Genes or Environment

Today I was talking with my dad, about me not posting. I have not forgotten about my blog nor have I given up, but by the end of this quarter I will be back. I was sittin around and I was thinking. I spent yesterday with my aunt, a woman I love very much and love spending time with, and we went to go see my cousin play in a basketball game. We were just talking about my family on the ride there. Today I talked with my father and just got to thinking, what makes people the way that they are? My father has always questioned society and why things are the way they are. If it wasn't for him, among a select others, I wouldn't be who I am today. My aunt has always wanted to experience more, always wanting to move on to the next thing in life to experience. She taught me experience as much of life as possible. My Uncle has been looking for himself as long as I have known him. He knows that the way things are, aren't the way he wants it to be. He is finding himself, and I am proud of him. Although he didn't purposefully instill this in me he taught that in the end you have to be happy, if you conform to others and ignore your true feelings you won't be happy. Finally my other aunt, who has always worked at bettering herself, but what she taught me has nothing to do with that she taught me to have pride in my family. Most of the people in Winnfield don't care about the things that my dad showed me were important, nor care to see the things in the world my aunt told me about, want the changes my uncle wants or the drive of my other aunt. I really have no point just me thinking in this post

Question of the Day

I often read books or watch TV dramas. One thing that occurs whether in books or TV a person often finds themselves having to find Justice for a wrong done against them or a loved one. This can be applied to real life is the "War on Terror" in any way "Justice". At what point does Justice become Vengeance? Is justice repayment for wrong doings or is it the setting right of wrong doings?

Question: Is justice by any means still justice?

Please post your opinions.

Brief Return

Wow it has been a long time since I posted. I am really behind on a lot of things. I doubt that anyone will even read this. I hope that eventually you will read this. This quarter I am taking sociology. It is a very interesting class. What amazed me was how it doesn't sugar coat anything it just tells it like it is. One thing that it said was that race was a creation of society to give reason for existing social inequalities. That was real deep to me. Last year in my Political Science class the book said that in American society that the balanced is tipped in the favor of whites and that minorities often get harsher punishments for the same crimes that whites commit. Then my History text book stated how the lingering effects of past racism still exist in American society, for both blacks and whites. I find this to be interesting because I thought that the racial problems that this nation faced were swept under the rug and basically ignored. This shows me that maybe more people are addressing it than I once thought. What I want to know is what do you think about the racial issues in this country. do you think that there is a problem or are some people just reading too much into somethings? I would love to know what you all think.about this issue.

Big Things

This year i plan on doing big things. I may have my plate a little full. The real problem is this latin class I am taking. I hold three positions on campus. I am Under secretary for UAAM, I am Treasurer for NAACP, I am Liberal Arts Senator for SGA. As an e-Board member of UAAM I can help with the formation of programs one that I plan on starting is to help make people on campus aware of the importance of voting, and politcal awarness. The treasurer wants me to help in a program to help educate people on how to get to college and prepare for the business world. We are also doing a fitness program So I will be given a physical at the beginning of the year and at the end to see how well I progressed. Lastly for UAAM we are doing a can food drive for a domestic abuse shelter in town the women come there with their families and food runs out quickly with upwards of ten families living there. My friends and I actually started the program last year it is called Save-a-Meal. As Senator for SGA I help delagate where money goes for students and help improve the student experience on campus I just started that so I don't know what all I will be doing. The e-Board for NAACP is doing things to help the Jena six situation and overall help the students on campus. All of that on top of work classes and maybe one more things I am not sure about yet.

Politics=Religion?

Today I started college, I only have one class on Tuesday & Thursday. I don't start work until next week so I was just chilling out in the Student center. My friend and I were talking and we were just discussing things. Some how things drifted toward people don't what they are doing and abortion came up. I live in the south, the dixie, the bible belt so my beliefs tend to be in the minority especially if religion is involved. I voiced my opinion on how even if it is wrong you still don't have the right to deny anyone the right to choose. We were having a political discussion. Some how the discussion smoothly drifted to religion straight up and the debate we were have became a sermon. Now the man who turned it into a sermon is my friend. I met him last year him and a couple of people took me in as a friend when I knew no one. So he will always me my friend. He went through some stuff this summer and God or maybe more likely religion help him through it. I am not against religion, but it seems that when people are put though the fire what ever is there becomes there life. I feel as if I am witnessing the birth of a fundamentalist. It is very interesting to witness. However I feel about his path, the intellectual in me(not to sound over confident) is interested

Pattern

I have been noticing something else in the Bush administraion. It seems that a lot of people get fired or quit. There is now an opening for U.S. Attorney General I am off on how many this will make, but we are going through this whole thing again senate confirmation and such. With only a year or so left in this presidency makes you wonder why are does the Administration go through so many people? My theory is that a lot of dirty dealing is going on and when the blame needs to be passed someone loses their job. To be honest who didn't see this coming though. The firing of the 8 others without reason just spurs this kind of beahvior. I have more to say, but I can't use my computer and for a while so any post will be short.

Purpose

Today was the conclusion of CNN's three part, six hour special on Religion and politics. I watched all three parts, and I got angry. These people were flat out rascist or just simple had hatred in their heart. I was just angry and almost fed up I thought that maybe I was wrong about the inherint goodness of human beings. I came across another thing that I stick with. I think that Organized religion has been outgrown by modern society. The Israelies had a strict belief that the land was theirs. They broke international law to create settlements on palastienian land and, they don't care about international law. What they call "God's law" comes first. These people do not care They don't want the palastineans to even have equal rights if they take the west bank. Then the muslims which are chronicled plenty. The same thing was told as usual. They are ready to die to confront and destroy any and all who oppose them. The two religious groups in the middle east have both resorted to terrorism. Finally it was the Christians. These people are organized, and dedicated to complete conversion of american society. The difference is that these people are politcal they use american politics to force their culture on us and use fear to make us accept it. These people are dangerous. I finally came to a conclusion. Religion was the source of most of the problems of the world. Note this special did not say this. The show just chronicled the movements. What did happen is that they let these people say what they had to say. I heard their words from them. The conflict between the two religions is comepletely the fault that both are so arrogent as to not accept any other view, but their own. The violence is a direct cause of extremist views of mostly peaceful religions. It seem to unlikely that relgion can exist in a non-extremist way. The fundamental American Christians are on a campaign to recreate american culture, and I am afraid of these people. I am afraid of what they are doing to us as a society. First I was angry at these people, but I knew that I could get to thinking of doing things their way. Couldn't force my view on them. If I did I was no better than them. I did realise what I had to do. I understand that if I want to do right by the world I had a responsibility. I will not force my ways on others, but I will fight with my voice.

Expletus

"The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices, to be found only in the minds of men. For the record: prejudices can kill, and suspicion can destroy, and the thoughtless, frightened search for a scapegoat has a fallout all of its own, for the children and the children yet unborn. And the pity of it is... that these things cannot be confined... to The Twilight Zone."

Rod Sterling

This week I watching TV I came across a little preview of a show called God's Warriors it is about how the three major religions ,Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, and politics affect each other in the world. Commercial was about Battle cry lead by Ron Luce, and there campaign to bring back morals into the American culture (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2007/08/15/gods.warriors.battle.cry.cnn). Ron Luce wants to take back this country from the virtue terrorist of American society. Luce has a strong opposition to Homosexuality and abortion, it seems that he and his followers want to stamp out anything that they don't like. I have talked about this plenty of time here at my blog. I don't understand why they must have it only there way and no other way whats so ever. They want a Christian nation, but this isn't one, yet I doubt that they actually understand what they are attempting to make. I think that Ron Luce and people like him and a stain on American culture, not for their beliefs, but for the way they try to destroy all other aspects of American culture that they don't like. While it is true that I don't like these people I fully respect their right to express themselves, but I doubt they fully understand what they are doing to American youth.On the complete opposite spectrum of Christian americans is Greg Boyd. Greg Boyd says "you can no more have a christian bicylce than you can have a christian nation. It just doesn't work that way(http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/gods.warriors/ look under christianity and Video Diary). Boyd is against the polarization of American culture. He wants people that have different political views to have them, but still be able to come together as people. This is exactly want I want I think that we can have our own personal and political views, and still be friendly to one another. This is what Greg Boyd preaches. He thinks that Religion and government are too fused together in this nation. In 2004 Boyd refused attemps from other various leades to tell their followers how to vote. I wish that there were more relgious leaders like Greg Boyd, because if there were we would be much better off in my view. Boyd's view is the way I view faith. I encourage that you watch this show on CNN called God's warriors it airs Tuesday through Thursday at 9 pm easter time. Each day they will chronicle stories such as this from each of the major religions. Tues-Judaism, Weds-Islam, Thurs-Christianity. This show proves another of my points. I do not want anyone to think I am just focusing in on christians. I oppose any religion that trys to enforce there ways on the entire world or a particuar culture. It is that in this nation it is mostly Christians doing this. I really hope that you all will watch this show I surely will. This show is very informative about the effects of extreme relgion on a modern society.

