Blackgold's Spot

2011-09-17T17:05:00.002-04:00

Just for a moment ...
I would like to experience the freedom of insanity.

For just a moment, I would like to abandon my response - ability . Weaken it...slow it down

For just a moment, I would shake the burden of correct action...being pleasing, nice, accommodating and non-threatening

I want to say...

Shut the fuck up!
And, are you really fucking thinking?
I want to say fuck u
And get the fuck out my face...

Yes, I need to say that sometimes...

It really is a part of my dna

To be raw
Honest
With evil thoughts
Revengeful thoughts
Homicidal thoughts

There must be balance

Because the pendulum is stuck on the good side

And, its making me sick

It's making me fit

To be tied

And useless to my
Self

Resistence

2010-10-26T19:18:00.002-04:00

A lot of times I say I want change and resist when it happens. It doesn't always feel good to go through changes, but we take ourselves through them all the time. It's not always necessary either...but we create it. Sometimes drama filled changes...I've done that too. My creations...I'm not always proud of them, but they are mine and it reminds me that I am power-full. I've created so much stuff and sometimes while kicking and screaming to resist some other change a new one, a new self is sprouted. A different part of me outed. It's all good in the end...I just wish I could have seen some of that stuff in the beginning. In hindsight, I would have created differently...not with everything though. Just the stuff that left me numb. I lived with the joy and grew through the pain. That numb stuff...I seem to keep hashing up...creating again until I feel it.

Long Time

2010-10-25T19:24:00.002-04:00

It's been long time...Too long? Maybe/Maybe not. There is nothing between you/me and your/my dream but you/me! And, so often I forget that truth.

I need to put myself in the place, the space where I am inspired the things, the people around me. And there is nothing to it, but to do it!

We're going to get back into the groove...maybe this space will be my meditation, my prayer, my answer...maybe the act of expressing will free me, liberate me from this stage/phase of mediocrity. Like Blanketing the Sun...The light shines no matter what and sometimes it burns. LOL :)

This is a test...just randoms, just acts of expression to get in the habit of sharing again. Doesn't make any sense, I know. Not much does...Like, why did mom, dad, and step-dad have to die so young? Why they not here guiding me, sharing with me, consoling me...why I gotta get all supernatural to conversate with my parents? Pulling plugs in the house and turning off toys, so they won't use electrical supplies to communicate with me...to get my attention...letting me know they are around. Using mediums to get the messages clearer and clearer...In the end, all I know is they love me...I don't need to pay anyone to tell me that. I'm not the first adult orphan...And, sure I won't be the last. Cherish the moments.

And, and, and...I'm gonna find that voice...I'll hear it when I purge this anger, when I surrender this fear, when I lose that battle and realize this isn't a war...I'm gonna find that when...she'll speak to me at night. We'll make promises not to fight until we find ourselves apologizing again.

And, I don't know what else to say, so I will leave it here. The exhale. The inhale. The look. The stare. The confusion. The contentment. The Tension. The tired. The dream...until next time.

2010-01-17T23:54:00.004-05:00

Last night I woke up a little annoyed that my daughter, who was sleeping with me, twisted and turned so much that she pulled the covers away so that I wasn't completely covered by the sheet and comforter. I got up to rearrange the sheets and immediately thought about the hundreds of thousands Haitian people who didn't have a roof over their head or a sheet to rearrange. My mind changed. I immediately felt so grateful and thankful to have a bed, a home, a sheet. The little things aren't that important. Family is important. The love that sustains us is important.

I feel so bad for the Haitian people, the countless others from all Nationalities from all over the globe who are directly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. I feel for the families that are almost complete except their adopted child is still in Haiti. I feel for all the new orphans, all the mothers who've lost their sons, their daughters, their husbands. I feel for the children who have lost their parents, husbands losing wive and wive husbands. I feel so deeply and then I change my thought because the sadness I feel makes me feel sadder. I'm sorry that there is suffering in the world. I'm sorry that it takes tragedy to show that we care for others. I know that that is when people need it most.

I want it to feel like Christmas time when it's not Christmas time. Tragedy is usually when that occurs. I like the NBC Making A Difference stories because it highlights people doing good throughout the year, not just Christmas. It's easy to be a good Christian at Christmas time. That high energy propels all of us to do good for others. It's hard to escape and not feel it. But, I want it to feel like Christmas in January, and February, and April.

I want peace on earth, that peacefull feeling when I walk outside and drive home and someone cuts me off or drive into my lane while I'm still in the same space they are trying to enter.

The Jack5ons

2010-01-17T23:51:00.000-05:00

I like the show. I respect the the family hierarchy, but Jackie is getting on my nerves with this big brother thing.

I love Tito!

2010-01-17T23:49:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Mo'nique!

Critics Choice and Golden Globe

2010-01-17T23:46:00.003-05:00

Life is so Precious, so Sweet

My daughter is sleeping peacefully

I sit up and watch her

I listen to her breathe

I push to the side thoughts of how short life is

I don't want to waste any time

I let those thoughts float on

Float away

I breathe deep to remind myself that I'm still here

How sweet it is

How sweet

Seasons

2009-10-19T20:20:00.004-04:00

I always feel the change in seasons. Not just the temperature changes, but my emotional changes. I used to hate this time of year. Things felt so unstable and uncertain for me. Over the years I have learned to be okay with the insecurity that I felt during this time of year. Why insecurity? Well, every since I was a child I've had major life changes to occur during this time of year. I hated the start of a school year because it meant that I had to be away from my mom, my rock, my security. My parents argued and fought (physically) a lot and I never knew how life was going to be when I returned home. I wanted my mom safe physically and I didn't want to leave her side. Things were volatile! There were other changes that I don't even remember anymore...but that feeling stuck with me. It has definitely gotten better! My daughter's birth and the time I took off following her birth helped tremendously. My focus changed...it reoriented me. I am so blessed to have her.

Today I felt a little out of sorts, like I needed to be grounded and anchored to something. My mom is gone and would normally turn to her to help ground and center me. I decided to do for my daughter what I felt I needed and, in turn, do it for myself. I decided to decorate our home for the season. I want to create memories for my daughter similar to the ones I cherish of my mom today. The time with my mom was precious. I miss her dearly.

This seasonal shift forces me to shift gears emotionally. I go inward and remember that my source is still near and close. I just have to recognize it, remember it since I am the one who usually turns away and not the Sun.

The Nobel Peace Prize 2009 - Press Release

2009-10-09T16:36:00.000-04:00

The Nobel Peace Prize 2009 - Press Release: "The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons."

Twitter

2009-10-03T18:22:00.002-04:00

www.twitter.com/blackgold347

Where has the time gone?

2009-09-28T17:58:00.000-04:00

I don't know, but I do know that it's time for me to start blogging again. I have so much to say. I have so much to purge myself of. I don't care who listens, reads, or responds. This is for me. It's time again.

It's cathartic to release what's inside. I need it. I've got to let it out and in some instances, let it go!

MichaelMoore.com : Former exec: Insurers fomenting town hall chaos

2009-08-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

MichaelMoore.com : Former exec: Insurers fomenting town hall chaos: "A former health insurance executive says the disruptions taking place at lawmakers' town halls around the country are the result of stealth efforts by health insurance companies.

Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA vice president, detailed what he said were past covert efforts by the industry. Though he said he does not have specifics for what is occurring now, because he's been out of the business for a year, it follows the same pattern.

'The industry is up to the same dirty tricks this year,' Potter said at a Capitol news conference after meeting with House Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), an avid supporter of the Democrats' plans for a healthcare overhaul."

Figuring it out

2009-05-20T03:50:00.002-04:00

There is more to life than the mundane everyday habits and practices that have become our default lives. There is more than the routines of getting up at blank to be at blank by blank so that we can blank... and all the while we try to disconnect from it all because we say that this isn't our life, but it is our lives and we can't blank it out with a blink of an eye because some part of us was there. If not in mind, then in body. And what happens when we keep not being fully present? Is it possible that I can enjoy what I'm doing while I'm doing it? But I don't even like it... And then I say "well, it's a pay check." And other people do things just for the money, but I don't want to be what I called them.

