned Memphis politicians specifically. I can see why the Mayor would take offense to being put in the company of the scum of the earth. That's probably what he should have told him, if he did see the sign. I think it got Rico a little more attention and mileage for his otherwise unnoticed protest against the multi-platinum R&B singer R. Kelly. I agree with what he's saying, just not necessarily his tactics. I've met Rico and he's a fairly nice guy who says things to get people talking. It obviously worked with Wendi Thomas and people on the radio. I think this was a last ditch effort to make people talk about the protest.

Black Justice

Would this be what's meant by "Black Justice?" Some of the Mayor's supporters have expected him to cut ties with every white person he's involved with. Like I always say "play with a puppy, he'll lick you in the mouth." I think the Mayor should have laid the law down with these people as to what they should expect from him after he was elected. I don't ever think he gave the impression, or it was his implied intent . That he planned to engage in a witch hunt against primarily white people. Even though he spoke of racism during the campaign. These people are coming out of the woodwork making requests expecting favors based on their votes. The Mayor has always promised to be a representative of all the citizens.

It started with Richard Fields and his supposed involvement in the sex scandal surrounding the Mayor. I still think it was just a matter of the young mistress telling off on her sugar daddy. There were a couple of reasons why they would have kept their relationship a secret. Richard Fields was Gwen Smith's cousin's ex-husband. Not to mention he was her incarcerated boyfriend's lawyer. What Richard Fields violated was attorney/client privilege. Since the scandal was placed at the mayor's feet, he just took the ball and ran. Since him playing the race card was what caused him to win the election. You can't blame him for not looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Then they wanted him to get rid of John Elkington, the Beale Street developer and manager. The BSDC say the street was already up and running when he came on board. According to them he was just hired to collect the rents. The question then becomes, why was he hired in the first place? John Elkington might be leaving, but partly by choice. He has recouped his investment and made the management fees for the last twenty years. He has other projects in other cities as we speak. He was supposedly owed millions for the longest time, but that's been paid. When you consider all the fees and expenditures outlined in the contract. There may not be as much money left as some people think.

Now they have Chief Godwin under the gun. The haters are second guessing every move he makes in the police department. They thought he was being intimidating against those that didn't support the Mayor when he disciplined those officers for not doing their jobs. I'm not saying they were wrong, but he was right. I was glad he reacted that way, it signaled a changing of the guard. The only defense the officers had is "we've been doing it all the time." That's not a reason that's an excuse. Now they are accusing him of being racist because he refuses to return a black officer to the streets with a gun. I don't think this is due to racism, but rules and regulations. I find it strange they want to blame this on the mayor. I think the latter group is being exploited by the first. They are playing the race card for different reasons, if indeed the AAPA has signed on to this latest complaint.

One thing all of these situations have in common, is the leaders of the pack in protest. In all these situations you can rest assured you're going to find a black fist in the air. Are some blacks so eager to just win something, they're not choosy what it is ? Is "Black Justice" anything we want? Where we make the rules as we go along.

Don't Say Steroids

The description of the modern day champion has been redefined. It appears that everyone in pro baseball who has won a title, or broke a record has been using steroids. I think it will eventually be viewed like an addiction. In the company of pro athletes no telling who's toes you're going to step on. The question came up "now that other high profile athletes have been named, will they go after them with the same zeal as they did Barry Bonds?" I submit to you, that they won't. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte won't face nearly the eyeballing Barry Bonds did. The attack on Barry Bonds had more to do with his homerun record than anything else.

People aren't ready to lower the bar to the pre-steroid days. We have gotten used to the level of performance these athletes provide. The fans weren't thinking about steroids every time they watched Barry Bonds hit a homerun. Are fans prepared to see Roger Clemens fastballs slow down to 90mph, instead of the 105 that has won him 7 Cy Young awards?A reporter said it best in my opinion:

Added Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News: "Instead of judging players on whether or not they used performance-enhancing substances, I think the focus now shifts to measuring their performance within the context of the Steroid Era."