Death of a Stock Market

Well I was watching the news and the Stock market is in big trouble, and it is looking like it is going to be a big problem I am not big on the stock market. I can't say that I know much on this topic, but I do know the effects of a crash last time the market crashed it was the beggining of the Depression, which I might add was world wide. The world and the U.S. in particularly is going some stuff right now and with a depression equal in strenght to our current economy is could prove to be quite a problem. I don't know what to say about this really so What I would like is for you all to inform me on this topic if you will.

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

The Ames Straw Poll was held on the 11th of this month. Now we may see the thinning of the weeds. I have stated before that this 08 Presidential election has no stand out candidates. The election will not get good until we have our final two major party candidates. The process of picking the candidates is also very fun, not as much as the election itself, but a close second. As I suspected Mitt Romney came out on top. I really think he has a chance of getting the Rep nomination, but we know that things can change in a New York minute when it comes to politics. We just have to look at Howard Dean. Things in this election are moving along slowly, but I am sure that with 2008 steadily approaching it will pick up speed. I always looked at the primaries as a time when that party members turn on each other one second they defend each other on the news and next they are at each others throat say why their fellow party members are not better for the job than they are. The atmosphere of politics changes when Presidential elections roll around I swear you can almost smell it in the air. We are guaranteed a new face in the office of the President after this election. So I must remind everyone that this is a very important election. With all that is going on in this country and the world who will fill the Presidency is a very important. Remember register to vote, get informed of the candidates and vote.

Revisions

Well I am back sorry for the long absence, But I have been busy with family stuff. Which brings me to what I want to post about today. I have been visiting family the last couple of weeks, and when families get together they discuss many things one thing they talked about maybe two or three time was that a new law had passed that made it illegal to sag your pants. The older members of my family were all in support of this. I Said nothing just listened to what they had to say, but the second time I had to speak out. I said "I don't like this law it is violating their first amendment rights, they can wear what ever they like. I got quick responses like I don't want to see it, or what if they try to get a job they can't wear that. We debated this for about two-three minutes then I gave up. See I do not sag my pants it looks stupid, and they are right you want get a job dressed that way, but to make it a law where you can't where your cloths the way you want is way more than the first step down that path I fear that this country is going down. What if someone made a law where you had to have your hair cut a certain way. No one would like that. I ask you how is this law any different? I tried to get them to understand my point. It was futile my mother and my aunt came to my side and that was it. I am not asking you to like it just to protect the rights of others. So through this I have a revised view of what some americans thinks of freedom. They think that freedom is the ability to do as they please and for everyone else also, as long as it fit in to their view od right and wrong. This is why we have so much division in this nation we all have different views on freedom. Freedom is the ability to do as you please as long as it does not violate anyone elses freedom. So I also now know that despite what many black people are registered as(dem) they are really conservatives at heart. so they vote dem to help themselves out when in actuality they should be voting rep. It seems what I have stumble on develves deeper than what I first thougth

Forever in a Day

Hello I have been a little busy, but I will try to post again soon. I hope to get back into my usual routine soon. Just please give me sometime, and please don't forget about me.

Serpent's Song

Well Louisiana is all over the news lately. Sen. David Vitter has been tied to the DC Madam. Now I do not care if Senator Vitter had sex with a prostitute, I don't care if he had sex with three prostitutes and a orangutan. As long as he does his job well I could care less that is between him, the law and his family, but it quickly becomes my business when he lies to get elected. He didn't lie about this situation, but he lied about what he stands for, he pushed conservative issues in congress. Then it turns out that he doesn't practice what he preaches. That makes him a hypocrite. I think he has refuse to answer any questions about the situation. Soliciting a prostitute is still a crime in this country. As a representative of the people he is answerable to the people, When president Clinton got caught up the right wing could not stop putting him down. Don't get me wrong I like Clinton he was a good pres, but he did lie under oath, I don't care what he and the intern did, but when your perjure yourself then I have a problem. Really when it comes down to it what my real problem is, is that this is a growing problem going on in politics hypocrites. Does anyone stand for what they say they stand for? I already have a problem with the legislature that conservatives push in congress, but I respect them. When you are caught flat out doing the opposite, it just makes it hard for me to still respect you. Can they even be trusted. What happened to honor? Honor you constituents, your office. Conservatives want to act so up right, and morally righteous. How can they justify their action from Foley to Newt Gingrich to David Vitter. The story that Senator Vitter is telling is the same old song I heard a million times before, I am sorry, my family and I are working through it, I've answered to God, This is a personal matter. I guess It is our fault we let them get away with it.

Unnatural Selection

A while back Mary(Get Your Own) awarded me the Thinking Blogger Award(http://getit4yourself.blogspot.com/2007/06/triple-tagged.html). I am very grateful for this honor. As apart of the rules that come with the Award I must award it to five other people.

1. The first Thinking Blogger Award goes to Enemy of the Republic at "Cruel Virgin". I am giving this Award to her because she and her blog are not closed minded. Her blog is full of ideas that honestly make you think. She is not dismissive, and willing to discuss the opinions expressed in the comments.
2. The second goes to Tim from "Finding the Truth". He is an honest blogger who only seeks to fight for what is right and speak out against what is wrong. He doesn't care what side the problem is from wrong is wrong.
3. Third goes to Remorji from "Sittin on the Big Porch". Here we have a blogger who is not only finding himself, but wants others to learn from his lessons. Knowing this blogger personally. I know how much he has grown an also know the lessons that can be gained from his stories.
4. The fourth award goes to X.dell over at "The X Spot" This blogger is one who discusses topics most are not familiar with and shines the light on them. He wants to educate people for their own good. The stories he tells will open your eyes.
5. Finally we have Urban Butterfly from "Urban Butterfly". She is one of the most unique bloggers around a blog full of poetry. Here you will find poem that express in great detail the things everyone goes through.The poems are great and enlightening. UB as she is called has a beautiful blog and soul. Definitely one to check out.

THE RULES:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.

2. Link to the original post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme. (there’s that word…)

3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.

Point of No Return

I was interviewed by Betmo from Life's Journey. I really enjoyed the experience and would love to do it again if asked. Hope you enjoy as well.


1) As a young blogger, who tackles pretty heavy topics- what are the reactions of your peers to your posts, and do they have much input? Actually many people in my social life don't know about my blog or this side of me, but when people do find out about my blog they are intrigued. In high school all I heard was "that's cool" or "your into that". In college it is a different story they ask questions, read my post. Many times we become better friends because I realise that they think about the same stuff and vice versa. We end up having long discussions about politics and the world. As far as input no my blog is all me, but they do give me inspiration.

2) Your generation is going to have many messes to clean up- if now is any indication- how do you see America and the world being in 20 years? 20 years, well I see American rights being stripped away under an ever increasing power of the Executive Office, a Supreme Court who will not challenge any conservative president, and if attitudes don't change a Congress afraid of the Executive office. America will be even more divided. The rest of the world will follow suit. The big mess my generation will have to clean up is the political structure of the entire world. The economy is going to be horrible, the U.S. is going to be isolated from the rest of the world Europe particularly. After the collapse of the middle east chaos will ensue dragging more European nations into the fight far deeper than they would like. Latin America may be a third world region once the U.S. ignores them in favor of the Middle East issue. This is what I see unless we get some policy makers in office who see this problem and are willing to correct it.


