FYI

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,206

Published: 11/30/08, 7:45 PM EDTBy The Associated Press(AP) - As of Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at least 4,206 members of the U.S. military have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.
The figure includes eight military civilians killed in action. At least 3,394 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
The AP count is three fewer than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Friday at 10 a.m. EST.
The British military has reported 176 deaths; Italy, 33; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 21; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Denmark, seven; El Salvador, five; Slovakia, four; Latvia and Georgia, three each; Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand and Romania, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan and South Korea, one death each.

Better To Have It And Not Need It

I know times are bad, but not as bad as some people would have you think. I have always said one's perception is their reality. Today's annual free Thanksgiving dinner and free phone calls were proof. If you think you're having it hard you are. Even if it's really not that bad. There were more volunteers on hand this year than they had recipients. They had to turn volunteers away, but people in need of a meal and free health screenings were less than expected. All across the city, even in the blighted neighborhoods. People seemed to be in a spirit of Thanksgiving this year. Since everybody seems to have a lot. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.


http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/27/turnout-turkey-dinner-less-expected/

Don't Let This Be The Last We Hear

In my untrained opinion, this package is wrapping up just a little to neatly. To supposedly have so many loose ends still swinging around. They have all this information leading up to the suspects arrest, yet they have nothing to tell the public about how it was obtained. Sounds like we have some type of cover-up going on here. Don't get me wrong. I think they have the right person in custody. Just not the whole story behind his involvement with the victim. I don't think this was a random encounter. In some capacity the two of them knew each other before this happened. They're just not telling us what lead to his arrest. The whole truth might tell us some things about Ms. Pressley we don't already know. I hope the media doesn't drop the ball.

This guy doesn't sound like your regular street hood robbing, stealing and killing to make a living. Curtis Lavelle Vance might be a criminal alright, but there's more to it than meets the eye. You don't go ninety miles to a larger city on a regular basis just to visit with your friends. It's usually a girlfriend or some money if not both of them. He had a woman willing to pack up her three little children and move away in a matter of days. If his motive was simply robbery as they would have you think. He wouldn't have left a witness to the crime behind. Since he beat her to within an inch of her life; why not just kill her before he left? Obviously, whatever the case it went bad because someone ended up dead. I think there is a bigger story everyone needs to hear, I just don't know exactly what it is. Don't let this be the last we hear about this.

Steady Is The Way

At this point there are only two council people that I feel can make a difference in the direction of the Memphis City council over the next three years. Otherwise we're at a stalemate and we won't get anything done. Everything that comes up will be split down racial lines. The white members are generally Conservative, and the black members are Democrat. In the midst of these troublesome times. I thought Harold Collins was a breath of fresh air on the council. He was what I call an " Independent with sense."

Then he had to go and do this. I don't know Harold Collins personally, but I know his background. I knew his older brother James, before he died. He was different from his sibling. But still a branch from the same tree. Harold Collin's story is one of personal responsibility and rising above his surroundings. That doesn't include all of his people though. I knew it was just a matter of time before he would be faced with where he came from. His large family and the degree of his success has largely shielded him from the backlash of his politics. All they know is, "Harold has a big house." They don't question how he got it. They're just glad he came up. Now he is trying to inadvertently rectify his involvement in this shortsighted vote. I wish it hadn't come to this but it has. He hopes he can ease his way out of this on a technicality, or a public oversight. That's not going to happen this time. This is where the rubber hits the road. I know it's hard right now, but steady is the way.

Keep It In The Family

I heard the taped conversation this morning between Ben Ferguson and Jeff Lee about relaxing the MPD residency requirements. At first I wondered, could Jeff really believe the stuff he was saying? Then I thought about who was involved, and it suddenly made perfect sense. They have changed the game. This is now a Clear Channel thing.

Ben isn't going to back up off of this issue. Much to the contrary, looks like he's turning up the heat. Jeff Lee is a team player. He is used to taking blows for the team. He takes them from Mike Flemming on (Black and White) all the time. According to a recent WREG poll, Mike Flemming is rated #1 in the city. Ben has the lowest rating on that station. This gives Jeff Lee a chance to gain some brownie points back after the Michelle Obama comment he made. And give Ben a target at the same time.