Early Voting

2008-10-31T17:17:00.000-04:00

I voted early today. I didn't expect to vote today, but decided to stop by the place where I thought the early voting was taking place. People were wrapped around the building so I figure that was the place.

I voted!!!!! I'm happy that I got it over with. I will probably vote early in every election after this!!!!!

Political Pulse | The Associated Press-Yahoo! News Poll on Yahoo! News

2008-09-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

Political Pulse | The Associated Press-Yahoo! News Poll on Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (AP) — Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks — many calling them 'lazy,' 'violent,' responsible for their own troubles.

The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points."

Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean.” | The LA Progressive

2008-09-12T14:17:00.000-04:00

Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean.” | The LA Progressive: "“So Sambo beat the bitch!”

This is how Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin described Barack Obama’s win over Hillary Clinton to political colleagues in a restaurant a few days after Obama locked up the Democratic Party presidential nomination."

Jon Stewart Hits Karl Rove, Bill O'Reilly, Dick Morris On Sarah Palin Hypocrisy

2008-09-06T20:13:00.000-04:00

Jon Stewart Hits Karl Rove, Bill O'Reilly, Dick Morris On Sarah Palin Hypocrisy: "Wednesday night on 'The Daily Show,' Jon Stewart hit Karl Rove and Bill O'Reilly with damning evidence of their hypocrisy regarding Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

While Rove recently praised Palin's experience as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Stewart showed video of Rove trashing Virginia Governor — and former Richmond Mayor — Tim Kaine's executive experience, listing all the cities that are bigger than Richmond and calling such a pick 'political.'"

John Ridley: The Guide to the Conservative Palinguage Vol.2 -- the People's Edition

2008-09-06T09:09:00.000-04:00

John Ridley: The Guide to the Conservative Palinguage Vol.2 -- the People's Edition: "If you give your wife a dap on stage, it's actually a 'terrorist fist jab.' If your daughter licks her palm so that she can slick down your youngest child's hair on national TV it's an 'adorable moment.' (Seriously, forget about abstinence only, teach these folks some grooming skills)."

YouTube - Noonan and Murphy on Palin

2008-09-03T17:54:00.000-04:00

YouTube - Noonan and Murphy on Palin

Eugene Robinson - A Special Brand Of Patriotism - washingtonpost.com

2008-07-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

Eugene Robinson - A Special Brand Of Patriotism - washingtonpost.com

CFP: Blacklash: How others now view U.S.

2008-04-26T08:02:00.000-04:00

CFP: Blacklash: How others now view U.S.

Both Clinton and Obama reassured Canada on trade: reports - Yahoo! News

2008-03-06T20:57:00.000-05:00

Both Clinton and Obama reassured Canada on trade: reports - Yahoo! News

YouTube - We Are The Ones Song by will.i.am

2008-02-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

YouTube - We Are The Ones Song by will.i.am

"Last night I saw you in my dreams..."

2008-02-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

"Last night I saw you in my dreams/ Now I can't wait to go to sleep. ... This life, this here, this Grammys, all of this is all a dream/ My real life, it starts when I go to sleep." - Kanye West "Mama" performed at the Grammy Awards 2008

That was the most touching performance I've seen in a long while. I connected with the words because I feel them towards my mama. Thanks Kanye

Babies for Obama :)

2008-02-08T14:44:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

2008-01-28T15:22:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

Barack Obama : : Change We Can Believe In | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Toni Morrison endorses Barack Obama

2008-01-28T15:21:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama : : Change We Can Believe In | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Toni Morrison endorses Barack Obama: "Nobel Prize winning author and Pulitzer Prize recipient, Toni Morrison today endorsed Senator Barack Obama in a letter citing the need for the country to embrace this rare opportunity to vote for change. Toni Morrison has been a voice of leadership and inspiration through her many awarding winning novels and continued work in education. This is Toni Morrison’s first public endorsement of a presidential candidate."

Sen. Kennedy backs Obama for president - Yahoo! News

2008-01-28T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sen. Kennedy backs Obama for president - Yahoo! News: "'There was another time, when another young candidate was running for president and challenging America to cross a new frontier. He faced criticism from the preceding Democratic president, who was widely respected in the party,' Kennedy said, referring to Harry S. Truman.

'And John Kennedy replied, 'The world is changing. The old ways will not do. ... It is time for a new generation of leadership.

'So it is with Barack Obama,' he added."

cbs2chicago.com - Memo Rips Clinton Campaign

2008-01-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

cbs2chicago.com - Memo Rips Clinton Campaign: "Memo Rips Clinton Campaign
To: Interested Parties

Fr: Joe Erwin, Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chair

Re: Hillary Clinton going all out to win in South Carolina

There's an old South Carolina saying that goes like this – some people would rather climb a tree to tell a fib than stand on the ground and tell the truth. The truth is Hillary Clinton's campaign is pulling out all the stops to win in South Carolina. And it includes saying and doing just about anything to win."

Obama's Rout Rejiggers the Race - Yahoo! News

2008-01-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

Obama's Rout Rejiggers the Race - Yahoo! News: "'After four great contests in every corner of this country, we have the most votes, the most delegates, and the most diverse coalition of Americans that we've seen in a long, long time,' Obama declared at his victory celebration in Columbia. 'There are young and old; rich and poor. They are black and white; Latino and Asian and Native American. They are Democrats from Des Moines and Independents from Concord, and yes, some Republicans from rural Nevada and we've got young people from all across this country who've never had a reason to participate until now.'"

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Kerry blasts Bill Clinton for ‘abusing truth’ � - Blogs from CNN.com

2008-01-26T08:43:00.000-05:00

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Kerry blasts Bill Clinton for ‘abusing truth’ � - Blogs from CNN.com

2008-01-15T17:07:00.000-05:00

Something has to happen with the energy. Life can't... living can't be stagnant. It has to keep flowing. Thank God for the ups and downs of life. Some might say that life should always be good. No downs, just ups! How would we ever be challenged to grow if things never changed and stayed completely the same? Maybe everyone isn't interested in growth. I am. It's time for a change. It's time...

...it's time for me to go get my baby girl.

I don't know what I'm trying to say. I just felt the energy inside that moved me to say... something, anything.

Been So Long...

2008-01-12T16:30:00.000-05:00

It has been so many months since I last posted here. I don't even know what to say.

I miss my mom so much. She passed away on August 22, 2007. She had cancer, and we only learned that that was the case in July. She lived for about 7 weeks after finding out. The news crushed us, but at the time I felt very numb. I was just getting by, getting through it all.

I'm so glad I spent her last days with her. I last saw her on a Saturday night and she passed early Wednesday morning - a few hours after midnight. I keep imagining her taking her last breath. Thank God I did not have to witness that as my brother did. The thought makes me feel heavy.

Whitlock Is Nothing More Than An Opportunist

2007-04-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

Whitlock Is Nothing More Than An Opportunist: "CONNECTICUT -- Talk about an opportunist in this whole Imus-Rutgersincident. It isn't Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson and it certainly isn't Vivian Stringer.

But it may be Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock, a black writer with an agenda. An opportunity to be a contrarian and to be heard ahead of his own community.

That's Jason for you in this whole mess. I don't know Jason and I've never talked to him, but I do know Vivian Stringer, Essence Carson, and Kia Vaughn.

They never asked for this publicity and if they had an opportunity would have erased it from their memory bank as soon as it happened. I know that for a fact."

Are Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Bunnies Sanitized Pimipin' and Ho'ing

2007-04-18T08:52:00.000-04:00

People are trying to point the finger at rap music as the cause of the ills of the black community. What about Hugh Hefner? Why does so-called "black America" have to solve it's own problems as if we are not a part of the United States of America? As if we are not citizens of this country?