3) Reading your blog over the past months- it seems as if you are looking at issues and learning from them as you go along. what was the inspiration for you to start blogging? The inspiration to start blogging was a two part thing. Starting with the 2000 elections I had been very interested in politics, but I had no one to talk to about it. So I learned and quietly observed on my own, keeping my thoughts to myself. Then my father called me one day telling me to check out his blog, Sitting on the big Porch, I did and when he explained what it was to me. I knew I had found what I needed. An open forum of discussion on issues that meant a lot to me. I feel that a lot happens in the world and as long as I speak out I have made a difference.

4) If you were running a candidate's campaign for president, what would be your advice to him/her for a platform? Glad you asked. I often feel like candidates are selling a product with fine writing saying "results may vary". I would tell them to be honest and tell them what you plan to do, don't sugar coat it. Talk to the average man/woman, the people you intend to serve like they have some intelligence, don't baby them. Absolutely no Smear campaigns. If you are honest about your intentions the people will see what you are really about. If you win then you won fair and square, no tricks. If you lose, at least you ran an honest campaign. I think that liberal, conservative, or moderate we are all tired of fake, dirty, dishonest politicians

5) Many of us out here in blogland take up many causes- but we have one pet cause we champion (mine is the environment)- do you have one? and if so, what is it? My cause is equality. It encompasses many things, equal rights racial harmony, and many more, but I want us all to be equal, because we are. So it may seem my passions vary, but it all boils down to equality. I can't let our rights be violated. I believe humanity has so much potential, but we can only live up to it once we are all free. I am afraid of what will become of us if we allow corruption and the centralization of power to take over our world.


Do YOU want to be interviewed?


Interview rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

It's Good to be King

Well, surprise surprise President Bush commuted Scotter Libby's sentence. It is not a pardon so he is still guilty. I asume that this is Pres. Bush's attempt to satisfy both sides. This logic makes no sense. I could see if he had served some of his jail time. What if we reversed this logic if you pardoned a man before he went to jail, but he still had to serves his time. Don't get me wrong if the position were reveresed I would love a commuted sentence, but I thought we lived in a country were justice was blind but I guess every now and then she peaks under that blind fold just to make sure it isn't one of the President's buddies. Honestly who didn't see this coming. I am not going to pretend that Pres. Bush is the only President to do this, but that doesn't make it anymore right. What is wrong with the president going over the sentences of the average man and finding one where he evidence was sketchy or where they were obviously innocent,and pardoning them or commuting their sentence. I guess you would need a President more in touch with the people. President Bush's administration seems to be out of his hands I doubt that this decison was completely his. Why, of all people should Scooter Libby get a "get out of jail free card"? This is a complete miscarrige of Justice. I am more than a litte bothered by this. Which is strange since I saw it coming maybe a part of me just hoped for more. So a friend of yours leaks the name of a U.S. undercover agent then lie about it and you can get them off. I guess it is good to be king.

Menace

*First off I would like to make a correction no one died in the Jena incident. I received bad info

North Korea is testing more weapons. N. Korea is going to be a real threat I watch a lot of of Sci-fi and drama shows and one thing that they have in common is that close to the end of the season things begin to build up until the climactic season finale. I am afraid we are reaching the end of our season an old enemy returns and is gaining strength(N. Korea). The main characters are getting a new leader(U.S.'s election is coming). The main enemy's devious plot was foiled leading into their next big attack(London terror attacks). At the end of the season it will all come together. Now that was just a little fun I was having with the current situation, but the truth is that N. Korea is a real threat. It seems to me that no one else seems to care very much unless it is on CNN or Fox News. We as a people need to start prioritizing what we need to do. Iraq is too far gone and we are in too deep to just pull all out now. We do need a gradual pull out of Iraq and start dealing with N. Korea. I am not saying we do what we did in Iraq, because we all know how that went, but North Korea is a real problem that the U.S. and other nations need to address. We need to address them soon before the Season end with us caught by surprise.

The Broca Divide

I noticed something yesterday. Recently around here the watercooler conversation is the Jena situation, more commonly known as the Jena Six. I learned that it had taken own national coverage. It was in a Chicago newspaper, and a radio show. So Since this happened in my backyard basically. I felt it was right to go with the theme that my blog has been taking the last couple of post, Racial harmony. What happened is there was a tree that some black students wanted to sit under, but it was reserved for white students only. When the black students sat under it the next day nooses were hanging from the tree. Racial tension was increased in the city. Fights broke out and eventually led to the deaths of some students who are now on trail. Why is it so easy to tear apart a community solely on the basis of race. I have been to Jena a couple of times and my high school played them in homecoming a few times. So this extreme case of racism feels too close for comfort. I know racism exist. It exist in my hometown, but this is just so extreme. White only, this is not the 1950's, it is the 21st century. The bond that I spoke of in my last post is there, but acts like this make it hard to see. I grew up in the south race is apart of everyday life, not always negative. Just always there. Now the trial has come along and less than half of the people called to jury duty showed up. Do people not care? I think that if we fight hard enough that racism can be reduced. Can it be destroyed? I don't know, but I wish that it could. Humanity is so divided it really makes me feel sad. I really hope that we can mend this hatred among us. From the middle east to US-Mexican-border to Jena Louisiana human beings seem to be at odds with each other over seemingly superficially things. We are all humans, we breathe the same air, drink the same water, live off the same ground, live on the same earth. Why are we so divided?

The Ties That Bind

Natalie Halloway, Elizabeth Smart, Jessie Marie Davis these women are a long list of women who have gone missing. I am not saying that these things are not sad, but does anyone remember Phylicia Moore, Alexis Patterson, Rilya Wilson, Judy Cajuste, or Sharonda Parker. When a person is abducted it is always sad I am not saying anything to the contrary, but the media has it's pick and choose of the stories it airs/prints. Why is it that the stories that get the most attention are about white people. All missing people are important regardless of race there is a racial divide in this country. We as a people should care regardless of race. I don't have much too say I just wanted to give you all something to think about. What are the things that bind us race nationality or as I hope Humanity. I believe that as human beings we share a bond that goes beyond race, religion, nationality. Sometimes it maybe hard to see, but I have no doubt that it exist I really hope that in this millenium that all that hold people together is not race.

Unending

Today I am talking about the middle east situation. Recently Hamas has taken the Gaza strip. This is a Major event. It changes things to say the least. So I am going to talk about Middle east politics instead of our own. Which to be honest is becoming harder to seperate. I read that the number of refugees coming out of Iraq is increasing. Iraq is, like I have said plenty of times before, a mess. Now with Hamas having taken the gaza strip we will probably see an increase on attacks all over the middle east. I hope that a peaceful resolution to these problems could be found, but with stubborness coming from all sides I don't see who would be willing to agree to that. It would seem that aggression is something rooted in the human being so deep no matter how advanced we get or how holy we get it can never be erased. The middle east has been a hotbead of war, terror, and aggression for sometime now. It is not all their fault. European fought over it, religions fought over it. It is not limitied to the Middle east either look at Latin America, superpowers of all generations. Ancient Greece had a city state the was all about military, Sparta. Rome's goal was to conqueor the world and they used military might to get that job done. Great Britian in it's hayday fought many Wars I couldn't name them all. The U.S started out in a War and in the twentith century has had it's hand in major miltary action for every generation of that century. We will continue to try to stabalize the middle east, but sadly there will always be war if not in the Middle East then elsewhere on this blue marble of ours. Yes it war is inevitable infact it is.....

This post and the next nine post, their titles all have something in common as a tribute.