Now Ben and the white councilman are running commercials on a popular black radio station every hour on the hour, hammering the point home to a younger audience. This rift between Ben and Jeff was planned. Now the station has a player on both sides. Since obviously there's going to be drama. Keep it in the family.

Unable To Govern Themselves

I think it was J. Edgar Hoover who said "blacks can't govern themselves." I'm not giving credence to his racist viewpoint. But when we see things like this. You can't help but wonder; was he possibly right? The president of Guinea-Bissau, Bissau survived another coup attempt Sunday. President Joao Bernardo Vieira and his wife escaped what amounts in the United States to a home invasion.

The past history of this West African country would go a long way toward proving that long held belief to be true. President Vieira is in power as a result of a coup himself. When you look back at the history of this country. It has been unsteady at best. If you don't like the results of an election. Get your gang together and take over.

http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll? pnum=1&bfromind=7405&eeid=6228370&_sitecat=1505&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=-2&ck=&ch=ne&rg=blsadstrgt

A Fresh Start

I haven't talked to Janis Fullilove lately. But I know she sometimes reads my blog and respects my opinion. Whether she listens to what I say or not. She knows where I'm coming from with my critique. I consider her a dear friend, who doesn't want to hear a sermon right now. But I can't help but say,"I told you so." And call out some of the people she aligns herself with. Had she taken my advice in the beginning. She wouldn't be in the midst of her present ordeals in the first place, but she might not be a super district councilwoman either. I love her and keep her in my prayers though I don't agree with all her politics.

Notice I said all her politics. That's because I know she means well. She just has the wrong ideas about how to get it done. I don't know what her mindset is at this time, but now would be a good time to stand with what she calls " her tall cool drink of water." Not only just the white council members, but the black city and county mayors and the chief of police are all pulling for this plan. Probably because they really want to do something about crime. Not just show a band of solidarity like black council members are trying to do right now. Now we see why the council was hesitant to rule on her censure. This issue didn't just come up. They needed her for this very vote.

I hope Janis turning over a new leaf will entail more than just her appearance. When it comes to her credibility in the overall community she can only go up in the minds of many. Her supporters seem to forgive her even when she does wrong. It's like she has nine lives with some of them. http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2008/10/janis-going-to-work-it-out.html

Though it might be unpopular initially. We need to extend our MPD recruiting base. "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Eventually your constituents will forget or come around. In this case, same difference. Plus you get the chance to change some minds and make some new alliances. Don't worry about being loyal to those who have no loyalty to you. Look at what they're saying already. If you bow down now. It'll be that way for the next three years. Janis, if by chance you're reading this story. Instead of being a catalyst for more of the same. You have the chance to be the bridge. You can make a fresh start.

Bill Richardson Picked For Secretary Of Commerce

Barack Obama definitely pays his outstanding debta. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson used his popularity among the Hispanic voters that supported George Bush in the last election to get Barack Obama elected this time. He has two elections left in him. Depending on the next eight years. We might see his run for the president again.

Timothy Geithner Picked For Treasury Secretary

Being that America is waiting for the Barack Obama administration to work miracles with the nation's economy. I was wondering what was taking so long to name this appointment. I would think he would be anxious to get started. Evidently I wasn't the only one. The stock market shot up almost 500 points immediately.

http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?fromspage=ch/c.htm&categoryid=&only=y&bfromind=8326&eeid=6221697&_sitecat=1504&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=1&ck=&ch=ne

Hillary Clinton Picked For Secretary Of State

It's beginning to look a lot like the Clintons. Barack Obama is playing it safe by surrounding hinself with the opposition. Making them have a personal stake in his success. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Economic Crunch Is Widespread

I don't know all the particulars in this woman's situation, but I can safely say she is the exception not the norm. I don't personally know her, but I have met her before. She has been particularly active in the past trying to sue the Memphis City Schools. It's ironic that would be the place where she now works part-time. Sometimes our affiliations are more harmful to us than they are helpful. They can cause you to lose something they can't replace. Since their plan didn't parlay into a big payday. Those people egging her on have moved on to something else. Now it appears to a degree all her efforts that I have witnessed in the past were misdirected at best. Her needs would have been better served in trying to save her home.

