Ad-Hominem Attacks

In the past I encountered this type of behavior so much from people who disagree with my political views. I knew there had to be a name for it somewhere. I just hadn't discovered it yet. My good friend "Black" gave me a direction to look. A while back I found the name and it's definition. But I underestimated the awareness of people being aware of their own personal behavior. Even though they do this every chance they get. Most of them have never heard this term before. When you look at the two definitions listed. You can see that the two are interchangeable. It depends on who you're talking too, and how the argument is going. Below are the definitions.



ad ho·mi·nem
–adjective
1.
appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason.
2.
attacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.



I just had a long political discussion concerning Conservatives with a Liberal whose opinion I respect. Notice I said respect, not agree with. After consistently evading the questions on the table and never proving a point. He finally brought his filibustering to a close. By proclaiming it was never about winning anyway. That's real big to take that position after you've already lost. Knowing him as I do. I'm sure he went and researched the word and got an ear full. As wordy as he is he couldn't explain his way around that. Go to the link below and read what he read:

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

Halt Means Stop

If we tell our people anything other than "halt means stop." We're doing them a terrible disservice. I said our people instead of our children, because evidently the adults haven't learned it either. With all the attention the Deaunta Farrow case received last year. A person would have to have been in a coma not to be aware of the law enforcement climate in that city. People in West Memphis should have got the memo by now. People that don't even live there have. Chief Paudert said it another way. But basically he said the same thing. "If you don't run from or fight the police. You won't have a problem."In simpler terms for those who don't understand.. "Halt means stop."

He Paid For Borrowed Time

I haven't confirmed this yet, I don't know anyone that knows for sure. I'm going to take a chance and post the story anyway. Someone said he was on yesterday. He wasn't today though. I don't rejoice in the downfall of others, but I do enjoy being right. In all the shows "Realtalk" has aired in the last five years, five at the most have been memorable. If Jennings Bernard had listened to me and others a while back. He would have seen the writing on the wall and changed his shows format. People grew tired of his predictable positions and statements. His ego and racist positions for which he is mostly known. Have caused him to become ineffective as a community activist. Neither black or white citizens seriously listen to him anymore. He has the same group of callers and listeners he had five years ago.

I didn't know when it would happen, but I knew it eventually would. For starters the show was moved from WMQM 1600 to WLRM 1380. The latter station isn't even in Memphis. The majority of original Realtalk listeners can't even hear the show anymore. The callers call in blindly. Oftentimes not knowing what the host is talking about. In spite of what Jennings Bernard would have you think. He doesn't have that big of an internet audience. Not many city and county employees are listening as he claims. The one core audience he did have he lost. When they moved him to a Millington radio station. In essence they took him off the air. He had built up a following of elderly listeners. They were just impressed that someone that sounded like them was on the radio. "Realtalk" is like the forerunner to "Express Yourself". Both of them are more driven by opinion than fact. It's just a matter of time before they take that show off as well.

Something You Can Get With

Laughter Is Good For The Soul

After an event filled day at church that day. The pastors busy day had finally come to an end. He jumped in his car and headed home.

The deputy was hidden off the highway trying to catch someone speeding. Suddenly the preacher rode by and he was weaving back and forth. The officer turned on his siren, and chased the minister down.

When he caught up with him. He went up to the car and asked the minister what was the problem. " You passed me about a mile back, and you were weaving all over the road. Is anything wrong?" The pastor replied that he had been at church all day and he was just a little tired.

The officer was about to send him on his way. When he noticed a cup sitting next to him on the seat. He picked it up and looked at it and gave it a sniff. He said "preacher this looks and smells like wine."

The pastor replied " O my God, it's a miracle. Jesus is still in the business."

Is There Something In The Water

Wrong Place,Wrong Time

I was not the least bit surprised at this long awaited verdict. I knew they would give it time to die down in the minds of the public and return their possibly controversial verdict. The case was really solved right after it happened. When one uses their car as a weapon, the only defense you have is a gun. A total of fifty shots were fired by the three police officers charged in the killing. That's not hard to do when their automatic guns have eighteen shot clips in them. One of the officers even reloaded his gun.

The witnesses speaking on behalf of the deceased weren't very credible. People better recognize the importance of having a good name. One of them was a dancer in the club, who the men were supposedly taking out to breakfast. Instead of going out to breakfast after he left the club. He should have been going home to his future wife and children. I don't know exactly what happened in this case. I wasn't there. I do know this though. Considering everything that has happened. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Read the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Bell'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Bell">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Bell

Memphis Madness

It appears that this town will take anything without flinching if John Calipari is included. If we want to keep such a close tab on the taypayers money. Why don't we start with Calipari's exorbitant salary? He has a multi-million dollar bluff in on Universitys of Memphis fans. Threatening to leave whenever it's time to renew his contract. I say open the door. In spite of what he says. He's not in that much demand. I don't think if he was suddenly on the market. There wouldn't be a rush to hire him at the salary he gets in Memphis. This contract made sure we'll never know.