List

Every since 9/11 there has been the no fly list. On Sunday I watched 60 minutes and they were talking about the No fly list. There is nothing wrong with the no fly list in idea. A list on people who are suspected of terrorism(with legitimate reason) being prevented from flying, a but the govn't has allowed the list to become antiquated, and basically useless. Starting of my list of problem with the list is that there are dead people on the list. Nine on the 9/11 hijackers are on the list and Saddam Hussein. People who cause no serious threat are on the list the president of Bolivia is on the list along with a leader of one of our few allies in the Middle East. When the woman in charge on the list was question she simply answer we already knew the list is outdated. Well Duh! She honestly had no idea that some of these people were on the list. It was later revealed that different govn't agencies just gave random list they have to fill out the No fly list. How safe does that make you feel that a list used to protect us is allowed to become so dilapidated. This administration is so concerened with terrorism yet they can't keep up a list like. To make it worse the real bad terrorist that the govn't is after are not put on the list at all. So that they won't know that they are being looked for. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the list My second problem is the fact that it is No "fly list" why not a No Travel list or to accompany the No fly list a No sail list. What it boils down to me is this is a list to appease the public. Let's face facts terrorist are not stupid. If you pulled off the biggest bank heist and got away with 500,000 dollar clean would you do the exact same thing again. Terrorist will do many things to achieve there goal they are not limited to using planes. That is why I believe in a No Travel list to prevent them from getting in and out of the countries they work in.

Immigration

Today the Immigration bill was dealt a devastating blow, It was all but destroyed. The bill barely mustered any support. So what is the problem? I will tell you right now that coming into another country and using it's resources without being a citizen is somewhat wrong. I say somewhat because I understand why they come here. It is completely understandable. What gets me is the protest to people being put out. If you know that you are here illegally why would you think that you deserve to stay. If you have to sneak in then you aren't supposed to be there. Don't get me wrong I am all for them becomeing citizen that is the soul of this country immigration. I also think that the way that they are treated is wrong. The conservatives in this country what to make the illegals out to be monsters without souls or something. It is wrong the way that they are treated. So why do we in America have this superiority complex? Americans feel that they are the top dogs and no one else matters, at least that is how it appears to me. Americans are caring, but they tend to not see it from the other side if it affects them in any sizeable way. Maybe being the only superpower left has fed to it. In my Political Science class my professor said that at childhood we are endoctored to believe america is perfect, and when you say something opposing that people get angry. This was proven when we discussed the constitution and he told us that the constitiution did not prepare for certain situations, and that it was not perfect.Him and another student got into a heated discussion about america. I don't know what it is, bit I know that being an American does not give you the right to look down on others or treat them less than humanly.

Tagged II: The Reckoning

Last December C-dell was tagged by Undeniable Liberal to list weird thing about himself, this summer C-dell faces two taggers Enemy of the Republic & Urban Butterfly. Tagged II: The Reckoning opens June 5th

"better than the original"-Sikel and Abbot

"Breakout Post of the summer"-Tumbling Stone

"masterpiece, thrill ride, you have to read this post"- Whitley Times

1. When I am alone I talk my thoughts
2. When really being myself I am very goofy
3. I have a memory box where I keep thing that remind me of important days or events
4. I think I am addicted to soda
5. I wonder if human beings will ever really have peace
6. If a woman can really truly sing I am instantly attracted to her
7. If a person cares only for themselves or limits themselves to their immediate surroundings I am instantly biased against them
8. I love being naked(TMI perhaps)

each blogger starts with eight - ten random facts/habits about themselves…* people who are tagged need to write posts in their own blog about the tag and post these rules…* at the end of your post, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names

Charlie, Imran, Deborah, Dirk Star, Sornie, Betmo, Anne, Simon are Tagged to have their own spin offs.

For Your Protection

Last sunday I was watching TV it was about 2:00 AM I flipping through the channels and I started watching South Park. I like to watch cartoons, but it was not on Comedy Central I don't know what channel this was so I am watching TV and the screen goes blank. The words The scene where blah, blah, blah has been editted out for your protection. I was taken back a bit I had never actually seen something like this. I had heard words bleeped, or a voice over to replace the word, and of course the blur, but the entire scene was just gone for like five seconds that message appeared on the screen and then when it was gone the next scenes was on the TV. So what does that actually mean? Like I said it was 2:00 AM. What was the point, I think they removed the scene where Kenny eat some fecal matter. First of all it is a cartoon it is not real. I don't feel any more safe, and I have seen that episode before. I think I was okay. This however small it was disturbes me it is like the beggining of some george Orwell nightmare. Starts out small, then gradually grows. I just think if you don't want to watch something don't watch it, if you don't want your kids to watch something don't let them watch it. It really is that simple. I see things like this as very one sided. People have a problem with something and they try to force that down the throats of everyone else. All the parent groups, and religious groups want it only their way. That is wrong, and goes against what this nation is supposed to stand for. It is easy to not watch something, it is very hard to watch something that isn't allowed. You should all know the problem I have with rap and the overall hip-hop culture, but I in no way want it gone or to stop other people from listening to it or being apart of it. This is a free nation, please do as you please. I just think that stopping other people from partaking in something that you don't like then you are veering too close to facism. That is just the way I see it. What you do, watch, listen is none of my business, and vice versa. I just wish that people would stop forcing their morality down others throats, now don't get me wrong I will speak my mind, you can't stop me from doing that, but at the same time I will never try to force you to see it my way.

Diet Racism

Today, I am in shock. I never thought that racism was dead, but I thought it was at least weakened or dying, but lately I have been completely slapped in the face. I am going to tell you about two incidents that involve people I know. One grew up with me and I am very close to the other is an adult that I respect very much, but let me down with their words. I was at Sonic with my friend we were getting something to eat, and their were a lot of people their. My friend said soon after we got there "I am nervous, there are a lot of white people here" I was in shock I thought I knew this person. There words hit me hard how can a young person in 2007 say something like this. I didn't speak to them the entire time we were in the car together. I shrugged it off, and went on. I knew that racism still existed, chances are that I would encounter it. Days passed and today I was watching TV with someone and there was two men who were hugged up and this person assumed that one of them was gay and was wondering about the other. This person just kept show their frustration with the one that was gay. The gay man did cry a lot. I will admit the excessive crying was a bit much. For me it had nothing to do with the fact that he was gay, he is a grown man. The person I was Watching TV with spewed the word(forvive just quoting) fag and faggot a couple of time. Then the man began to cry again and she said "he is such an fag" I responded not all gay people cry all the time or act that way. She responded "yes they do". Shameful at least in my eyes. This is 2007, that is the same as saying that all black people eat watermelon and chicken. That is not all she had to say either. The show was about a family they were yelling a lot and she said that "they must be Italians". It is shameful to hear this out of an educated person's mouth. So now that you see the situation I am in. I want to address racism and prejudices in America. Like I said I Know that racism is not dead, but I never expected to hear it come from where it did or does. I know these people very well. They would never treat any one different based on anything like that, but they do think that way so that is what I am saying. We have racism, no one is treated different, but are looked down. I was raised that everyone is equal and you don't prejudge people based on outside things. What is inside their personality is what make a person good or bad. Or so I thought I guess that what all the adults around me were really saying was if you approve of who or what they are do you judge them on their personality instead of the outside.Racism is still very much alive. Same great taste, less calories.

Year One

My first year of college is over, and it went by faster than I thought it would. I Have really grown in college. I joined some organizations, made good friends, meet great professors who I consider friends, but most importantly I learned so much. Not to dump on High school, but I understand now that Highschool is only a basic education. The most simple of classes in High school, in college require just as much work and attention as any other. My roommate took geography, which I take in the Fall, and the things he told me that they studied we never went over in highschool. My first year in college has reinforced my idea of education. When people are educated then I think that the world would be so much better. When I came home and saw people I hadn't seen in months were doing the samething they were doing when Ieft I just wondered what if they were educated or at least wanted to be.