She is being highlighted for a totally different reason in this story. Something bad is always happening to her. Has she become our local picture of a perpetual victim? Unfortunately she doesn't look like Beyonce or have a Coke bottle shape. If either of the aforementioned were true. She would have got some help by now. Not that she needs that kind, just pointing out it isn't there. Things just never work out for some people. When you take a deeper look it ultimately says something about them, or at least some people's perception. Now a lot of things are coming together about her. The East High group tried to use her knowledge as a biochemist as expert testimony in a legal case against the schools. I don't know whether it's her or the reporters. But now they are using her as an example of what happens when you play by the rules. Without telling you what playbook she used.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/21/no-one-is-immune/

His Bark Is Worse Than His Bite

If the infamous Thaddeus Matthews wasn't so stupid he might get some much needed sympathy right now. I'm sure he's so full of himself. He thinks he doesn't need any, though he really does. In spite of his obliviousness to his situation. He has bitten off more than he can chew. Those people that like to hear him play the dozens with those who disagree with him. That "ask your momma" reply, is childish and immature. Don't spend a lot of money and aren't generally in a position of power. Even though he claims to pay thousands of dollars a month in airtime rental. The right people can still get him kicked off the air. Like they have in the past. So it might not be so wise to tee everybody else other than your fans off .

This fixation with the hosts on WREC started off with Thaddeus making his on-going off color comments about Andrew Clarksenior and his loyalty to his race. Mainly giving blacks who don't know him, the wrong impression. Andrew doesn't have the time and juice to topple this guy's current reign of terror. Since he only has a weekend show. He can't waste the time needed to expose this guy's daily antics. Blacks trading blows with each other doesn't generate the same attention as when one of the combatants is white.

Mike Flemming doesn't pay Thaddeus much attention. He is like the Giraffe at the watering hole taking a drink. Mike watches everybody and is aware of who can do him damage. He just knows this man can 't do anything to hurt him. They appeal to two totally different audiences. If anything they listen to Mike and bring it back for conversation on Thaddeus's program.Except for the occasional over zealous challenger. Mike doesn't bother anyone unless they come after him. Between the three hosts at WREC, he may be the one somewhat intimidated. Not because he is afraid, but because he is older and less confrontational than his younger station mates. He knows this guy will do or say anything to get his name mentioned by the press. He is just patient enough to let his flame fizzle out on it's own.

Now we have the younger and more energetic Ben Ferguson. Last week when he was telling lies on me. I bet he had no idea he would be defending himself from somebody with the same access to the mic as him. Unlike the other two he does have the time and juice to tackle this virus. I say virus because the ignorance is taking over. Not necessarily with support but apathy. I don't agree with him on everything he says, but I do agree with him on this. I like the idea of checks and balances. I don't want to see the black members of this city council controlled by a bully with a blog and radio show. Thaddeus has to pretend it doesn't matter what Ben is doing to offset his momentum. Ben Ferguson has the power to make Thaddeus's bark worse than his bite.

Preparing For The Next Election

In my opinion Wanda Halbert should still be dealing with her involvement with Bruce Thompson and his bilking of the Shelby county taxpayers. Plea bargaining out, is not the same as being found not guilty. She has jumped on board this racially divided residency issue. Thus taking the attention off the fact that she has the credibility of a can of kraut. I heard Kemp Conrad was on the "Ben Ferguson Show" this morning explaining his vote last night. I didn't hear him defend his position. So I can't comment on what he said. I do agree with his vote though. I'm sure he did a better job than his opposition did. I did hear Ms. Halbert, and she didn't prove her point. I guess Wanda Halbert wanted to test the waters on a shallow format where she wouldn't be tested. Needless to say where she appeared.