The question was asked. "What does this mean for Memphis?" It doesn't mean anything for the team itself. But it means a lot for John Calipari though. With the signing of this contract. He has accquired championship status. Though he has never won one before. He has managed to get success written into his contract with the base salary he is receiving. Why would there be a need for incentives? I don't want to be the bearer of bad news. Especially when everyone else is so excited. I predict five years from now and at least 25 million dollars later, we'll still be having this same conversation.

Read the details:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/26/caliparis-new-contract-signed-through-2012-2013/?feedback=1#comments

After being asked what I thought about Thaddeus Matthew's radio show, by a couple of people who know I listen to talk radio. I didn't want to comment without knowing for sure. So I decided to listen and see what he was talking about. Just like I thought. Nothing much has changed. Except maybe those who have heard of him. As for those people who wanted my opinion. One of them I know won't have the wool pulled over their eyes. The other one though, I'm not too sure about. Some people are impressed with someone acting a fool. They get a kick out of people doing and saying things they wouldn't themselves. Especially gullible women and overly angry black men.

His show is the epitome of all the things he complains about. He bashes all the other radio host for talking about sex. But based on his actions of late, those concerns seem to be rooted in jealousy. He tries extremely hard to come across as one who has been there and done that. Now he has set aside a whole day on his show to talk about sex himself. He also makes sexual innuendos to every woman that calls his show. I digress when I say. This is the reason our women always end up getting hurt or killed. Hanging in places they shouldn't be and engaging in conversations they should avoid. You don't discuss everything with everybody. Any self respecting woman shouldn't be caught dead calling his show. Any man that has no problem with his woman being a regular caller. Is either weak for his woman or doesn't care anyway.

Then he bashes the preachers every chance he gets. Why don't him and those supplying him with all this inside information,form a church of their own? I might not agree with everything a pastor does in his church. But I'm not under his leadership. I always have the choice to go elsewhere like everyone else. Parishioners don't always exercise that right. People have this thing about family churches, but that's a thing of the past.There seems to be a widespread movement among old established churches, of young preachers coming in and reorganizing them. Some people want credit for what their uncles and aunts did years ago. Just like salvation, you're responsible for your own. But A.R. Williams said it best. "If everyone was a pastor, nothing would ever get done." Based on what I hear on his show. All these people want to be the pastor.

Then we have his brand of one sided justice. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Whether they're right or wrong. The problem arises when you present those opinions as fact, and some poor unsuspecting soul listens to you. It would be interesting to know who listened to him before they ended up on the wrong side of the law. For those people who listen to him for legal advice. It's no wonder that they're going to jail. In a worst case scenario even losing their life. It's just a matter of time before it catches up with him. His name is going to come up in the wrong place. One could build a case of him practicing law without a license.

He didn't talk about any politicians yesterday. The only people in the line of fire. Are those people who he considers his friends. They have appeased him in one way or another. To keep him from talking about them on his blog. Anybody he partners with bares watching. He is usually on the wrong side of everything. After listening to two hours of his ego maniacal rants and raves. His last caller cleaned his clock. It just shows you can fool some of the people sometimes. But you can't fool all the people none of the time. There will always be a group of disgruntled people. And they need to feel they have a voice. Even if it never really accomplishes anything. Thaddeus Matthews nicely fills that niche. You can often predict the outcome based on who gets involved. He thinks he's the man even if no one else does. Hebis like the drum major for degenerates.

At Least We Get Something

I didn't know about this new rule that Marcus Anderson and Robert Dozier are taking advantage of in the upcoming draft. Chris Douglas Roberts probably should have done the same thing too. He might not get a guaranteed contract like Derrick Rose. Which would make his decision to go early a mistake. Some scouts think he would've improved his standing by waiting until next year. I tend to agree with them. I don't think he's ready. The only hardship players that I've ever seen contribute to any program right away are Lebron James and Thaddeus Young. He's the man now, but it was several years before even Kevin Garnett became a factor. By the time these young players make a difference. They could have gone to college, developed their skills, and received an education.


Marcus Anderson and Robert Dozier went with John Calipari's blessings. Them leaving the team, would further take him off the hook. Just another excuse in case they lose next year. I don't blame the players for taking advantage of the new rule, but it's not a good thing for college basketball. Building consistent competitive basketball teams is a thing of the past. Never again will we see the likes of a UCLA or a North Carolina. It will become like the "Streetball" tryouts. Looking for the next Hotsauce, Professor or Escalade. Just somebody to hype the crowds. No regard for graduation and fundamentals of the game itself. Not even the ability to hit a freethrow. Let alone character building. Something many of these young men desperately need. For a top flight recruiter like John Calipari. Notice I said recruiter and not coach. This is like a dream come true. But it's a nightmare for the team itself. John Calipari can tout his track record of prior players that have gone pro, and television exposure as enticements to recruits. Any young man with dreams of being in the NBA. Will gobble that up whole. Depending on how you look at it. It goes both ways. If you take the attitude of all or nothing. At best we get to watch them for a year. The worst case scenario is, they could be going somewhere else. This way at least we get something.

