current events

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Killing Em Hard

As I was watching the North Carolina versus NC State game today, one of the legends in broadcasting, Dick Vitale, said something that really sp0ke to my ear. He talked about how easily as a society we give money to schools for sports facilities to be built, but when it comes to giving to a truly worthy cause it’s like we forget how to give money. Cancer is taking lives hand over fist and it’s being discriminant to age, race, gender, class or any other demographic breakdown you choose to use.

It has taken the lives of some of the most famous individuals in the world and it has also touched every day people. It touches us all in some way or the other. None of us are immune to having that diagnosis one day, and I’m sure at some point in our lives we will know someone who has been afflicted with this hellacious illness. It’s really sad though that it takes having to beg and bled folks for money before we step up as a nation to address this killer.

See we can protest violence and heap praise on our star athletes who retire, but we can’t join forces to stamp out this deadly disease that’s killing millions. All types of cancer are on the rise in this country and around the world. We are the nation that is suppose to have the most intelligent and advanced scientists and medical personnel. But, I want to know when will someone galvanize them to come up with solutions to curing these awful illnesses.

Me personally, I’ve had teachers stricken with cancer and even lost one teacher because of this beast. My grandma has had several bouts with the monster and my first ever boyfriend is a cancer survivor. I really feel like anything that we can do as a people to draw attention to, give our money, time and resources to, in order to find a way to eradicate this killer is our obligation as people. Let’s partner with the rest of the world and figure out how to take natural medicine with pill and radiation medication to get rid of this shit.

Maybe I need to keep writing about it, in hopes that people will read this and enough conversation will go on in your homes that we can figure out how to take all of our collective efforts to contribute to the greater cause. America and the world we must find the cures and make them available. The lives of those we love and maybe even your own, will depend on it.

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Black is still Whack..

As anyone who has read my blogs will tell you, I’m not very hesitant to call a spade a spade. When I first decided to write this blog I was going to solely keep it focused on the imbalance in the NFL with the disparity between Head Coaches and Top Coordinators that are Black and White. Watching an episode of ESPN’s Outside the Lines, brought back many thoughts and conversations I’ve had regarding this matter. But because of those thoughts I want to expand it more broadly.

The interesting thing to me in this country is that Republicans and to some extent Democrats, love to say that they want equal opportunities for all citizens in the United States. And Republicans love to say that their party is inclusive, but when you look at the policies they mostly pass it’s for the Rich Elite, mostly White, class of Americans and they leave Middle Class families to keep humping it just to try and make it out of their current situations.

Look at Corporate America. Companies are quick to hire Black folks to be Entry level workers and Middle Mangers, but tell me how many of these companies are quick to give a Black person CEO, COO, CFO titles? That same dynamic is ever present in the NFL. Of the 32 teams, there are only 6 Black head coaches in the league. Of the 48 Offensive and Defensive Coordinators there are only 13 Black ones. But you look at the numbers of players and it’s roughly 75 to 80 percent.

If you want to expand it even further look at the United States Senate. You can count on one hand how many Black people are sitting Senators and if I’m not mistaken there have only been 5 or 6 Black Senators in American history. We’re currently at the end of the first Black President’s term in the United States and his treatment by the opposition has been completely disgraceful. The amount of respect shown Black people in this country, to me, is still at an unacceptably low level.

We’ve gotten in the door just a little bit, but lets be real, it damn sure ain’t enough to say we don’t need Affirmative Action as some on the Right, and in the Supreme Court of the United States, would have you believe. There is still a significant wealth gap, education gap, judicial gap between the now non-majority White Americans and Black Americans. Yes I completely agree that all lives in this country matter, but Dammnit Black Lives Matter just as much.

At some point in time I would like for everyone in this country to realize that we need to do more to make sure the playing field continues to be level. I’m not saying pass anyone over for opportunities just to add the token Black person, cuz lets be honest that’s happened too. But what I do want is for the chances to be equal and fair. I know that’s asking for a whole lot from the White folks that control hiring and some of those Black folks who want to be White or feel they need to be tougher to prove their equal. But maybe at some point in our future we will realize that when we give every one a fair shot, this country does even better than when a group is marginalized.

Just think about it

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The Final Act

As is common knowledge any American President can only serve eight years in the White House. So, this is Mr. Obama’s final act. He gave what some thought was an Obama-style speech Tuesday night at his final State of The Union address; while others thought it was a typical speech that was disrespectful and unbefitting of the Presidency. Some also said that he was too boastful of his record and dismissive of his failures.

I think that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you listen to his address he admitted that he was very disappointed that he couldn’t bring the Politicians of both parties together for the American people. He admitted that he was disappointed that the economy was not more rewarding to Middle Class and Low Income families. That being said he also did what he was supposed to do: He talked about all the shit he got done!