Va Tech Massacre

2007-04-16T14:57:00.000-04:00

My condolences to everyone who suffered loss at Va. Tech University. There are many students from Northern Va. who attend and many people here know someone who attends Va. Tech.

Nikki Giovanni teaches at Va Tech. She is scheduled to speak at UDC tomorrow. I don't know if that event will continue as scheduled or if it will be canceled.

My prayers to you all.

APA Press Release: Sexualization of Girls Is Linked To Common Mental Health Problems in Girls and Women

2007-04-16T10:57:00.000-04:00

APA Press Release: Sexualization of Girls Is Linked To Common Mental Health Problems in Girls and Women: "WASHINGTON, DC—A report of the American Psychological Association (APA) released today found evidence that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harmful to girls’ self-image and healthy development.

To complete the report, the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls studied published research on the content and effects of virtually every form of media, including television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies, video games and the Internet. They also examined recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed toward girls."

Behavior experts analyze Imus impact - USATODAY.com

2007-04-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

Behavior experts analyze Imus impact - USATODAY.com: "But people come to the media with their personal stereotypes, and that can affect how slurs influence them, says Sandra Calvert, chairwoman of the psychology department at Georgetown University. Imus' degrading 'jokes' would be most likely to reinforce bigotry in listeners who already tend to be sexist and/or racist, Calvert says.

'And if you're kind of ambivalent, it would tip you whichever way you lean,' she says."

"The Convenience of Comedy- Don't Be Fooled By Your TV!!!"

2007-04-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

blog.myspace.com/talibkweli

For those not familiar with the Willie Lynch letter, it was a business plan drawn up to ensure that blacks would remain in slavery forever. It explained to the slave owner that if you stripped an African of his/her religion and native tongue, made it illegal for an Arican to go to school or learn to read, separate husband from wife, mother from child, and play up differences like light vs. dark, that African would be in a state of mental slavery. There would be no need for chains, the African would have nothing to struggle against. The African would love his white master unconditionally because loving his master would be his only source of pride. The African would hate thyself, particularly the physical traits that exposed African heritage, such as big lips, big noses and black skin and nappy hair. The letter says that if you put these policies into practice on your plantation, the African will not only be mentally enslaved now, but for GENERATIONS TO COME.
This was systematic destruction of the black family. African women were treated as merely breeders, their husbands and babies sold off. They were routinely raped by their slave masters as used as unwilling concubines. As the African family was being dismantled, America traded in the plantation for industry and grew by leaps and bounds. No need for whips and chains, black people would become the country's biggest labor force and consumer source for free, and still love thy master. The ramifications of slavery and the mental damage it has caused is the biggest problem facing black people today. To be honest about how the past affects the present and future is not living in it. To ignore its affect is to be blind. It is the reason why the black family structure is broken, why we go to jail and fail standardized tests at alarming rates. It is the reason why we still think the white doll is nice and pretty and the black one is ugly and bad, in 2007. It is the reason we are racially profiled, and have higher infant mortality rates, and it is the reason we refer to each other as niggas and hoes.
On the flip, this destruction is also the cause of white priviledge in this country. It is silly to hold the son responsible for the sins of his father, but it is stupid to not acknowledge the vast priviledges that come from the forefathers business plan. The plan was to make sure that the children of rich white male land owners would profit off the land at the expense of black bodies and souls for GENERATIONS TO COME. White people live in better nieghborhoods, live longer, make way more money, and have access to way more resources and opportunities as a direct result of slavery. Affirmative action programs were created to try to achieve a better balance, but you cannot legislate whats in peoples hearts and minds. True, there are more rich black folks on TV, but our neighborhoods are worse than they've ever been. The white community has benefitted so much from slavery, it's no wonder the media tries to discredit anyone who brings it up.
So now they want to talk about double standards? Don Imus can say "nappy headed ho" because rappers say ho all the time? Are you kidding me? That is wrong on so many levels. First, a rapper claims to be nothing but an artist. As I have said before, an artist responsibility is to be honest with the craft. I don't think it's right to call women bitches and hoes, so I don't, if I did, I would be being dishonest with my craft. Don Imus is a journalist and political commentator who wallows in bathroom humor to make up for lack of substance. When it's convenient, he's a comedian. What Imus did had nothing to do with hip hop, do not let them fool you. Hip hop sells, so every time Hannity and Colmes does a show about hip hop, their ratings go up, period. These talking heads on the TV trot out fed up sisters, uncle tom negroes and political vultures who equate hip hop with the devil, but have never heard a record by Lupe Fiasco, the Roots, Immortal Technique, Common, Jean Grae, Little Brother, the Coup, Dead Prez, Zion I and too many other incredible artists to name. They love the earning potential of hip hop, and they how they sound bashing it, but the have zero respect for the art. They sound ignorant.
Many hip hop artists are young black men who have never had the priviledges Imus had growing up. If you have been severly oppressed by white people, and the ramifications of slavery have ensured that your family remains broken and poor, your instinct makes you wary. If a nigga is what you oppressor fears the most, than it is seductive to be the realest nigga out. You attack your women by calling bitches and hoes. It is a defense mechanism, because you are scared to love. Love equals loss in your world. These are not exuses, there are reasons. There are also reasons why Imus called the outstanding Rutger's womens team "nappy headed hoes". It is because he is inherently racist and his white priviledge has blinded him to it. His priviledge allows him to believe these were just jokes without specific historical context, when his brain should have told him he's smart enough and experienced enough to know better.
Don't let the TV tell you that this is about hip hop, or rap, or Nelly, or Al Sharpton, or Hilary Clinton, or Timbaland, or Jesse Jackson. This is about a white man who was doing radio long before Bambatta started Zulu Nation or Herc plugged a speaker into a lamppost. He did not need hip hops permission to call Gwen Ifill, a respected journalist, the cleaning lady for the NY Times 15 years ago. If I'm correct, I think he has daughters, but these young black women were objects to him, not people. His objectification made it impossible for him and his producer to imagine that these women were somebody's daughters. Imus has gotten away with many offensive statements, and he will remain an esteemed member of his community, fired or not. Jimmy the Greek was fired for less, as were many others. Imus will be OK. Even if it wasn't justice (which it was), it was karma. I'm glad those women found it in their heart to forgive him, forgiveness is divine. But they had nothing to prove to him. He was fired for losing advertising dollars, not for disrepecting black women. Now is the time to stand by our sisters, and to stand up for our music. The music is our life and we cannot let those who do not participate regulate it for us.

Talib Kweli....Blacksmith is the Movement

Eugene Robinson - Why Imus Had to Go - washingtonpost.com

2007-04-15T14:08:00.000-04:00

this is a good read. Click link to read entire article.

Eugene Robinson - Why Imus Had to Go - washingtonpost.com: "For young black hip-hop artists to use such language to demean black women is similarly deplorable -- and, I would argue, even more damaging. But come on, people, don't deceive yourselves that it's precisely the same thing. Don't pretend that 388 years of history -- since the first shackled African slaves arrived at Jamestown -- never happened. The First Amendment notwithstanding, it has always been the case that some speech has been off-limits to some people. I remember a time when black people couldn't say 'I'd like to vote, please.' Now, white people can't say 'nappy-headed hos.' You'll survive."

Duke Lacrosse players...

2007-04-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry that you had to go through that. It's something that I wouldn't wish on anyone....To be falsely prosecuted is wrong. I hope that you take the necessary time to heal from this and that your emotional and social lives are not permanently ruined. Peace be with you!

BG

Envision shooting blacks, German GI told - Europe - MSNBC.com

2007-04-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

Envision shooting blacks, German GI told - Europe - MSNBC.com: "BERLIN - A German army instructor ordered a soldier to envision himself in New York City facing hostile blacks while firing his machine gun, a video that aired Saturday on national television showed."