No 40 Year Old Virgins

I'm not a Obama supporter but it has more to do with his politics not his past. Thankfully the American public didn't fall for the Clinton camp foolishness. What a teenager did twenty years ago shouldn't keep him from running for president today. The next time you see someone who didn't make it like yourself. Just remember "Except by the grace of God, there goes me." When it's convenient we're creating an unrealistic requiremen list. The last time I looked Jesus Christ wasn't running for office. I appeal to logical people, let's just be fair.If someone smoked a joint, it's not like they were hooked on Meth. Barak Obama's admission that he smoked some pot and tried cocaine when he had the money. Doesn't make him unworthy to be president. To someone like me that makes him real. To people like Ted Haggard and Senator Ryan that makes him a recovering addict. I wouldn't vote for anyone who smoked Crack or shot up Heroine, in my opinion you never get completely over those addictions. I was told this comparison was absurd, but I think it's the perfect analogy. Any one that's ever taken a drink of alcohol, basically took the same risk. With the alcoholic it began with the first drink. What defines the person is whether or not they take another. Obviously the public didn't care, Mrs. Clinton apologized and her spokesman quit. Let's not change the rules just because someone we don't like is playing the game.

It's Close

After watching the Democratic debate yesterday, it only solidified the fact that the race was really between Hillary Cinton and and Barak Obama. The other candidates like John Edwards and Joe Biden made good showings, but their performances only help or hurt one of the other two. They made more of an impression in the post interviews than they did in the debate itself. Everybody else tries to downplay the race factor, but to me all indications seem to show that as being very important. It's like that unspoken understanding among some voters. No matter what Barak Obama says or does, their main concern is Hillary Clinton's counterattack. If her campaign makes a mistake; like the did in bringing up Obama's past drug use. Her supporters only concern is how she cleans it up. Not that it was dirty and shouldn't have happened.

What I found to be most telling was the post interviews of viewers after the debate. The two analyst on CNN immediately went to their chosen sides. Donna Brazille the black analyst was impressed and immediately voiced her pleasure with Barak Obama's performance. When given the chance, Stephanie Miller her white cohort instantly did the same for Hillary Clinton. Though they both were for the same party, it was like they didn't even watch the same debate. I think Ms. Brazille must have realized how their cat fight looked to viewers. She tried to clean it up by making note of some of the good points made by the other candidates. They need what the Republicans have in the form of an Allen Keyes, someone to hold their feet to the fire. Someone far too left to be elected, but who highlights what universal qualities the front runners have. I don't know who is going to win, but it's going to be close.

A True Sign Of Party Uncertainty

The sudden rise of a dark horse candidate indicates several things in my opinion. It's not just a sign to Republicans, but Democrats as well. Not only does it show that Republicans haven't made up their minds collectively, no one has seemed to sweep the caucuses convincingly so far. It seems the party is getting a new set of priorities. Moral issues won't have as much of an effect as it did last election. As I have always said Giuliani is someone even hardcore conservatives better take seriously. His soft stances on same-sex marriage and abortion doesn't count against him with all conservative voters. Fred Thompson unknowingly let him off the hook. He said what may be his most memorable statement so far. Fred Thompson pointed out some of these issues are better stamped out state to state. It doesn't matter how the president feels, it should and never will reach his desk. Giuliani is someone both parties can vote for. I think his numbers so far prove that. Even though many conservatives don't like him, he is and always has been the frontrunner. Whatever the outcome of the nominations, Rudolph Giuliani should be part of the team. I know it doesn't seem like it, but this story isn't about Rudolph Giuliani.

I do want to talk about Mike Huckabee. The former Governor from Arkansas, who in addition is a Baptist minister. That's a resume is even hard for the diehard conservatives to go against. The only thing they can do is prove he's not a true Republican. I always liked him, I just wasn't looking until lately. He is a middle of the road Republican at best. He has beat Mitt Romney in his own backyard, which again points out the importance of religion. Some voters have a hang up with Mitt Romney being a Mormon. The religious right is a large part of the Republican party, neither candidate can do without their support. I think his support is fueled not so much by those who favor him, but those who don't like somebody else. His sudden rise in the polls indicate to me," a true sign of uncertainty in the party."