The First Recorded Exhibitionist

Could All 50 States Be Wrong

Somewhere along the way, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court have misinterpreted the U.S. Constitution. How could fifty States be wrong?

America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions:

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution ...

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land .

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government..

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ..

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy ..

Delaware! 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences ...

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty .. establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution..

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings ..

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges ... establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine .. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler ! of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity .and devoutly imploring His direction ...

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom ... establish this Constitution

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. establish this Constitution ...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty. establish this Constitution

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution ..

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors .

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of Liberty

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those ..

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain..

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common ..

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this ..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance. .

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina. grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil! and religious liberties ... establish this

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution ..

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ...

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator .. can be directed only by Reason . and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other ..

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution ...

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia . reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility ...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution ...


After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." --William Penn

I'm Not Surprised

The crumbling has began. Just two weeks ago we were only looking at losing Joey Dorsey and Andre Allen. I must say I expected this unfortunate turn of events to happen. That's the reason the marquee players come to the University Of Memphis to begin with. To showcase their skills for the NBA scouts. In years past Coach Calipari hasn't built a team atmosphere. It's usually a one or two man show. So a highly sought after player can have the "all about them show" with no restrictions. We have never had a top ranked player to play all four years. Obviously, it won't happen on this team either.

The fallout started with the rookie guard Derrick Rose announcing his early departure. He didn't even get assigned a locker. I think they should put an end to all these hardship cases. There are at least eleven freshman entering in the draft this year. Now junior guard Chris Douglas Roberts has added his name to the list. The two top scorers on this years championship team won't be returning. In addition to two members of the coaching staff. We'll get a chance to see if John Calipari is worth 2.5 million dollars. Instead of expecting to win the championship. Let's just hope to get past the first round.

Read the story on Derrick Rose:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/15/tigers-rose-will-declare-nba-draft-week/

Read the story on Chris Douglas Roberts:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/18/chris-douglas-roberts-declares-nba-draft/

To Tell The Truth

I always say you can't give the talking points for your eulogy once you're dead. The following obituary is a prime example of what I mean.

IDA MAE RUSSELL SILLS
Sunday, April 13, 2008
IDA MAE RUSSELL SILLS began this world as Betty Jean Cherry, the daughter of Howard Cherry and Betty Thompson of Middle Tennessee. In the 1930s it was unthinkable for a child to be born to a single mother. The Thompsons contracted Georgia Tann at the Tennessee Children's Home. Georgia, now famous for selling babies, found a couple who was willing to purchase the child. Everett and Elsie Russell were chosen, who had already adopted one high profile Memphis baby. The Russells renamed their new baby Ida Mae.

Ida Mae had a rich but strict childhood. Ida graduated from Messick High School in 1950 and attended Memphis State University. Ida married High School friend, Karl Hadaway. On January 31, 1953, a child was born named Mary Denise. The marriage decayed and the couple divorced in 1954. Ida's marriage to Karl was a three ring circus, engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.
Ida met and married Albert Sills in 1960. Ida said" Lee.
Albert and Ida owned several dry cleaners and restaurants. Owning your own business with your spouse in the best of times is challenging. Ida worked all day as a Supervisor at the phone company, she would come home and prepare a home cooked meal for the entire family. She managed to pay all the bills, balance the books of the family business and at the end of a long day still be a supporting mother and loving wife. Ida said "Children grow up so fast they're like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers."
Ida grimaced daily with anticipation of what her gifted children would bring home and ask "Mom can I keep it�" For Lee it was stray animals but Ida's daughter Denise, well she brought home a steady stream of poor hungry musician friends (are there any other kind). No one was ever turned away or left hungry. It is still a mystery how Ida fed, supported and influenced so many individuals on her budget. At Ida's house gravy was a beverage.
Albert retired in 1985, Ida said "great I now get twice the husband and only half the income." Lee went off to college and Denise got married and had a son named Josh. Ida retired from Ma Bell in 1989. After a long illness, Albert passed away from Lung cancer.
In Ida's spare time she became an assistant coach to the University of Memphis Tigers, The Memphis Grizzlies, The LA Lakers and The Miami Heat, if not in reality in her mind. As a professional armchair consultant to the NBA, Ida was nick named Hoop Mama Two. Ball handling and dribbling was Ida Mae's biggest weakness.
If Albert was the frog prince, Ida was certainly the frog queen. Ida loved and collected frogs from all over the world. Ida moved to Waverly Gardens with her dog Raven where she made a lot of new friends.
Ida developed a cold that progressed into pneumonia. Now Ida was a smoker. She said "to quit smoking well that's easy. I ought to know. I have done it a thousand times" but the years of smoking left Ida's lungs damaged and beyond repair. On this Good Friday March 21, 2008, Ida Mae Russell Sills slipped away and joined her beloved daughter in Heaven. Fortunately her husband Albert preceded her and joined his mother in a much warmer climate.
Ida leaves behind a best friend Betty Brown of Memphis. Few people in this world are privileged to have such a beloved sister. They had many adventures, loves and tragedies over their 70 years of friendship and sisterhood. Ida also leaves one of her greatest joys, her grandson Josh. Josh has been the light of her life since his birth. Ida regrets not being here to influence his future children, but she will be watching.
Ida lost her daughter Denise Sills Barnes 2 years ago. Denise was a successful local Memphis singer and musician and was a manager with Nike for 15 years. Ida also leaves her son in law Roland Barnes, an engineer with Federal Express. Roland has been devoted when many would have moved on after their wife's death. And finally she leaves her son, her baby Lee. Lee lives in Orange County California and is President of Kredit Banque.
Ida influenced so many people, too many to list. Ida is now a falling star who has finally found her place next to her daughter in a lovely constellation, where she will sparkle in the heavens forever. In Lieu of flowers please give the gift of life to Saint Jude Children's Hospital in Ida's name. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday April, 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Waverly Gardens on Knight Arnold Road.