Presidential

On my return post I want to talk about the upcoming presidential election. A lot of people have thrown their hats into the ring, but among these people who has what it takes to not only get elected, but also be a successful president? This blog endorses Sen. Obama, but I am first to admit the flaws in his campaign. Sen. Obama is a freshman senator, he is black, he is also the flavor of the month. Maybe less so now. The democrats have Clinton, another big name, but also has draw backs. These include being the first lady of President Clinton, A woman, extreme, she seems fake(at least to me), and neither party really trust her. Other than that the dems do not have a strong candidates. Not to say that they are all bad just can they get elected. That is the real concern now. On the other hand the reps do not have any big names. Rudy Giuliani is the biggest name that they have, but he is leaning on his 9/11 history too much. He has proven to be a good leader. Really the republicans have no one. I see purely from a nonpartisan standpoint I see Mit Romney getting the nomination. This coming election is such a critical one yet there is not stand out candidate from either side. When nominations are issued the election is going to get really interesting. Everyone needs to get out and start seeing where everyone stands. This election is very important. Please get informed vote.

Question of the Day

My last two post brought up a the topic of individuality, and responsibility. Some said that they understood the feeling of being grouped. Others said that each man was and individual. While it is true that each person is an individual, but to what extent? We all love our family, we all want success, happiness, we all have fears, and strengths. So at the core of humanity how different are we really?

Question: Are all people essentially the same?

Please post your opinions

I am so embarrassed

The last post I did was about "snitchin". I put up a quote by the rapper Camron. I put it up to show the mentality that we are dealing with. Maybe we could understand so we could help the problem. Then I actually saw the interview, and as a black man I was and am Highly embarrassed. The man said if a serial Killer lived next door to him he would move, and not tell the police. What type of person says something like that? I talked to my father and he told me not to worry about people out of my range, and help the ones in my vicinity, but how can I stand by and let these people corrupt the black community or any other with this ignorance? I feel I would be wrong if I didn't at least speak out. I understand what my father said. I don't yet have the power to affect large numbers. So until I do I will help who I can. What really got me was the children. The boy said that the thing to be concerned over are never backing down in a fight, get money, don't snitch, and stay fresh. So this is the way I See it is the "Stop Snitchin" advocates are staying forget the innocent people who die in the streets of America. forget the world problems and screw the genocidal murders in Africa. No the real problem is the people who cooperate with the police and get criminals off the streets, not enough people have rims and chains, but the most serious problem the world has is that not enough people are fresh. Ridiculous. I have lost respect for another man that is Camron. Again I am highly embarrassed.

Snitchin

“In 2005, I was a victim of a violent crime. I was shot multiple times without provocation by two armed men who attempted to carjack my vehicle. Although I was a crime victim, I didn’t feel like I could cooperate with the police investigation. Where I come from, once word gets out that you’ve cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I’m not saying its right, but its reality. And it’s not unfounded. There’s a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner Cities."

Camron Giles

I was watching the news and saw that the "snitchin" thing is big in the news. I had heard of this before. I saw it on shirts and posters and such, but I am embarrassed about how naive I was. I never would have thought that people would actually take this to heart. Apparently people are following this Idea. People are letting this idea that they must be street credible or street soldiers. I believe in social responsibility. Rappers whether they want to or not are role models in America, but especially in the black community. There is a disturbing number of children growing up without a competent father figure. So the children look up to the rappers who could care less about the children. Many rappers will tell you that it isn't their job to be role models for the fans of their music. Which is true, but one should take that to to be on both sides of the coin. It is one thing to say something in your music and say it is just music, but it is quite a different thing to promote it outside of your music. This "stop snitchin" thing really make me angry. Rappers are putting this idea in people head and it is doing nothing, but creating more problem in the black communities. So here we have a cycle. The dangerous circumstance of the ghettos create gangsta rappers, who in turn promote the life style that they claim is so bad, that sustains the situation of the black community, and probably increases the danger of the black community, and that creates more gangsta rappers. Thus the cycle starts all over again. You would think that people who grew up in the harsh, unforgiving streets would not want it to continue, but alas they enforce it. It is all about money. Big corporations control rap music. These rappers sell out their own people for money. The CEOs of the corporations will only sign people who enforce these ideas. So people rap about the same thing in order to be record deals. One man that I have lost all respect for is Russel Simmons. He is one person that is all about the money. He defends rap to the end. Say things to the effect of it is not the rappers job the be responsible for their music, stop blaming the rappers, basically to me he is saying I don't care, stop bothering me, I just want my money. That is my take on his words not his words. He is a man that is all about the money to me, he defends the diamond trade knowing full well the the deaths attributed to it. When rap came under attack and was threatened he takes the high road. Where was he all the years it was going on before. What I think is that he is in danger of losing money so he call for reform to save rap so he can continue to make money. I have no respect for Russel Simmons. As long as people like Russel Simmons are considered the leaders of the black community rap has no chance for redemption.

Frozen

I have not been up on the news lately, but what I have noticed is the stand off between Congress and President Bush. Congress wants to pass a bil bringing the troops home, but President Bush has vowed to veto any legistation towards that end. You all know that I am all for bringing the troops home. I know would like to look at this objectively as possible. We have been in Iraq for four years. We seem to be getting nowhere in this war. How much longer will it take to get this in to the mind of this administration we can't stay in Iraq out of pride. Yes this entire situation is embarrassing for our nation, but this is not a game. Innocent lives are being lost daily. I want the troops home because I never believed in this war. President Bush wants more troops as far as I know. I know that a lot of people thought that this war was justified if not noble, but four years should show you other wise. It would be different if we were getting anywhere with this war, we are at a stand still. I think that over all this cannot end well at this point. maybe a year ago we could have saved some of our dignity or reputation. At this point we can forget that. I want the troops home. I have stated in a previous post that we have too many internal problems do try to first stablize a entire region then maintain it in definately. We need to focus on domestic problems. I am not saying we should be isolationist, because we can't. We have a role to in the affairs of the world. All the politics of the world affects the United States. We have a responsibilty to the world. We are not making a difference in the middle east. In fact we are causing more problems.

Hypocrisy

I have been watching news and the whole Imus situation is prevalent. I do not think his actions are acceptable, but on the same token we live in a society where even vastly different cultures are heavily tied into each other. So the slang and traditions of one culture can bleed into another. In the Hip-Hop culture calling women outside their name is commonplace. Hoes, sluts, tricks, chicken-heads, hoodrats are names you will hear almost everyday if you live in, near, or just hang around a majority black community. I am not trying to give a bad image of black people. Just telling the truth. Again I am not saying what Imus said was okay, but can you cannot get upset if you do it too. Now if you don't say things such as that get mad. Women should be thoroughly upset. Hip-hop culture should have nothing to say about this with any type of anger. Double standards are not acceptable. So before we make him out to be Strom Thurmond. Maybe we should realize that if we ourselves do not degrade ourselves with such names we will have less incidents like this, at least publicly.

Theocracy

"Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Today is the "Blog against Theocracy" day. We live in a Nation that was founded on certain principles. One of the First is separation of church and State. I am not against religion. I am a very spiritual person actually, but on my own terms. I am also a the type of person that cannot, and would not stand by and let people's rights be violated. A Theocracy is apart, at least in my view, of the Absolutism family. The absolutism family includes dictatorship, Monarchy, Despotism, Totalitarian, Fascism, Nazism, and Theocracy. I believe this because in a Theocracy the views of one group is set above all others. That will inherently lead to abuses of power. It does not matter how good the religion is absolute power corrupts absolute. A lot of people push religious agendas in American politics. This is wrong. We can't allow creationism to be taught in schools. We cannot allow the Ten commandment in govn't buildings, and we cannot allow prayer in school. We can't be that because if we do we are persecuting people who do not follow these teachings.When we do this we are forcing Christianity on people. This nation of ours is not a christian nation, despite what you may think. My roommate thinks that this is a christian nation. He says that this country was founded by Christians. In fact many if not all of the founding fathers were Deist. They followed Deism, which is a religious philosophy that believes in the existence of God, but believe that God isn't involved in human affairs, and that we must take care of ourselves while we are here on the earth. It also states religious beliefs be based on the natural world, because understanding the world is that only to know God. So basically they were not pro religion, which is not the same as God. I hope we all know that God and Religion are not the same thing. So now that we know the founding fathers could not be Christian because they were not advocates of Religion. We must move on to the majority is Christian claim. What if the shoe was on the other foot? Would you be offended if the Qur'an were displayed at your courthouse? The golden rule "do unto others and you would have them do unto you" This nation is for everyone. If we allow persecute people and force our beliefs on others we are no better than the real bad people. I see that the Right wing evangelical radicals in this country are trying to turn this country in to a christian nation. If that were to let this happen I know we would persecute the people that differ from them. Whether it be Muslims, Scientist, Homosexuals, or atheist. What people don't realize is that if it became that way. the moral values would be enforced harshly and more than just moral views. The principles that we hold dear would be stripped from us. You cannot have it one way, and not the other it everyone is free or no one is. Do not let people manipulate your fears. They will turn it against you. A religious state is not and never will be what you think it is.