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. | International President's Outrage Over Imus' Remarks Contributes to Dismissal

2007-04-15T13:33:00.000-04:00

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. | International President's Outrage Over Imus' Remarks Contributes to Dismissal

"McKinzie asked members to stop purchasing music of those Black rappers who debase and disrespect women in their lyrics. She noted that Imus and McGuirk's remarks were co-opted from the lyrics of the rappers who have become rich—and made White producers wealthy—with their disrespectful music."

Imus Press Release Absolute Final 2.pdf (application/pdf Object)

2007-04-15T13:31:00.000-04:00

Imus Press Release Absolute Final 2.pdf (application/pdf Object)

MTV News | Hip-Hop On The Defensive After Imus Incident; Sharpton Calls For 'Dialogue' With MCs

2007-04-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

MTV News | Hip-Hop On The Defensive After Imus Incident; Sharpton Calls For 'Dialogue' With MCs

Think Progress � Gwen Ifill Calls Out Russert, Brooks For Their Silence On Imus

2007-04-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

Think Progress � Gwen Ifill Calls Out Russert, Brooks For Their Silence On Imus

AllHipHop.com : Editorial

2007-04-15T12:44:00.000-04:00

AllHipHop.com : Editorial: "Invisible Women? A Black Woman's Response to Don Imus' Sexist-Racist Remarks
By April R. Silver"

USATODAY.com - MSNBC fires Michael Savage after anti-gay comments

2007-04-15T12:32:00.000-04:00

Maybe MSNBC was trying not to look like hypocrites after they fired this dude.

USATODAY.com - MSNBC fires Michael Savage after anti-gay comments

Earl Ofari Hutchinson: Why Imus Should be Fired--And Why He Won't Be

2007-04-15T09:42:00.000-04:00

Earl Ofari Hutchinson: Why Imus Should be Fired--And Why He Won't Be: "The Reverend Al Sharpton, the National Association of Black Journalists and a handful of sports columnists will continue to loudly demand that MSNBC and radio stations give Imus the ax, and they should. But they won't. There's simply too much money in racial trash talk, and too much silence from the higher ups that send a tacit signal condoning it. That silence is Imus's ultimate trump card."

Bishop T.D. Jakes' Official Statement Concerning Racist Comments by Radio Talk Show Host Don Imus

2007-04-15T09:05:00.000-04:00

Why isn't T.D. Jakes' statement getting media attention? Why do people believe that only Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were "outraged"? MANY people, black, white, female and male were disgusted. The media has done a fine job of making it appear that the "usual suspected race baiters are at fault.

Bishop T.D. Jakes' Official Statement Concerning Racist Comments by Radio Talk Show Host Don Imus

Contact: Shawn Paul Wood, 214-224-8416; Renita Harris, 214-325-8412, both for Bishop T.D. Jakes

DALLAS, April 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following was released today by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor/Founder, The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc.:

"Trying to be funny" is a justifiable excuse for calling a group of distinguished young African-American women "nappy-headed [whores]," or so says radio talk show host Don Imus about his racial slurs April 4 toward the young ladies of the Rutgers University women's basketball team. Given that Imus and his producer are still employed, one must assume that NBC, their employer, agrees. With this attitude, is it any surprise that racism continues to poison America?

Jesus taught that "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" (Matthew 15:11 NIV) The fact remains that Imus' unprovoked racial slurs -- which sadly appear to be part of a personal pattern over the years -- clearly reveal a deeper malignancy of the heart. But it is the lack of immediate and meaningful response by his employer that reveals a deeper cancer in America. Press statements and public appearances are mere bandages when someone's daughter is called a whore for fun. True healing will come only when individuals honestly address the root of their remarks, rather than making excuses for them, and only when employers and advertisers in our society respond immediately and decisively. Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken immediately canceled his forthcoming appearance on Imus' show; others should do the same.

Imus is a broadcast industry professional, who I hold to a higher standard. Imus' employers are broadcast conglomerates that I also hold to a higher standard. And the advertisers that spend millions on Imus' show should also be held to a higher standard. Allison Gollust, senior vice president for news communications at NBC, has stated: "We take this matter very seriously." If so, Imus and Bernard McGuirk should be unemployed today and the excuses should stop, so that the healing can begin.

On behalf of decent moral people of all backgrounds, and specifically for women of color, we heard the so-called joke. But now the entire media, advertisers and industry executives should deliver the punch line.

Black Leaders (and other thoughts)

2007-04-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

I want to know how a "black leader" is selected and who does the selecting? If there was a meeting and election, then I didn't get the memo. Who do I write or call to get put on the mailing list? Which website do I go to register for the black leader election? Why is a black leader necessary? Is it because issues impacting the black community aren't represented by local, state and federally elected officials? Why do I need a separate leader? It does seem to be necessary though. When blacks are incarcerated at rates much higher than whites...when literacy rates differ between blacks and whites, when blacks are over represented in special education, when studies show that discrimination exists in the health care system... Just about everything negative disproportionately impacts the black people in America when compared to white people.

Today, the media selects and appoints so-called black leaders. They put the camera in the faces of a few when they decide to discuss a "black" issue...as if black people are not a part of America. AND THEN, AND THEN...they tear them down. America didn't love Malcolm and Martin when they were alive. It was only years after their assassinations that they became "mainstream" and accepted by America. They were black champions who fought for the rights of oppressed people. This was NOT that long ago.

It seems that if we don't discuss racism, it no longer exists. But the pain of racism and white supremacy IS real. Many white Americans believe that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson "keep things going" and incite racial issues. White Americans don't know that many black Americans carry this pain with them day in and day out...under the surface. It doesn't take much to bring it to the surface because it's hard to heal when the disease has not been eradicated. It's hard to heal when you cannot even acknowledge a hurt or a wrong.

People had to endure so much...they had to die just so that I could get a legal education. It was against the law for my great grandmother to learn to read in the United States. Not my great, great, great, great grandmother... my great grandmother. Besides the CONTINENT of Africa, I do not know where my ancestors came from. This pains me. I don't lose sleep over it because I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it. I would be too depressed and I have other things to do. I, We, have to keep on moving. But that doesn't mean that it's not a part of my make up, my history, my collective experience. Like arthritis or an old knee injury, it flares up from time to time. Things happen and I'm forced to look at it even when I don't choose to.

If the microphone and camera only gets passed to Jesse and Al, then I guess that's why people go to them when they need media attention.

Will White Americans accept the democratically "elected" black leader, or will white America refuse to deal with the elected official if she or he isn't APPROVED by white Americans? The situation for people of color is bad across the board. That suggests that our elected officials are not doing the job to effect change for people of color. Everyone else has to pull themselves up by the bootstraps, but white people have the benefit of government looking out for their best interest. Their issues are the same because they dictate what the issues are. Am I suggesting that black people have no responsibility for themselves? No I AM NOT!!!! But the whole game has been set up for white people to have the advantage, to have the privilege in this country and throughout the world. The rule of law was for black folks to be subordinate to whites. While that is no longer the case legally, it is the practice institutionally. White people do not want to give up their position of privilege. They share crumbs with minorities, but they are still crumbs.

I was watching Roots today...it's actually on right now. The black people in the film, the slaves, were referred to as Niggers, and the Black people, slaves, referred to each other as Niggers. They was the vocabulary, the description of themselves, given to them by their slave masters, the white men. The whole society was set up in this way. The laws were written to make it legal and institutionalize it. It was the code. White and black people referring to black people as niggers. I was like - wow! Some black people still call each other Nigger. Some white people still refer to black people as Nigger. It's not socially acceptable today for whites to call blacks nigger even if some call themselves that. It brings all of the stuff related to slavery back to the surface and again, it's NOT hard to do.

