Thursday, January 31, 2008

Infidelity, It's Really A Private Matter

Monday, January 28, 2008

Cool Customer

Every time I hear this man speak, I like him better and better. I think his comment about "send money to the IRS, they accept cash and checks." That was funny to everyone in the audience, both Democrat and Republican. It set the mood for the rest of the speech. In other words all of this goofball legislation will be vetoed, if by chance it reaches his desk. In the midst of all this trouble he remains calm, and has stayed the course. There is a war in progress, and a threat of recession. That dreadful day in September happened under his watch. He is still just as personable now as when he was first elected seven years ago. In spite of how many in this nation have treated him.

The media sources did as much to reinforce his speech for me, as the President did himself. They pointed out that as low as his ratings are, those of the congress are lower. They have built a platform on disputing his policies. Yet in their majority representation in the house and senate they haven't done anything themselves. He has basically silenced all his critics, by beating them at their own game. He's giving something away. The Democrats won't be able to work their way through this without raising taxes. Let alone all the other things they're proposing. The naysayers won't be outdone though. They're trying to blame him before it happens. Claiming whatever happens in this economy is a direct result of the Bush policies. Yet they want to offer free health care and mortgage bailouts to everyone. It's no secret I've always been a supporter of George W. Bush. I think he is a God led and inspired man. After he's gone from office, he'll be remembered as a "cool customer."

Does The Mate Matter



We live in a superficial society, but I don't think that expands to the White House. America doesn't want a Jessica Simpson or Halle Berry as the first lady, or in this case a George Clooney as the first man. The American voter wants someone who looks more like them than a movie star. I think it's very important to the voters, who the President has as a mate. We've talked about everything else in this race. After the individual caucuses are over. The first thing the analyzers and organizers do is look at the voter breakdown. I think this factor is just as valid as any other. Women won't support you if they think you have a little trophy wife. And though we have no prior situations to compare it with. I bet men won't support you if they think you're married to a pretty boy. When it gets to the thick of things. I think this really matters.

Someone who I think will be a factor in this race. Isn't leading in the polls right now. Now that the field has cleared out considerably. The polls are more reflective of the voters actual trends. Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet. They look like a couple that would be a suitable part of a winning team. He probably lacks the financial backing and public familiarity to pull this whole thing off. But no doubt though, he has made an undeniable impact that no one expected. If he doesn't get the Republican nomination himself, whoever does would be foolish to overlook him. I think he is the only candidate left who appeals to the party base. I believe he picked up a lot of Fred Thompson supporters. Whatever the outcome is, his wife won't work against him.


The staunch conservatives liked Fred Thompson, but quietly this same dynamic worked against him too. He was viewed as being straightforward and witty. A candidate who told it like it was. Had his campaign been successful, he would have been put under the microscope. What his supporters see as confidence, will be seen by others as cocky. Unfortunately, he didn't make it to the final rounds. So the majority of America hasn't seen Mrs. Thompson yet. But he has a pretty little wife about 2/3 his age. He has two young children too.



I wish I had posted this yesterday before it became public knowledge. Another couple on the opposite side of the fence, who I feel that won't win for the reasons I've already given. Are John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth. John Edward's wife fits the bill, but he dosn't pass the test. He appeared on the "Tyra Banks Show." She was taken off her feet by his looks. She went on and on, about how fine he was. If she can make a crowd of young women comfortable with being fat. I think it's safe to say, she speaks for a large crowd of young women. He also appeared on David Letterman last week. The host was more preoccupied with messing up his hair, than hearing his policies. I think that was one of the negatives of the Kerry/Edwards team. They came across as a couple of cads. All of this is just speculation now, since he has already quit.

It's still early in the race. So we can't determine yet whether it matters or not. This may largely be a matter of perception. What one considers to be too much, to someone else might not be enough. Even though John McCain and Ron Paul are the same age. Why hasn't Ron Paul's age ever been mentioned? Could it be because his wife is the same age as him? Rudolph Giuliani has endorsed John McCain, but that might not be such a good thing. Rudolph Giuliani paid a price himself, for his past younger mistresses. Americans don't want to be responsible for somebody's "Sugar Daddy Bill."