The statistics she gave didn't really support her argument in my opinion. But I'm objective in my views. Unlike those seven council members. I'm not concerned with keeping my seat. There could possibly be a case made if she didn't have a history of questionable associations in the past. Unfortunately that's not the case. I would bet a dollar to a dozen donuts this complaint has it's roots in her pulling strings for somebody she knows. Having your record expunged is not the same as not being convicted in the first place. There are a couple of seats on the council that don't require much critical thinking. Just vote strictly along racial lines and you'll be fine. That will appease the majority of your constituents. Wanda Halbert has been elected to one of those seats. What we witnessed yesterday is just the beginning of things to come. With stunts like these she'll be there a long time. She'll be busy preparing for the next election.

Just For Spite

This has happened a couple of times in as many weeks. In the presidential election and now on the city council here in Memphis. Instead of voting for someone or something in particular. Votes were cast against someone or something else out of spite. In the election it was against George Bush. Last night in Memphis it was against the white race. Blacks especially in Memphis have become like an out of control mob. They got a taste of what they think is blood with the Obama victory. Now they want to put down the man on every hand. Not considering the end result.

I can understand five of them voting the way they did, but I was surprised at two of them folding under pressure. I thought their concerns for the city, outweighed their need to prove their loyalty to other blacks. My councilman was one of the six who voted to ease the requirements, but there were seven who didn't. Now we know why the council couldn't take a definitive stance against Janis Fullilove. The black council members need her tie breaking vote. The next four years are going to be interesting.As we watch stupid decisions being made just for spite.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/18/memphis-council-nixes-plan-ease-residency-requirem/?feedback=1#comments

Eric Holder Picked For Attorney General

All these selections are pending based on approval in the Senate. But President-Elect Barack Obama has tapped former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder as his pick for a cabinet slot as Attorney General. If confirmed he to will make history as the first black person to hold that position. Other than that he doesn't represent much change. Since he was instrumental in controversial pardons in the Clinton administration. We hope he does a good job, but we'll have to look further for change. This is more of the same.

Props Eventually Play Out

This picture best parables the situation of this country right now. We have dangerously propped up every phase of our country's economy. The housing market, the banks and now the automakers want a piece of the pie. They represent the last frontier of this being an industrialized society. The big three automakers had the capacity to build 15 million cars, but only 10 million units were sold. No business can survive at that rate without government subsidies or a lot of optimistic investors. It's like pouring water in a bucket with a hole in the bottom. You can only fill it temporarily.

I applaud those Republican officials who are protesting the proposed $700 billion bailout. They are in support of the country taking their blows and moving to the next stage of the process instead of the congress bailing them out . Which is eventually what we as a nation are going to have to do anyway. Tighten our belts and back away from the entitlement table. Just because we are Americans that doesn't mean we are automatically supposed to get a break. We can't expect to keep living on a prayer. Props eventually play out.

All Power In Place

I said before this past presidential election, America was taking a dramatic shift to the left. Values and morals went out the window for Barack Obama's "hope and change" campaign slogan. The majority of voters believed him. Though they don't really know exactly what that means. Sixty-five million people bought into the plan. I never expected the end result to boil down to these two men. Obviously I didn't support Barack Obama, but I must admit I didn't like John McCain either. Even though he wasn't my choice. He did win the Republican nomination overwhelmingly. I was a fan of the message not the man himself.

I can't help but feel John McCain is comfortable where he is right now. On the sidelines taking shots. Hanging out safely in the shadows of his former competition. If Obama does good, he lost to a better man. If he doesn't do a good job, he'll be a constant reminder of what could have been. John McCain doesn't have that pit bull mentality Sarah Palin has. He acts like one of those fighters who faced Mike Tyson early in his boxing career. By the time they tried to fight back. The fight was already over. This was not John McCain's first rodeo. He has ran unsuccessfully for president before. This is political pandering from both sides. If they were diametrically opposed during the election, what do they have in common now? In times like these. I just have to remember. All power in place is allowed by God.