African's were brought to America and BROKEN!!! They became slaves. They became niggers. The fear of death was instilled in them in order to maintain their subordinate place as slave (black) to their slave master (white). While laws have changed, we have not done the psychological healing necessary to really free ourselves from this paradigm of existence. It's hard to heal when you aren't allow the right to acknowledge the hurt and the cause of that hurt. Black people are always expected to get over it, but again the paradigm, the society we live in is a reminder on a daily basis.

Why isn't there a black face on any United States currency? Why are there no black monuments on the mall? White people have all of these symbols of their power all around them to boost their collective esteem. Aside from a few sentences and chapters on slavery, you would believe that black people did not contribute anything to this country.

We have to heal. Black people have to heal. America has to deal with the issue of racism in America, but if we did that in a way that effects healing for all white people would have to share and in doing so give up some of their power. I don't believe that that will happen willing. It's naive that think that it will after history suggest that people have to die before civil right advancement can occur. Since many of us aren't in a hurry to die, we maintain the status quo...The lopsided scale with people of color on the bottom.

Things are changing though. I can't deny that. Dick Gregory always says "pray that the truth comes out", And damn if it doesn't!!! We keep seeing it with the current Bush Administration. Things get revealed. The stars line up like they did with Mr. Imus.

I am thankful that things transpired the way that they did last week. I've been unfairly, but legally fired from a job before. YOU CAN BOUNCE BACK AND THINGS TURN OUT BETTER THAN THEY WERE. It turned out to be a blessing. I hope that Mr. Imus takes the lemons and make lemonade. He has enough money to be alright for a while though. I didn't have that. I had to examine myself and be honest with myself about my contribution to the situation. It didn't feel like it at the time, but you know what they say about hindsight!

Back to why I am thankful that things happened the way that they did last week. I am thankful because we are talking to each other about difficult issues that impact and cripple our society. Some of us are recommitting ourselves to cleaning up our act. We are committing ourselves to action.

People need alternatives. What are the conditions that create a culture that glorifies violence, racism and sexism? Why is rapping and booty shaking seen as the only way to make it in life for some? Is rap a better alternative to jail? They don't seem to be mutually exclusive these days for some. What are the alternatives for youth of color in American society? It really feels that there is a ceiling for people, unless you bind and shape shift and become something that you are not. In order to gain access to institutions, you have to become more like the dominant culture. Hip hop is an arena where people can be themselves, whatever you are! A higher standard has to come from within. It cannot be imposed on people. People have to want to ascribe to it. HOW, WHO will inspire them to reach a higher bar in such a way that they can maintain who they are as people. Not white people painted black, but black, red and brown Americans coexisting with whites. People want to define themselves.

The educational system in American only reinforces the status quo. It only maintains white privilege. Those who are willing to shape shift and play the game can participate, but that takes a serious toll on you. Believe me. I know.

I'm just skimming the surface on a whole lot of issues, but it's all what I'm thinking and feeling tonight.

And now, I gotta go to bed because the baby can wake up at any minute and I will have missed my opportunity to recharge.

Be well. Let's pray that the truth comes out. Let's pray for true equality. Let's uplift each other.

Peace

Obscene, Indecent and Profane Broadcasts

2007-04-14T22:19:00.000-04:00

Obscene, Indecent and Profane Broadcasts

Condoleezza Rice: I'm glad Imus was fired - Yahoo! News

2007-04-14T09:16:00.000-04:00

Condoleezza Rice: I'm glad Imus was fired - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice said on Friday that radio host Don Imus' comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team were 'disgusting' and she was pleased he was fired.
ADVERTISEMENT

Imus called the women players 'nappy-headed hos' -- racist, sexist remarks that resulted in a barrage of protests and ultimately in the outspoken host losing his CBS Radio show, which was also televised.

'I'm very glad that there was, in fact, a consequence. I think that this kind of coarse language doesn't belong anywhere in reasonable dialogue between reasonable people,' Rice said in an interview with syndicated radio show host Michael Medved.

Rice, the first black female U.S. Secretary of State and a former college professor, said the young women Imus targeted were fine athletes trying their best.

'It gets ruined by this disgusting -- and I'll use the word 'disgusting' -- comment which doesn't belong in any polite company and certainly doesn't belong on any radio station that I would listen to,' she added.

Asked how she handled racist, sexist comments directed her way, Rice laughed and replied: 'I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. And I really don't care because, you know, I'm a mature woman.'"

Imus and Hip Hop

2007-04-14T08:46:00.000-04:00

Does Don Imus listen to rap music?

People kill other people, people smoke crack, people lie... Does that mean that I should do it because they do it?

I believe that this is a diversion. Why were Imus' comments offensive? You have to understand the impact that slavery and white supremacy have had on the African American community. If you understand that then you would not be surprised by the outrage expressed in the community.

How has this Imus situation shifted to black rappers and censorship? If I went to work and made racial and sexist slurs against a specific person or people, than I would have to suffer the consequences for those actions.

Is white privilege the ultimate double standard?

2007-04-14T08:23:00.000-04:00

I don't have the answer, but it's worth giving serious thought to.

I caught a few minutes of the Talib Kweli on the Today show this morning, and he said something that I had been thinking about but had not articulated. He said something to the effect of people want to talk about a double standard now, but they don't want to talk about the double standard of white privilege in America.

The world is full of double standards. We see it in War, we see it in our homes, we see it everywhere. White Americans don't want to share their power. New democracies can elect their leaders, but nation heads will refuse to deal with them because the elected leader isn't someone that they want to deal with.

We all know that there are spoken and unspoken rules in the world. Some, many are being challenged and should be challenged. You can talk as loud as you want in your home, but you have to keep your volume to a minimum in the library. Double Standard? History tells us that there was a time when White people could learn to read in the United States, but black people were forbidden by law. White person was one person one vote and a black person was 3/5's of a person. You had to have two black people to get one vote. White man is on the dollar, but a black person hasn't seen the light of day on a dollar bill. Look at the condition of a predominantly white school in America and a predominantly black school in America... just look at the physical appearance of the building. There are so many examples of how things are lopsided, unequal with people of color usually on the bottom.

White men were slave masters in America. Black women were slaves in America. A white man calling a black woman or black women Nappy headed Ho...well you do the math. Things haven't changed so much that black people have completely healed from the cancer of racism when the cancer never went into remission. Just as cancer has stages...so does this situation of race and racism in America. There is no racism vaccine yet! It hasn't been eradicated like polio.

And, yes, we've all moved on with our lives as best we can. We don't talk about racism and to some that equals remission. But that's not the case because things are still lopsided and people want to be free. People want real equality. Not the illusion of it.

Hip-hop faces increasing backlash - RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC - MSNBC.com

2007-04-14T08:22:00.000-04:00

Hip-hop faces increasing backlash - RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC - MSNBC.com

Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis rebuke Imus - rap lyrics connection.

2007-04-14T08:11:00.000-04:00

Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis rebuke Imus - rap lyrics connection.

Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis of the HSAN have released an official statement regarding Don Imus' racist statements and how they relate, or don't relate, to hip-hop. The statement reads as follows:

"Hip-hop is a worldwide cultural phenomena that transcends race and doesn't engage in racial slurs. Don Imus' racially-motivated diatribe toward the Rutgers women's basketball team was in no way connected to hip-hop culture. As Chairman and President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), respectively, we are concerned by the false comparisons some in the media are making between Don Imus and hip-hop. We want to clarify what we feel very strongly is an obvious difference between the two.

"HSAN believes in freedom of artistic expression. We also believe, with that freedom, comes responsibility. Don Imus is not a hip-hop artist or a poet. Hip-hop artists rap about what they see, hear and feel around them, their experience of the world. Like the artists throughout history, their messages are a mirror of what is right and wrong with society. Sometimes their observations or the way in which they choose to express their art may be uncomfortable for some to hear, but our job is not to silence or censor that expression. Our job is to be an inclusive voice for the hip-hop community and to help create an environment that encourages the positive growth of hip-hop. Language can be a powerful tool. That is why ones intention, when using the power of language, should be made clear. Comparing Don Imus' language with hip-hop artists' poetic expression is misguided and inaccurate and feeds into a mindset that can be a catalyst for unwarranted, rampant censorship."

