focusedpurpose

DEATH of the strong black woman...

2010-11-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

while coming to terms with the reality of being a human being, instead of a mythical lie, the strong black woman passed away

sources say she died of natural causes, but those that knew her know better. they know she died from...

being silent when she should have been shouting to the top of her lungs, smiling when she should have been raging

she died from being sick and not wanting anyone to know because her pain might inconvenience them

she died from an overdose of other non-reciprocating people clinging to her when she didn't even have energy for herself

she died from loving damaged males who didn't even love themselves thus choosing to only offer her a crippled, devalued, unloved reflection

she died attempting to raise children alone

she died from the lies her grandmother told her mother and her mother in turn told her about life, black men, sexism and racism...

she died from being sexually abused as a child and choosing to take that secret truth silently everywhere she went every day of her life, exchanging the humiliation for guilt and back again

she died from asphyxiation, coughing up blood from secrets she kept trying to numb herself away from, instead of affording herself the kind of healing and support she was entitled to as a human being, but that status quo dictates only white girls could afford and deserved

she died from being responsible, because she was the only one that would be held accountable

the strong black woman is dead...

she died from being a teenaged mother, an early thirties grandmother, and a muled to death forties ancestor

she died from being dragged down and sat upon by UN-evolved females posing as "mothers", "sisters" and "friends"

she died from tolerating Mr. Pitiful Useless Low to No Value male, just to claim she "had a man" at her house

she died from foolishly choosing to sacrifice herself for everybody and everything without consideration much less reciprocity, when what she really wanted to do and be was something magnificently other

she died from bold outright lies as well as lies of omission because she allowed herself, unchallenged, to be heavily conditioned/programmed to fight to protect said lies to the bitter end in order to not "bring the black man down"

after all, general consensus is, the "black man" is more worthy of protection and provision than she

she died from tributes from her counterparts who should have been matching her efforts instead of showering her with dead words and empty songs

she died from choosing to accept lies that prevented her to show weakness or need without being chastised by the lazy and mentally hazy...

she died from hiding her real feelings until they became hard and self destructive enough to invade her mind, body and soul like malignant tumors

she died from attempting to do the heavy lifting in order to provide all by herself

the strong black woman is dead...

she died from never being enough of what black men wanted and/or being too much for the black men she wanted

she died from being too black and again for not being black enough

she died from being misinformed about her needs, mind, spirit, body and the extent of her royal capabilities

she died from knees pressed too close together because respect was never part of the "foreplay" that was being callously shoved or forced upon her

she died from loneliness in birthing rooms and aloneness in abortion centers

she died with her veins bursting open from the hatred and neglect bombarding her from all directions

and quite a few times when she refused to die, when she refused to give in, she was killed nevertheless, by the lethal non stop images of blonde hair, blue eyes, euro standards of beauty, while simultaneously being rejected, ridiculed, used and abandoned by the deceitfully duplicitous OJs, Kobes, and TOs

sometimes she was stomped to death by the racism and sexism, executed by ignorance, willful most times, while she carried, provided for, and protected the "family" in her belly, the "community" on her head, "black love" in her heart, and the "black race" on her back...

the strong black woman is dead!

or is she?

life is about choices ... i choose to let the "strong black woman" die in my life

actually, WITHOUT reservations, i deliberately killed her!

only YOU can choose what place the "strong black woman" will hold in your life...

i choose the blessings of my femininity and humanity. i choose truth, wisdom, love, peace, and light heartedness. i choose protection, provision, and safety. i choose freedom to be...without apology...the gloriously created...ME...

i ask you to seriously consider YOUR choice in the interest of...

self love~ self acceptance~self respect

consider this a public service announcement...

2009-12-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

so...i know this is random.

nevertheless, i feel compelled to post this public service announcement.

i love the leggings trend. it is quite comfortable and flattering for some body types.

however, i am noticing another trend that is quite uncomfortable and unflattering to behold.

ladies, unless you are trying to look a mess, with your business on front street, please consider the following about this trend:

leggings, in order to look good, classy, and flattering must be worn with a longer top. tunics work well. the top must cover your behind. the above pic is a good example of what the trend done properly looks like.

if you are out in public wearing leggings with a top that does not cover your bottom, please know that folks can see right through them! especially, when they are the cotton/spandex blend.

this random post was born of the eyesores i am seeing with alarming frequency that are walking around with their behinds out, some even commando. it seems the wearers are misreading the stares as positive attention.

consider this a public service announcement written in the interest of ...

...self love~ self acceptance~ SELF RESPECT

there is no way to "title" THIS for me

2009-10-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

hear primal screaming...

child abuse, child rape, child prostitution punishable with...

life in prison...WITHOUT parole PLUS four years????????????????????????????????????????

where in the world is our...

self love~self acceptance~self respect?

stronger than me

2009-10-13T23:43:00.001-07:00

this could be wrong...

that is the only disclaimer i will make.

now that i have gotten that out of the way...now back to your not so regularly scheduled, fully expressed program:-)

there is a song that plays in my head as i look around from time to time and indulge in people watching, one of my favorite pasttimes.

my life is set to music. for pretty much any thought/memory i have, there is an artist that has already written and sung about it. funny that, artists actually causing one to think! can someone please let the new school so-called hip hop/r & b crowd know? geesh. it is a shame when one must look to england to get the closest dose of the lost artform.

the lyrics:

You should be stronger than me (i once had to explain this to a man in conversation. thank God! i wasn't misguided or unfortunate enough to try to date him.)
You been here seven years longer than me
Don't you know you supposed to be the man?
Not pale in comparison to who you think I am (if men, black ones in particular, held themselves to the same standard they hold bw women, it would be a NEW DAY. that is just an observation, i for one am NOT holding my breath.)

You always wanna talk it through

I don't care

I always have to comfort you
When I'm there
But that's what I need you to do
Stroke my hair
I've forgotten all of young love's joy (don't forget love's joy, walk away from the liability. stat.)
Feel like a lady, but you my lady boy ("lady boy" cracks me up-can't think of a better way to call the condition.)

You should be stronger than me
But instead you're longer than frozen turkey
Why'd you always put me in control?
All I need is for my man to live up to his role

You always wanna talk it through

I'm O.K.

I always have to comfort you
Everyday
But that's what I need you to do
Are you gay?

I've forgotten all of young love's joy
Feel like a lady, but you my lady boy

He said 'the respect I made you earn, thought you had so many lessons to learn'
I said 'you don't know what love is get a grip'
Sounds as if you're reading from so other tired script

I'm not gonna meet your mother anytime
I just wanna grip your body over mine (despite ALL other observations made, still maintaining this mindset is the quickest route to disgraced/dishonored baby mamadom---forget whatever else you heard! sex is designed for procreation. the ladyboy whose body you grip, may be the father of your child. WHY do that to yourself and the innocent child? think. do your part to help his useless genes die! NO BODY GRIPPING!!! stop the madness sisters. we have the power.)
So tell me why you think that's a crime (because it is. hence the aforementioned red comment. lol! i am cracking myself up right now!)

I've forgotten all of young love's joy
Feel like a lady and you my lady boy

You should be stronger than me (if he clearly demonstrates that he is not and has no idea of his two primary roles as a man---P&P ladies! RUN in the opposite direction of him; don't worry about appearing rude.)

now for the visuals and music. say what you like about Ms Winehouse, her music is amazing. she should have won awards for her music. now, if folks wanted to give her awards for her sustained sobriety...that would be a whole other Oprah.

Amy Winehouse- Stronger than me video

the images are a trip. but hey, i guess it is more acceptable when others say it?

i said it in the interest of...

self love~self acceptance~self respect

self destruction...

2009-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

ok. it has been a few minutes. i intended to sit and write a certain post, then life intervened. lol!

we have the dunbar village trial in full swing. i have learned my stomach is not as strong as i would like it to be. i can't hang.

one should give thanks and praise to the most high that i am not in charge. it would be my order that the assailants and their trifling parents be thrown in a burning building and folks just walk away. seriously. the excuses are too much.

where is the sharpton clown now? hmmm?

then the Derrion Albert murder on video. as expected the excuses flow freely. who has time?

as the mother of a seventeen year old son, i used the video as a teaching tool. my son and i engaged in conversation about the real life experiences that he will encounter. i was reminded of one such real life experience i encountered last holiday season.

my friend girl and i were headed to the mall in hollywood, to return the jeans i purchased without trying on. don't quite know why i did that, nonetheless, they did not fit. as we are standing in a crowd of pedestrians, a black and hispanic male started to pound one another in the head right next to us.

the violence in such close proximity to me frightened me to no end. my instincts led me away from the melee. as my friend and i held hands running away from what became a brawl that spilled into the crosswalk and street, we encountered a group of young black males. they asked what was happening. we told them that there was violence in the direction from which we had come. to my utter amazement they went towards the violence despite our warnings to go in our direction. looking back, i could see shirts being ripped off and folks getting dragged across the concrete. my friend and i called the police and flagged down a police car to send them to assist the folks that were caught up as a result of waiting for the light to change.

as i watch the video of Derrion Albert, all i can think is he might have lived had he walked in wisdom and moved away from the violence. my beau says at least his mother knows he was being a good samaritan and attempting to break up the fight. my logic is, he could have moved away from the violence and called the police as an act of a good samaritan. a dead good samaritan is dead nonetheless.

watching the video made me think of another video. i am posting it here.

which leads me to something else that i read:

in the words of a great African scholar and author, Chinweizu:

“The n-i-g-g-e-r is the African mangled by white power, a peculiar travesty produced by centuries of European imperialism and Arab hegemony. And alas! After more than a century of being completely in the dungeons of White Power, all (most---some of us understand what we are seeing and refuse to become niggers) of us Africans today have become N-i-g-g-e-rs.

The N-i-g-g-e-r is the zombie into which White Power has deformed the African. The N-i-g-g-e-r is a fake African—a person of African race, who has been stripped of African culture, and who is culturally Eurocentric and Arabocentric.

The N-i-g-g-e-r is a biological African who has internalized white supremacist superstitions, and become Afrophobic and even Eurochauvinist…the N-i-g-g-e-r is a person with black skin, white mind and white spirit, an African salt that has lost its savor, brown sugar that has turned sour.

The N-i-g-g-e-r is a strange creature—the nominal African, who despises his race, denies African culture, demonizes his ancestors, and yet expects, even demands that people of the other self-respecting races of humanity should respect him and treat him as an equal member of humanity.