A Contrast In Careers

It's ironic that the Commercial Appeal would be doing a cover story on Bobby Womack's music career. Him and the Soul Children are appearing together tomorrow night at the Desoto Civic Center with the Manhattans and Whispers. All those groups earn a pretty good living performing their old songs. All of them at one time or another have been headliners. Not picking on my brother J.Blackfoot and his crew. But he will earn less in two shows including the rest of the group. Than Bobby Womack will earn in one.



Look at the Commercial Appeal story:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/18/soul-man-gets-it-right/

Where Were All My Friends

I have watched this singing group all my life. When I was a child they were like the local version of a "Jagged Edge" for lack of a better comparison. Of course they operate in different musical genres, but that's the closest thing to a quartet, I can come up with now. They don't have successful singing groups like the "Soul Children" anymore. They had the custom made suits, the fancy cars and the whole nine yards. In those days Stax recording studio was like a Memphis Motown. With all the talent that came through that place. Makes you wonder, how could they have possibly closed those doors?

Today I think I got my answer. What you don't know can definitely hurt you. Especially if it has to do with your ability to understand what is written. If you don't understand things yourself. You better have someone you can trust, looking out for your best interest. If not, those who can will take advantage of you. I once heard J. Blackfoot say, he didn't make a dime of the song "Taxi." How could that possibly happen? That was the most popular song of his whole career. He should still be sitting pretty after recording that song. He didn't make any money but somebody did.

A caller asked "what high school did they graduate from?" That's a common question for people once it's revealed they're from Memphis. Everybody that grew up in that era either went to Manassas or Booker T. Washington. Without thinking J. Blackfoot said Porter junior high, and the others didn't say anything. Since they were from Memphis, if they were high school graduates. They should have said something familiar. I think J. Blackfoot is a real nice guy, and always has a smile on his face. Unlike one of his hit songs. Someone took his kindness for weakness, and figured him just right. He is one heckuva singer, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Since he now has so many friends who claim to have known him then. Where were all his friends?

A Blank Check

I am what you might call a Calipari critic. I'm not in proverbial bliss like a lot of other Memphians are. I support the team for the sake of the players themselves. The teams dirty laundry is not their fault. They were only babies when the original offense was committed. It's a horse of another color though,when it comes to the coach and the school itself. My support goes all the way back to the Gene Bartow days. So I'm no new kid on the block. I've been going to the games for almost forty years.

I have been accused of having a myopic view of things. Because I don't think Calipari is all he is cracked up to be as a coach. Neither do I get all excited about his predictions for the teams future. Just because he is beating up on division II teams. His supporters think you should just let it go and move along. Not question anything this smooth talker says.


As history has proven repeatedly. Calipari always prepares his fans for coming in second place. Since that seems to be the one thing he does consistently. It amazes me how the fans have adjusted their views of what winning entails. Requiring only those things John Calipari has accomplished in his stint as head coach. Now success is measured by how many dollars you generate and how much merchandise the team sells. The only thing that used to matter is the numbers in the win/loss column. I just think the Memphis fans are giving this guy a free pass.

When we didn't make it to the NCAA, he convinced the fans to be excited about winning the NIT. I remember when Memphis State refused an invitation to the NIT, and didn't go anywhere that year. Now that we have went to the NCAA championship game again and lost. True to form he's giving a speech. About we should keep our heads up and be proud of our teams performance. Though I think we lost due to his poor last seconds coaching skills. This isn't the first time this has happened.

He has yet to win as many games as a coach the university fired. One who they also didn't want to pay $100,000 annually. I'm not trying to undermine the teams success, just calling a spade a spade. With the signing of his proposed new contract . John Calipari will be one of the highest paid college coaches in the land. In a city that seems so money conscious about everything else. Why have we given this guy a blank check?

Damned If He Do, Damned If He Don't

I am not a fan of Barack Obama, because I don't like his politics. But of course I would be happy if a black man won the presidency for the United States of America. It would indicate a remarkable change in the thinking of modern day America. Also it would open the door for possibly someone black with whose politics I do agree with. To obtain that office. Fifty years ago, in some places in America, blacks couldn't even vote. Now here we are in 2008, with the possibility of a black man being elected president. Barack Obama has the unenviable task of breaking the ice. Even though I wouldn't vote for him myself. In a weird way I feel sorry for him.