The Epoch Times | Sharpton Proposes Ban on Violent Rappers

2007-04-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

The Epoch Times | Sharpton Proposes Ban on Violent Rappers: "NEW YORK—Last week, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton proposed a 90-day ban on radio and TV airplay for any performer who engages in violence."

Rev. Al Sharpton Buying A Voice In The Rap Industry

2007-04-13T16:45:00.000-04:00

Rev. Al Sharpton Buying A Voice In The Rap Industry: "If the music industry won’t listen to Rev. Al Sharpton’s views on violence in music, then he will force them to.

Sharpton has a plan to buy stock in a number of record companies that produce the music he’s against, so he'll have a say as a stockholder. Sharpton told the Associated Press he's confident the label CEOs won’t be happy about having him in their boardroom, although he didn’t reveal which companies he plans to invade."

Sharpton to Take on Rap Violence Via the Boardroom @ Blogcritics.org

2007-04-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

Sharpton to Take on Rap Violence Via the Boardroom @ Blogcritics.org: "In an exclusive with the NY Daily News, former Democratic presidential candidate the Rev. Al Sharpton said he plans to buy stock in record companies that put out hip-hop music, and then arrive as a shareholder to have his say.

'I don't think too many CEOs want to see me come into his stockholders' meeting to say they're not doing enough to stop the violence,' he intoned.

His latest attack on hip-hop mayhem comes after the feud between Queens-bred bullet magnet 50 Cent and former prot�g�The Game erupted last month in gunfire - and days after Lil' Kim was convicted of perjury for lying about a 2001 gunfight."

Farrakhan to rappers: 'The world's youth follow you!'

2007-04-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

Farrakhan to rappers: 'The world's youth follow you!': "'The society says we want the rappers to clean up the lyrics but the society does not want to clean itself up. ... At the top of society, it is so filthy that you would be shocked to see how low down and filthy people are who are the leaders in society,' Min. Farrakhan said."

-- Beliefnet.com

2007-04-13T16:39:00.000-04:00

-- Beliefnet.com

"Farrakhan preached that it's time rappers used their art to enlighten the masses instead of lacing lyrics with profanity and words that denigrate women."

BBC News | MUSIC | Farrakhan calls for 'responsible' rap

2007-04-13T16:38:00.000-04:00

BBC News | MUSIC | Farrakhan calls for 'responsible' rap

The Blog | Jill Nelson: Black Women: First Dissed, Now Disappeared | The Huffington Post

2007-04-12T22:47:00.000-04:00

The Blog | Jill Nelson: Black Women: First Dissed, Now Disappeared | The Huffington Post

It's astounding that in the media conversation surrounding Don Imus' characterization of the 10 members of Rutger's women's basketball team as "nappy headed ho's," Black women - other than those Imus imagines - are virtually invisible. Even when we're the ones being dissed and dogged, when it comes to analyzing the situation, no one much gives a damn what we have to say.

Trash Talk Radio - New York Times

2007-04-12T22:42:00.000-04:00

Trash Talk Radio - New York Times

LET’S say a word about the girls. The young women with the musical names. Kia and Epiphanny and Matee and Essence. Katie and Dee Dee and Rashidat and Myia and Brittany and Heather.

The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University had an improbable season, dropping four of their first seven games, yet ending up in the N.C.A.A. women’s basketball championship game. None of them were seniors. Five were freshmen.

In the end, they were stopped only by Tennessee’s Lady Vols, who clinched their seventh national championship by ending Rutgers’ Cinderella run last week, 59-46. That’s the kind of story we love, right? A bunch of teenagers from Newark, Cincinnati, Brooklyn and, yes, Ogden, Utah, defying expectations. It’s what explodes so many March Madness office pools.

But not, apparently, for the girls. For all their grit, hard work and courage, the Rutgers girls got branded “nappy-headed ho’s” — a shockingly concise sexual and racial insult, tossed out in a volley of male camaraderie by a group of amused, middle-aged white men. The “joke” — as delivered and later recanted — by the radio and television personality Don Imus failed one big test: it was not funny.

The serial apologies of Mr. Imus, who was suspended yesterday by both NBC News and CBS Radio for his remarks, have failed another test. The sincerity seems forced and suspect because he’s done some version of this several times before.

I know, because he apparently did it to me.

I was covering the White House for this newspaper in 1993, when Mr. Imus’s producer began calling to invite me on his radio program. I didn’t return his calls. I had my hands plenty full covering Bill Clinton.

Soon enough, the phone calls stopped. Then quizzical colleagues began asking me why Don Imus seemed to have a problem with me. I had no idea what they were talking about because I never listened to the program.

It was not until five years later, when Mr. Imus and I were both working under the NBC News umbrella — his show was being simulcast on MSNBC; I was a Capitol Hill correspondent for the network — that I discovered why people were asking those questions. It took Lars-Erik Nelson, a columnist for The New York Daily News, to finally explain what no one else had wanted to repeat.

“Isn’t The Times wonderful,” Mr. Nelson quoted Mr. Imus as saying on the radio. “It lets the cleaning lady cover the White House.”

I was taken aback but not outraged. I’d certainly been called worse and indeed jumped at the chance to use the old insult to explain to my NBC bosses why I did not want to appear on the Imus show.

I haven’t talked about this much. I’m a big girl. I have a platform. I have a voice. I’ve been working in journalism long enough that there is little danger that a radio D.J.’s juvenile slap will define or scar me. Yesterday, he began telling people he never actually called me a cleaning lady. Whatever. This is not about me.

It is about the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. That game had to be the biggest moment of their lives, and the outcome the biggest disappointment. They are not old enough, or established enough, to have built up the sort of carapace many women I know — black women in particular — develop to guard themselves against casual insult.

Why do my journalistic colleagues appear on Mr. Imus’s program? That’s for them to defend, and others to argue about. I certainly don’t know any black journalists who will. To his credit, Mr. Imus told the Rev. Al Sharpton yesterday he realizes that, this time, he went way too far.

Yes, he did. Every time a young black girl shyly approaches me for an autograph or writes or calls or stops me on the street to ask how she can become a journalist, I feel an enormous responsibility. It’s more than simply being a role model. I know I have to be a voice for them as well.

So here’s what this voice has to say for people who cannot grasp the notion of picking on people their own size: This country will only flourish once we consistently learn to applaud and encourage the young people who have to work harder just to achieve balance on the unequal playing field.

Let’s see if we can manage to build them up and reward them, rather than opting for the cheapest, easiest, most despicable shots.

Gwen Ifill is a senior correspondent for “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” and the moderator of “Washington Week.”

Snoop on Imus...

2007-04-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

"It's a completely different scenario," said Snoop, barking over the phone from a hotel room in L.A. "[Rappers] are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports. We're talking about ho's that's in the 'hood that ain't doing sh--, that's trying to get a n---a for his money. These are two separate things. First of all, we ain't no old-ass white men that sit up on MSNBC [which announced Wednesday it would drop its simulcast of Imus' radio show] going hard on black girls. We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them mutha----as say we in the same league as him."
Snoop did say, though, that the media needs to treat Imus as it treats some MCs (or football players, even).
"Kick him off the air forever," he said. "Ban him like they did [Adam] 'Pacman' Jones. They kicked him out the [National Football] League for the whole season [for numerous violations of the NFL's personal-conduct policy, including multiple arrests], but this punk gets to get on the air and call black women 'nappy-headed ho's.' "

News Flash...

2007-04-12T08:29:00.000-04:00

This is a News Flash... Since all black people seem to get lumped into one category.