The N-i-g-g-e-r is possessed by the ideas and ideals of White Supremacy; the Afrocidal African who craves to be white, physically (eg. Wacko Jacko), or culturally (eg. The assortment of Black Europeans in the Homeland, Afro-Saxons in the Diaspora, and Omar Bashir with his criminal band of Arabizer—Jihadeer slavers and ethnic cleansers in the Sudan).”

in other places i have spoken at length about mentacide. mentacide is the condition whereby one acts without conscious thought against their own best interest(s). Dr. Bobby Wright wrote extensively about this condition. it has been diagnosed yet folks refuse to acknowledge it or act in ways to counter it. instead, i hear arguments about why the slur with "er" is different than the slur with "gga".

as a result of collective refusal to get real with ourselves and one another, we see and will continue to see episodes like the video of the murder of Derrion Albert play out time and again...Derrion Albert never had to worry about the klan, but he most definitely needed to be concerned about a fellow black man...

my sisters and daughters, you, too, need to be concerned. pay attention. act in your best interests at all times.

....i call it out in the interest of ...

self love~self acceptance~self respect

banging around in my head, not yet posted...

2009-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

there is a new post that is nagging me.

unfortunately, i don't post incomplete nor rushed thoughts. so...i will come again when i have the time to really put my thoughts down in a way that fully represent what i feel led to say.

i must adhere to this standard that i have set for myself. my adherence allows me to post and not delete posts even when my position has changed, as it has, since i began this blog. each post is representative of where i was in the time that i published my thoughts for all to see...

i have relinquished all pressure that i impose on myself to post regularly. i am not in a season that allows or affords me such a luxury. pouring out my thoughts in leisure is just that...a luxury.

bear with me. i shall return...

self love~self respect~self acceptance

they don't really care about us

2009-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

with all that is being said in the news about Michael Jackson, it has caused me to reflect.

i have a friend that admonishes me to stick with the micro. it has been my position and continues to be that the micro and the macro are connected and very much related. life seems to me, to be a collage of sorts. every little seemingly unrelated detail serves its intricate purpose in the bigger picture.

in truth, prior to his death, i had long ceased to give any thought to Michael Jackson. in fact, i found him to be an embarressment. his appearance was grotesque. i found it very difficult to look at him. this, despite, thinking him very handsome back when he still had the features and hue of a black man.

his obsession with whiteness bothered me more than i liked his music. his marriages struck me as typical. his wanting children that possessed nothing of him...well...that was extreme and further served as proof of his obsession with whiteness. it wasn't really typical though. i would describe it as bizarrely sick and truly self-hating. (i don't think that non bw that hate bw are necessarily "self-hating", but that's a whole other post.)

somewhere i read that Michael only wanted to do ten shows for his" this is it" tour. that he felt pressured to do the tours because his advisors warned him that he was insolvent. that he even shared with fans his anger by the fifty shows that were expected of him, shortly before he died. as i read, all i could think was, "dance negro! dance!".

which brings me to my favorite Michael Jackson song.

"they don't really care about us"

unfortunately, i cannot find the original lyrics. i remember them though. i remember this song and the controversy that surrounded it. you know, it is funny, i can remember certain times and events that i knew as i witnessed them that the person(s) involved would shortly be having a very different experience. lol! like when Arsenio Hall sat there talking to Minister Farrakhan on his show, nodding in agreement (gasp) and when Michael Jackson sang about "jew me, screw me" and "jew me, sue me". if you listen closely, it seems that this version still holds some of the original lyrics where MJ sings about "kick me, kike me". i take it he was VERY angry with a few jews during this time.

i remember his apology, his re-writing the lyrics, and re-shooting the video. not too long after that i remember the child molestation accusations first beginning to surface. it does not pay to offend the jews. this fact may explain why no prominent powerful one speaks against the terrorism and human rights violations that israel perpetuates against the palestinians on the regular. anyhoo, back to Michael Jackson...

i feel tremendously sad for Michael Jackson's mother and family. i pray that Michael Jackson will now know peace.

on a different note, if lyrics can be changed despite artistic expression and freedom of speech when it offends the jews; it is difficult to pretend that the offense and disrespect heaped on black women, in the name of entertainment is anything other than deliberate and with the purpose of destroying us.

self love~self acceptance~self respect

do something! these folks need our support...

2009-07-01T21:52:00.001-07:00

Demand the Release of Rep. Cynthia McKinney, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, all aid workers and supplies NOW!

Last night, Israeli Occupation Forces attacked and boarded the Free Gaza Movement boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, abducting 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including Noble laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. The passengers and crew are being forcibly dragged toward Israel.

The seizure of humanitarian supplies and abduction of human rights workers is an act of piracy, a crime under international law. When the boat was attacked, it was not in Israeli waters and was on a human rights mission to Gaza. Israel's deliberate and premeditated attack on an unarmed boat in international waters is a clear violation of international law.

The U.S. government and corporate media has largely ignored or buried this story due to racism against Cynthia McKinney and the people of Palestine. It is up to us to get the word out.

According to an International Committee of the Red Cross report released yesterday, the Palestinians living in Gaza are "trapped in despair." Thousands of Gazans whose homes were destroyed earlier during Israel's December/January massacre are still without shelter despite pledges of almost $4.5 billion in aid, because Israel refuses to allow cement and other building material into the Gaza Strip. The report also notes that hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of their patients due to Israel's disruption of medical supplies.

This act of terrorism by the Israeli Occupation Forces against an unarmed vessel is a clear attempt to scare people away from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza. We must take action now! Here's how you can help:

1) Sign the Online Petition - http://www.iacenter.org/palestine/gazashippetition

2) Get the word out - forward this message to your email lists, post in on Facebook & Myspace, etc.

3) Take to the streets! Organize local emergency protests in solidarity with the people of Gaza and demanding the release of all those who were kidnapped by the Israeli Occupation Forces.

In New York City, join us tomorrow, Wednesday July 1, from 4 - 6 pm at the Israeli Mission (43rd St. & 2nd Ave.)

4) Support Aid Caravans to Gaza! In addition to the current project of Free Gaza, another aid caravan, Viva Palestina, will be leaving the U.S. on July 4th headed by British MP George Galloway and Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic and including hundreds of people from the United States.

5) Call the media. The U.S. corporate media has largely ignored or buried this story due to racism against Cynthia McKinney and the people of Palestine. Please call the media - demand that they cover this criminal act by the Israeli Occupation Forces. Start with these numbers:
The New York Times 212-556-5272; Los Angeles Times 800-252-9141; Boston Herald 617-426-3000; Chicago Tribune 800-874-2863; and please call your local newspaper, radio station, or television news program.

Petition:Sign it online at http://www.iacenter.org/palestine/gazashippetition

To: President President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Congressional leaders, U.N. General Assembly President d'Escoto-Brockmann, U.N. Secretary General Ban, members of the U.N. Security Council, U.N. member states, and the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet and Opposition leader of Israel

cc: Major media representatives, International Red Cross

RELEASE THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AND ALL ITS PASSENGERS IMMEDIATELY AND ALLOW ITS HUMANITARIAN MISSION TO GAZA TO PROCEED! END THE SIEGE OF GAZA NOW!

I am outraged at the actions of the Israeli military in attacking and boarding the Free Gaza Movement boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, abducting 21 human rights workers from 11 countries, including Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire and former U.S. Congreswoman Cynthia McKinney, dragging passengers and crew forcibly toward Israel. I am further outraged that Israel has confiscated tons of medicine from the ship as well as toys and olive trees.

I demand that the boat, passengers and crew be released immediately and allowed to proceed with its mission of bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.

As former U.S. Congressperson and 2008 Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney said, "This is an outrageous violation of international law. Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip. President Obama just told Israel to let in humanitarian and reconstruction supplies, and that's exactly what we tried to do. We're asking the international community to demand our release so we can resume our journey."

According to an International Committee of the Red Cross report released on June 29, the Palestinians living in Gaza are "trapped in despair." Thousands of Gazans whose homes were destroyed earlier during Israel's December/January massacre are still without shelter despite pledges of almost $4.5 billion in aid, because Israel refuses to allow cement and other building material into the Gaza Strip. The report also notes that hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of their patients due to Israel's disruption of medical supplies.

"The aid we were carrying is a symbol of hope for the people of Gaza, hope that the sea route would open for them, and they would be able to transport their own materials to begin to reconstruct the schools, hospitals and thousands of homes destroyed during the onslaught of "Cast Lead". Our mission is a gesture to the people of Gaza that we stand by them and that they are not alone" said fellow passenger Mairead Maguire, winner of a Noble Peace Prize for her work in Northern Ireland.

Just before being kidnapped by Israel, Huwaida Arraf, Free Gaza Movement chairperson and delegation co-coordinator on this voyage, stated that: "No one could possibly believe that our small boat constitutes any sort of threat to Israel. We carry medical and reconstruction supplies, and children's toys. Our passengers include a Nobel peace prize laureate and a former U.S. congressperson. Our boat was searched and received a security clearance by Cypriot Port Authorities before we departed, and at no time did we ever approach Israeli waters."

Arraf continued, "Israel's deliberate and premeditated attack on our unarmed boat is a clear violation of international law and we demand our immediate and unconditional release."

I demand that the Obama Administration take immediate action to protest the violation of international law and obtain the release of the ship and those abducted, listed below, assure the access to Gaza of humanitarian aid and missions like that of the Spirit of Humanity and the upcoming humanitarian aid mission Viva Palestina headed by British MP George Galloway and Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic and including hundreds of people from the United States. The Viva Palestina mission is scheduled to leave New York City on July 4, bound for Gaza.

I further demand the Obama Adminsitration take action to end immediately the brutal siege, blockade and occupation of Gaza.

Release the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY and all of the following human rights workers and crew NOW:

Khalad Abdelkader, Bahrain

Khalad is an engineer representing the Islamic Charitable Association of Bahrain.

Othman Abufalah, Jordan

Othman is a world-renowned journalist with al-Jazeera TV.

Khaled Al-Shenoo, Bahrain

Khaled is a lecturer with the University of Bahrain.

Mansour Al-Abi, Yemen

Mansour is a cameraman with Al-Jazeera TV.

Fatima Al-Attawi, Bahrain

Fatima is a relief worker and community activist from Bahrain.

Juhaina Alqaed, Bahrain

Juhaina is a journalist & human rights activist.

Huwaida Arraf, US

Huwaida is the Chair of the Free Gaza Movement and delegation co-coordinator for this voyage.

Ishmahil Blagrove, UK

Ishmahil is a Jamaican-born journalist, documentary film maker and founder of the Rice & Peas film production company. His documentaries focus on international struggles for social justice.

Kaltham Ghloom, Bahrain

Kaltham is a community activist.

Derek Graham, Ireland

Derek Graham is an electrician, Free Gaza organizer, and first mate aboard the Spirit of Humanity.

Alex Harrison, UK

Alex is a solidarity worker from Britain. She is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.

Denis Healey, UK

Denis is Captain of the Spirit of Humanity. This will be his fifth voyage to Gaza.