It’s absolutely shameful that so many Republicans don’t want to give this man credit for what he’s done and who he is. Contrary to what Speaker Ryan and other Presidential candidates had to say, this was one of the Classic Obama speeches. He spoke up the countries progress and opportunities. He spoke up the economy that was in free fall and the industries that recovered from the brink of disaster. He spoke up the decision the Supreme Court made to declare marriage equality for all law of the land. He spoke up the American Military and the Service men and women.

He spoke of the power that the United States still holds in the world, and if you doubt that just look at all the countries that still turn to the U.S. for help with their problems. He has helped to reshape the image of America, while being trashed by Republican pundits and Congressmen who think he is an apologist and secret Muslim and a foreign born citizen. Accompanied by his stunningly beautiful wife Tuesday night, President Obama delivered the goods one more time. He showed everyone while his time in office is coming to an end, he is still the man who can galvanize folks.

Love him or hate him, his ability to give those kinds of speeches like he did is something that will always be tied to this President. Let’s remember it was that riveting speech at the 2004 DNC that thrust him into the national spotlight and paved the way for his historic candidacy. Tuesday night I’m sure won’t be his last speech as President, but as far as grading it for his final required address before Congress, he went out with 10’s across the board! Well done Mr. President!

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The Beautiful Woman

I will get into my feelings about the State of The Union address later, but right now I want to focus a little more on the Woman behind the Man. Tonight, for the last time, I got to see First lady Michelle Obama. What a beautiful and honorable first lady we’ve had for the past seven plus years. Tonight she looked as stunning as any First Lady I’ve seen.

She wore that beautiful orange dress and her hair was absolutely laid! It was like someone really made sure that she was on 10! Her outfit seemed to compliment his to perfection. He wore that Navy Blue suit with the Blue and Black tie like the dapper man that he is and she wore that dress as if she were standing right there next to him. I’m always so interested as to how Mrs. Obama dresses when she attends various major events with the President.

She is definitely a trend setting and stylish First Lady. The arms out dresses that she wore over the years. The practical designer dresses she wore at times, you know, to show that you can be fashionable and not pay a ass load of money  to look like it. I have been extremely proud to see her in the role that she has played over the years. She has been elegant and graceful; stylish and fly; humble and real. For everything that she was portrayed in the  media at different times, she is without a doubt one of the biggest assets that the President has had over the past seven plus years in the White House.

As we get ready to say goodbye to this historic and wonderful First Family, I pause for a moment to say thank you to Mrs. Obama. She made being a Black Woman really cool, as if it already weren’t. She showed that you can be a mom, a powerful woman, a supportive wife and do it all with style and grace. You can look good doing it and you can display your anger without having to be titled the “Angry Black Woman” as she has been called before.

Thank you Michelle Obama for being the role model that you’ve been to little girls and women. You have shown how to be everything that we have all known is true about a Black Woman. Amazing woman you are and America will remember you.

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Presidential Pride

Watching the President deliver a passionate, emotional and galvanizing speech on Gun Control, it reminds me why I voted twice for this man to be leader of this nation. He showed how human he was, he let his emotions of being a father show, he let his heart show and damn it I love it. As much as racists and Right Wing Conservatives try to down talk this President, he continues to prove that he truly is for the people.

Someone please tell me why is that any time he tries to accomplish anything without that lame ass Congress, all folks want to do is criticize him for acting alone? I find it completely laughable that these Republicans on Capitol Hill act as though Obama is doing things that no other President has done. He is doing what he was actually elected to do and that’s lead this great nation. Unlike the Congress men and women, Obama does feel the urgency of time to complete things and make this nation safer for the generations to come.

I guess if they wanted a more toned down President Obama, the Republicans should have to work with him more during his time in the White House. See the irony of it all is that Obama made the decision at the end of last year that he was going to come out this year and throw Haymakers. He’s ready to push as much as he can to make sure his legacy is cemented; but if you really look at it, he’s giving even more platforms to Hillary Clinton for her to run on when he steps aside.

I, for one, am extremely excited about Tuesday’s State of the Union Address that the President is going to give. I fully expect it to be very partisan and inspirational. I expect Mr. Obama to tout his record, the accomplishments of his Administration. He will acknowledge his failures and provide points of opportunity to change some of those failures and make new inroads on other agenda items he has. Look for Barack to take the gloves off in this speech, and do it in a diplomatic way.

One thing we know about President Barack H Obama, is that when he is truly engaged into something there’s not a better orator in the planet. Trump can have his sound bites, but I promise if you put him toe to toe with this President when he’s fully engaged Trump gets smashed. Thank you President Obama for saving some fight for the finish. I can’t wait to see how this year goes.