History

March is Women's History Month. This does not get as much exposure as Black History month. It is important as well. Women have been important to much of history. The world has been and is pretty much a male dominated society. Women have held very strong and Important positions is history throughout the years. Here are some examples of strong women throughout history.

1. Queen Elizabeth I
2. Hatshepsut
3. Amelia Earhart
4. Susan B. Anthony
5. Sandra Day O'Connor
6. Joan of Arc
7. Eleanor Roosevelt
8. Barbara Smith
9. Mya Angelou
10. Harriet Tubman
11. Hattie McDaniel
12. Natalie Cole
13. Lyudmila Pavlichenko
14. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

of course there are more. These are just a few. This time I would like you to look up anyone on this list you don't know.

Death & Importance

I was reading a couple of blogs that were talking about various things such as the UK soldiers, Iraq war. They seemed to be focused on the lives being lost, and something needing to be done. I noticed that these people care about those lives for various reasons that I don't know. what caught my attention had nothing to do with that. I got to thinking about how tragic the loss of any life is. So I made another observation. We in America, possibly other countries as well, often devote ourselves to the hot button issuses. Iraq war, Scooter libby, Walter Reed, The firing of 8 attorney generals, and so on. What about the things the are not constantly on CNN of Fox News. I am not saying that these things are not important, because they are. So are many other things. AIDS is ravaging the Black community in America others too, but majority of the cases in America are black people. How often do you hear about this. Every now and then 20/20 wil do something or Dateline, even craptastic BET does a special about it once in a while. People are dying are high rates there is no cure, What do we do? I don't know, but this should be an issue that is talked about much more. Politicans should assure us that something will be done. It can't be an ignored issue. Gang warfare, I have heard reports that put the yearly death tolls of gang fighting as hight as some wars. That is happening right here on our soil, to Americans. You should care. It doesn't matter about race your fellow Americans live through this. The innocent die needlessly, and no major news organization covers this. Awareness is key. The govn't is fighting by producing special gang units in police, and harsher punishments. This is not going to work, because prison is a right of passage for gang members. Death is a part of everyday life for them. Coming into the community guns blazing send what message. The police to them might as well be another rival gang. Again I don't know how to alivate this, but it should be and issue. Muslims are persecuted very much in this country for the actions of a few. Muslims are beat to death on Americans streets. Some who are not even muslim or even from the middle east, they are Indians. Some are American citizens. So now we have racist people in this country killing people based on race and who are viewed as inferior out of fear and a feeling of superiority. I guess history does rhyme. So these soldiers go to Iraq because they want to kill Iraqis. A while back a group of soldiers killed a family and raped the female members of that family. It looks like we are fostering hate against them and then letting them have a outlet for it. Innocent people are killed for no reason by American soldiers and citizens, yet this is not an issue. Again I have no answer, but one needs to be formed. It seems to me really important issues are only the ones that the media deems important. I will admit I fall prey to this. I am not excused from this. I want all problems addressed in the media, by the people, and by politicians. We cannot let the media and govn't decide what is news. We control it, and when we let other people do that for us we are giving up our freedom to knowledge of of the world and in that same respect our power to affect policy for the better.

If the past, and the present exist only in the
mind, and the mind is controllable, then what?

Goerge Orwell "1984"

I read this quote on my father's nightstand when I visited him two years ago and it stays with me to this day . Thanks Remorji for the tip on the quote.

Finally

It seems that the troops are supposed to be home by fall 08. I know this is most likely not going to happen. Simply because President Bush is going to veto it. I do not know if the necessary vote to override it are actually there. Which leads me to think do the Dems know this. If so (and I am fairly certain of this) then this is just a show type of thing. The reason I think this is because when I saw the headline for this I thought out of instinct Finally some results. Then I began to think about it. I came to a real conclusion of what this means. Is it all really just a game, the dems got point for pulling them out, Bush administration gets a point for vetoing it, and so forth. What type of feeling I am getting now is that the interest of the American people are a side deal, like going for it on fourth down. The thought of this makes me sad to tell the truth. What is this country coming to. My roommate & I often discuss politics and the state of this nation even though he is a rep, and I am a dem we agree a lot in one thing and that is what the principals of this country are founded on, and that official are Representatives of the people, and that when screw ups happens some one should take responsibility. So now I think that informed people who may have different opinions can find a common ground. This gives me hope that maybe the true American Democratic system will return and save this country from a path it can't be allowed to go down.

Ode to Communism

This is not a post about the glory of communism. It is about a moment in my life that is fundamental to who I would become. I was real young, between 6 & 9, I think seven. My dad had come home for some reason I was spending the weekend with him and we were walking around the block and he asked me what we were talking about in school. At the time in school, we were talking about the cold war. I told him communist Russia, and he in turn asked me what I learned. I said that in Russia they don't believe in God. My dad told me that it was not true. He said that just because the govn't doesn't advocate something, doesn't mean that the people follow blindly. He told me that the govn't does not represent the morals or values of the people. That taught me a lot. The most important thing I learned was the concept of the people. Me and my dad have had many debates over the years, over a variety of things. Other things helped shape who I would become, but this moment in my life started the ball rolling.

Patriotism

It was stated on the Colbert Report that Captain America was assassinated as a direct result of the events of Marvel Universe's Civil War. I already knew about this, seeing that I am a huge Superhero fan. Captain America's death leads into my point very well. He was a rebel against the U.S. government standing up for what he thought was right. I believe that complacence is a form of treason. After 9/11 the masses fears were manipulated to get certain agendas across. I often hear statements that are along the lines of if you don't support the war, you're unpatriotic, or if you challenge the President you'rt unpatirotic. So I get the feeling that if you dislike the choices of the administration you are supposed to remain silent. I cannot do that. If I see this nation going in a direction that contridicts the principals of our foundation. I don't care about religious principals, or majority opposition. It is about what is right. Capt. America felt that the govn't forcing superheroes to register their secret identies was over stepping thier bounds. So Captain America, created by America, WWII veteran, and basically a superpowered mascot for America, stood up against the U.S govn't because they were wrong. So he loved his country so much he was willing to fight it in order to preserve it's integrity. What happened to us? We used to stand against injustice. American Revolution, Abolition movement, ERA movement, Civil right movement. Now look at us silent, and complacent. The defintion of liberty is the freedom to do as you please as long as it does not encroach on the freedom of another. Captain America stood up for what was right, he was a true american even though he was fictional. We need more real people like him.