University Of Memphis Is # 1

In this case I'm following my own advice. "Don't be a hater all your life." Since the unconventional firing of Larry Finch. Who is still the best coach record wise in U of M history. I have been somewhat of a former Memphis State fan. I guess I'm guilty of jumping on the bandwagon lately. Because I'm a University Of Memphis Basketball fan now. They have only reached this plateau once before, twenty-five years ago. As a matter of fact, a team Larry Finch played for. They have already surpassed that team's achievement by keeping it more than a day. If they get past the University Of Tennessee, they might even go undefeated. I'm going to enjoy the University Of Memphis being #1.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

He Wins Again

Senator Barack Obama won the South Carolina caucus overwhelmingly. He beat his closest competition (Hillary Clinton) 2/1 overall. His ratio improved among blacks voters 4/1. Until now, I wasn't aware black voters were considered the Democratic base. It has always been understood, at least for the last fifty years. That the Democrats will get the majority of the black vote. So it doesn't surprise me when there is a large black voter turnout, for the Democratic primaries, in a state with a large black population. That alone won't get you to the oval office though. If every registered black voter in America voted for Barack Obama, that still wouldn't be enough to get him elected. John Kerry's failed campaign gave us evidence of that.

I can see how people could get caught up in the mass hysteria. Barack Obama has almost achieved a rock star persona. His campaign rallies are like sold-out concerts. As a black I wish I agreed with his politics, but I don't. Therefore I can't vote for him just because he's black. Some people would call that being a traitor to my race. I consider that as having principles. If you don't promise to right all the wrongs of the last 200 years. You are going to be considered a sell-out.I know as a black candidate that puts you in a no win situation. All those people who want a panacea, are buying into this pledge for change though.

This is based on the number of delegates each candidate gets. Though John Edwards hasn't won a caucus yet. He is still very much in the race. I don't mean to downplay his victory, but that's look at it for what it is. This process is far from over. Super Tuesday will tell a whole lot. You can win all these battles, and still lose the war. Until then, he wins again.




Heath Ledger Found Dead

At first I didn't know exactly who Heath Ledger was, then someone said he was the co-star of the blockbuster movie "Brokeback Mountain." Then I saw his picture and knew exactly who he was. If it's true that the good die early, then Heath Ledger must have been a good guy. He was only twenty-eight yrs. old. The Australian born actor made a memorable impact in the American movie scene. He was found in his New York apartment by his masseuse. He was seen an hour earlier by his housekeeper. After the arrival of the paramedics he was pronounced dead.

Unfortunately, I think this case is open and shut. Him being who he was. They just don't want to admit he had a drug habit. Mary Kate Olsen, who had a former romantic involvement with Heath Ledger. She still has close ties to him, and shares his affinity for the nightlife. If you have seen her pictures lately. She looks like she may have a drug problem too. A full grown woman who doesn't even weigh 100 lbs., just seems suspect. The masseuse called her three times before she called the ambulance, and once afterwards. I think the basis of their ongoing relationship, therein lies the cause of his untimely death. At this point it's just speculation. Hopefully, in time we'll find out the truth.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Give Them An Inch,They'll Want A Mile


Sometimes an idea is so far out in left field. You figure there is no way possible it could get off the ground. If you let it fester long enough and don't shut it down. Sooner or later it might grab hold. Hence the latest episode of the Deaunta Farrow case. Not that anything has really changed, but you've heard it so much it somehow sounds different. You slip and say something new, or they say something they didn't say before. It usually doesn't change anything overall, but it does buy some extra time. Every day this thing drags out. Is a new opportunity for Ms.Farrow and her son's memory to be exploited. Anything is something, for someone who had nothing at all.

The first time I saw H.G. Foster conduct an interview, I felt then he didn't have what it takes. Not that I questioned his abilities as a special prosecutor. But not to be the spokesman for this particular case. I know it was a sad and unfortunate situation, but things just are the way they are. Even though a child was killed. The law must follow it's course. H. G. Foster seemed a little to apologetic for something he had nothing to do with. In his attempt to be fair and unbiased. He has added fuel to the fire. Telling the court of appeals that his case wasn't closed yet. Only gave these protesters unrealistic expectations. Now they think it's on again.