Fathi Jaouadi, UK

Fathi is a British journalist, Free Gaza organizer, and delegation co-coordinator for this voyage.

Mairead Maguire, Ireland

Mairead is a Nobel laureate and renowned peace activist.

Lubna Masarwa, Palestine/Israel

Lubna is a Palestinian human rights activist and Free Gaza organizer.

Theresa McDermott, Scotland

Theresa is a solidarity worker from Scotland. She is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.

Cynthia McKinney, US

Cynthia McKinney is an outspoken advocate for human rights and social justice issues, as well as a former U.S. congressperson and presidential candidate.

Adnan Mormesh, UK

Adnan is a solidarity worker from Britain. He is traveling to Gaza to do long-term human rights monitoring.

Adam Qvist, Denmark

Adam is a solidarity worker from Denmark. He is traveling to Gaza to do human rights monitoring.

Adam Shapiro, US

Adam is an American documentary film maker and human rights activist.

Kathy Sheetz, US

Kathy is a nurse and film maker, traveling to Gaza to do human rights monitoring.

Sincerely,

Sign the petition online at http://www.iacenter.org/palestine/gazashippetition

self love~self acceptance~self respect

call it what it is...please

2009-03-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

quite a few bloggers have posted this video. i have seen and heard it discussed in the news. i have heard it described a lot of ways. yet, i still have a question...

...why do folks have such a hard time calling it what it is?

police brutality

how have we become so content to only use those words as it relates to our sons, brothers, and other male folk?

our collective refusal to have the courage to tell the truth and shame the devil, allows others to pretend not to know that passes are not being written for bw/bg simply because we are female.

i will call it.

may i suggest that other bw/bg start to do the same?

the police are man-handling, raping, and murdering us. we are being incarcerated in alarming numbers. right now. yet, on our watch, we collectively refuse to call it what it is. instead, when we lift our voices, it is to speak to the plight of bm in this so called system of justice.

maybe we should focus more on creating that much needed balance, in the interest of...

...self love~self acceptance~self respect

going back to basics

2009-03-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

i put myself on a time-out.

from writing, dating, and engaging others to the extent that my "social butterfly" personality would dictate, when in "business as usual" mode.

there have been many reasons for this.

the main reason is that my total focus has been on building my new business and meeting that objective...powerfully.

when i write that it is imperative to ensure survival for bw to channel all energy into creating multiple streams of income...i.am.not.joking. i am committed to moving powerfully, with focused purpose to that end.

i am committed to not only surviving, but thriving, despite the lean years that one can so clearly see looming ahead. i am committed to walking the walk. as such, there has not been much time for talking. there is a price to be paid for all worthwhile things and i am willing to pay the price.

nevertheless, i have continued to follow, without comment, blogs that make me proud...Muslim Bushido. Khadija, work it out sis! as well as others that challenge and grow me...like BWBTT. Lisa, you are an undeniable powerhouse. while we do not always see things eye to eye, i thank you for unapologetically doing...you. Evia and Sara, consistently telling the unpopular, needs to be spoken truth as they see and know it. Gina, reading your blog, inspired me to blog. i am eternally grateful for your courage. there are many other bw and others that have fed me as i have been on time-out. i cannot name them all now. however, i will say, continue to lift your voices. one can never truly know whose lives they are impacting. i don't mind "lurkers" for this reason. there is no need to engage with me, if my writing encourages you to claim your birthright as powerful women and children of God.

while on time-out, i also visited blogs that express views totally foreign to me. in fact, while at one such site, i felt truly compelled to ask questions, in an effort to get an understanding. maybe, i will address that further at a later time. considering my time constraints, i cannot justify allocating too much precious time right now. however, in integrity, i will apologize to Truth Be Told, for my assumptions about the anticipated response to me. although, we do not agree and have very different filters, i was not disrespected in our exchange. in fact, let me take a moment and say thank you. i am uncertain of your gender, yet suffice it to say, i appreciate you behaving like an respectful intelligent adult. as time permits, i would like to respond to your last comment. i see open lines of communication as a turn in the right direction. clearly there is a disconnect that can only be repaired by honest, respectful, good-faith communication.

the need to sit and write has been pricking my spirit for awhile now. those that know me can attest to the fact that i am rarely without something to say. (that fact still cracks me up. alas, the more things change, the more they stay the same:-) my lifted voice is a direct result of my spending a lot of time thinking. in fact, i have been admonished often, by male and female, that i think too much.

as i sat to write, i felt compelled to reflect on why i started writing initally.

somewhere i read, that when lost, it is wise to go back to basics. in truth, i have so many thoughts and evolving beliefs that at times, quite frankly, i feel lost in them. so i choose to lean on wisdom and go back to basics...

...i started writing to save my life.

realizing that i must save my life, if i am to impact the lives of other bw and bg. i started writing to quiet the storm of words and wisdom that refused me peace until they had been put on paper. until the message is out of me, i truly know no peace. as the words and wisdom nag me to be given life by being spoken into the universe, so did the scripture that teaches---obedience is worth more than sacrifice. i could not escape that scripture until i started to write, speak, and teach as i navigate my journey. oftentimes i teach my son that life is not a popularity contest. i have had to walk that talk in order to know peace.

upon reflection, it truly was the darndest thing. the fact is, above all else, i seek a peaceful, fulfilling, rewarding, abundant, blessed journey. not only for myself, but for as many bw/bg who will choose it for themselves.

going back to basics, and after much thought, i have decided that it is impossible, for healthy boys/men to be threatened by girls/women that are seeking these jewels in life. should the first teachers of a nation secure these jewels...we all win...

in my message, i have tried to be clear. it seems as though i have failed, so let me make the attempt again. if bg/bw are to be saved---we must save ourselves. if we perish, we will have no one but ourselves to blame. this is not the time of victims. that time has long since passed. there are no victims, barring the babies, at this point. there are only VOLUNTEERS.

the basic truth is that i write in the interest of self love~self acceptance~ self respect...

happy new year...create your best year...yet...

2009-01-04T14:30:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW HEALTHY, PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS YEAR everyone!

it's a new year.

this fact alone, i find extremely exciting. it is like a new outfit, new pretty underwear (a personal favorite:-), a new car, new home, new love...

...each new year i tend to spend a great deal of time reflecting.

what did i learn last year?

what did i hold to be the gospel truth before time/wisdom/experience wrenched it away?

who have i allowed in my life that truly has no place moving forward, if my movement is to be powerful?

aaahhh...introspection, reflection, meditation.

frankly, sometimes i find it more pleasant than other times!

here's the thing. i have a post that has been banging around in me for awhile now. each time i sit down to write it, i feel blocked. it is as if writing it makes it real. sometimes, it is very difficult to get real i find.

everything i have ever written, i have believed with every fiber of my being. my paradigm shift born of new year reflections, introspection, and mediation is causing great discomfort.

i have strengthened my resolve to pull it in, reach a place of acceptance, say what needs to be said, and most importantly DO what needs to be done.

all in the interest of creating my best year yet and...

...SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

putting it in perspective

2008-11-05T02:08:00.000-08:00

i am tickled pink! long ago, i consoled myself with this possible upside. there is always an upside!

at the very least, black males and others will be hard pressed to "joke" about black women in the white house and as impediments to success now.

as the clowns "joked" about Michelle in the white house, when black, i allowed myself to excuse them. i found empathy and compassion in the realization that their poor little enslaved minds just would not allow them to see in their minds eye what they've not been shown consistently in the media---many examples of regal, educated, classy black women. in their little minds we don't exist, much less deserve to be featured in prominent places. especially not those that look undeniably, no need to stare black. (yes! i said it, it is true! i don't believe Mr. President elect would wear such a title had he been born to two parents that looked like his father in hue and features. but that's just me and beside the point.)

i am tickled pink that there will be a black woman and two little black girls in the white house!

i pray that his Oness does a great job; otherwise i fully expect for it to somehow be widely accepted as Michelle's fault. sound familiar?

in the interim, i will enjoy the images and hope that Michelle brings as many black women with her as she can. black wardrobe stylist, black hairstylist, black chef, black secretaries, black assistants...

OMG, i just described a nightmare for some americans! lol!

self love~ self acceptance~ self respect

if i were a boy...a.k.a. male privilege

2008-11-05T00:20:00.000-08:00

i must confess, i have found Beyonce hard to stomach at times; in fact most of the time.

the sole reason for this assertion is that i cannot listen to music and tune out the messages. i cannot watch videos and discount the power of images. i listen to lyrics/words. i pay attention to images. i respect the truth that words are powerful and can give both life and death to the speaker as well as the listener. i honor the fact that a positive image can build you up and a negative one can tear you down---if you allow it. additionally, i have trained myself to pay attention. so it has been impossible to tune out the bootylicious, freak 'em dress, upgrade, sugar momma lyrics/images that she has jiggled, bounced, and gyrated her way through. i have felt neither entertained, amused, nor proud. being decidedly heterosexual, i haven't felt titillated either; there has been no appeal whatsoever.

i haven't really bothered to address this issue before. it has been my experience that when women make any effort to hold other women accountable for their words and/or (mis)behavior, we are oftentimes met with accusations of "hating" or "jealousy". so i had very politely turned her off and saved myself from the pollution. when she married the woman beater, who has 99 problems but a b ain't one---it occurred to me that she would have no choice but to get a clue in due time.

so i was sitting on the parking lot, a.k.a. the 101 freeway:-) when i heard this song...

If I Were A Boy - Beyonce

...and it made me think. thanks at last Beyonce.

i thought again about the fact that we hold great power ladies. we frequently choose to foolishly relinquish it. we possess the power to change our worlds. we must strive to become better wiser women each day. in addition to doing this for ourselves, we must take the time to help a girl get these nuggets as well---it just may save her life.

you know, now that i think of it, Joe sang about the same thing..

ok. that was for me. i told you i was decidedly heterosexual:-)

back to my original point...

...reciprocity saves lives and time. check for reciprocity. demand reciprocity. settle for nothing less than reciprocity in our lives. reciprocity is the best way to neutralize male privilege, i think. what do you think? share if you feel so inclined.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

wrestling with the block

2008-10-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

writer's block.

it presently has a hold on me.

bear with me as i wrestle with the block.

in the meantime, i will continue to frequent those places that give me food for thought; in addition to helping me grow.

blessings all...

self love~self acceptance~self respect

the wait is over!!! time for the happy dance!!!

2008-09-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

i am so happy and excited that i had to post the announcement.

Truth, i know, i know, i am supposed to be tagged cooperatively. my cooperation was to be my next post, however my ally is blogging and props are in order! i am sure you understand. i will honor my word this week. thanks for your patience.

folks check out Khadija's blog:

http://muslimbushido.blogspot.com/

she is an amazingly smart, gifted, courageous woman. all that are able to hear her voice will be blessed in some way. i know that i am.