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The Sad Demise of a Legend

I think one of the most saddening tragedies is when someone in the twilight of their lives face ending their lives in a prison cell. We are potentially watching the destruction of an American Icon due to his ego and a few opportunistic women back in his glory days.

This a very difficult topic to talk about because I am torn in my stance on Mr. Cosby and the accusations and some of the actions he admitted to with women. We have heard some of the testimony of Cosby where he admits to giving sedatives to women prior to engaging in sex with them. The question that the whole world must answer is whether or not this was a known drugging or an unknown drugging that led to nonconsensual sex with these women.

I am a realist, and by that I believe that if you have many voices saying the same thing then there is some truth to the rumors because the same story won’t get told by the same person. The fact that over 30 women have come out with a similar version of the events tells me that he did something wrong. But, I’m also going to be honest and say that I don’t believe all of them. As with anything, you always have a few selfless folks who will jump the bandwagon to try and get some attention and money.

I also think that Mr. Cosby suffered from a power trip where he was one of most powerful actors in Hollywood and the culture at the time was wild fun and partying. I think that sex and drugs and drinking went hand in hand back when most of these claims were made. I think one of the great lessons we have to learn from folks of Cosby’s stature is that if you’re not careful and remain level headed, you are prone to making choices that at some point could come back to hurt you.

It’s very ironic that the man widely known as American’s dad, is possibly going to be another convict in the prison system because he didn’t know how to control his hands, dick and hormones. I don’t know how innocent all these women are and I don’t know how victimized Bill Cosby is, but I think it’s just a horrible way to have your life and legacy come to an end.

I hope people start to learn lessons about being powerful and mighty in any industry any where in America. If you gone fuck around keep it quiet and damn it make sure whomever you fucking consents. It’s really played out to have these types of things come out no matter how old. The easiest thing to do when your that fucking famous is get laid. Sorry, just telling the truth.

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Justice Will Never Be Served

You know I’ve spoken out many times about the racial inequality and the justice systems prejudicial inequality when it comes to civilians, Black people, versus the law. As we’ve seen now with just about every case whether it be the African American who mysteriously died in prison, Tamir Rice being shot and killed in cold blood, Treyvon Martin, Freddie Gray, the young man in Chicago and her neighbor, Eric Garner, Mike Brown and the list goes on.

The only Prosecutor that had the stones to file charges was the Baltimore County Prosecutor who charged all the officers involved with the Freddie Gray murder. Ironically enough the first officer could not be convicted due to a hung jury. The most recent case of Grand Jury media frenzy decisions, Tamir Rice, returned the expected decision: No Charges to be filed. How much bullshit is that? Or really did anyone in the Black community actually think that charges were going to be filed? Maybe someone who has lived in a shell for the past 3 years did, but if you’ve been watching you would’ve known to not have any hopes.

I’m so sick and tired of seeing all these sorry ass white people coming out with these fake ass exhausted looks on their faces, like they really are torn or in anguish or wanted their people to go down. The reality is as long as there is this standing rule that Police should have the autonomy to kill at their leisure there will never be true accountability for these officers who think that they’re Gods in the flesh. I’m so sorry to say that the instances we’ve seen all over t.v. aren’t the exceptions anymore, in reality they are the norms.

I am very saddened to see that there is not enough transparency for the process of justice. We can argue and disagree with the crimes committed. We can disagree with the amount of time anyone should spend in jail, but the one thing that we should not have to argue about is whether justice will come to all. I’m glad that there are reforms being put in place. I’m glad that folks are bringing to light the problems in the justice system and my prayer is that some day, maybe soon, we will come to realize that all people need to be brought to task for their wrongdoings, not just the criminals.

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President MObama

So it’s the final year of the Obama Presidency and it seems like Barack is ready to go out swinging. The Haymakers are ready and he plans to spare no one the knockout punch. First week of the new year and he is already about to take on the NRA and the Conservative Republicans in Congress. I say, “Game On” and I like this Obama.

Many people are bitching because he’s not slapping new sanctions on Iran immediately, rather he’s sitting back and letting the Muslim world deal with that country first, before we just jump right in with our sanctions. The President seems to be ready for a fight in his final twelve months. He seems to be ready to make the inroads where he can to protect his legacy and enhance it when able.

Oh how I wish there was the ability to have three terms for President, because I promise Barack versus these slap nuts in the race now would be a cake walk. I know that people have knocked him for all things he couldn’t get done, but man if we really keep in mind all the things he has done and the stuff he’s going to continue to get done, watch out America, this President may be remembered as one of the best in history when all is said and done.