H.G. Foster is not a closer. He can't make a definitive stand for fear as being perceived as a racist. He should have realized by now. He is in a no win situation. Anything short of a guilty verdict for Sammis, won't satisfy this crowd. They need someone like Bill Gibbons to handle this. As he stands there looking across the podium at Javier Bailey. He is probably saying to himself,"give them an inch , they'll want a mile."

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Never Let Them See You Sweat


I guess I never understood exactly what was at stake. It seems like all the male figures on the radio, are antagonistic when it comes to the facts. Especially when the messenger is yours truly. After a discussion with one of my DJ friends it became somewhat clear what the problem was. Their radio shows are these Guy's bread and butter. Unlike the entertaining passtime it is to me. They all earn a pretty good living, whether they're factual or not. The more they are being paid, the more they have to lose. It wouldn't be to expedient to let an amateur make you look bad. In the words of one of the program directors "I'm not going to let you be more popular than the talk show host".

I don't really care for Mike Flemming myself. My friend listens to him everyday religiously. In my opinion he comes across as being condescending. The thing is, most of the time he happens to be right. He has an abundance of facts. You can't argue with most of the things he says. Whether you agree or not. He has advanced his career taking pot shots at those who local blacks consider their leaders. Mayor Herenton is his favorite target. At least until they're face to face. Mike doesn't do so well then. He only talks about things that he's right about. If he starts to lose control of the conversation. He'll cut you off in a hurry.

I like Ben Ferguson, but he's young and brash. In most cases he can get by on his knowledge alone. The guy is well read, and is a veteran though he is not even thirty years old. Like all successful talk show host he always thinks he's right.He hasn't developed the characteristics of the old guard yet, but he has the makings of a drum major. Unlike Mike he still has hair on his chest. He'll try anything once at least. But like most young conservatives he is personable and patient. He is like a Venus flytrap waiting for his prey. Unlike his elder co-hort Mike Flemming who doesn't let opposition get off the ground. They're like the old and young bulls. The young bull says "let's run down and get one of those cows." The older bull said "let's walk down and get them all."

Then we have Bobby Ojay the program director at WDIA. In addition to having the most popular morning show on the air. He likes to keep it good and stupid, and he's the master. He avoids proof like the plague. Tricking the listeners into falling for his foolishness by calling it fun. As long as he gives his audience something to listen to while they're at work. And WDIA sponsors the Juke Joint Tour once a year and gives away a few tickets. The Memphis listeners will be eternally grateful. Which would seem easy enough if they didn't periodically get a jolt. Every now and then something happens, that even Bobby OJay has to take seriously. I was hard on Mr. OJay until I actually heard him say something smart. He got flack for two days after that from his listeners. People don't listen to Bobby OJay to be informed, they listen to be entertained. Bobby OJay knows that.

The new version of Bobby OJay is Jeff Lee. At least until he gets the actual call to be a boss. Jeff is the ultimate kiss up, but that's what makes him fit. The only person that is going to do well under Bobby OJay is someone who strokes his ego. Like Aileen did before she left. Much like Jeff Lee constantly does now. After all his kissing up and trying to be smart. He wonders why so many listeners still don't like him. A lot of people don't like Bobby, but a lot of people do. Bobby has a benefit, Jeff Lee doesn't have. He can afford to turn people off, but Jeff Lee can't. Bobby will have you thinking it doesn't matter. It won't be his ratings falling though. Bobby has built a cushion of followers that grew up with him. Football players don't like a male cheerleaders. That's how Jeff comes across. They get to go to all the games and hang out with the girls. Without running sprints and doing twice-a-days. But Jeff Lee has his eye on the prize. The man has been at this for twenty years or more. Even though a lot of people don't like him. He must be doing something right.

All these guys have one thing in common. I have had conversations with all of them. Where I use to think less of them and question their skills. I'm just a listener to their respective radio shows. One thing about a good radio host. They have the advantage of you not being able to see their face. Even when they're up against the rope. You never get to see them sweat.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Man Is Having A Dream Himself

Monday, January 21, 2008

I Still Have A Dream


Since some people act like Martin Luther King Jr. has bestowed them with a holy spirit of sorts. They should be able to relay how displeased he would be then, were he alive today. He was a mortal man just like everyone that has ever heard him speak. Let's just be honest here, that's all we really know about him. That he was an eloquent and charismatic speaker. The same moral compass that King developed is accessible to everyone who asks, seek and knock. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't have a monopoly on righteousness. The same principles that this country was built on are available for anyone willing to listen.