YAY!!! Khadija's blog is up!!! the wait is over!

self love~ self acceptance~ self respect

let ALL that have an ear...hear!

2008-09-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

so, this is a comment that was left on another post. i felt it worthy of center stage.

i pray that all that have an ear, hear. this message is what God loves...the truth!

i have been busy in preparation, i pray that more will do the same. NOW is the time!

"FP,

I hope you don't mind me borrowing your forum for a moment for an urgent public service announcement. This has been on my mind a lot lately, and I'm feeling more alarmed with each day that passes.

WARNING TO ALL BLACK FOLKS:

If you haven't already done so, I strongly urge you to get a 2nd source of income immediately!

Here's why:

In the midst of our mass Obama-mania, most of us really haven't thought through the repercussions of having him in the White House.

1-If Sen. Obama is elected, the days of crying to White folks about racism will be OVER. They won't entertain that anymore. After all, racism can't be that bad if there's been a Black (sort-of) president elected. This is a problem because we don't have a collective Plan B. Our entire strategy (such as it is) revolves around protesting racism.

2-I firmly believe that this economy is going to crash. I also believe that the powers that be have been mitigating & concealing the full extent of the damage to protect George W's image. They won't extend the same favor to Obama if he's elected. In fact, they'll be sure to let all of the rotten economic eggs drop to the ground on his watch. [To make sure that he gets the blame for the past 8 years of fiscal mismanagement & crime.] This is why everybody needs a side hustle. Right now. Being totally dependent on a single (more fragile than you realize) paycheck is courting disaster.

3-When the full extent of the economic disaster hits, help WON'T be on the way from an Obama Administration. At least, not for Black folks. A Pres. Obama will feel the need to prove to White folks that he's not partial to Black people or our problems. Given our hypnotic support for him, the masses of Black folks won't even scream out while he ignores us. Our elders will quietly start eating dog food instead of groceries. They'll quietly go without medication that they can no longer afford. Many of us will quietly go without heat during the winter. And they'll want YOU to suffer quietly too! After all, "we" gotta support the "brother." You won't get any support from other Black folks for crying out (or making any noise at all) during an Obama Administration. Don't let this scenario happen to you or your loved ones. Get ready. Get prepared. ASAP.

Peace, blessings and solidarity."

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

...so...really, super, quickly...

2008-08-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

i know this is random.

i tend to be this way from time to time:-)

this bugger of a thought has been stuck in my head for awhile now...

...all of you folks that couldn't/wouldn't shut up about darfur, why are you now talking to me about the olympics?

??????

duh?! i am not watching the olympics this time around! maybe they can hold the next one in the congo or iraq?

i am not trying to be funny, i am just saying...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

tell the truth and shame the devil...

2008-08-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

...so...it has been a minute since i last wrote anything.

i have been in a season of transition. in that time i have lurked in the blogosphere, as time permits, and read and read and read. ok, i have commented as well when i could not resist the urge:-)

i sat down to write a post that would honor my commitment to be tagged cooperatively. Truth, i promise i will be cooperative real soon!

however, right now i feel led to go in a different direction.

in reading today, i came across an essay that really resonated with me. i have come to a place where i can hear the truth and appreciate it from where ever it might come. i feel no shame in admitting that there was a time when such was not the case.

there is a blog that i visit whenever i have the time. i have learned to watch how the messages flow and unfold. i have learned the hard way that too hastily embracing folks will leave me needing to severe ties when bloggers demonstrate that playing way out in left field, at black women and girls' expense, is the regular practice...

this blogger, however, has been pretty consistent in telling the truth despite all the rules and conditioning that he must cast off in order to do it. i appreciate and respect him as a result.

in all reality, i still, at times, struggle with the conditioning that mandates that i stand and fight on behalf of black men. black women are trained and conditioned to love and protect black men. black men are trained to love and protect...black men. see the problem?

my reciprocity clause has caused me to consciously work through the impulse to protect black men. especially, when quite a few black men will not make a peep as sisters are being attacked from all directions. any noise made is to add to the assaults. right now, these same black men are still deciding if they want to get serious about standing up and asserting themselves on behalf of black women and children. i would say they were waiting for a sign from God, but then there have already been many. there is instead a collective refusal to say or do anything against other black men that would make them accountable and responsible for their misbehavior.

in the interest of balance, i am sick sick sick of black women that work diligently to maintain the exploitation and degradation of black women and girls. putting these females on blast whenever possible does not trouble me in the least. i am acutely aware that men get not only their names but their games from their mothers. fathers are typically too busy doing other things. all colors. even the good ones. there are women working diligently against the best interests of black women and girls. i consider these women the enemy and will work diligently to neutralize them or take them out. please know title, religion nor age matter to me. the truth is the truth and if you are on the wrong side of it...

my wake up call has been impossible to snooze through.

my commitment to black women and girls disallows me to wake up and quietly allow my sisters to snooze to their total and complete detriment/destruction.

this blogger put into words the realization that has been impossible for me to fight against as a conscious black woman. here is an excerpt:

"Considering the high rate of murder, incarceration, and inter-racial dating among black men, and the overwhelming loyalty of black women, for every single black man walking the streets, he has a veritable harem of black women who are willing to give there bodies to him and even go so far as to take care of him. From a man's point of view, what more could any man ask for in life? This situation suits black men just fine. But, what if men of other races start to take women away from their loyal harem? All of a sudden life doesn't seem so peachy. So it's my belief that black men don't even believe most of their own complaints about black women, they just do so as a deterrent to other men who might be considering "stealing from their harem"."

sisters, read the rest of his thoughts at Other Women Don't Suck. i don't particularly like the title of his blog, however, it is his blog. furthermore, his message is spot on consistently.

allow me to say this a different way...

...those that we fight relentlessly to protect, have no real interest(s) in making our lives better. our suffering enhances their quest to feel/be/live as men.

sisters, help ain't coming! if you want to be free you will need to seize it. immediately exercise your options and create the lives you want. where there is no reciprocity, there is no place for you---flee! period. tell the truth and shame the devil---my personal choice.

questions? comments? feel free to share...

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

i'm proud to be an american...where at least i know i'm free...

2008-07-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

i laugh when i see how my steps are ordered of the Lord. i feel humbled to know that all things that come to pass are with divine purpose.

recently, i felt, what seemed, at the time, like my lowest low since my journey began. my sisters, please know, NOTHING frees you quicker or more completely than forgiveness.

i have to sit with that statement for a moment...

...now, i rejoice! seeing clearly with my spiritual/mind's eye that with which the enemy meant to destroy me, will be turned and used for my good. did i tell how much i love the Lord? with ALL my heart, i do.

my heart is full of praise right now. ok. now i am switching gears...

...i don't like math. i am more artistic, creative, and love words more than numbers. i could easily eliminate all numbers with the exception of 3 and 7 without any guilt. why 3 and 7? they are my favorite numbers:-)

interestingly enough, one of my newest endeavors means that i must crunch a lot of numbers, daily. funny huh?

it also means that i get to see, up close and personal, a LOT of angry white men that want this country to return to being a free republic. return? HUH?

i addressed this same topic awhile back in Dear Dr. King . what is interesting to me is the behavior of men, most men...

...ALL colors. they insist on being "in charge" while blaming everything but themselves when things go sideways. most men engage in this practice i notice.

the country is in ruins and any suggestion that white men have only themselves to thank for it is...white man bashing! yes, despite steadfastly shutting everyone else out of the governing process and in quite a few instances even the human circle, one must never suggest white men and white folks, in general, stop the "traditional" lying and look at themselves. interesting.

despite knowing the "rules", i have decided to honor and respect my ancestors and tell the truth. i have been doing it all week. so much so that a white man had the gall to tell me that he was "sick" of hearing about slavery and the injustices in this country. this man is so entitled that he rebuked me while maintaining that the laws that govern this country are based on the bible. (so much for loving your brother/sister as you would yourself, i guess?) he went further to presume to teach me about the constitution and the bill of rights.

being who i am, i informed him that i am sick of hearing about what white men (washington, jefferson, clinton, bush, etc.) think and listening to them preach about "freedom", especially since they were/are enslaving and brutalizing other human beings while preaching their "freedom" sermons. the hypocrisy is unGodly and more than i can stomach quietly.

he indicated that the constitution and bill of rights were just as relevant today and that is why he continued to mention them. when i suggested that slavery and the after effects were as well, and suggested that the curses earned by the sins of the fathers would be visited upon the children to the second and third generation, hence cointelpro's baby, the patriot act and other constitutional/bill of rights violations...crickets...tumble weeds...crickets...ANGER!

i for one appreciate the equal opportunity born under the patriot act. now, EVERYONE gets to be angry! maybe now folks will understand that it is impossible not to feel anger in the face of injustice? will God's people now unite, stand together as one, and resist the devil as he unleashes lies, division, and suffering?

i would go into greater detail, however, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. i was reading over at Professor Tracey's and came across a post that sums it up for me. check out THE 4TH OF JULY over at BEAUTIFUL, ALSO, ARE THE SOULS OF MY BLACK SISTERS. i could not have said it better. this post made me cry, it is so beautifully written, sad, and true.

without apology, i love my people. i want us to be healed, whole, and basking in the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

i love my country. i want us to be healed and in harmony with humanity. i want us to dismantle the wickedness that is at the core of the foundation of this country, this will require that we have the courage to get real.

real fast.

r.i.p. Laura Nelson. she is pictured above. she was brutally raped and lynched while protecting her teenage son who was also lynched. i believe her son was accused of stealing, only to be found "not guilty" after the fact.

i will never forget nor will i stand silently and be told to "get over it". over 100 million of my ancestors perished in this "free" nation as a result of such brutal inhumanity. as long as i have breath i will continue to honor my ancestors and tell the truth. this has NOT EVER been a free nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

i do this in the interest of...

...SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

heart of a whore...a re-post

2008-06-18T01:05:00.001-07:00

i posted this awhile back.

since r. pissy walked and celebrations have ensued (proof that the black collective is in BIG trouble!) i decided to do a re-post. i said all that i feel the first time. in light of the long tradition/history of disrespecting the humanity of black women and girls in this country; i am neither shocked nor discouraged by the verdict. it was to be expected. at least by those of us that pay attention.

"Heart of a Whore" was written after a conversation i had with a black woman. she described the child in this case that way; the child had the "heart of whore" and therefore it wasn't rape. apparently, there are black women that are only offended by baby rape. in the real sense of baby---as in infant. for me, a thirteen or fourteen year old is a baby as well and in need of our provision and protection.

the pervert also known as r. pissy walks.

are we surprised?

i, for one, am not. he chose his victim wisely.

white girl=time. black girl= entertainment in open court for all & the pied pedophile walks. (i understand that this child pornography was shown twice in open court, yet no one can understand why this young woman decided to be otherwise occupied!)

in due time, the entire black nation will crumble if we don' t all---male and female---get serious about...