I’m going to miss seeing my President walk through the Rose Garden to give a speech or walk into the briefing room and talk. Next Tuesday when he gives his final State of The Union address I look for it to be the most hair-raising speech that he has given in that setting. And that’s saying something because last year’s speech was amazing. It reminded me of why we elected this man to run this nation. He has the ability to galvanize people, speak to the human side and show what his beliefs really are.

Only time will tell how much momentum Obama will have after this fun fight is done and whether he will truly have the stomach to shove it down the Republicans throats. History tells me Mr. Obama will be measured in his approach, but it also tells me that he has a penchant for the unexpected and something big or some big things may be on the horizon. Let’s just watch and see.

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An Election No One Wants

Over the past few months, I’ve been writing from all angles about the upcoming President election next year. I have talked about the cunning, yet jack ass that is Donald Trump. I have written about the uninspiring field the Democrats have, because of Hillary’s inability to connect to middle America and the reasons that this could be a poor turnout election. Let me truly offer another pointed reason why young people are completely turned off to this process this cycle and why we really need an overhaul of the election system.

Trump is able to go out on National television and disrobe Hillary Clinton with his macho, egotistical statements and not have any recourse. His supporters laugh at the foolishness that comes out his mouth and are so vehement in support of his nonissues platform. He talks a big game, but truth is he has yet to put out any real specifics about how he would Govern the country.

The opponents of Trump in the race for the nomination are such bitches, because they’re scared of his backlash and the bases hatred for them if they speak against Trump, that they refuse to take a true stand and call him out for his insensitive and divisive remarks. They instead will find ways to softly reject his words, while giving their opinions that aren’t all that much different from his, just with a softer touch.

It has to be disheartening to young people who want to hear what each candidate really stands for and what issues they will fight for in this election. The Democrats really don’t have a candidate that’s lighting the world on fire either. Hillary can’t keep from lying and Bernie doesn’t have a sound foreign policy strategy, so we’re left to take the best of the two and that is Mrs. Clinton

I’ve written many times that this is the most uninspiring pre-election cycle that I’ve been able to witness since 43 ran for a second term against John Kerry in 2004. There is not a candidate in the race who is really wanting to take a positive message of inclusiveness, togetherness, rebuilding, and reinventing to the people and sell it hard. Instead all these candidates want to do is see who can be in position to top Trump if he ever falters.

I wish Elizabeth Warren or one of the other bright, young Democratic Representatives, Senators or state Congressmen would have ran for President. At least we would be able to have someone truly speaking to the voice of the masses and not the elite or crazies of the minorities. Hopefully, we get some fresh blood soon, because after the historic heat generated by President Obama the last eight years, this is a major letdown.

Trump doesn’t speak the truth, he speaks hate, bigotry, lunacy, prejudice and elitism. Hillary Clinton speaks lies, elitism and false middle class understanding. No wonder the media takes to Trump over anyone else. All the rest of the candidates are trying to fit themselves somewhere around these two candidates. What a suck ass election we’re going to have.

2020 anyone… HAHA

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The Christmas Gift

It’s that time of the year again.. Gifts being wrapped and bagged. Kids excited, adults having grown-up parties and the spirits are freely flowing, and no I’m not talking about of the ghostly kind, LOL.. But it’s also a very difficult time of the year for some. For one reason or another there are those out there who suffer this time of the year. Lost loved ones, financial strain, depression and the list goes on.

This holiday season we always see social media light up with the parties and festivities folks are attending and the joy that is being brought to those who are caught up in the holiday spirit. But, I just want to make sure folks remember to take some time to really talk to those you love and to spend some real quality time with your family and your friends. This world can be very cruel and you never know what’s lying behind a smile or laugh. There can be pain and sadness unmesurable.

People drive them selves into debt trying to buy what they can’t say sometimes. They spend money that they know they really don’t have because they want someone they love to feel loved and experience the commercial gift of Christmas. However, lets remember what Christmas should be about first and then what we make it second. This is about giving thanks for Christ’s birth. Being thankful for being here and able to share it, hopefully, with the one(s) you love.

It’s about giving yourself and your time to those less fortunate and being happy to do so because you’re not on the end of the needy. I wish every one has the moment to step back from it and just give Thanks to be able to apart of the holiday hustle and bustle. You could not be here or you could have no one to share it with. Times like these I like to just sit back and listen to the Christmas music and watch the bright, vibrant faces and smile. Because I know someone’s day will be made by the gifts under the tree and some just because they get to see someone they normally don’t.

But remember it’s not all about giving all of your money to please those you love. Sometimes the best gifts are smaller in monetary value but big on sentimental value. Because if you been diligent all year you’ve given and shown your love from January to now and this just puts the icing on the cake. And sometimes a gift from the heart just sticks with you a lot longer too.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Kwanza to all!