Blacks don't have the same issues in 2008 that we did in 1968. The same sentiment that was widespread across America then, both black and white, isn't present today.I don't think Martin Luther King Jr. would have the appeal today that he enjoyed then. Blacks in America at that time were a captive audience at best. They had to focus on their civil rights, because they were openly being violated. They had no escape from the oppression of that day. Unless you were a unsuspecting child or stayed in the house. It was present everywhere blacks went.

Many would say that the rhetoric doesn't match the man. While listening to some of his earlier speeches he gave during the Montgomery bus boycott. I can see why they might say that. Martin was a little militant himself. Afterall he wasn't perfect. I think Martin grew into the message, not the other way around. He did mature and become a realist over time. Let's not put the weight of the last forty years on Martin's shoulder. It wasn't dependent on him. All those that truly believed what he preached. Should have evidence of that belief in their personal lives. The dream didn't die on that dreadful day in April. "I still have a dream."

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Superbowl XLII Set


The New England Patriots put away the San Diego Chargers 20-12. Even though they played poorly. Tom Brady broke a 2 1/2 year long streak, by throwing three interceptions in one game. Two of them were in the red zone. To a lesser team it would have probably been devastating. Not to the New England Patriots though. With the AFC championship win. They went to 18-0 overall. I just pray they stay hungry.

The New York Giants had a tougher time with the Green Bay Packers. They won a nail biter 23-20, in a sudden death overtime win. I hope I'm right about them , because they won't go away. Flukes can happen. I think they are the second best team in the NFL, and the Patriots are the best in recent history. On February 4th we all will see.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

The Dreaded N-Word

As much mileage as this word has gotten this past year. After being almost driven to the point of cussing, I used this word in its place. I use this word sometimes when I feel it is appropriate. When people behave certain ways, it's the best way to describe them. This idea that you can't call things as they are, for fear of stepping on someone's foot. It's funny, the only people that can't use this word are those who are qualified to do so. If indeed there is such a creature.

A white person uses the word, they are called a racist. In some cases they are. In other cases they are simply reactng to being called a cracker or a redneck. What exactly does he say, when dealing with someone with tunnel vision?

A Asian person doesn't concern himself with matters of race. All they concern themselves with is collecting your money, after they provided whatever service they provide. I never heard an Asian person say the N-word before. I'm sure they've encountered some before.

A Hispanic person using the word is ready for war. All they say is Esa rules. When the black gangs walk down the halls at school, the white kids step aside. When the Hispanic gangs walk down the halls, both black and white kids step aside.

A Black person who says it , hates his people. Especially if he himself, doesn't fit the bill. The most militant of Blacks who label everybody else. Have the nerve to be offended, when someone calls them that. Considering the word's many uses. Why have Blacks embraced the meaning that most belittles them. Blacks even buried the N-word, gave it a funeral and the whole nine yards. It must have just been for everybody else. Being that I hear it just as often. Forget about the word though. What about their actions?

Seems like the only people that can use this word and get away with it, are those who might be called one themselves. If you wear your pants up around your waist. And don't have a criminal record, and have spent some time in jail. If you don't smoke Black and Milds and drink Hennesy. To a particular culture you're not qualified. You just don't understand the pressure a Nigga is going through.

Webster's dictionary no longer has it in it's list of words. I figured I better post it before it is removed from Dictionary.com. Read the definitions below and see what you think.

nigga
noun
(ethnic slur) extremely offensive name for a Black person; "only a Black can call another Black a nigga" [syn: nigger]
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.Acronym Finder - Cite This Source - Share This
NIGGA
NIGGA: in Acronym Finder
Acronym Finder, © 1988-2007 Mountain Data Systems

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
nig·ger /ˈnɪgər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[nig-er] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