Philip Carter, I Don't Know

Initially I thought what Philip Carter did was courageous, but then his motives seemed suspect. That's what happens when you drag your feet. Things have a tendency to blow up in your face. If you lay down with dogs, sooner or later you're going to get fleas. I think councilman Carter had reservations about this whole thing from the start. I think Erik Sammis was going to resign from the force anyway, so asking for his resignation wasn't so radical. On the other hand calling for the chief to do the same, bordered being ridiculous. He wasn't even on the scene. Since the mayor didn't support their resolution, now they want his job too. I think the whole thing started to go to far. It was like a runaway train, and Mr. Carter wanted to get off.

The Bible Is Right

People are constantly looking for a way to change whats always been. It's the carnal nature of man to question the authority of God. How can someone who hasn't mastered life's everyday obstacles themselves, tell everybody else how it's done? Many of these various spins are due to what I think are individual "misinterpretations."

The bible is 99.9% free of significant variance,in comparison to other ancient documents. Like those written by other noted intellectuals of that time, like Plato and Homer. Nothing is written that disproves anything the bible says.The New Testament is 95.5% free of textual differences due to the various accounts from one book to the other. Four men told the same story, and that's the only difference in their accounts. If you took four different eyewitness accounts you would get four different stories, even if they all were looking. Four different people can't repeat the same sentence word for word, let alone a whole story. For all intents and purposes the bible is right.

Ike Turner (1931-2007)

The father of "Rock and Roll" Ike Wister Turner died at his home he was 76. He rose to fame as part of the "Ike and Tina Turner Revue", with his famous ex-wife Tina Turner. Unfortunately he'll be more remembered for his tumultuous times, instead of his contribution to modern music. He received a Grammy Award just this year.

What's Behind The Mask

I was just talking about this same thing with Andrew Clarksenior this weekend, with the subject of racism in Memphis being the primary topic. I said what I think is one of the main reasons this community sore won't heal.Unfortunately we have blacks that openly reveal their one sided mentality, but their are whites who quietly feel the same way regarding their race. Some of them are subtle, but you can see it if you watch them closely. Don't forget those whites who are condescending and self righteous. They feel justified in their way of thinking.Then we have those blacks and whites who act like it's no big deal. The thing is they all have some points.

Ben Ferguson is one of those whites who is subtle with his politics. I don't blame him for looking out for those who look like him, that's only natural. He is accommodating of the opposing view until it makes him look like he doesn't know what he's talking about. I must admit that isn't very often. He'll either get you off the line, or he won't let you on the air. You can bet 99.9% of the time he's going to side with whites.

Later on comes Mike Flemming stoking the city's racial fires. He doesn't give blacks the benefit of the doubt. He's condescending and always thinks he's right. I was just looking back at his archives and these two shows jumped off the page at me. One day he had Pastor Kenneth Whalum Jr. in the studio. They were talking about how the black ministers treated Steve Cohen, when he tried to explain his position on the "hate crimes bill." At that time he was in full support of Congressman Cohen, and he thought the black ministers were overreacting. He didn't see the problem with the crime bill. One week later his guest was attorney Nate Kellum, and he reneged on everything he said. The difference was Kellum is white. His opinion had nothing to do with whether it was right or wrong. He just wasn't going to side with a group of black ministers against Steve Cohen who is white.

After a whole week of hearing these two give their spins, on the weekend we have Andrew Clarksenior. He means well but that's not always enough. He holds the unenviable position of trying to please everyone. When he expounds on his Conservative views he's considered a sell-out by other blacks. When he speaks up for blacks, he's considered an arrogant negro. The thing is you have to take a side. If you don't, you just feed the others. To have someone tell you it's your imagination when you know it's not. Sometimes brothers like Andrew take it a little far, trying to be the Mahatma Gandhi of race relations. Whether they believe it or not, it's not totally up to them. You can go the extra mile, but at some point they have to be willing to join you.