There are only two kinds of people who wouldn't know exactly what I mean. Those who base their opinions on emotions, and those who are outright dishonest. Both are reasons why I feel Mr. Obama's worst campaign days are still ahead of him. I feel sorry for him because he's in a no win situation. No matter what he says or does is going to draw negative criticism. If he satisfies the blacks, he'll estrange the whites. With the whites it's vice versa. Only gullible women look at their men and see no flaws. Even when their shortcomings are painfully obvious. That's why I am against a woman president. We don't need someone looking for the good in Osama Bin Laden. Men who follow suit are undercover pimps. They're like the papa san in Viet Nam, content to let the women do all the work. While they smoke opium all day.

Then we have the liars. They are quick to say color doesn't matter anymore. You don't know how they're going to vote though. The fact that Barack Obama is liberal, is just an excuse for them to vote against him. America has come a long way, but not that far. When pitted against a candidate of equal qualifications. Both races still support those who look like them. As far as this country has come, the dynamics of racism have changed somewhat. We still aren't judged by the content of our character. Unless of course you have lots of money. More than not it is based on the color of your skin. In the case of Barack Obama. He's damned if he do, damned if he don't.

The Crossroads

The latest resolution to hire policeman from outside Shelby county is a crossroads of sorts for some of the council members. At least one of the new members in my opinion, have already shown their true colors. Let's just hope there aren't more to follow. This vote is pivotal in the fact. It will show whether they have the gumption to do what's best for the city, in spite of pressure from some citizens who might be suffering from tunnel vision. How these particular council people vote on this issue. Will give you some idea of how they're going to approach this city's problems in the future. I hope we aren't looking at four years of gridlock. Things always being split down racial lines.

Pope Comes To America

For the first time since being elected. Pope Benedict XVI has visited the United States. He holds a very influential position among people of the Catholic faith. He was greeted by President Bush and his family and a host of other dignitaries. Not to shabby of a welcome.

Black Or White

When you look at how those with familiar voices in the city address things. Therein lies the problem of why we as a community keep going in circles.Rather than "dueling commentaries", as they have billed their debates. It's more like drooling compromises, if you ask me. It's like one of the contestants are in awe of the other. Guess who that is? Even though he usually is off point. Jeff Lee basically concedes defeat before he begins. He always starts his discourse off with "how much I love you." Which has nothing to do with being right or wrong. And Mike Flemming is condescending and arrogant because he knows Jeff is not in his league. As far as politics goes. His first comment is usually to tell Jeff he has no idea what he's talking about. If we ever want this discussion to go beyond entertainment. We must first recognize it's not black or white.

I Didn't Know

Now this book should be a million seller. I wonder will Oprah Winfrey recommend this one to her book club. Now, instead of speculating about what went down with Bobby and Whitney. We can get it straight from the horse's mouth. Sounds like this book will be full of surprises.

I didn't know Bobby Brown and Janet Jackson were ever an item. This was the first I ever heard that before. If he says they were, then I believe him. He has no reason to tell a bold faced lie. It would only further damage his credibility. Which is already not to good to begin with. Then he goes on to talk about his fourteen year marriage to famed songstress Whitney Houston. He implied that whole thing may have just been a cover up. Again, I think he might be telling the truth. After all they've been through together. I don't think he would make that up. He didn't state anything as a matter of fact, but he made a lot of insinuations.

He even mentioned his escapades with Karrine Steffans. In her book she tried to portray him as a close personal friend. I guess she tried to say something good about him before he talked about her. You have to be pretty low, when Bobby Brown puts you down. This book will tell me a lot of things I didn't know.

http://www.blackvoices.com/entertainment/thebridge

Somebody Prayed For Him

I hope Mr. Hooks believes in the limitless power of prayer. When he looks at the meager sentence he received for his involvement in the Tennessee Waltz. He has to know there is a God somewhere. And he has placed on him his unmerited grace. The whole family showed up, to petition the judge on his behalf. You best believe some favors were called in for him. Dr. Benjamin Hooks the family patriarch showed up as well, in a wheelchair. He has gone from getting the "Presidential Medal Of Honor" to using his influence to keep a family member out of jail. I hope Mr. Hooks doesn't get it twisted, and think it's all about who his family members are. And remember above all else. Somebody prayed for him.

Only In Memphis

How can John McCain coming to Memphis last week, be considered as playing politics? When you consider all the candidates still involved. He had the least to gain by coming here. No one expected him to show up anyway. Then in the same breath, Barack Obama not showing up, be excused as him keeping his word ? The anniversary of Martin Luther King's death didn't come up last month. He should have scheduled it like the others. His absence was motivated by his desire to distance himself from black events. The same primary he is running in next week, Hillary Clinton is too. With her being behind in popular votes. It would seem it would be more important that she be there than him. Looks like she needs the votes more than he does.