I am Black and I do not listen to gangsta rap. I do not refer to myself as a bitch or a ho. I do not listen to music that does refer to women as such. I do not purchase the music.

Why is the media telling Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson to shut up and talk? You condemn them because they are tainted... because they are suspect. Why do you keep microphones and cameras in their face if you don't want to hear what they have to say? Make your mind up. There are many intelligent black men who aren't tainted, who don't have "sketchy" pasts, that can speak to the issues that impact the black community. But the media doesn't have them in their Rolodex. At the same time, what Al or Jesse said in the past take nothing away from the fact that Imus made racist and sexist statements about young women who are not public political figures.

Transcript of Don Imus' comments

2007-04-11T12:29:00.001-04:00

Here's the full transcript of the offensive exchange, courtesy of Media Matters:

DON IMUS: So, I watched the basketball game last night between -- a little bit of Rutgers and Tennessee, the women's final.

SID ROSENBERG: Yeah, Tennessee won last night -- seventh championship for [Tennessee coach] Pat Summitt, I-Man. They beat Rutgers by 13 points.

IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and --

BERNARD McGUIRK: Some hard-core hos.

IMUS: That's some nappy-headed hos there. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some -- woo. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like -- kinda like -- I don't know.

McGUIRK: A Spike Lee thing.

IMUS: Yeah.

McGUIRK: The Jigaboos vs. the Wannabes -- that movie that he had.

IMUS: Yeah, it was a tough --

CHARLES McCORD: Do The Right Thing.

McGUIRK: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

IMUS: I don't know if I'd have wanted to beat Rutgers or not, but they did, right?

ROSENBERG: It was a tough watch. The more I look at Rutgers, they look exactly like the Toronto Raptors.

Keith Richards: 'I snorted my father' - Yahoo! News

2007-04-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

Keith Richards: 'I snorted my father' - Yahoo! News: "'The strangest thing I've tried to snort? My father. I snorted my father,' Richards was quoted as saying by British music magazine NME."

Zzzzzzz!!!

2007-04-03T01:20:00.000-04:00

I really should be in bed getting some sleep; must needed rest. But for some reason it's hard to pull myself from the internet. I've been out all day enjoying some time with my sister, nephew and baby girl. It was a much appreciated and needed gathering. Since baby has been in bed, I've been surfing the net, making online purchases of hard to find baby gear and contemplating my last read.

I read Rebecca Walker's Baby Love this week and it left me feeling sad inside. I've been processing this sadness. I don't feel sadness for myself. It's a sadness for her. I know that's not why she wrote the book and I don't think that that's the desired reaction, but it is my honest gut reaction.

More later... I gotta go to bed....zzzzzz!

Spring

2007-03-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad it's here. I feel alive again. It's a great feeling!

American Idol

2007-03-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that Sanjaya is still on American Idol. He can't even believe it. I would vote for the dude if it was a Hair Show, but it ain't.

Sen. Obama launches White House bid - Yahoo! News

2007-02-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

Sen. Obama launches White House bid - Yahoo! News: "SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) announced his bid for president Saturday, a black man evoking Abraham Lincoln's ability to unite a nation and a Democrat portraying himself as a fresh face capable of leading a new generation."

"Go To Hell"

2007-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

"CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez told U.S. officials to "Go to hell, gringos!" and called Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "missy" on his weekly radio and TV show Sunday, lashing out at Washington for what he called unacceptable meddling in Venezuelan affairs."

Justin Timberlake...

2007-01-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

I don't really care for the the dude especially after accepting an award on Prince's behalf and stooping down behind the microphone. Am I being too sensitive? Maybe I am, but how do you present an award to someone who is a genius in your own field and make fun of something like their height? So immature... then I thought about how he left Janet Jackson hanging out there on her own after the breast-gate affair on the SuperBowl.

He irritates me...

Younger Siblings May Boost Brain Tumor Risk - Yahoo! News

2006-12-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

What the hell? Younger Siblings May Boost Brain Tumor Risk - Yahoo! News: "TUESDAY, Dec. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Can the number of brothers and sisters you have affect your risk of developing a brain tumor?"

Hidden Messages in Water = Masaru Emoto

2006-12-11T18:57:00.000-05:00


Humans came from Lyra and Pleiadees, lived on Mars and Malona, blew up the latter and moved to Earth. Much more here: http://www.myspace.com/dalibor777 24 X 7 Livestream http://sc3.audiorealm.com:10164/listen.pls

House OKs bill to aid family caregivers - Yahoo! News

2006-12-07T00:39:00.000-05:00

House OKs bill to aid family caregivers - Yahoo! News

www.myspace.com/blackgold347

2006-12-06T18:54:00.000-05:00

www.myspace.com/blackgold347

In U.S., fear and distrust of Muslims runs deep - Yahoo! News

2006-12-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

Pure ignorance...

In U.S., fear and distrust of Muslims runs deep - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters)- When radio host Jerry Klein suggested that all Muslims in the United States should be identified with a crescent-shape tattoo or a distinctive arm band, the phone lines jammed instantly.

The first caller to the station in Washington said that Klein must be 'off his rocker.' The second congratulated him and added: 'Not only do you tattoo them in the middle of their forehead but you ship them out of this country ... they are here to kill us.'"

Chávez's latest enemy: beer trucks - Yahoo! News

2006-12-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

Chávez's latest enemy: beer trucks - Yahoo! News: "CARACAS, VENEZUELA - Alongside 'neoliberal' economics and
President Bush, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has another enemy on his list: beer trucks.
ADVERTISEMENT

On his road to Sunday's presidential election, which pits the former military colonel turned president against Manuel Rosales, a conservative candidate backed mostly by Venezuela's middle and upper class, Mr. Chávez has ordered the National Guard to stop delivery trucks from selling beer in the streets of poor neighborhoods."

Three civil wars loom, says Jordan's king - Yahoo! News

2006-11-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

Three civil wars loom, says Jordan's king - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Middle East is on the verge of three civil wars -- in
Iraq, Palestinian territories and Lebanon -- unless strong action is taken urgently by the international community, Jordan's King Abdullah warned on Sunday."

Santa Claus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2006-11-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

Santa Claus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Santa Claus is a variation of a Dutch folk tale based on the historical figure Saint Nicholas, a bishop from Myra in Asia Minor (the greater part of modern-day Turkey), who used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. His charity became legend when a man lost his fortune and found himself incapable of supporting his three daughters, who would not be able to find husbands as they lacked dowries. This man was going to give them over to a life of prostitution; however, St Nicholas provided them with gold and cookies, enabling them to retain their virginal virtues and marry."

Santa Clauses on strike in Vienna on "Buy Nothing Day" - Yahoo! News

2006-11-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

Santa Clauses on strike in Vienna on "Buy Nothing Day" - Yahoo! News: "VIENNA (AFP) - A group of Santa Clauses were on strike on one of Vienna's main shopping avenues in honor of 'Buy Nothing Day,' an international initiative to counter consumerist attitudes ahead of the Christmas season.

'Today is Buy Nothing Day, allow yourself a break,' ten Santas, in full garb with red felt jackets and fake beards, told shoppers on Vienna's Mariahilferstrasse."

CITGO's Low Cost Heating Oil Program

2006-11-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

CITGO's Low Cost Heating Oil Program

Democrats win control of Congress - Yahoo! News

2006-11-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

Democrats win control of Congress - Yahoo! News

We need to have parades and march down the streets. They need to have film footage similar to what they showed after the topple of Saddam's statue in Baghdad. WoooHooo!!!!!!

~ 3121 ~

2006-11-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

~ 3121 ~

Troops' Debt a Growing Security Concern - AOL News

2006-10-20T07:56:00.000-04:00

Troops' Debt a Growing Security Concern - AOL News: "The number of troops held back has climbed dramatically in the past few years. And while they appear to represent a very small percentage of all U.S. military personnel, the increase is occurring at a time when the armed forces are stretched thin by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

'We are seeing an alarming trend in degrading financial health,' said Navy Capt. Mark D. Patton, commanding officer at San Diego's Naval Base Point Loma.