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

here's a clue because i am a giver...black women are the mothers of our nation. our black children are the promise of our future. this is why men of self respecting nations fight to protect and provide for their women and children at all costs.

O calls out m.i.a. black fathers

2008-06-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

this is a cross-post from Aunt Jemima's Revenge . i love Professor Tracey's fire. if you haven't visited her blog you should.

i have been waiting for O to say something relevant to my existence. i have been praying that he would make a stand and in doing so encourage other brothers to do the same. well he finally did it. check out Barack Obama Calls Out Missing In Action Black Fat...

do you think this will back fire? are black men able to hear constructive criticism from anyone? is anyone else sick with the fact that quite a few black men must have folks tell them they should respect themselves enough to provide for their women and children? do you think this call out will make a difference in the big picture?

share your thoughts if you feel so inclined. i enjoy different perspectives.

self love~ self acceptance~ self respect

a different energy...

2008-06-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

this post has been kicking around inside of me for awhile. this post and many others actually. i will just pace myself and put it down in due time.

recent events have prompted me to pour this one out. as i seek to come to a place of healing and understanding, i realize that all i want in the end is love, peace, to be a blessing to others, protection, and the freedom to be...

...a woman.

i don't want to be a man. i don't want to carry the weight of men, women, and children on my shoulders by myself. i don't want to be disrespected at home and outside of my home. disrespect does not feel "better" when it is coming from a black person; nor is it their right as a black person to heap it on me. i have noticed that an alarming number of black men feel that they can do certain things to black women that "others" have no right to do. in fact, i have even been told this outright long before the basketball playing/coaching Thomas clown spewed this nonsense for the whole world to hear.

i have oftentimes conversed with brothers that date out and heard how much "easier" it is to "deal" with white, asian, hispanic, persian, armenian, and other women. of course, there never is consideration given as to why this might be the case. these brothers usually make these women out to be superior and us sisters inferior, deficient, lacking, and unworthy of love.

i have an acquaintance that engages in this practice regularly. his woman is from the philipines. i must confess poking holes in his arguments have been...a sport. i am retiring from the game though. no one wins. especially not me. our conversations make me sad to my soul because i know he is not alone in his sentiments about black women.

when i point out that he is going through the same thing he did when he dated sisters, that he seems to have lowered his standards (which he admits because "black women are queens" and therefore the standard must be higher for us not for the women he is bypassing us to get to???), and why is it ok for her to have so many children? there is always silence and then we don't speak for awhile.

it is true though. somehow the same thing just feels better it seems when it is coming from someone that doesn't look like him? i guess. honestly, i can't devote too much energy to trying to figure it out anymore, it doesn't serve me in the long run so why bother? nor will i be used to provide too much sister comfort i have decided.

of course, i do see that this approach is used to justify choices. in truth, i find it hurtful on some level and wish there was a way i could plug the ears of every sister so she wouldn't hear it and feel as if there was something wrong with her. after all black women are consistently bombarded with messages of our need to change something about who we naturally are.

@ the end of the day, i want to live well and i want my mothers, sisters, and daughters to do the same. period.

most recently i came to the conclusion that black men don't belong to black women. this truth in and of itself was virtually impossible for me to accept for some time. in fact, i firmly believed that it was deliberate that men and women of all colors were created; if God wanted everyone to be beige, he could have just created that! i was in fact, indignant in my belief. lol!

i no longer believe that it matters what color love comes in for black women and girls. in the face of the open hatred, disregard, disrespect, record violence and contempt quite a few black men hold for black women---especially for those of us that you cannot see white or other in our hair and features---holding onto that belief will only bring us loneliness and grief. in fact, as i follow the stories that don't make the news, holding onto the notion that love has to be in black skin will get you...killed.

this folly definitely won't work, it seems, in my quest to secure a happy, healthy, whole life; in addition to helping other black women and girls find the same. so i am done with it. i urge my sisters to be done as well. quickly.

black women do not belong to black men. as options are exercised by black men to do what they feel is in their best interests---black women must do the same. we must do this in love, politics, economics, etc. we have these same options available to us; oftentimes, moreso, as quiet as it is kept. we simply must begin to explore them without asking permission or allowing others to stop us with fear tactics. it seems to me that as we function as mothers and fathers in our "community", that we run the risk of being sexed and disrespected from everywhere and by everyone. loving, accepting, and respecting ourselves will shield us. we can protect ourselves by practicing these qualities as we give ourselves the freedom to be...women...loved...provided for...and protected. we must give love and show support for only those that love and support us.

it seems only black women are expected to change ourselves into perfect beings before we can have these things. all other women on the planet are allowed to be flawed human beings and still have love, protection, and provision. i reject this notion that i am not worthy of the same for my journey and i urge my other sisters to do the same, immediately, for their sakes. do not be surprised when you must resist other women that will have you believe that this is how it was meant to be for black women.

in reading i came across an interesting essay by Aimee @ Black Girls Rule! called Reinterpreting Wesley Snipes . this sister takes the post that has been kicking around in me for awhile now and puts it down very well. she has done the work of expressing what i am sure many of my sisters are beginning to feel, strongly, so i will give her props and say well said! my sentiments exactly!

check it out. what do you think? share your thoughts if you feel compelled they are always welcome.

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

sisters, let's check our order of priority...

2008-06-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day

"What I notice about men, all men, is that their order is me, my family, God is in there somewhere, but me is first.... And, for women, me is fourth, and that's not healthy." [emphasis added]

-- Michelle Obama, 2004, Chicago Tribune

i have decided that for my journey, i will always put God first and i will run a close second no matter what or who. i have tried it the other way and it does not work for me. at all.

in the coming days i am hopeful to see more of this sister. i know she has children and a career in addition to an ambitious husband...i pray she finds the time to be more visible. in doing so, i will be afforded the opportunity to change my mind about her husband. with her visibility will come the heat and his chance to demonstrate that he has developed the ability to take a stand. i am hopeful that when the black male collective sees this brother take a stand they will find the courage to do the same.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

...moving forward...powerfully

2008-05-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

it has been a minute since i last wrote...anything.

E, thank you for your patience with the piece i was to submit! i will get it to you this week without fail, sis. promise.

you know, sometimes when people think you are strong, they take liberties that have the ability to shake you to your core.

re-reading the words---all i can say is that these words don't fully convey the extent of the foundation shaking. this could be a good thing:-)

when i was younger, i would accompany my mother to the sets and watch the many people that create the fantasy we see on the small and big screens. there was something that struck me then that seems relevant now:

when the scene is set and the props arranged just so, as soon as the scene has been shot to satisfaction, other people rush out and move it all around. they take away some props and add others. i remember being in awe, considering how real it all felt at one point.

such is the case, it seems to me, in real life. sometimes, without the benefit of hearing it's a wrap, great job! and that bell like sound; the props (people and things) get re-arranged.

i find it unsettling.

i find it exceedingly difficult to function when i feel unsettled.

i deeply resent people deciding that i am "strong" enough to handle any old thing. especially, when my strength is a substitute for courage, accountability, integrity, strength of character, and responsibility to truthfully communicate; on their part.

this.makes.me.angry.

as i am learning to manage my temper, i am conscious of the need to be angry and quiet until i have a firm handle on my emotions. i have also noticed that some people seem to really believe that black women are built for trauma, disappointment, and heavy burdens. i wholeheartedly reject this and will to the very end!

having said that...and it feels so good to get it out...now let me say this...

i am fully committed to loving fully, giving freely, living well and moving forward... powerfully!

self love~self acceptance~self respect

american blackout

2008-05-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

i love spoken word. it is a powerful gift. this brother is one of the most gifted i have yet to encounter. this is the opening piece of american blackout. enjoy. then check out...

...Watch this: American Blackout . Shecodes over @ Black Women Vote! rocks as usual. i greatly admire her. if you haven't visited her house, you don't know what you are missing!

we must all learn the truth and act courageously. Queen McKinney is a great example to follow. if you haven't read AMEN SISTER!!! check out her discussion of race that matters. race neutral? really? america? when? this is what we are up against.

the more you know...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

"conspiracy theory"---what exactly does that mean?

2008-05-02T02:35:00.000-07:00

in reading i have learned that there are so many examples of the total disregard for human life by americans. of course, america is not alone. however, as an american, i am committed to cleaning my house before i start talking about the dirt in other people's. hypocrisy is ugly to me.

sometimes, i will say certain things and people will get brand new as if there was no history of americans acting devilish and murdering innocent people for financial gain.

why do i mention it?

trust me when i tell you that i am not for a second, holding onto the belief that white folks are going to change or have changed. for those that continue with their "redemption is always possible," i hope as they cling to the notion they are remembering to breathe. if satan's babies weren't getting busy how would we even know the difference between good and evil? i would prefer to share information and encourage black folks to start doing one of the most unpopular, untrendy, least practiced gifts---thinking for oneself. go in search of information for yourself. stop begging to be spoon fed everything you want to know. refuse to be afraid to act in your best interest and the interests of black people at all times. there should be no off days from furthering the black agenda. of course some white folks will remind you that black folks can't be fair and impartial; while maintaining blacks are sensitive when one bothers to mention all the hundreds of years of history that scream white folks have a hard time being human much less fair. ignore them.

today, i was reading a history of secret human experimentations. i feel compelled to share what i have learned. here is a portion of what i learned today:

1931 - Dr. Cornelius Rhoads, under the auspices of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Investigations, infects human subjects with cancer cells. He later goes on to establish the U.S. Army Biological Warfare facilities in Maryland, Utah, and Panama, and is named to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. While there, he begins a series of radiation exposure experiments on American soldiers and civilian hospital patients.

1932 - The Tuskegee Syphilis Study begins. 200 black men diagnosed with syphilis are never told of their illness, are denied treatment, and instead are used as human guinea pigs in order to follow the progression and symptoms of the disease. They all subsequently die from syphilis, their families never told that they could have been treated.

1935 - The Pellagra Incident. After millions of individuals die from Pellagra over a span of two decades, the U.S. Public Health Service finally acts to stem the disease. The director of the agency admits it had known for at least 20 years that Pellagra is caused by a niacin deficiency but failed to act since most of the deaths occured within poverty-striken black populations.

1940 - Four hundred prisoners in Chicago are infected with Malaria in order to study the effects of new and experimental drugs to combat the disease. Nazi doctors later on trial at Nuremberg cite this American study to defend their own actions during the Holocaust.

1942 - Chemical Warfare Services begins mustard gas experiments on approximately 4,000 servicemen. The experiments continue until 1945 and made use of Seventh Day Adventists who chose to become human guinea pigs rather than serve on active duty.