Back to the reason I wrote the blog to begin with. I was put off by the crowd's reaction to John McCain. I didn't expect to hear cheers for him considering his party. But it would have been nice for them to be at least cordial. The only whites that were in attendance was McCain and his secret service. I would hate the next President's only memory of Memphis to be. A group of blacks booing him at the "Civil Rights Museum."

Jayhawks Defeat Tigers 75-68

Go Tigers !!!!!

Resentment Is Perceived As Lack Of Respect

People want to know why Memphis doesn't get the respect that they deserve. They are in the championship game and have been in the top five teams all year. The program has a lot of skeletons in their closet working against them. A lot of the new fans that don't remember pre-Calipari days. Probably won't know what I'm talking about. The older fans do though, if they care to remember. University of Memphis fans aren't blessed with the level of competition that Memphis State fans were. There lies the basis of of the lack of respect.

A lot of these coaches and commentators remember the days of the Metro and Missouri Valley conferences. I remember going down to the coliseum and watching one nail biter after the other. To win those titles you had to beat the likes of Cincinnati, Louisville and Virginia Tech on the regular. To win the C-USA, the Calipari tigers haven't consistently beat teams like that. The royalty of college basketball is a very select group. They mostly reached their status through blood , sweat, tears and winning twenty plus games a season. They don't take kindly to a coach whose specialty is recruiting hardship players for the NBA.

It doesn't make a difference what conference you were in, if you win the whole thing. Whether the other coaches like it or not, everybody knows that. Once you win the NCAA it doesn't matter who you played to get there. You have arrived in the big time in a big way. If by chance he wins, or even if he doesn't. He won't be looking for a head coaching job anytime soon. I think a lot of these people are upset with the fact that Calipari has built in less than 10 what it took others 30 yrs. to build.

Fox For A Day

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage provided by CNN and Clear Channel radio stations, for the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. I was hoping they wouldn't portray Memphis in a negative light as usual. I got my wish to some degree. Al Sharpton and the NAN (National Action Network) have been promoting this week and the surrounding festivities, for the last several months. Mr. Sharpton has been the most active in promoting this week, but Jesse Jackson has been the most visible nationally. With alll the events going on this week all over the city of Memphis. These two have never appeared on stage together. Even though they're here for the same thing. Except at Mason Temple I heard, which was an open door event. It was sponsored by Bishop Blake and the COGIC. All the big preachers got to speak.

Jesse Jackson came and took a large part of the limelight. He received a lions share of the national media coverage. I'm sure Al Sharpton wasn't to happy about that. But due to the fact that Jesse Jackson was standing next to MLK on the balcony when he was shot. He automatically is included in any remembrance or discussion of the historical event. Al Sharpton seems to have made a connection with the King children. But they didn't march with their father. It just doesn't have the same effect as those who were there. Like them, Sharpton has many of his impressions of the civil rights struggle seen largely through the eyes of others. Like most of the things he claims to be so passionate about. I was glad it didn't turn into a media circus, like so many other of his other endeavors have.

Local radio station WDIA started it off with councilwoman Janis Fullilove doing the talking. The call-in number to the station was posted on screen, but they didn't air the live conversation. Which probably was a good idea. Since everybody wanted to vent. With Janis being probably the most recognized member of the Memphis State 109. A group of black students who attended Memphis State in 1968. It was fitting to have her as a interviewer. Since she is a local radio personality. The day wasn't about her personal struggles being reenacted. During a time when all aspects of equality for blacks were uncharted territory. The Memphis 109 represented the local saga on the effects that racism had in education. I'm sure everybody living during that time has a story to tell, but that wasn't the place for disclosure. It would take all day and more. It was getting out of hand. In addition to Janis telling her story. We had two other people bringing up stuff that hadn't been revealed after forty years. Thank God for Rev. Ben Hooks, he kept the discussion focused. It was on it's way to becoming another camp fire meeting.

Bev Johnson had been sick and off work all week long. But anything short of being on a respirator couldn't keep her off the mic that day. I can't say that I blame her. In addition to having the the charge of being the ambassador for WDIA, the oldest black radio station in the country. This could very well have been one of the biggest, if not the biggest show of her whole career. For a local radio personality, this is a once in a lifetime deal. The chance to rub elbows with nationally syndicated talk show hosts and all the dignitaries in attendance. Was a dream come true for Bev Johnson. I don't know how Novella Smith Arnold and Dr. Warren Harper, ended up as Bev's co-hosts. Neither of them were in Memphis during that time, though they both are old enough to have been here. But I have a sneaking suspicion how they got there. Bev wanted to surround herself with people who wouldn't steal the spotlight. Dr. Harper was there to promote blacks seeking counseling as usual. A pet project he and Bev share. I guess Novella was supposed to provide some sort of balance to the trio. She claims to be a Republican, but I don't know about that. If she ever runs for office again and seeks the Republican nomination. I hope they will hold her accountable for some of the things she said.