—Usage note The term nigger is now probably the most offensive word in English. Its degree of offensiveness has increased markedly in recent years, although it has been used in a derogatory manner since at least the Revolutionary War. Definitions 1a, 1b, and 2 represent meanings that are deeply disparaging and are used when the speaker deliberately wishes to cause great offense. Definition 1a, however, is sometimes used among African-Americans in a neutral or familiar way. Definition 3 is not normally considered disparaging—as in “The Irish are the niggers of Europe” from Roddy Doyle's The Commitments—but the other uses are considered contemptuous and hostile.
–noun
1.
Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.
a.
a black person.
b.
a member of any dark-skinned people.
2.
Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a person of any race or origin regarded as contemptible, inferior, ignorant, etc.
3.
a victim of prejudice similar to that suffered by blacks; a person who is economically, politically, or socially disenfranchised.
[Origin: 1640–50; <>

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right

Joe Towns Jr. has came up with a outdated liberal idea. I haven't heard anything from him in quite some time. Except his record of excessive spending. Read about it : http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2007/07/did-tennesseans-foot-bill.html His latest suggestion, must be to get his name mentioned. It's like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out a lot of Memphis money is going to Tunica. Somewhere they've came up with a figure of $350 million. They didn't bother to explain what money goes where. The vast majority of that money went to the owners and workers at the casinos. Not directly to the state, as supporters of this idea would have you think. Joe Towns Jr. knows anybody that agrees with him, won't have the insight to consider that.


Bringing casinos to Memphis wouldn't be free. Not to mention the crime that it would bring. In a city where crime is already off the chain. It would be naive to think it wouldn't get worse. Unless of course , Memphis is already being credited with those crimes. I wrote a blog about that as well : http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2007/10/memphis-metropolitan-area.html Gambling isn't a way to economic parity. It's going to hurt more than it's going to help. It'll turn out like the lottery and the "Hope scholarships." History tells me "two wrongs, don't make a right."

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Up The Down Staircase



So much for polls,political pondents and predictions. The latest caucuses have proved all traditional methods are uncertain at best. The only thing that's for certain, is nothing is certain at all. You're not measured by what you say, but what you do. I was thinking about this story based on the results of a Rasmussen poll I read the other day. Sometimes people are running their mouths, just to hear themselves talking. How can 58% of people be satisfied with their situations personally, yet only 21% feel the country is doing okay? Based on those numbers. All the people who responded to the poll, somehow felt they rose above their surroundings.

If you listen to some people and their outlook for the future. They would make you think the end is coming next week. My friend always says they don't have a message of hope. He attaches that characteristic to a particular political party. I think it stretches far beyond just politics. Anybody that carries the mantle of hopelessness. And finds the negative in every situation. All those roads are heading the same way. If you're only going up the down staircase. You must never plan to get off the ground.

Go to the poll below:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/54_say_2007_was_a_good_year_personally_just_35_say_it_a_good_year_for_usa

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Ron Paul Is The Ross Perot Of 2008

If the republican frontrunner's are guilty of anything so far, it's underestimating their opponents impact. I say the frontrunner's because it seems to be a common thread among them. Ron Paul has no chance of winning the republican nomination. Make no mistake about it, he will garner a lot of support though. He finished fifth in New Hampshire, and is expected to do as well in South Carolina. Those little cadres of supporters will add up. Ross Perot had the same effect in the 1992 election. Which is speculated to have been the reason for the Bill Clinton win. Where did all those people go in the absence of a Ross Perot? I think they've just been waiting for someone like Ron Paul.

All these strict constitutionalists better be careful. White supremacist and Muslims support him too. Blacks better remember, when the constitution was written, we were still slaves. If you still believe they have to vote for your voting rights every twenty-five years. You better not buy into this. For those against the war effort. He has proposed to pull out the troops immediately. Who do you think has the most to gain from this action? I made a statement the other day that required some imagination. I said a vote for Ron Paul was like a vote for John Edwards. That's based on me not counting him out as a democratic contender. As we have already seen, anything can happen. You have to look at it this way "my enemy's enemy is my friend."