1943 - In response to Japan's full-scale germ warfare program, the U.S. begins research on biological weapons at Fort Detrick, MD.

1944 - U.S. Navy uses human subjects to test gas masks and clothing. Individuals were locked in a gas chamber and exposed to mustard gas and lewisite.

1945 - Project Paperclip is initiated. The U.S. State Department, Army intelligence, and the CIA recruit Nazi scientists and offer them immunity and secret identities in exchange for work on top secret government projects in the United States.

1945 - "Program F" is implemented by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). This is the most extensive U.S. study of the health effects of fluoride, which was the key chemical component in atomic bomb production. One of the most toxic chemicals known to man, fluoride, it is found, causes marked adverse effects to the central nervous system but much of the information is squelched in the name of national security because of fear that lawsuits would undermine full-scale production of atomic bombs.

1946 - Patients in VA hospitals are used as guinea pigs for medical experiments. In order to allay suspicions, the order is given to change the word "experiments" to "investigations" or "observations" whenever reporting a medical study performed in one of the nation's veteran's hospitals.

1947 - Colonel E.E. Kirkpatrick of the U.S. Atomic Energy Comission issues a secret document (Document 07075001, January 8, 1947) stating that the agency will begin administering intravenous doses of radioactive substances to human subjects.

1947 - The CIA begins its study of LSD as a potential weapon for use by American intelligence. Human subjects (both civilian and military) are used with and without their knowledge.

1950 - Department of Defense begins plans to detonate nuclear weapons in desert areas and monitor downwind residents for medical problems and mortality rates.

1950 - I n an experiment to determine how susceptible an American city would be to biological attack, the U.S. Navy sprays a cloud of bacteria from ships over San Franciso. Monitoring devices are situated throughout the city in order to test the extent of infection. Many residents become ill with pneumonia-like symptoms.

1951 - Department of Defense begins open air tests using disease-producing bacteria and viruses. Tests last through 1969 and there is concern that people in the surrounding areas have been exposed.

1953 - U.S. military releases clouds of zinc cadmium sulfide gas over Winnipeg, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Fort Wayne, the Monocacy River Valley in Maryland, and Leesburg, Virginia. Their intent is to determine how efficiently they could disperse chemical agents.

1953 - Joint Army-Navy-CIA experiments are conducted in which tens of thousands of people in New York and San Francisco are exposed to the airborne germs Serratia marcescens and Bacillus glogigii.

1953 - CIA initiates Project MKULTRA. This is an eleven year research program designed to produce and test drugs and biological agents that would be used for mind control and behavior modification. Six of the subprojects involved testing the agents on unwitting human beings.

1955 - The CIA, in an experiment to test its ability to infect human populations with biological agents, releases a bacteria withdrawn from the Army's biological warfare arsenal over Tampa Bay, Fl.

1955 - Army Chemical Corps continues LSD research, studying its potential use as a chemical incapacitating agent. More than 1,000 Americans participate in the tests, which continue until 1958.

1956 - U.S. military releases mosquitoes infected with Yellow Fever over Savannah, Ga and Avon Park, Fl. Following each test, Army agents posing as public health officials test victims for effects.

1958 - LSD is tested on 95 volunteers at the Army's Chemical Warfare Laboratories for its effect on intelligence.

1960 - The Army Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Intelligence (ACSI) authorizes field testing of LSD in Europe and the Far East. Testing of the european population is code named Project THIRD CHANCE; testing of the Asian population is code named Project DERBY HAT.

1965 - Project CIA and Department of Defense begin Project MKSEARCH, a program to develop a capability to manipulate human behavior through the use of mind-altering drugs.

1965 - Prisoners at the Holmesburg State Prison in Philadelphia are subjected to dioxin, the highly toxic chemical component of Agent Orange used in Viet Nam. The men are later studied for development of cancer, which indicates that Agent Orange had been a suspected carcinogen all along.

1966 - CIA initiates Project MKOFTEN, a program to test the toxicological effects of certain drugs on humans and animals.

1966 - U.S. Army dispenses Bacillus subtilis variant niger throughout the New York City subway system. More than a million civilians are exposed when army scientists drop lightbulbs filled with the bacteria onto ventilation grates.

1967 - CIA and Department of Defense implement Project MKNAOMI, successor to MKULTRA and designed to maintain, stockpile and test biological and chemical weapons.

1968 - CIA experiments with the possibility of poisoning drinking water by injecting chemicals into the water supply of the FDA in Washington, D.C.

1969 - Dr. Robert MacMahan of the Department of Defense requests from congress $10 million to develop, within 5 to 10 years, a synthetic biological agent to which no natural immunity exists.

1970 - Funding for the synthetic biological agent is obtained under H.R. 15090. The project, under the supervision of the CIA, is carried out by the Special Operations Division at Fort Detrick, the army's top secret biological weapons facility. Speculation is raised that molecular biology techniques are used to produce AIDS-like retroviruses.

1970 - United States intensifies its development of "ethnic weapons" (Military Review, Nov., 1970), designed to selectively target and eliminate specific ethnic groups who are susceptible due to genetic differences and variations in DNA.

1975 - The virus section of Fort Detrick's Center for Biological Warfare Research is renamed the Fredrick Cancer Research Facilities and placed under the supervision of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) . It is here that a special virus cancer program is initiated by the U.S. Navy, purportedly to develop cancer-causing viruses. It is also here that retrovirologists isolate a virus to which no immunity exists. It is later named HTLV (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus).

1977 - Senate hearings on Health and Scientific Research confirm that 239 populated areas had been contaminated with biological agents between 1949 and 1969. Some of the areas included San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Key West, Panama City, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.

1978 - Experimental Hepatitis B vaccine trials, conducted by the CDC, begin in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Ads for research subjects specifically ask for promiscuous homosexual men.

1981 - First cases of AIDS are confirmed in homosexual men in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, triggering speculation that AIDS may have been introduced via the Hepatitis B vaccine

1985 - According to the journal Science (227:173-177), HTLV and VISNA, a fatal sheep virus, are very similar, indicating a close taxonomic and evolutionary relationship.

1986 - According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (83:4007-4011), HIV and VISNA are highly similar and share all structural elements, except for a small segment which is nearly identical to HTLV. This leads to speculation that HTLV and VISNA may have been linked to produce a new retrovirus to which no natural immunity exists.

1986 - A report to Congress reveals that the U.S. Government's current generation of biological agents includes: modified viruses, naturally occurring toxins, and agents that are altered through genetic engineering to change immunological character and prevent treatment by all existing vaccines.

1987 - Department of Defense admits that, despite a treaty banning research and development of biological agents, it continues to operate research facilities at 127 facilities and universities around the nation.

1990 - More than 1500 six-month old black and hispanic babies in Los Angeles are given an "experimental" measles vaccine that had never been licensed for use in the United States. CDC later admits that parents were never informed that the vaccine being injected to their children was experimental.

1994 - With a technique called "gene tracking," Dr. Garth Nicolson at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX discovers that many returning Desert Storm veterans are infected with an altered strain of Mycoplasma incognitus, a microbe commonly used in the production of biological weapons. Incorporated into its molecular structure is 40 percent of the HIV protein coat, indicating that it had been man-made.

1994 - Senator John D. Rockefeller issues a report revealing that for at least 50 years the Department of Defense has used hundreds of thousands of military personnel in human experiments and for intentional exposure to dangerous substances. Materials included mustard and nerve gas, ionizing radiation, psychochemicals, hallucinogens, and drugs used during the Gulf War .

1995 - U.S. Government admits that it had offered Japanese war criminals and scientists who had performed human medical experiments salaries and immunity from prosecution in exchange for data on biological warfare research.

1995 - Dr. Garth Nicolson, uncovers evidence that the biological agents used during the Gulf War had been manufactured in Houston, TX and Boca Raton, Fl and tested on prisoners in the Texas Department of Corrections.

On the 3rd October 1995, President Clinton publicly apologized to the thousands of people who became victims of MK ULTRA and other mind-control experimental programs.

1996 - Department of Defense admits that Desert Storm soldiers were exposed to chemical agents.

1997 - Eighty-eight members of Congress sign a letter demanding an investigation into bioweapons use & Gulf War Syndrome.

you can check out the rest of this information @ http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/history-of-human-experimentation.htm .

this is only a partial listing of the extent the u.s. government will go to maintain white supremacy and white power. there are government documents that will make you sick. americans meddling in the affairs of south africa---they wrote down the plan to make sure those efforts were curbed. somewhere i read, the powers that be don't mind as long as we demonstrate that we will "hate it but be very afraid". we need to channel the fearlessness of our ancestors and get bold as lions.

blacks folks must become informed and committed to constantly working together to make this better for ourselves. i strongly believe when black folks, all around the globe, stand up in unity, we will save ourselves. in doing so we will also redeem humanity. we are the alpha and the omega folks. imagine if you learned that in school...

so, i have a question for you.

WHEN FOLKS TALK ABOUT "CONSPIRACY THEORISTS" WHAT DO THEY MEAN? PLEASE, HELP ME WITH THAT?

self love~ self acceptance~ self respect

the truth as i see it...i am not sorry

2008-05-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

so...this has been kicking around in my head for a moment.

i feel myself at times become angry...