The Pentagon contends financial problems can distract personnel from their duties or make them vulnerable to bribery and treason. As a result, those who fall heavily into debt can be stripped of the security clearances they need to go overseas."

New Baby

2006-10-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

We were blessed with a Baby Girl on September 14, 2006. Since then life has revolved around her...what a blessing! I am tired...exhausted, but my body has adjusted. It was unbelievably tough at first, and while it's still tough it gets easier to manage. I never knew how hard it was to care for a newborn.

I haven't posted on the blog since she was born. Someone predicted that!!! :)

She's 5 weeks old today and it feels like she's been here for 5 years. We are constantly learning her and she us. I pray that things continue to get better for us as we learn and grow. She's a beautifull little person. I'm so thankfull to have her in my life.

Something Pretty

2006-09-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

Blacks, Hispanics pay more for mortgages - Yahoo! News

2006-09-08T18:49:00.000-04:00

Blacks, Hispanics pay more for mortgages - Yahoo! News

IRS audits may not catch wealthy cheats - Yahoo! News

2006-09-03T09:18:00.000-04:00

IRS audits may not catch wealthy cheats - Yahoo! News

...Unless your name is Ron Isley

Inspiration

2006-09-03T06:59:00.000-04:00

La. Bus Driver Ordered Black Students To Back -abc7news.com:

2006-08-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

abc7news.com:: "Aug. 24 - A Louisiana school district suspended a white bus driver while it investigates complaints that she ordered nine black children to sit at the back of the bus.
No previous complaints have been lodged against the driver, who has worked several years for the Red River Parish school district, school Superintendent Kay Easley said Thursday. She refused to reveal the driver's name.

'I'm trying to get all this straight, and settled, so we can all move on,' Easley said.

Two mothers, both black, sparked the investigation with a complaint on Monday that their children and the other black children had been ordered to sit in two rows of seats in the rear of the bus.

'In all these years, I've never had a problem like this,' said Janice Williams, whose four children ride public school buses.

One of her children, Jarvonica Williams, 16, said the bus driver allowed many white students to have seats all to themselves while some blacks were forced to stand or sit in others' laps.

Iva Richmond, whose 14- and 15-year-old children were on the bus, said Thursday that they previously had a black bus driver, but their bus assignment changed this year. When school started this month, the white driver told them she had assigned them seats, with the black children at the back of the bus.

Richmond said she complained to a local principal, who told the driver that if any children were assigned to seats, all would have to be.

Early last week, the driver assigned black students to two seats in the back of the bus, Richmond said.

'All nine children were assigned to two seats in the back of the bus and the older ones had to hold the smaller ones in their laps,' she said.

The women said their complaints to parish school officials were not immediately addressed.

Easley said she wanted to settle the matter. She said the driver had been suspended without pay, and she would announce the results of the district's investigation at a schoool board meeting on Sept. 5.

NAACP District Vice President James Panell told The Times of Shreveport that he would give federal attorneys details of the situation this week.

Coushatta is a small farming town in northern Louisiana. The school district has about 1,600 students, Easley said.

Think Progress » Bush Meets With Katrina Activist Who Wishes ‘The President Could Have Another Term In Office’

2006-08-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

Think Progress » Bush Meets With Katrina Activist Who Wishes ‘The President Could Have Another Term In Office’: "For the last several days, Katrina victim Rockey Vaccarella has been on television repeatedly requesting a meeting with President Bush so he could “thank him for what he has done.” This morning, Bush met with him. Standing with Bush, Vaccarella said, “I just wish the President could have another term in office.” Watch and learn what it takes to score a meeting with President Bush:"

Bush: Katrina recovery will take time - Yahoo! News

2006-08-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

I wondered why Bush had this photo op and comment today and then I remembered that Spike Lee's documentary "When The Levees Broke" aired Monday and Tuesday.

Bush: Katrina recovery will take time - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON -
President Bush cautioned against placing too much importance on the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's Gulf Coast strike, saying a long, sustained rebuilding effort is still needed.

'It's a time to remember that people suffered and it's a time to recommit ourselves to helping them,' Bush said Wednesday. 'But I also want people to remember that a one-year anniversary is just that, because it's going to require a long time to help these people rebuild.'

A day earlier, the Bush administration's Gulf Coast coordinator, Don Powell, said $44 billion has been spent to get the still-battered region back on its feet. A far larger sum — more than $110 billion — has been designated for the massive rebuilding project. Of that money, approximately $17 billion will help rebuild an estimated 204,000 homes in Louisiana and Mississippi."

A Dedication to G. Dub and the G. Dub Administration

2006-08-23T14:19:00.000-04:00

Title: Guiltiness
Artist: Bob Marley

Guiltiness (talkin' 'bout guiltiness)
Pressed on their conscience. Oh yeah.
And they live their lives (they live their lives)
On false pretence everyday -
each and everyday. Yeah.

These are the big fish
Who always try to eat down the small fish,
just the small fish.
I tell you what: they would do anything
To materialize their every wish. Oh yeah-eah-eah-eah.

Say: Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sorrow!
Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sad tomorrow!
Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sorrow!
Oh, yeah-eah! Oh, yeah-eah-eah-eah!

Guiltiness
Pressed on their conscience. Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
These are the big fish
Who always try to eat down the small fish,
just the small fish.

I tell you what: they would do anything
To materialize their every wish. Oh, yeah-eah-eah-eah-eah-eah.

But: Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sorrow!
Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sad tomorrow!
Woe to the downpressors:
They'll eat the bread of sad tomorrow!
Oh, yeah-eah! Oh yeah-e-e-e-e-e!

Guiltiness. Oh yeah. Ah!
They'll eat the bread of sorrow everyday.

President on Another Planet

2006-08-22T14:38:00.000-04:00

President on Another Planet: "For a moment there, I was almost encouraged. George W. Bush, the most resolutely incurious and inflexible of presidents, was reported last week to have been surprised at seeing Iraqi citizens -- who ought to be grateful beneficiaries of the American occupation, I mean 'liberation' -- demonstrating in support of Hezbollah and against Israel.

Surprise would be a start, since it would mean the Decider was admitting novel facts to his settled base of knowledge and reacting to them. Alas, it seems the door to the presidential mind is still locked tight. 'I don't remember being surprised,' he said at his news conference yesterday. 'I'm not sure what they mean by that.'"

'When the Levees Broke': Director Spike Lee takes on Hurrican Katrina - toledoblade.com -

2006-08-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

- toledoblade.com -: "There's a story in Spike Lee's new picture I can't shake from my head. It's told by a man who returned to his home in New Orleans after the flood waters from Hurricane Katrina receded. It has the nuance of great fiction. The son brought his father to their demolished house; his father had built the house after returning from World War II. His father became one of the most successful roofers in the city. He dealt with insurance adjusters all his life, but the father was in his 80s and his hearing was bad, so his son handled the man from the insurance company while the father stood off to one side."

Israelis shoot 2 Hezbollah guerrillas - Yahoo! News

2006-08-21T17:26:00.001-04:00

Israelis shoot 2 Hezbollah guerrillas - Yahoo! News: "Also Monday, hundreds of Israeli reservists pushed for an investigation of how the government and army handled 34 days of fighting with Hezbollah guerrillas, saying they were rushed into battle without enough food, water and equipment.

Complaining about indecisive leadership, hundreds of Israeli reservists signed a petition calling for an official commission of inquiry. They wrote that they were ready to risk their lives in the defense of Israel, 'but there was one thing we are not willing to accept — indecisiveness.'

In a further sign of anger over the handling of the war, a group of parents of fallen soldiers called for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's resignation, saying that the government's objectives had not been achieved and their sons had died for nothing."