Friday, January 11, 2008

This Marks The End

With little or no fanfare or media coverage at all, the Hooks family dynasty came to an abrupt end yesterday. Just last year, him and both his parents held positions of public trust. Now he's awaiting sentencing for one of his petty crimes. He has a knack for getting involved in shady deals. Him and his father both have a propensity for illegal activity. Remember the Rolex scandal? Some might say what dynasty am I referring to? But believe me, locally there was one. Ben Hooks still has an enormous amount of influence even today. Just last month he was given a "Presidential Medal of Honor." In the midst of the famed Ford family the Hooks sometimes get overlooked. In a region where politicians are held accountable for their actions, this would be a wrap. In the city of Memphis stranger things have happened though. I don't think it will in this case. Michael Hooks Jr. never came across to me as a fireball politician. He just happened to be the recipient of blessings placed on the family. I don't see any other Hooks on the horizon. So more than likely, this marks the end.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Boy Who Cried Wolf


I figured something like this would eventually happen. Too bad they can't go after his cronies as well. I don't think he realizes it's his name on the line. Things like this don't help his professional standing. Officer Erik Sammis has filed an ethics complaint with the "Tennessee Professional Board of Responsibility" against Javier Bailey. Where disciplinary action has been taken against him on previous occasions. If you ask me, I think it's long overdue. I appreciate someone standing up for the underdog who might not otherwise get justice. But there's a thin line between assistance and exploitation. I think Mr. Bailey has crossed that line. What his actions have amounted to is a lunatic with a law licence. He had been fired until the judge ruled the lawsuit had to be refiled.


I remember Mr. Bailey once saying he wanted to focus on environmental law. I had no problem with that per say, though I wondered why the sudden change. I don't think most of the people that were listening at that time, understood what he was saying. He wanted to take up other peoples causes on their behalf. In other words "find something bothering you and file lawsuit for you." In class action lawsuits it's the lawyer that gets the biggest check. He must have gotten sidetracked along the way or nothing has come up. Lately his focus seems to be wrongful death suits. "Trying to stick it to the man." Javier Bailey is fishing with more than one pole. The more lines you have in the water. You're bound to catch something. He has represented every seedy defendent in the news. The problem is they want to fish in the name of the black community. As a black in this community, I don't want Javier Bailey fishing for me. He's like the boy who cried wolf. When he actually had a reason to be calling, nobody would listen.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

It Could've Been Me


I was just telling my wife that Barack OBama was filling the slot Harold Ford Jr. had been preparing for all these years. Just as I was telling her about how the whole thing came about. General Wesley Clark was conducting an interview on MSNBC.Locally he convinced a couple of well known Democratic officials to come out on his behalf. That was the pivotal point of Harold Ford Jr.'s political career. Every since he supported General Wesley Clark instead of John Kerry for the Democratic nomination for the president. His popularity has gone down hill. I'm sure as he sits somewhere watching these results, he can't help but think. If I had picked a different candidate in 2004, it could've been me.

Why Not Toll Booths


I want to first say "I don't agree with the occupational privilege tax the county Mayor A.C. Wharton is proposing." I think this is just a way for A.C. Wharton to farther cater to his base. The opposition will simmer down as soon as they figure it out. If you look at this proposal, who does it really affect? The majority of workers that live outside Shelby county, aren't employed by the county anyway. Let's just be honest here, most people that work for the county earn more than $28,000 a year. Especially those workers with a full-time job. Many of those workers who don't earn that much, don't live outside the county anyway. If someone wants to play the race card in this whole thing. This will definitely disproportionately affect blacks. In a majority black population. Who do you think holds these jobs?

Mayor Herenton brought this up when he was running for office for a fifth consecutive term. I noticed it hasn't come back up since he was elected. If it was a good idea only two months ago, it's a good idea now. You best believe it's not over. Doing this would solve a multitude of problems. Why not Toll Booths?

Monday, January 07, 2008

This Time I Agree With Them

The last time the two Mayors publicly agreed on something, I wasn't in agreement with them. I'm not so sure that wasn't them just doing what they did for appearances sake. It was inevitable that Steve Cohen would be the 9th districts next congressman. No need to create any political barriers unnecessarily . That's not the case this time though. They both agree consolidation is the best thing for Memphis. Anything that could save us $20 million a year is a good idea if you ask me. I've been saying this for fifteen years or more and everyone claimed it wasn't possible. It must have been hard trying to deny this for all these years to inquiring minds. If they can do it now, they could do it then.

