Evil Empire

All this Elephant vs. Donkey beefin' got me thinking...what exactly is the American way?

If all 300 million-plus residents (and illegal immigrants) were asked this question there would probably be 100 million different answers--but I'm sure one common one would revolve around the system of capitalism.  Ah yes, capitalism.  That great C word that tells bright-eyed bushy-tailed American kids that they can go and get it all (as long as you break Uncle Sam off his piece) and live a limitless life of success and prosperity.  Please note, I don't think it's wise to allow the elementary school history books to mislead and persuade us that European settlers came over here for free religious practice.  The evidence clearly shows that even that freedom is powered by free enterprise.  Since this country's creation capitalism has been the focal point of our economic development.  Along with that, there have been many political and military campaigns on several levels protecting this right; and I use the term 'right' loosely.  Besides, who doesn't want to get paid?

Perception of Reality

For most of this week I've been in 'you can't be serious' mode after reading several posts on Face book.  From the young woman taking half-naked pictures in their (or a hotel) bathroom with the thirsty dudes posting comments that cements their sexual lusts in print; to the 35 and older taking "professional" pictures--seemingly in an attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream to make the Jet Beauty of the Week.  Let's not forget the mothers who post profanity-laden statuses, words of thanks to God, booty-club pics, and photos with their toddler children--all in one day.  It's all is pretty astounding to say the least.  But it also brings about some depressing feelings for me, mostly because a great amount of the foolery I see on this social website is from people I know outside of Face book.  Some of them were former high school or college mates while others I knew in other vocational circles.  A great portion of them I went to church with at some point and time, and I get weighed with so much of the foolishness that I log off and pray.  Through that prayer and meditation one subject has repeatedly surfaced--people are hurting because they don't know who they are.

Just a Moment

This is sparked from conversations with my dawgs Jai and D-Train. 

After you read this, please take between 45 seconds and 2 minutes to give God praise for Jesus Christ.  If you don't want to get traditionally chruchy, just say something like:
God, I really appreciate that you had in mind to have Jesus die for sin so that I wouldn't have to.  I understand that You hate sin and refuse to tolerate it; so somebody had to pay for that.  But for some reason, you allowed Your Son to do that.  Also, You made it possible that I could know who He is and could chill with Him.  Now He's my best friend and I know You better because of what He did.  Thanks a lot, real talk. 
Or something similar in your own words.  He is the absolute reason for my personal joy (not necessarily happiness), strength, health, and survival.  Although the Lord has watched and shown mercy to me since I got here in 1978, when I acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of He who is great, my prosperity began to increase rapidly.  Not only that, because one Sunday in the early 2000s I decided to call His Name, I am living and breathing. 

Get Real This Time

Several African American media markets that I have given my attention to (Richmond Free Press, the Voice, black social media, etc.) are buzzing about the onslaught that the Republican party and its allies are giving the Democrats; or more specifically, President Barak Obama, over the ever present national debt situation.  For some reason, these writers, commentators, and others are appalled that the opposing political party would have the audacity to cultivate and magnify the current American financial crisis so it can be a rock-solid political platform against the incumbent president (of rival party status).  As if this tactic has never been used in politics on any level before, they can't believe that someone would bring up an issue that has secretly plagued the stability of "the greatest nation on earth" for decades when the white politicians never mentioned it; even as they were perpetuating the problem.  Therefore, because of the overwhelming prevalence of misguided opinions from very intelligent people, peep game...

Blind Take - Pelican Bay Hunger Stike and Counting

Issue: On July 1, inmates at the Pelican Bay State Prison (Security Housing Unit) in Del Norte County, California began a hunger strike to protest the "inhumane" treatment by the prisons' system and staff towards the inmates.  In addition, inmates in many other California prisons have joined the effort.  The strikers in PBSP have 5 demands which are for the prison to stop group punishment, cancel the "debriefing" policy and change the prison's gang status criteria, serve better food, expand programs and privileges for long-term SHU residents, and comply to a 2006 report by the U.S. Commission on Safety and Abuse in America's Prisons.  Around 1,000 protesters are still striking, and it seems nearly certain that some strikers will either be forced fed or will die.  The strike has also put an intense strain on the medical staff at the facility; as many are working around the clock hours to deal with the crisis.