Read the story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/barack-obama-john-mccain-meeting

Does Barack Obama Celebrate Christmas

Just Make Something Up

Today I was about to dive into a Lenny's roast beef sandwich. When about 4:10 P.M. my telephone started to ring. It was people telling me to listen to Thaddeus Matthews. He was doggin me out on his show. I already had some idea what it was about. I know he doesn't think I was afraid to call and defend what I said. If indeed I said it at all. Be careful of the snake that brings you a message about another snake. The one who sent me the pictures and one of the people who called me are the same. Since it was all over the airwaves. I think we can mention the names here. On last evening Perry Steele put me on three-way while he called Pastor Andre Guy. I had no idea why he did it then, but today I see why. Perry tried to throw a rock and hide his hands. Today I found myself unexpectedly in the middle of some of his mess.

What a difference a day makes in the life of a liar. Today Perry Steele acted like he didn't remember calling Andre Guy last night. I thought he had been drinking. And I asked him last night. People do when they're drunk, what they want to do sober. They just don't have the nerve. He called me back after the show today with a new lie. Trying to smooth it over. After I called him out. I don't even have Pastor Guy's telephone number and I certainly wouldn't have sent Thaddeus Matthews any pictures. I don't get involved with things I don't agree with. That's why I don't call or listen to either of their shows unless I'm listening for something in particular. Just like I wasn't listening today until someone called. I stand behind the things I said in my earlier post. http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2008/11/not-so-unlikely.html My opinion doesn't change from day to day. I'm not double minded like these two. And I don't have anything to hide. For those Thaddeus fans that read my blog, if it isn't him. I already had this figured out from the start. Game recognizes game. If you have a problem with that. That's just too bad. If you can't find anything bad to say. Just make something up.

101st COGIC Convocation

This past week has been so eventful. I almost forgot to mention the annual holy convocation. Since the death of Bishop G. E. Patterson. They haven't got much media attention. The historical presidential election overshadowed the church elections that gave them a new presiding bishop. In spite of the troubled economy and lack of disposable cash in many bank accounts. An estimated 50,000 saints still made it to Memphis. They have been coming to this city for so long. Memphians have a tendency to take them for granted. With the election of a new presiding bishop. We have to take it year by year now.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/11/undaunted/?feedback=1#comments

I'm On Your Side

After nine whole months Louis Farrakahn has spoke out stating his support of Barack Obama. In spite of him congratulating the new commander-in-chief. His message really hasn't changed that much. This message was directed at the president-elect more than anyone else. This is one of the first endorsements Barack Obama denounced early in his campaign. This reminds me of something I always hear preachers say. "I love you and there's nothing you can do about it". What Farrakahn is telling Obama is " whether you like it or not. I'm on your side."

Listen to his speech:

http://www.noi.org/webcast/

Barack Meets Bush

In spite of being elected largely based on dragging this president's name and record through the mud. Barack Obama quickly put his differences aside and buried the hatchet. What is the difference in a stimulus package now, and one three weeks ago? The only difference is this. George Bush suggested it then, and Barack Obama is pushing it now. If you need a check now, you probably needed one then. I think people will be surprised to see all the things the president-elect isn't going to change. I think he will appoint a lot of George Bush's people much to the liberals dislike. In the various accounts I have read about the meeting. This is how one reporter described the meeting. "Yet the tone changed almost immediately after Obama’s win".

Read these links :
http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?fromspage=ch/c.htm&categoryid=&only=y&bfromind=8326&eeid=6201466&_sitecat=1504&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=0&ck=&ch=ne

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/10/bush-obama-meet-white-house/?feedback=1#comments

Deuanna is Dead

This man was bad news waiting to happen. Talk about being born under a bad sign. I pray that he asked God for forgiveness before he died. Otherwise all he left behind was a legacy of disgust at 201 Poplar and on the corners of Hollywood street. The taped beating he took from a Memphis police officer should have been a turnaround for him. It gave him a chance to straighten out his life. He must have been on drugs or enjoyed what he was doing. Since obviously he didn't quit. Instead it seems to have had the opposite effect on him. He has since been arrested for the same thing as before. All he had to do was be cool for a while, and he would have probably been a millionaire. This is the story I originally wrote. http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2008/06/this-could-have-been-avoided.html

Politics From The Pulpit

You would have been hard pressed to find a pulpit today where they weren't discussing politics and this weeks historical election. Some congregations were happy and some were sad. Needless to say it generally broke down racial lines. The 501C3 rules apply to endorsing candidates, not showing your approval or disapproval after the election is over. I hope this enthusiasm won't blow over and be just another moment in history on BET. I remember this same exuberance when we elected our first black mayor in Memphis. Now we're at the top of some crime statistic lists and he has an army of those who dislike him.