Finally we had a segment with Andrew Clarksenior from WREC and Wendi Thomas from the Commercial Appeal. Which I must admit was a total surprise. I never expected them to have someone from WREC 600 on the show. I'm sure Clear Channel was responsible for that. They got Andrew from the weekend, instead of Mike or Ben who work everyday. I'm glad they did. Since there is another side that otherwise would've been overlooked. His leniency with the liberal listeners has finally paid off. He is both conservative and black. An enigma in the black community. I think the fact that Andrew was there, kept Wendi Thomas from saying something over the top. She didn't want Andrew and his audience to have a whole weekend uninterrupted to tear her apart.

Even though the celebration is over, people are still hyped. Soledad O'Brien and Roland Martin did a good job. Though I've seen a lot of things that could be addressed. I'll keep it to myself for now. I will say this though. "I was most surprised with CNN." They were like Fox for a day. "Fair and unbalanced."

Aging Japanese Prison Population

FYI

Japan has over 38,000 people in it's population that are 100 years old or older. Even with 127 million people, that's quite remarkable. Japan, despite being the 10th most populated country in the world. Is by far the country with the oldest living citizens.

Tigers Rout UCLA, 78-63

Shelby County 2008 Ballot

CANDIDATES

These candidates filed to run in the Aug. 7 primary elections or Nov. 4 general election. Candidates involved in partisan races who don't have primary opposition will automatically advance to the Nov. 4 ballot.

Division 6 Criminal Court

Latonya Burrow

Claiborne Ferguson

Michael Floyd

*John Fowlkes Jr.

Trustee

*Paul Mattila, D

Ray Butler, R

Roderic Ford, I

M. Latroy Williams, I

David Vinciarelli, I

Tammy Warren, I

9th Congressional District

*Steve Cohen, D

Nikki Tinker, D

James Gregory, D

Isaac Richmond, D

Joe Towns, Jr., D

M. Latroy Williams, D

Jake Ford, I

Mary "Taylor Shelby" Wright, I

Dewey Clark, I

8th Congressional District

*John Tanner, D

James L. Hart, R

7th Congressional District

*Marsha Blackburn, R

Tom Leatherwood, R

Jay Sparks, D

James Tomasik, D

Randy G. Morris, D

State Senate Dist. 28

*Jim Kyle, D

Senate Dist. 30

*Beverly Marrero, D

Senate Dist. 32

*Mark Norris, R

House Dist. 83

*Brian Kelsey, R

House Dist. 84

Roderic Ford, D

*Joe Towns, Jr., D

House Dist. 85

Eddie Jones, D

Paul Lewis, D

*Larry Turner, D

House Dist. 86

*Barbara Cooper, D

George Edwards III, R

House Dist. 87

*Karen Camper, D

Jennings Bernard, D

House Dist. 88

*Larry Miller, D

David Vinciarelli, I

House Dist. 89

*Jeanne Richardson, D

House Dist. 90

*John DeBerry, D

House Dist. 91

Timothy Cook Jr., R

*Lois DeBerry, D

State Rep. 92

*G.A. Hardaway, D

Eddie Neal, D

House Dist. 93

Tim Cook, R

*Mike Kernell, D

House Dist. 95

Christopher Taylor, D

*Curry Todd, R

Mick Wright, R

House Dist. 96

*Steve McManus, R

House Dist. 97

*Jim Coley, R

House Dist. 98

Boris Combest, D

*Ulysses Jones, D

House Dist. 99

*Ron Lollar, R

*Incumbent

You Can Never Repay Your Father

This is like the Memphis version of " Meet the Browns." If Joey Dorsey comes into a big contract. He should break his father off something, just on the strength. The strength of the seed, that is.... He should not burden himself with trying to get revenge for what has already happened between his parents. He will spend more time and money in the end, than it would cost to give something to his father now. If his mother didn't get child support all these years, it's her fault anyway. As far as Joey goes, he has been blessed to make a difference in his family. We're putting the cart before the horse. Joey Dorsey hasn't even got the money yet.

We don't even know what happened. This mother could have been the problem here. It didn't prevent her from getting married and having another child soon after he left. It could have been her early on that didn't want him around. According to her own admission. She was overprotective of her two children. Even he mentioned some cousins who dropped out of school who he wanted to hang with. It was to his advantage for someone not to be around. Based on the story she hasn't been a barrier between the two of them getting together. It's good to know the mother isn't agitating this situation. It sounds like she doesn't think like a lot of other single mothers. They look for the first opportunity to slight the father. Which leads to another wasted generation.

Don't get it twisted. You are a blessed, to be a blessing to somebody else. If it wasn't for the seed of the father in the first place. None of this would even be happening. When Dorsey saw his father for the first time since he was a baby. He said it was like looking in the mirror. We're not talking about someone who abused or mistreated a child. He just wasn't in the picture. Wherever you go. You still came from the same place. You can never repay your father.

Forty Years Later

I have listened intently as the black community has rallied on the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination. I said the black community, because for everybody else it's basically been business as usual. In all the coverage I've seen or heard on T.V. and radio today. I've only seen or heard seven white people in both venues combined. And two of those people called in on the phone. Not saying they're not concerned, it's just not their top priority. Some people would make you think Martin Luther King was Jesus Christ. All except CNN and the black radio stations have only mentioned this anniversary in passing. It might lead one to believe blacks are focused on different things than everybody else. Correct me if I'm wrong, but since when do we celebrate somebody being killed? I also said "rally." Because few people if any, actually addressed the question. What the much publicized gathering turned out to be was a glorified photo-op for some. And a free campaign rally for others. Suggesting that the answer to our problems is electing them to office. The much talked about would-be guest of honor, didn't even show.