These are the many faces of race in Memphis. Not including those on the other side altogether. This is just those who call themselves conservative. That's why I don't think we'll see a change anytime soon. None of these people think they are the problem. Are you behind any of these masks?

Last Thursday a judge ruled that the multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by the Farrow family was without standing and threw it out. The lawsuit could be refiled with a couple of major but minor changes. The deceased boys father, mother and his brother all have to be named in the civil suit. A competent attorney would have been aware of that from the start, and already worked this out in private. Not having the case kicked out and delayed once again and have the judge publicly admonish them. Doesn't do a whole lot as far as building client or public confidence. I think Javier Bailey is feeling his way through this thing, and will get his name heard locally if nothing else. I won't say nationally because it doesn't seem to be picking up national steam. The "Jenna Six" crusade will hold most marchers for a while. Jesse Jackson was in town the other day and he didn't even mention the case.

I don't think they'll get anything, but if they do it won't be nearly what they're asking. A child in Memphis was killed and his mother was awarded $100,000, and she hadn't received that yet. I wonder does the lawyer's fee change or remain the same? There has to be some discourse there, after all initially they tried to leave the father out. His child support payments didn't count. Now that he has to be included, any money rewarded would have to go towards the funeral bill. In essence what the judge has done is make this a mini class action lawsuit, making sure nobody profits from this boy's death.

Chief Paudert Put It Down

Yesterday the West Memphis police chief made some very controversial statements concerning protestors. They set off a wildfire in the news media. I felt the frustration in the chief's voice when he spoke. I knew it would upset the black community though. Him and his department have been under the microscope for the last five months. It's kind of like when the Mayor of Memphis asked Councilman Brett Taylor outside. He has kept his opinion to himself all this time, finally he blew his top. In hindsight he probably wishes he hadn't made the comments, but unfortunatly he did. Chief Paudert said something to the effect of running these race baiting, ex-cons and perverts out of town. Then going on to say they were seeking "Black Justice." I really don't know what else he could have said. He can't allow his city to be held hostage because of disapproval over a court decision. The lines have been drawn.

The Save Face Summit Scheduled

How soon we forget, it was only two weeks ago that blacks were ready to march. Rep. Henri Brooks and rookie Rep. G.A. Hardaway were down here leading the charge. It still was elected officials doing the racist bidding of a disgruntled attorney. Some people involved want endless credit and control for simply having an idea. After all that fanfare, nothing much has really changed. The state still owns the museum and the board is still in place. The only change I can see, is who has the responsibility of the museum's upkeep. Which was the major problem anyway. I'm sure there's something in this agreement not being publicized. Somebody somewhere is getting something for nothing.

Martin Luther King III, Al Sharpton and whoever else they can get to speak, will be here this Saturday for a rally. They've changed the theme from "Blacks Taking Back Control" to "A Call For Unity." The deal has already been made, they don't need to come together now. Martin Luther King III seems to be on the save the monument circuit these days. The "Center For Social Change" is having the same problems. He hasn't been able to raise money for that memorial. Al Sharpton is killing two birds with one stone. He'll make an appearance over in West Memphis, to appease those marchers over there. The rookie Rep. G.A. Hardaway brought the news back to the people. He announced it on WDIA this morning, conveniently D'Army Bailey was under the weather. Since it wasn't good news, the senior officials passed on it as well. I guess Henri Brooks was busy leading the "Black Caucus." I'll be watching to see how the rally turns out.

I Agree With The Chief

It would have been encouraging to see such an outpour from the MPA when Memphis was being listed as one of the most dangerous cities in America. Instead they come out in mass support of nine officers who were caught not doing their jobs. One gives credence to the other. When they say "relieved of duty," that's misleading. They were only suspended with pay temporarily. The rookie went back to work the same day, the others will be returning shortly. That doesn't seem like much of a punishment in my opinion. But that's in their contract though. We have the police union to thank for that. Like Chief Godwin said "the citizens should be upset that the officers were caught neglecting their duty."