Now blacks over the entire country are on a brand new high. Barack Obama has ignited a sense of pride only rivaled by Martin Luther King Jr. and his march on Washington. Where he gave the famous "I have a dream" speech. I hope the things that blacks have been bragging about will rub off on them. You don't have to be a President to be a responsible, hardworking, dedicated husband and father. If his example will bring about a decline in unwed pregnancy and crime. Create a new found desire for education and family values. This will be a good thing. This is what the churches have supposed to have been teaching all the time, but obviously they weren't getting through. Maybe this country needs a dose of politics from the pulpit.

Read this:
http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?fromspage=ch/c.htm&categoryid=&only=y&bfromind=7775&eeid=6201035&_sitecat=1522&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=7&ck=&ch=ne

Not So Unlikely

Once again we have Andre Guy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I say cookie jar because this relationship was based on his hunger for attention. You are recognized by the fruit you bare. And he is always surrounded by tainted fruit. He has a meeting place with regular attendees and even has a daily radio broadcast. I don't agree with many of his interpretations, but he has been given the position of pastor. If all you attract are ex-drug addicts and ex-felons and people in the midst of trouble. That says something about you. I can't wait to hear him talk about how he tried to win over David Duke with the love of God. When just last week he was questioning another minister's calling because he had a difference of opinion. He went as far as to call him a heretic. Which was totally out of context. Where was the offer of the olive branch then ? Based on this picture. Obviously he wasn't concerned with the things David Duke has said in the past.

This is not the first time Andre Guy has been associated with controversial figures. I wrote a blog about him before: http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2008/08/proof-is-in-picture.html But it didn't matter much then because no one really knew who he was. His latest caper is going to draw him a lot of attention, both good and bad. A lot of people are going to call him an "Uncle Tom." But that's not an accurate description. In slavery times he was that black man who the slave traders would give a gun and he would capture other African people. This might be suprising to some, but not to me. This is not so unlikely.

Chief Of Staff Rahm Emanuel

First Fall-Out

This is the beginning of things to come in the new Obama administration. I predict blacks will be the next casualties. I wonder how many of these votes Barack Obama would have lost if they knew he wouldn't help usher in same-sex marriage. The voters not just in California, but Florida and Arizona too. Two of which electoral votes went to Barack Obama. It was voted against soundly in all three of those states. To give us some idea of the impact of this legislation would have. In one state alone that possibly nullifies 18,000 marriages. That's quite a few people. When you consider their far reaching influence. I bet he received 98% of the homosexual vote. I don't know how many votes that equates to, but no doubt they helped elect him. It's interesting to note that both blacks and Hispanics were largely in support of this measure. Which left the homosexual community feeling betrayed by other minorities. They have long tried to attach themselves to the civil rights struggle. Neither group is taking up their cause though. Hispanics are keeping quiet, hoping immigration doesn't take the center stage. This is just the first fall-out.

Get the whole story:
http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?fromspage=ch/c.htm&categoryid=&only=y&bfromind=8326&eeid=6193738&_sitecat=1504&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=6&ck=&ch=ne

Palin Picked Out To Be Picked On

Initially I wasn't in favor of a woman being on the ticket. I was a fan of the message and not so much the ticket. John McCain was among my last choices for nominee.As I watched John McCain's concession speech last night amd listened to news stories today. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Sarah Palin and her family. What did they really benefit from all of this? Compared to the disruption it has caused? I know she has been called the new face of the Republican party. I don't think she will. Before she was picked to be John McCain's running mate. She was just a governor with a 90% approval rating. In the short time that she was under scrutiny, all her dirty laundry has been aired. Now Sarah Palin and her family have been labeled as a group of dysfunctional air heads. All the other candidates have moved on to bigger things or went back to business as usual. It just seems like Sarah Palin was picked out to be picked on.