It would be both a lie and foolish to say nothing has changed since the sixties. Blacks have made tremendous strides in all measurable areas and quality of life. Look at economics, education, health and even housing. Blacks standing in America has outpaced the improvement of the country as a whole. Some of the incidents that have happened as of late. In my opinion, have set us back at least sixteen years if not more. Not so much physically, as it is mentally for some. It's not very hard to find someone to name a litany of things that are wrong. Yet, not mention one thing in all this great country that is right. In the most moving speech I heard all day. Rev. Ben Hooks said as much, so astutely. Since that really wasn't the message they wanted to convey. Needless to say, they moved on to the next speaker.

The people that are so quick to refer to MLK's legacy. For some reason, are those most likely to be racist. That's not at all what he advocated or even implied. They forget that he spoke about equality not exclusivity. His intent was not to make blacks a permanent underclass. The singer James Brown made a lot of sayings famous in his career. One of my favorites was "I don't want nobody to give me nothing. Open the door I'll get it myself." One thing for sure forty years later. We still like to say it loud.

" Murphy's Law " Allen

When I saw this young man cut the entire net down after the Texas game. I knew then he was going to mess up something before it was over. I figured it would come in the form of a missed free throw or an untimely turnover. Little did I know he would get suspended for a positive, random drug test. The university has made Andre Allen the scapegoat in case they lose to UCLA . It will be due to the team being distracted by Allen's suspension. If they win they will come out smelling like a rose. Because, they will have beat all the odds stacked against them. He is on a team that will go down in history as one of the best in Memphis history. Yet all he'll have as a memory is, he didn't get a chance to participate in the long awaited event. A couple of weeks ago, I would've called this guy a Geechee out of ignorance. Thankfully, since then I have learned what that word truly means. So he doesn't qualify for that title. http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2008/03/geechee-or-gullah-same.html. What we can call irehim is typical though. He refuses to rise above his surroundings, even when given the chance.

I have never met this young man before, but I feel as though I know him. What I remember about him most, are his many publicized goofs. Here is a young man playing on a local college championship team, out here soliciting hookers. With all the college groupies all over this city. He couldn't find an apple in Easyway. Last year he cut a billboard in his hair when they went to the NCAA, and they lost the very next game. A series or unexpected three pointers would have been more impressive. He has a tendency to take things too far in the wrong direction. He is like the guy who you always have to ask. "Why did you do that anyway?" This young man should never forget "Murphy's Law" and behave accordingly.

Murphy's law is an adage in Western culture that broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance. "If there's more than one possible outcome of a job or task, and one of those outcomes will result in disaster or an undesirable consequence, then somebody will do it that way." It is most often cited as "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong" (or, alternately, "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way" or, "Anything that can go wrong, will," or cc"If anything can go wrong, it will, and usually at the most inopportune moment"). The saying is sometimes referred to as Sod's law or Finagle's law which can also be rendered as "Anything that can go wrong, will—at the worst possible moment".

Sean Levert (1969- 2008)

This is the second son the Levert family has lost a son. A parent isn't supposed to bury their children, but these parents have lost two. Sean like his brother Gerald died unexpectedly after what appeared to be a minor illness. Another young talent taken away seemingly before his time.

http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/03/31/singer-sean-levert-dies-at-39-after-one-week-in-jail/

You Better Know The Law

I knew it was only a matter of time before we would be revisiting this scene again. It was only five months ago at the most. The man in Mississippi chased his mother's robber down and shot him before he crossed the state line. Even though his victim didn't die. He wasn't charged with anything. I have no problem with what he did. In fact I applaud him. But I knew it wouldn't have the same results when it came up again. Mainly because it would happen in Memphis. Just as I predicted. Here we are again. Because most people didn't pay attention then.

Christopher Simmons has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of Kendrick Watkins. I bet he thought he was within his legal rights. One man caught another stealing a T.V. monitor from his car and shot him to death. That's the story that was told to police. I know this isn't an excuse, but perception goes a long way. Even though the shooter is legitimate on paper. There are insinuations that there is something else involved. Every time I see one of these cars on the street . I can't help but stereotype the driver. Sometimes I'm wrong, unfortunately usually I'm right. If this young man didn't have 24 inch rims and T.V. monitors on a 10 year old car, he would probably fare a little better with the district attorney. Even though his car has been broken into four times in twelve months. Just protecting your property isn't a defense in Tennessee.

The young man walked up after the shooting and turned himself in to police. He gave police the murder weapon and his handgun carry permit. As though he thought that would clear him. Though according to witnesses, it sounded like he unloaded the clip. When it reaches the courts your anger doesn't matter. Instead of relying on emotion. You better know the law.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/02/shooter-of-thief-charged-in-death/