R.I.P.
Steve Rogers aka Captain America

Bush

I have a a dislike of President Bush. He is arrogant and self-rightious, but it has morphed into something else. I was watching the news and the topic was President Bush's visit to the town that was ravaged, by a tornado. You may remember Hurricane katrina and the absence of President Bush in it's aftermath. You may think it is because he doesn't care about black people, poor people, or maybe he just doen't care. I tend to think that he just didn't want to be there whatever the reason. President Bush has expressed that he is the President and that whatever Congress wants he doesn't care. Apparently He thinks that he is America. He forced us into a war. He holds people with out rights of any sort, and the patriot act has extend that service unto American citizens. All he has to say is that they are "enemy combatant" and whoops there goes your rights. He also lies to us and he thinks this is okay. I think that he thinks that he has divine right to lead America and is on some kind of Crusade given to him by God. President Bush is dangerous if he truely thinks the way I think he thinks. Then to him the rules and regulation on power in America are just a facede to appease the public. What this actually means for the future is uncertain to me. Read "New World Order in America" by Betmo over at Life's Journey. It tells a story of what the Patriot act allows the Bush administration to do. That is the America our children and Grandchildren wil inherit if this transformation is allowed to happen. They used our fear after 9/11 to manipulate the public to allow them to strip away our rights. President Bush believes that his authority has no limits. He thinks that he can do what ever he pleases and we the public are just supposed to sit back and take it. One man comes to mind when I think of President Bush's view of himself, and the source, and nature of his power.

Disrespect

I am talking about the horrible conditions that our soldiers are having to live in in Walter Reed. The whole situation is despicable. The soldiers were in their own urine, mold was in the wall, and so much more. I am not a fan of this war never have been. I still want the soldiers, who are putting their lives on the line for what seems to be boiling down to pride, to be taken care of and watched after. I do not understand how that could have happened. Again the the infamous blame game starts. The pointing of fingers starts. Pres. Bush is the head of the executive branch all things that happen, happen under his watch. I will be the first to admit he cannot know everything that happens, but like I said he is the head of the executive branch. Pres. Bush is supposed to take blame for what happened and punish those directly responsible and then appoint people he thinks to be more capable. Instead he passes the blame and has a complete disconnect with the events that transpired their. He is trying to save his own image. His Press Secretary doesn't make it any better. Scott McClellan was annoying he claimed that the administration never knew anything, Tony Snow is frustrating he never says that the administration is at all responsible for anything. He says the President is not responsible and then talks to the press as if they are stupid if they say anything to the contrary/he refuses to answer questions. This administration has done a lot of things wrong, but not taking blame for anything is one of the most insulting. President Bush is supposed to be the "Decider", but apparently in name only. The soldiers trust that they will be taken care of if injured for their service to the govn't. for them to return home to this is a direct insult to them and their families, not to mention disrespectful. One man said in regards to the Walter Reed situation that he did not think it was all that bad. His evidence to this was the number of plasma screen TVs the hospital has. Those soldiers do not need TVs or Playstations they need medical care. For a man who is supposed to care for them to say such things is a slap in the face. It tells me that they are just supposed to take whatever care is given to them, and be happy. I would have thought that the conservatives who push so hard for the Iraq war and always say "support our troops" would be with me now if ever. Instead they make excuses for the people who let this happen to American soldiers. This really makes me mad. This tells me that the soldiers are just a means to an end for this administration. That is so disrespectful to the Soldiers of this war, other wars, the families of the soldiers, and to the American people.

Fate

I do not believe in fate. I believe in free will, and that the actions that we take push forward our lives and the world as a whole. I do how ever find the concept of fate to be very intriguing. Two television shows that I do like are Smallville and Heroes. Smallville in the past was good and then got crappy and has been so far really good this season. Heroes is one of my favorite shows. What attracts me to these show is the fate concept. In Smallville we have the legend of Superman which is commonly known. I am a huge superhero fan have seen every superhero movie good/bad. What I like about the show is that each of the characters has a destiny that they don't know, but we the audience do know. I enjoy seeing the characters become who they must become, and how they become those people. Heroes is almost the opposite. The main characters are on a journey toward their destiny, and we must go along neither of us knows where it leads. What I like about Fate is that there is an unknown outside force pushing these people in a direction whether they want to go or not. Some my say that it is God. I rather like to believe that it is the over all good of humanity pushing fate on the characters. Creating good and evil. So that good and evil can battle and one can triumph over the other. This is what some people believe. I think that it is the way people want it to be. The truth at least my view of it is good does not always triumph over evil. We would like it to. It is nice to believe that some watching force is making good win. In reality it is up to us to decide who wins in the battle between good an evil. A responsibility we may not want, but we do have.I love the Idea of fate it is so very interesting, but not real in my view. We, you and me, have the power to decide who wins in the battle between good and evil. What will you do to support your side?

Theory

Thomas Hobbes wrote Leviathan, which showed a negative view of human nature that needs govn't to control their brutish nature and conflicting desires. John Locke's Tabula Rasa states that humans are blank slate at birth and govn'ts and societies make them good or bad. Rene Descartes' Dualism, separation of mind and body. In the tradition of these people I present to you my own philosophical theory. Cardell K. Morgan's Atomic Theory of Democracy. In this I state "It is the Role of the individuals of the world to collectively create and empower the large." I came about this theory when I was writing my last post. I thought that the earth is in the relatively same position that it was in exactly one year ago. Propelled through space by gravity. A force who's power is derived the very basic level of existence. I thought that this must be the natural way for govn't to work. A nation is composed of it's citizens, and without their cooperation the nation as a whole does not work and loses all of it's power. Atoms compose everything, and without them the fundamental forces of nature do not work and are thus powerless. I am not saying I am a philosopher. I just wanted to share my theory with the world.

Full Circle

One year ago today I started Views of the Silent Majority. I published my first two post that day, Honesty & Incident, and Faith. I started this blog on the counsel of my father. I needed a place where I could discuss meaningful things that have a real impact on the world and humanity. I was not finding that elsewhere, but here was a place that was mine. An open forum of discussion ranging from political commentary to thoughtful insight into the Human condition. I actually got intelligent responses. I want and welcome all opinions. That is why I allow anonymous comment, there is no word verification, nor does any comment need my approval. I want as many comments and I do not want any hindrance on that. I began to branch out and meet other bloggers, I came into contact with many different types of blogs, bloggers and opinions. I also started my "Question of the Day" series, which poses question into the true nature of the human condition. There are four Questions of the Day. I learned things about my blog. which help me make it better everyday. I started the "Rouge Gallery" which consist of blogs that I believes contribute to the not only the blogger community we have, but to the world. The Rouge Gallery now has twenty-two members. I am very proud and fond of every member for their contributions. they contribute in different ways, all unique and all significant.. I have fifty-two post. I hope that I will have many more. This is a special day for me. When I started this blog I was a high-school senior, now I am a College freshman. Many things have happened in my life since 02/16/06. I have grown as a person and hope to continue to. I hope that you all continue to support my blog with comments and links and mentions.

For my own benefit I would much appreciate if you all would tell me your favorite post that I have done. I will tell you my top five, in no specific order, but I ask that you please tell me at least one. Thank you.

1. Hero or Villain?
2. Disappointment
3. Rhyme Time
4. Symbolism
5. Lies, D Lies, and Statistics
   

Priorities

Astronauts, and Anna Nicole that is about the only news that I can get these last couple of days. The Astronaut story is amusing. Anna Nicole's death is sad, and I hate to hear that, but this is not headline news. All weekend I tried to get a little news in, I have been busy with school work so I have not been as up on the news as I would like to be. Every time I caught a little bit of something different I quickly shifted gears to the Astronaut or Anna Nicole. I did happen to catch an Anderson Cooper bit on the conditions some people in Africa are going through. Apparently these people live off of fishing and the fish are becoming scarce. A plant that is on the river is releasing pollution in to the river killing the fish and causing people who already live in poverty to become even poorer. Some people in the area are fed up with this and are ready to take action. They have formed a militant group whose purpose is to fight the plant or rather the people in charge. Here in America we might call these men terrorist, but their hands have been forced their friends and family are dying because their life's blood is being taken from them. Who ever runs that plant obviously doesn't care for the villagers or environment. It seems that they did not stop and think about what the effects of the plant would have. No, it was all about the money. The truth is that this type of thing happens all the time in third world nations. Good people are forced to do things that they would not normally do just for survival. This is a good point on how sketchy the definition of terrorism is. The people of that village, their lives are literally on the line. The lives of their children. They will do what ever it takes to protect them. They have reached a breaking point. They fight for survival. Can we blame them for that? If they blow that plant up. They can be called terrorist or they can be called heroes. The line is sketchy, terrorist because they used violence to get a point across, Heroes because they stood up and defended their family and way of life. I guess what I want you to get from this is that people all over the world are starving, slavery still exist, despots run amok, genocide is carried out, and in America the personal problems of an astronaut and the death of one person takes precedence over all the other things happening in this world of ours. Where are our priorities?