Misconceptions

All these men seem to have a profound effect on blacks both in life and death. Let me say all of them aren't dead yet. So let's start with the live one first. The controversial leader of the NOI is alive though he is very sick. Louis Farrakahn has toned his message down somewhat. But he hasn't recanted any of his positions or statements.According to him the downfall of the black man in America is the white man's fault. He has a way of igniting unrest among radical blacks. Mainly due to those he targets are rebellious anyway. American prisons and projects is their main areas for recruitment. A hard head and unconformity is the quickest way to get to either one. An example of how he has mislead blacks. The last I heard he blamed the government for hurricane Katrina. Standing on the corners selling "Final Calls" and fruit won't cut the mustard amymore. The revolt has lost it's luster without being able to attract mainstream dollars.

Martin Luther King Jr. made a nation recognize the worth of his people. He didn't sink to the level of those who thought less of him. From a more practical point of view. He had sense enough to know he didn't have the numbers to win anyway. To bad some blacks have forgot their worth themselves. I don't care what blacks are doing they want to recall his dream. No matter whether they do good or bad. They want to invoke his name. I can't help but believe if he were still alive he would be critical of what has become of blacks today. He didn't march and face the water hoses and police dogs for blacks to behave the way they are now. I wonder how willing blacks would be to claim his greatness if they knew he was a Republican. Would he be viewed like Clarence Thomas? I think that's why his political affiliation is kept such a secret. It would reveal that his legacy has been distorted. This entitlement mentality that runs rampant these days is not what he taught at all.

Lincoln Perry (Step-N-Fetchit)was one of the first black movie stars ever. He also was at one time a multi-millionaire. It's a shame he doesn't get the praise and accolades like his contemporaries of that time Joe E. Brown and Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy for instance. They played slow dimwitted characters also, but they weren't held responsible for the intelligence of their entire race. Whites didn't hold the "Three Stooges" responsible for all shiftless,submissive, unemployed white people who lived in their lifetime. They were simply funny comedians. Who got rich in the process of playing those roles. Black people are quick to call other blacks Step-N-Fetchit in an attempt to be insulting. Obviously they don't know anything about him. He would have died a wealthy man. Had he not got involved with a group of militants who convinced him of the unworthiness of his accomplishments.

This is what lead me to write this story. Nathan Bedford Forrest is buried underneath a statue in a park named in his honor. Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the original members of the KKK, but he got out of the organization when they became violent. I hope blacks aren't using Barack Obama's election as a reason to get cocky. Without the help of people of other races it wouldn't have been possible. Blacks seem to forget that at some point, where ever they were successful. Whites had to help them out. That might not seem like much. But every little bit helps.

Holding Hands In Darkness

I wish I was as excited as everybody else about yesterday's Presidential election. It goes without saying I'm happy about the fact that a black man was elected to the highest office in the land. I just wish it was another one, or at least one with different political views than Barack Obama. I would like to see blacks and whites get excited about this country regardless who was in charge. Americans have been blessed these past eight years. In my humble opinion history will prove George W. Bush is much better than his ratings indicate right now. Over 100 thousand people of all races and backgrounds celebrated the historical event last night. I have never seen so many men crying. I hope this spirit of submission will carry over to their daily lives. It will be interesting to hear what these people will be saying two years from now. The honeymoon will soon come to an end. Right now they're holding hands in darkness.

44th President Of The United States

That's Your Foot

The Ultimate Come-up

I don't want to play the race card here, but I'm afraid this will be perceived as such anyway. Every little brown skin girl who felt she was overlooked for anything in life, for a lighter skinned girl with long pretty hair. Will gain a sense of vindication if Barack Obama wins. They have a personal stake in Michelle Obama becoming the first lady. Not just the fact that she is black, but that she is married to a intelligent, successful, biracial (black) man. That is also a loving father to his children. It gives them the chance to dream. I first said this when Oprah Winfrey endorsed Barack Obama. I heard it again in the voice of a woman earlier today. She let America know regardless of how you look, we need every body's vote. I wonder how Oprah's endorsement would have came across if it had been Halle Berry or Tyra Banks?