...with black folks...for our collective inability to see what is plain. we seem insistent on dining on lies. those that we are fed and those that we insist on feeding ourselves. our mad dash to throw out history is so insane---if i were a white supremacist, i would laugh maniacally and proclaim for all to hear that black folks really are docile, child like, dumb people.

so, i have heard black people say that when bi racials say they are black---by God they are! when i ask if they have met platinum blonde japanese folks that insist they are white or other non white folks that swear they are white; by virtue of swearing that they are, then are they?

i have met folks like this, regularly and routinely, that are not white and insist that they are. maybe others have as well? i love people and delight in our differences; i have had occasion to hang out with people from many different walks of life as a result. i don't have to agree with you or even like you. i do find that i am responsible to respect others. at any rate, whenever i pose this question, i get silence or the whole "all americans are mixed with something" business. "so no one is really____or ____." when i am feeling patient i indulge the silliness with this---ok, that's true, so why don't we just call all nations of people african since all humanity began in africa? or, if everyone is so mixed, how do you suppose the "blind" legal justice system knows to lock up so many more "mixed" black folks than "mixed" other folks? how do you explain racism, white supremacy, and genocide on which this nation and others were built? since we are all so mixed, please help me understand racial profiling? how do you think people are able to differentiate? my new favorite is the "racial litmus test" as if a white mother and black father isn't enough of an indication. or a korean mother and a black father.

and while i am at it, black men and women that want to take the racist one drop rule and make it a cloak for their inability to procreate with people that look like them---despite having the whole world in which to find that person; these people like the one drop rule because they can teach their bi racial offspring that by virtue of their black presence then the child is automatically black. i find this often in the off spring of black men that can't find black women to honor with marriage. this lot also likes to play word games and say that because the woman is an asian or hispanic---then she is a woman of color so the child is black. i say play word games all you want to. don't expect me to play along. it is not my job. for those black folks that love to surround themselves with non black folks and live and die by the "working from within" garbage; go inside the system and mandate the bi racial box. you know that box on government forms that make you identify yourself? notice those boxes aren't arranged alphabetically either. despite being the fourth from last letter in the alphabet the W box is first. will the "colorblind" negroes please wake up? we do not have to allow others make us accept internal enemies. watch and believe the behavior.

here is what i have realized recently---i am sick of indulging the silly folks that refuse to wake up, smell the coffee, summon their courage, decency and self respect; and go to work to address and resist white supremacy in all of its many forms.

black folks in america, even the ones that were lynched, raped, dehumanized, and tortured regularly were not at a certain point, all african. because they were so obviously black they met these fates nontheless. there are very white looking people that are not in fact white, and receive the benefits of white skin. so in the interest of getting real, black folks born of two black parents are black. children born of a black parent and another race person are bi racial. black folks would do well to err on the side of caution and not in our normal way, which is to assume folks are alright until we sustain, once again, more great injury as a nation. hello, insanity= doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. what collective does that describe to a tee? only we can or will change that.

those bi racial people that are so non-white in their appearance and have no chance of being accepted by white folks typically self identify as black. those that can "pass" often do and behave anti-socially whenever they cross paths with blacks that may blow their cover. i speak from experience. i have wanted to say, "calm down! your secret is safe with me." black folks have sustained such a thorough brain twisting that most of us see ourselves through genocidal eyes and co-sign white folks' white supremacist wicked lunacy and parrot this lie.

this has been on my mind a lot. i find that i don't really care to continue to indulge those that are so mentally ill that they think by virtue of me pointing out white supremacy/racism that i am racist. uh, no, when i start prohibiting the human rights as well as civil rights of white folks and others, then i am racist. i am also noticing bi racials, black folks with bi racial children, white mates, love and long for all things white or at the very least non-black, that pride themselves on being around all white folks, as well as hold their access to white folks as some type of accomplishment; these are the ones that expect me to indulge that backwards thinking. i have reached the conclusion that i don't have to, and i am no longer interested to play along. this nonsense is not historically, genetically, scientifically, and quite frankly, good sense sound.

so having said that, let me address obama for once and for all.

i can appreciate that he married a black woman. however, i have met black women that have no love for their black selves or any other black person, so on a real note, i can't get too excited. and honestly, if Michelle had figured out a way to show up with natural hair, i could dig it more. the straightened out hair screams conformity. black women are killing ourselves trying to conform. it is an exercise in futility and we sacrifice so much dignity in the process. do our daughters need one more example of black women working diligently to alter their natural selves? where are the natural black women? however, again, i am happy she is black. i have given him props for that. i have also had to beat down the reality that quite a few men like black sex. they may care for that black woman, immediate family members, and friends. the rest of the black masses mean nothing to them. there are men that feel this way only about the wife. so i can't get too excited, knowledge of history won't allow me. none of this is new stuff folks. the names get changed and other little details, the rest is the same.

obama is not black. he is bi racial. he is the offspring of a white woman that as far as i can tell couldn't quite manage to procreate with another white person. she has half black offspring and half asian offspring. just as procreating black away is not indicative of self respect, love, and self acceptance; neither is procreating away your jewishness, white, asian, etc. i am not alone in this belief. it seems only jews and white supremacists will say it without apology. the moors are a great example of how great nations can disappear completely by engaging in the practice. unless you are trying to "transcend" blackness, i can't see how anyone can endorse the practice. it seems rather than give up on black folks it would make more sense to get serious about eliminating white supremacy and racial disparity in this "democracy". especially, since the new white folks walking around today are so different than their ancestors. isn't this the fiction that brain dead black folks and deceitful white folks like to push? it was interesting to note as well in a documentary on obama that the drug period of his life was his "black" side. did this man not see this and know that the fact of drug use, if faces are to be applied based on numbers, would be a white face? medicalize white drug and criminalize black drug use if you want. all along the way, this man has made it real clear that he could care less about black americans. he has made it abundantly clear that he is ok with us suffering injustice, and as long as we do it silently all is well.

obama is having his behind handed to him right now. i am enjoying it. all black folks are not stupid. nor are they as gracious as the much maligned Minister Farrakhan. all black folks are not mealy mouth cowards that shrink, shrivel, and hide when it is time to go to battle. Rev. Wright is linked to obama and clinton. he has been a spiritual advisor to them both. this is a matter of public record. how is it good politics for only obama to condemn his words and distance himself from Wright? why should Wright not put this internal enemy on blast? according to what good logic must Wright compromise his commitment to tell the truth so obama can get in office and show his whole behind? if obama would have some self respect, apply testicular fortitude, and get real, he would have put clinton on blast awhile back. mccain, too, for that matter. mccain's spiritual advisor has been doing the most, on record. since, obama's buckdancing behind thinks this isn't a "white nor black america" and he is the candidate for "change" what about you tell the truth for a change? obama's change is he isn't even going to try to pretend that he will do anything for the black masses. not even to be elected, unlike elections from before. that's the change folks. and once again, black folks can't wait to guzzle the okey doke and wonder why they don't feel well and garner no respect. he has handled the pit bullish hrc with kidskin white gloves. he was quiet as a church mouse when his black wife needed someone to stand and protect her. he has stood back with shrunken testicles as Michelle has come out fighting on his behalf. but then you know, he also got the message that black women are to protect their men, not the other way around. and wouldn't you know---OBAMA GREW BALLS ONLY LONG ENOUGH TO ATTACK REV. WRIGHT! how convenient. negroes grow big balls when it is time to go after other black folks. that submissive, unoffensive high road is only for dealing with white folks.

i don't think Rev. Wright should be quiet. in this integrated day, all black folks should tell and act on the truth. whoever is on the wrong side of truth---ready?---ARE THE ENEMY! black folks need to go back to history and get that quickly.

for the naive black folks that really seem to believe and are very vocal with this nonsense; "well he has to ignore black folks right now, cuz when he gets in office, then he will acknowledge us". WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

show me where this has been done in history and i will show you an assassinated/exiled/imprisoned individual. oftentimes, quite a few innocent citizens perish as well in the bloodthirsty quest to murder the person that got special and committed treason against white supremacy and the american manifest destiny. we just witnessed this with Saddam Hussein http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/history-cia-atrocities.htm. in my lifetime i have seen this happen with Aristide http://www.lrb.co.uk/v26/n08/farm01_.html and Manual Noriega http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/history-cia-atrocities.htm. the links for Hussein and Noriega also lists the history of the cia and their activities. don't sleep on the fact that the cia at one time, was headed by the devil poppa bush whose spawn is out of his right mind on a global scale in office, despite not being elected by the american people. read! think! read! think! read! think! read! reading, thinking, and acting on the truth is not the american way and this is why america is the disaster that it is!!!

so, my last words on obama. he is full of shit like all the other major politicians. he knows full well invading iran, pakistan, and progressing africom is the plan. this plan will be in full effect and it doesn't matter who is sitting in the oval office. black folks that want to see black folks in the white house should support Queen McKinney. i don't agree with everything that comes out of her mouth either. i do appreciate the fact that she will tell the truth. "playing the game" means that black folks must act against the best interests of black folks. you won't see this on the news or tv. it is happening nonetheless, all day, everyday. be responsible, do the work. seek the truth.

i don't care to write anymore about the buckdancer that is insistent on insulting my intelligence. Glen Ford, over at black agenda report breaks it down. i really can't and don't need to add anything else at this point. for those black folks that can't hear me, let me just say this---it seems some have grown accustomed to disappointment and disillusionment. i said all of this in the name of...

...SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

my big mouth...

2008-05-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

first and foremost let me say:

J, i am sorry. i love you. let us call a truce. this is merely one to grow on...

i love music so much. no matter what the experience, mood, or happenstance in my life i find---someone, somewhere wrote a song and sang all about it.

i have a confession to make.

i am really very shy. sometimes, i wrestle with saying things that i feel should be said. i have childhood residue of smiling through whatever and being silent. when i am having these moments, i tend to be only in trouble with myself.

at other times, i don't know what comes over me. during these moments it feels like others are entitled to my opinions. it has been hard to miss that during these times i am usually in trouble with others.

truth be told, i prefer to be in trouble with others. at least, i can get away from them! is that bad? if it is, unfortunately it is also true.

time has taught me that there are times when i will find myself in trouble with myself and others. when the relationship is personal or intimate, is when this occurs the most.

here's the thing, not for a moment do i want to be like, "it's not my fault" or figure out a way to make the fallout someone else's responsibility. far be it from me not to own it. my difficulty is that i am finding that i communicate better in writing. i can save it as a draft and come back to it, re-read it, edit it, and make sure that every word has been given great thought. and to be really honest, i can also chicken out and decide to "leave it as i found it" if there will be too much resistance; shaking the dust from my feet if you will.

i said all that to say, i did again. i said too much, with too much emotion, and i can't edit it. when the words fly out, calling them back is as futile as attempting to gather flying, loose feathers in a windstorm.

additionally, i am guilty of having a bad temper. i have come a long way, thank God. i have such a long way to go. so just imagine, if you will, the lack of an edit button and temper combined. did i mention great passion as well? geez! wth! the upside is i apologize a lot less than i used to. i still need to work on minimizing the apologies. oddly enough, this happens most frequently with people that are close to me and that know me well. this fact seems odd to me. can someone help me with that? what is that about?

anyhoo, i was saying that there is always a song. John Mayer hit the nail on the head with this one, my stupid mouth. i would change stupid to big. my mouth isn't necessarily stupid, just...big. i suppose this isn't a newsflash, huh? lol! laughter makes it difficult to be so hard on myself.

check out the song. it is from a guy's pov, however i couldn't have written a better one to coincide with my present feelings. the reference to "momma said, think before speaking", uh, yes! in fact many times...i am determined to get it right soon. sometimes, i really need a sign that says, charge it to my big mouth not to my heart! of course we know the never speaking up again part is not quite true:-)

J, again, i am sorry. i love you. let us call a truce. this is merely one to grow on...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

...growing pains...that might leave a mark!

2008-04-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

week in review...

this has been a week of growing pains.

all i can say is...

...ouch!

i would love to have some deep tidbit of wisdom to share.

alas, such is not the case. really, all i have is...

...ouch!

the good news is---i am still standing! thank God there is always an upside...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

really, really, really...that's all folks!

2008-04-20T02:51:00.000-07:00

"you can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger"

James Baldwin

enough already...d@#n!