Mayor Herenton seems to be determined to follow this thing through.. He made his intentions known before he was reelected for a fifth term in office. At this point I think his legacy is already set in history. He has always maintained his willingness to step aside in order to make this happen. This is just icing on the cake. He tested the waters to show Wharton they weren't as deep as one might think. Mayor Wharton has joined forces with Mayor Herenton on this proposal, with a minor adjustment. He suggested we join everything but the school systems. Strangely enough that made it a lot more acceptable to some people. It allows them to keep their prized school system in tact. Whatever brought them to this point, this time I agree with them.

Pro Pyramid

The first thing I want to say is "the city and county should have held the University of Memphis to their original contract." Had that been the case. We wouldn't be looking for a tenant for the Pyramid right now. Enough of the shoulda,woulda, coulda as it were. Our elected officials let them out. Which put the city in it's present position. The only thing that matters at this point is. What are we going to do now?

At first glance, the thought of a mega sporting goods store doesn't sound so good. On second thought and under closer scrutiny it doesn't sound so bad. I spent some time in Osage Beach Missouri, and it became conceivable to me. I don't blame Pro Bass for dragging the process out. The longer the structure stays empty and is costing the taxpayers money. The better deal they'll be able to negotiate. Now that someone else has made a proposal. It makes it interesting for citizens at least, it lights a fire underneath Pro Bass to get moving. I think they'll meet the deadline.

Mayor Herenton said something I found very interesting. He said the thought of grazing the Pyramid wasn't out of the question. I think he's just putting the people in a bargain basement mood. We might not get what we think we should, but something is better than nothing.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

It's Only Make Believe

I congratulate Barack OBama and his supporters for his victory in the Iowa caucus. Needless to say I'm happy whites would support a black candidate for the highest office in the land . Just not this black man. I don't want to sound like a hater, so I've remained quiet with what I think. Many in the black community don't support him for other reasons. With which many I don't agree. My opinions about Barack OBama haven't changed due to his win. I've never supported him. I must admit at first I was stomped by his victory. I couldn't explain how I had been so wrong. I have always been the first to say "America won't elect a black President." Unfortunately race relations haven't progressed to that point.



Then I got a reprieve of sorts. As it turns out, I just had to dig a little deeper into the source. In our politically correct society, this may be why this isn't being discussed. Some may view this as being a racist as opposed to being realistic, but I'm not in that group. I agree with this assessment.
A poster wrote:
"A few facts you may not likeWhat everyone seems to have overlooked is that Iowa is a "lily white" state."Mainstream America"??? Nothing could be further from reality.Iowa has ~3,000,000 residents, including ~74,000 (2.5%) negroes.Let me give you the facts on New Hampshire before I break the bad news.New Hampshire has ~1,300,000 residents, including ~14,000 (1.1%) negroes.As anyone, with a reasonable IQ can see, the voters in these "remote" areas have not had much personal experience with the American negroe's propensity for crime, very low academic achievement, government dependency, STD infections and, yes ... the blighting of neighborhoods.These states are like crime free, no blighted neighborhoods, excellent school "islands" in America.We know why, don't we?The America mainstream will rule this election. Sorry folks!"

The poster may hve been over the top in their descriptions, but overall they had a point. Lets see if they're right.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

These Are The Breaks

That might sound cold, but it is what it is. I've refrained from making comments about this story, because of the sadness of the situation. I'm sure this mother is going through her own private hell right now. I won't call this woman a murderer or nail her to the cross. I'm almost certain she didn't plan for this to happen. When you pull the lever and let the reels roll at the casino, you don't control where they stop. If we could count the people who went to Tunica with a pocket full of money, and came home broke. That's what happens when you take a chance. It feels real good when you win, but it's a different story when you lose. Usually these lapses of judgement don't end up with the death of two children. Sadly in this case it did.

I'm not excusing this young lady for leaving her kids unattended. Let's be honest here, she's just one of many. We as a community should be concerned that this has become what's considered normal behavior. She was just doing what irresponsible mothers do all the time. More than likely she didn't go out by herself. Women usually go out in groups. Do you think they tried to talk her out of going that night? I would bet she was just doing what many others were doing that same night, in that very club. My brother told me about a young woman he warned about this very same thing last week. Just so happens, nothing went wrong. Bad parenting is just bad parenting, even when nothing happens. Let's not be hypocritical, just because there's no one else to blame. Had these children gotten out of the house, and been hit by a bus. The focus would be on why the bus driver didn't see them, and not why the mother wasn't watching them.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year