They might look like the average couple, but that's all though. Lately that's not true either. If you wore Armani suits and custom gowns designed just for you. You and your spouse would look good too.Their children go to the finest private schools and play with other rich children in their neighborhood. Michelle makes $385,000 a year and she works part-time. They live in a $1.5 million house and attend $10 thousand a plate dinners.They both are practicing lawyers who graduated from Ivy league schools. As if that's not enough. The taxpayers paid for their educations. This is a storybook couple. Don't give the people the impression that this is simply the rewards of burning the midnight oil by itself. He has and will be used by people with hidden agendas. They have made some shady associations that have come back to haunt him. Unrepentant terrorist, Planned Parenthood and crooked developers. This has more to do with being in the right place at the right time, and playing the hand that you've been dealt. Whether you agree with them or not. You have to give them credit. From being virtually unheard of four years ago to being the most famous man in the world now. This is the ultimate come-up.

God's Will Be Done

In A Liberal's Mind

Dear Red States:

If you manage to steal this election too we've decided we're leaving.We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes California ,Hawaii , Oregon , Washington , Minnesota , Wisconsin , Michigan , Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of our new country of New California.To sum up briefly: You get Texas , Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85% of America 's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama . We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share. Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22% lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms. Please be aware that we will be pro-choice and anti-war,and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq , and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire. With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80% of the country's fresh water, more than 90% of the pineapple and lettuce, 92%of the nation's fresh fruit, 95% of America 's quality wines, 90% ofall cheese, 90% of the high tech industry, 95% of the corn and soybeans (thanks Iowa !), most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford , Cal Tech and MIT. With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88%of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92% of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100% of the tornadoes, 90% of the hurricanes, 99% of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100% of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University , Clemson and the University of Georgia .We get Hollywood and Yosemite , thank you. Additionally, 38% of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62% believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the war, the death penalty or gun laws, 44% say that evolution is only a theory, 53% believe that Saddam was involved in9/11 and 61% of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals than we lefties. Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico

Peace out, Blue States

My Condolences To Barack Obama

I know what it's like to lose a grandmother, especially one that was closer than your mother. I love my mother dearly, but me and my grandmother were even closer. If Barack Obama and his grandmother shared that same type of relationship. He will never be the same. I don't wish heartbreak on anyone, but in every life some rain must fall. This reminds me of a story I once heard. It was about a child prodigy who was a concert pianist. After hearing him in concert, a music critic stated " he will be better once he goes through something." When you look at his meteoric rise in politics. Though not a child. Barack Obama is a political prodigy. Until he ran for President. Most of us never heard of him. If indeed his grandmother was the cornerstone he gives her credit for being. One of his pillars of strength is gone. He hasn't faced much disappointment in life. This will make him a stronger man.

Don't Burn Your Bridges

If this young lady was establishing herself as an up and coming radio personality. She shot herself in the foot with her latest move. Rennie McClatchey has left the radio just like she came. With a willingness to learn and a unrealized dream. She should have remained loyal and true to her friends. I think Bev Johnson was comfortable with having her around as a member of her posse. That was the best connection to the airwaves she had going for her. I know it probably seemed like her chance on the mic was a long time coming, but that's the nature of the business. Black radio is one of the most selfish,ego centered businesses around. Nobody is going to help you for fear of you competing with them. If you're not a good looking, sexy woman or a really funny man who can sing. You just have to pay your dues. Even then it's an uphill battle. It's just a matter of someone giving you a break. "Get in where you fit."

It's kind of like the pastors at these churches. If a visiting preacher moves the congregation to their feet, he won't soon be back. There will never be a black Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage or Ann Coulter. These people get paid for what they say. Blacks don't want to hear another black going against the grain. Even if they know they're right. Especially if he's getting paid for the trouble. They want to close his message down. Unless you're going to offer something different. Don't expect the sea to part for you. If you're going to bring more of the same rhetoric. You have to be in the click. If there's a chance you might ever go back that way. Don't burn your bridges.