This is just an underhanded attempt to undermine this administration. Not just that of Chief Godwin, but that of Mayor Herenton as well. The aim is to control from within. The one who's show where this whole thing started (Mike Flemming) gave it away yesterday. He said this ultimately falls at the feet of the Mayor. Where did that come from? I do think this action may have been over the top. The opportunity presented itself. Based on what's going on right now, there may be a need to clamp down. The MPA supported Carol Chumney for Mayor of Memphis. It's just as much about her losing, as it is about Lt. Hulley winning. The banker can't side with the beggar, he'll give all the money away. I agree with the chief.

The R. Kelly Trial (Boondocks)

There Are Two Sides To Every Coin

I strongly believe the truth will stand on it's own, it doesn't need NBC's or Essence Magazine's help. It's when you tell a lie, you have to tell another to prop it up or give it support. Let me first say "anywhere you find true love, by all means seize it immediately." I'm not against interracial marriage, I just don't think it's the answer to the disparity between black women and the institution itself. I agree with something I heard someone say about the statistics pertaining to interracial marriage being overblown. To go from 95,000 to 117,000 couples in a population of 303, 513,389 people isn't very much. Twenty-four Thousand people out of twenty-one million over a period of six years doesn't indicate a trend. What I would like to know is, how much has the percentage of unmarried Black women changed overall during this time? To claim 81% of respondents polled in this survey, have no problem with interracial marriage is misleading. It depends on who you ask. Who do you think responded to an Essence magazine poll?

I notice the same group of restless women keep this subject alive. Those who are educated and consider themselves to be making a good living, won't leave this subject alone. Female blacks have started their own women's movement within their own race. The last time this group got together was when "Stella got her groove back." We all know how that turned out. You never hear white women discussing marrying men of other races. They don't usually make a public issue of their personal choices. For most black women, the basis of their motivation is selfishness. When it comes to white males and their viability, this is often merely perception. They want to find someone who has as much as they feel they do, i.e., equally yoked. With sixty-five percent of the college students in the black race being female, any problem we have now is only going to grow. I would like to also know the rate of divorce and how those divorces turned out. I wonder how the women would feel about paying alimony? Where are the statistics for that?

They Cross Each Other Out

I don't think either of these candidates will win the presidency, but one of them will win the Democratic nomination. Barak Obama is raising money and gaining momentum in the polls. That doesn't necessarily translate to votes though. Hillary Clinton has always been the front runner for Democrats, largely because of her husband. In my opinion both of them are a longshot.

Much is being made of Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama, but I don't think it will make that much difference. As long as Oprah deals with matters of the heart and is buying cars for her audience. She is pretty much given free roam. When she speaks out against other people with money, it's a different story. Look at the backlash she suffered from her comments against the "Cattle Growers of America." She eventually won the lawsuit, but they made her pay for opening her mouth. It might not even reach that point, but if it does. Instead of her lifting Barack, I think he will pull her down. If her endorsement proves to cause a problem, they'll dig up something on her. Notice when the sex scandal at her school for girls came out. Kanye West made a controversial political statement, and his career hasn't really recovered yet. It's kind of like talking about someones family member. They can talk about them, but you can't.

Much less has been said about Magic Johnson endorsing Hillary Clinton. Probably because he isn't causing any unexpected waves in the party. Blacks are expected to vote democratic anyway, so why not support the expected nomination? Barack Obama is a dark horse who has done much better than expected so far. What Magic's endorsement does is further split the one vote he has to get in order to win. He is the first high profile black to publicly go against the grain. Except for them who might be jealous like Al and Jesse, who have ran for president themselves. They both seem to be unusally critical of another black man. I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she was the only one running. Unlike Magic I have nothing to gain. I'm sure she has promised him something, like she has everybody else.

I have always said from the very beginning. "Either one of them getting the nomination only assures us of another Republican President." As far as how much these two will influence the election with their respective endorsements. They cancel each other out.