History

February is Black history month. This is when we are supposed to honor and recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. It is important for black people to know our history, but it is not just Black history it is American History, it is history in general. Often we concentrate our focus on the few year in and year out. We always center our attention on Dr. King, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington Carver. I am not trivializing their contributions, but by focusing only on them we are trivializing the contributions of the many other people. Here are some important, but less well known aspects of Black/American History

Gwendolyn Brooks first African-American to win Pulitzer Prize

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church first African-American church

Thomas L. Jennings first African-American to hold a patent

Alexander Twilight first African-American to receive a degree from an American college

Freedom's Journal first African-American owned-and-operated newspaper

James McCune Smith first professionally trained African-American doctor

Macon B. Allen first African-American licensed to practice law in the United States

John Mercer Langston first African-American elected to public office

Oscar Dunn first elected African-American lieutenant governor (Louisiana)

P.B.S. Pinchback of Louisiana first African-American governor (non-elected)

Edward Alexander Bouchet (Yale College)Ph.D in physics first African-American to earn a doctorate degree, also first African-American to graduate from Yale, 1874

Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. first African-American U.S. Army general:

First Lieutenant Vernice Armour First female African-American combat pilot in the U.S. Armed Services:

Manning Marable is a prominent African-American political scholar

John Hope Franklin is a United States historian and past president of the American Historical Association

Abram Lincoln Harris, Jr. was an African American economist, academic, anthropologist and a social critic of blacks in the United States

Toni Morrison is one of the most prominent authors in world literature, having won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 for her collected works

Otelia Cromwell is the first African-American graduate of Smith College. The college later began the tradition of canceling afternoon and evening classes in her honor every November as a venue to talk about race and diversity

Beverly Daniel Tatum is the current president of Spelman College Tatum received her B.A. in psychology from Wesleyan University and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan.Tatum received her B.A. in psychology from Wesleyan University and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan

Dr. Jacqueline Bontemps continues to be recognized in numerous publications, resource books, and textbooks for her scholarship in the field of art by African American women

Morgan State University is a historically black college and Maryland's designated public urban university

Southern University and A&M College is one of the most well-known historically black colleges and universities

The Negro Leagues were American professional baseball leagues comprising predominantly African-American teams

The one-drop theory (or one-drop rule) is a historical colloquial term for the standard, found throughout the United States of America, that holds that a person with any trace of sub-Saharan ancestry (however small or invisible) can not be considered white and so unless said person has an alternative non-white ancestry they can claim, such as Native American, Oriental, Arab, Australian aboriginal, they must be considered black

Incompetence

I was watching the news and I saw the most shameful thing. Boston Police Department's Bomb Squad mistook an ad for an upcoming movie as an explosive device. They shut down a large portion of the city. The two men hire to put the ads up were arrested for "perpetuating a hoax" The ad had lights on it that were run by two batteries. the "device" looks nothing like a bomb up close. From far maybe, but I doubt it very much. The arrest of the two men seems to me to be nothing more that the City of Boston trying to shift the blame. The city wasted money, time, and disrupted the daily lives of it citizens over an ad. Boston is embarrassed as it should be. I just think it is shameful that the city would pass the guilt to save face. How these two men could possibly be convicted is beyond me. The two men were not intending for the ads to be mistaken for bombs. The ads were in nine other cities and no other police departments mistook the ads for explosive devices. This to me seems to show a growing trend in America to not own up to our mistakes. If you screw up then say so. No one wants to take responsibility. It is one thing when you see this in celebrities. It sad that individuals in the public eye who are looked up to won't take responsibility, but when the govn't of an entire city won't what does that say about our culture. I could maybe see the police department doing this. Cops tend to have a "look out for your own" mentality, but the DA's office is in on it to. Those two men do not deserve to be convicted on felony charges. I honestly hope these two men get off. They did nothing wrong. The Boston Department screwed up. What it all comes down to is that the buck has to stop somewhere.

This is the "Bomb"

Cheney

I have a dislike of President Bush politically, I don't know him personally. He may be a little self-rightious and arrogant, but again I don't know him personally. On the Other hand Vice President Cheney I don't like personally. I don't know him personally either, but an interview he did with Wolf Blitzer showed me what type of person he really is. He was asked legitimate questions by Blitzer, Yet he felt it was okay to avoid almost every question that was thrown at him. Vice President Cheney has a history of putting himself above the people. My post "Honesty & Incident" talks about when he shot the man in the face. The Vice President claims that he doesn't have to answer to anyone for any reason. That is a dangerous opinion for a public official to have, especially the Vice President of the United States. This man is a major influence on President Bush. I don't think President Bush would have the become the arrogant self-rightous man that he is now if it were not for the influence and support of Vice President Cheney. I don't have much to say just a warning public officials who will not submit to the will of the people and feel superior to the public are the people who start to transform the govn't into one where rights are only what the people in charge think that we the people are worthy of. One man comes to mind when I think of Vice President Cheney's opinion of himself and how govn't should work.

Turning Point

Fall of the Roman Empire, Discovery of the Americas, Scientific Revolution, World War II all of these things were turning points for the world. After each of those events the world changed radically. The changes were not sudden, but gradual. The world ceased work the way same way. I believe that the world has entered a new turning point. After 9/11 event were put into motion that were and are changing the world. War is not the same the dangerous people are not the same. President Bush has increased the powers of the executive branch. The middle east is now the center of the political world. The United States' Reputation is that of an arrogant nation. When the world was ravaged by war during WWII change started. after politics were not the same and they never can be. The political world is an evolving one. As I said I think that we are going through a similar change. When all is said and done the world will be different the world our children or grandchildren will inherit can not be anything like ours. When history looks back at this time it will not be a section, it will be a Chapter, an entire unit, or possibly a class unto itself. I am living this change as you are, because of this I do not know what the world will be like. It is the lot of any civilized society to change. I feel honored to know that I lived through such an important time in human history. Do you have an idea about the upcoming world. What I am trying to say is that we are living in an important time, full of change. The least that we can do is fight to make it a better one. In any way you can, whether it is speaking out in your blog, being a good journalist, a good politician, teacher, scientist, or just raising the next generation to be good honest people who believe in equality. Any way you contribute you will at least know that however small you helped shape the new world for the better.

Choice

Today is the 34th anniversary of Roe vs. wade. Roe vs Wade is the landmark judicial ruling regarding privacy and abortion. I am a proud liberal. I believe that the govn't has no right to intrude in the lives of it's citizens, and decide what is right when it comes to things cause no harm to others. I personally believe that abortion is a sad thing. a young being, whether alive or not, that never gets the chance to experience life. There is always adoption. I also feel that I have no right to tell someone what to do on matters that are none of my business. I may not like abortion, but I do support a person's right to choose. This is America supposedly the land of freedom. How can this be true when we constantly try to force people to conform to the thinking ways of others? I see this movement to outlaw abortion as a religious movement. The religious wing of America feels self righteous, but no one has the right to force religious doctrine on others. In my opinion they hide behind various reasons to cover up this fact. Abortion really hurts no one. The spiritual side that some people claim I cannot comment on, because I don't know. I do know that religion has no place in govn't. I wonder why what another person does concerns the people who oppose abortion. I know that abortions happen quite frequently and I can sleep an night with this fact. The abortions don't affect me. The only time an abortion matters to me is if it is my child, but that is a personal matter between the mother and I and if we want an abortion who is the govn't to tell us that we can't. The govn't is peace keeping force not a moral force. The govn't is a servant of the people not the other way around. They have no say in my affairs or yours.