2008-04-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

i have said it for awhile; only to be reassured that it is good to have black skin in high places. black skin is changing things from the inside ya'll. not!

vehemently i have disagreed. it is better to go unrepresented than to integrate the wickedness perpetrated against humanity.

for awhile now, i have suggested that surely the countenance of this woman must make infants cry immediately upon laying eyes on her. it seems those with whom i shared these sentiments thought that i was joking or hating. often times i was accused of hating. sipping on haterade; so here it is for you folks...

proof that she must go. it will be interesting to see if her "husband" will save her. (she isn't married...she refers to the commander in chief this way...bananas!) i doubt it seriously, he'll save himself first and cheney second. that's my bet.

if anyone has this woman's number; will you please give her a ring and ask her to take a hike? she has contributed plenty...her services will no longer be needed. please?

btw...Impeach Bush and Cheney for Torture
On Friday, George Bush told ABC News he personally approved of the approval of torture - including waterboarding - by Dick Cheney, Condoleeza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell and George Tenet. http://www.democrats.com/impeach-for-torture

america is returning to her barbaric roots. i have signed on to impeach bush and cheney. i stand against this corruption and greed. i urge all that don't like the idea of being tortured to do the same. for those that think if they do nothing wrong they will be safe; may i urge you to pull your head out of the sand? there is no need for there to be proof of wrong-doing at this point.

please know that this isn't a witch hunt; though i do think rice an evil assimilated witch---with all due respect of course:-)

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

universal declaration of human rights

2008-04-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

so...reading about darfur and the praises of the Eleanor Roosevelt and others led me in search of the "universal declaration of human rights". this declaration has long been accepted as international law, i understand.

as such, i have reached the conclusion that law makers care not at all for breaking the law. it seems there is no hesitation nor consideration given for human life; especially when the loss is african.

these rosey words were written in 1948. they have been pretty much violated before and after they were written so they really doesn't matter now do they? kind of like the constitution and bill of rights for black americans?

or maybe america still doesn't count us in the human circle?

that's my guess.

am i looking at this all wrong? what say you?

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

is it possible to sue the chinese government for violations in darfur? america for her violations in america, congo, iraq, afghanistan and around the world? in this litigious society can you think of a better lawsuit?

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

in solidarity: bringing awareness to darfur...stop the genocide now!

2008-04-19T00:38:00.000-07:00

this is a partial cross post from Black and Missing but not Forgotten. you may check out the entire original post by going to In Solidarity: Global Day for Darfur .

i stand in solidarity. i believe when faced with evil if we sit still and quiet; we give our consent. truly injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

each of us has a responsibility, as human beings, to do our part to make this better.

A History Lesson on Darfur:

The Darfur situation can be very confusing without a little extra information. This is what you would know if you were almost any Sudanese talking politics with your friends in an outdoor bar or at a university.

When the British left Sudan in 1956 they set it up with a small Arab minority government ruling over a mostly non-Arab African population.

The indigenous Africans had in fact already begun a revolt in 1955, the year before independence was final. The war, mostly in the south, lasted until 1972, when a peace agreement allowed limited self-government for the southern region of Sudan. A Southern Regional Assembly was established for that purpose, and it was to have control of much of the expected oil revenue from the fields just then discovered by Chevron Corporation in the south.

In 1983, after ten years of peace, Sudan’s president, Gaafar Nimeiri, nullified this agreement, disbanding the Southern Regional Assembly and imposing federal rule everywhere. New districts throughout Sudan would be ruled by military governors. The oil revenue, still unseen, would be controlled by the federal government in Khartoum.

Rebel groups quickly formed again. To make things worse, Nimeiri decreed that harsh Islamic sharia law would be imposed throughout Sudan, even over non-Muslim citizens in the south. These laws called for the amputation of hands for minor thefts, for the stoning of women, and many other cruelties. This angered the mass of people, who are quite moderate, and it angered the rebels, who now had three issues: a return to secular government, not sharia law; better representation for indigenous Africans, especially in the south; and a fair local share of the expected oil wealth, including oil jobs and more schools, roads, and clinics.

This political anger joined with the anger of hunger, as these were years of an intense African famine. An uprising in the spring of 1985 overthrew Nimeiri and caused the election of a parliamentary government led by moderate Sadiq al-Mahdi. He suspended sharia law, although it continued to be enforced by some local Arab administrators. Because of the lingering of sharia law, and because the other political issues of representation were still not fixed, the rebel groups didn’t disband.

Four nervous years followed. The oil fields could not be put into production during these years because occasional rebel attacks sent Chevron away. Sudan, sagging under heavy debt from the Nimeiri years, could not pay its loans and was cut off from further help by the International Monetary Fund. Sudan wanted to become a big oil player, but was still a poor relation among the Arab governments. So Mahdi called a new peace agreement that was expected to further subdue sharia law and perhaps reestablish selfrule in the south. That would let the oil production go forward.

Just before the conference, Mahdi was overthrown and exiled by a military strongman, General Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, who is still in power. He resumed the expansion of sharia law, shut down opposition newspapers and political parties, and imprisoned dissidents. This was a big shock to everyone. I was in high school at the time, and all of us wanted to fight it.

Under the sharia law of Bashir, a woman today cannot leave the country without the written permission of her father or husband. Men and women must sit in separate areas of public buses. The army has been purged of unbelievers. The government-attorney staffs and the courts have been cleansed of those who are not sufficiently loyal to the agenda of Bashir and his right-wing religious brotherhood. Elections have been corrupted. Men and women have been mercilessly brutalized for the most insignificant or unproved deeds. People disappear.

Bashir solved the oil field problem his own way, just as he would later solve his Darfur problem. Many Arab nomads throughout the south had been armed with automatic weapons during the two previous governments as an unsuccessful way of protecting the oil fields from rebel attacks. In the early 1990s, Bashir turned these nomads loose on the non-Arab villages, killing over two million people.

Boys who were out tending their animals far from their villages were the few survivors. They came back to find their fathers dead and their mothers and sisters raped and killed or missing into the slave trade. These boys, after incredibly difficult journeys, found their way to Ethiopia and then to other countries, including the United States, where they are still known as the Lost Boys of Sudan. So the Sudanese government is like this. Bashir is like this.

Communities in the United States, in Britain, and elsewhere in Europe accepted many thousands of these boys and helped them find new lives. This must not be forgotten by Muslims or by anyone.

Bashir built friendly relations with Osama bin Laden and other Islamic radicals, who then opened training camps in Sudan. He turned the oil fields over to the Chinese, who brought their own security people and guns into the now depopulated areas. Here was indeed a good model for economic development without sharing or resistance.

The famine must also be understood, for the weather changes seem permanent now. Beginning in the mid-1980s, nomadic Arabs and the more settled indigenous African tribesmen found themselves in greater than normal competition for the same few blades of grass for their animals, and the same few drops of water in the wells. Arabs drifted south into Zaghawa lands; some Zaghawa drifted farther south into Massalit and Fur tribal lands. This weather change has created a problem between tribes, and Bashir knows that one of his predecessors lost power because of famine. There are huge reserves of fresh water deep under Darfur. If the indigenous people can be removed, Arab farmers can be brought in and great farms can blossom. Sudan and Egypt have signed what is called “The Four Freedoms Agreement,” which effectively allows Egyptian Arabs to move into Darfur and other areas of Sudan. New farms might be a good idea if the water could be used wisely and not consumed all at once, but why not let these farms and farmers develop alongside the returned villages of my people? If the traditional people were allowed to pump this water, which they are not, these farms and this food for Sudan would result.

Throughout these recent years, the Arab government has been promoting Arab identity at the expense of Sudanese national identity. Arabs and indigenous Africans have gotten along for thousands of years in Sudan. Even in my own childhood, we feasted in one another’s tents and huts. Any disputes that couldn’t be settled through negotiations between the elders were settled in ritual battles held far from any village so that women and children and the elderly would not be harmed. In addition, there has always been so much intermarriage that it is hard to see the differences between the Arabs and the indigenous Africans. Almost every person, at least in the north half of Sudan and in most of Darfur, is Muslim, so there are no religious differences, either. But the drumbeat of Arab superiority began separating the hearts of the Arabs from their indigenous African neighbors. This should remind people of what happened in Rwanda.

Negotiations between elders to resolve tribal disputes were now harshly discouraged by the government. The Arabs were instead given weapons and military support to resolve them. While Arabs were being heavily armed by the government, non-Arab villages throughout Sudan were told to give up all their weapons or be destroyed. Darfur has been thick with automatic weapons ever since the 1980s, when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya used Darfur as a staging area for his attacks on Chad in an attempt to expand to the south. The Darfuris, both Arab and African, are good traders, and they found themselves with many of those guns. An estimated fifty thousand Kalashnikov AK-47s, RPG launchers, and M-14 rifles came into Darfur and stayed. The villagers, afraid of what was coming, would not give them up.

Darfur rebel groups bristling with this firepower started talking about Darfur independence after the latest purge of non-Arabs from government, and on April 25, 2003, thirty-three rebel Land Cruisers attacked a government military base to destroy the airplanes and helicopters that had been destroying their villages. In retaliation, President Bashir let loose the dogs of war: the green light was given to armed Arab Janjaweed militia groups. Supported by government tanks, machine-gun-mounted vehicles, additional helicopter gunships, and bombers of the Sudan Army, these Arab militias began attacking and burning indigenous villages not in a sporadic way, but in a systematic way calculated to destroy every village and kill every person. Men, women, and children were killed. Village leaders were burned alive or tortured to death in front of their friends and children. Children were tossed into fires. Wells were poisoned with the bodies of children. Everything had come into place, politically, environmentally, and culturally for a genocide in Darfur.

The non-Arab traditional Africans of Darfur are being systematically murdered and displaced by Bashir’s government of Sudan as a part of a program to remove political dissent, remove challenges to power, make way for unobstructed resource development, and turn an Arab minority into an Arab majority.

Can you do that in this century? Can you solve all your problems by killing everyone in your way? That is for the world to decide. Deciding if and when the traditional people of Darfur can go home will also decide if genocide works or not, and therefore whether it will happen elsewhere again in the world. It seems to me that this is a good place to stop it forever.

That will require the repatriation of the Darfur people who were expelled. The camps now in Chad can be moved to Darfur as new towns, bringing schools and clinics and opportunities for personal development to a number of areas that have never had them. From these new towns, village life and some new agriculture can blossom. A zone of protection can be created by the United Nations for this, just as they can be created for other people around the world who need protection in living balanced lives on the earth. In exchange for this protection, the full human rights of the men and women of these areas, the same rights so beautifully described by Eleanor Roosevelt and others in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, must be added to the ancient customs. The Universal Declaration has long been accepted as international law.

This can be done. What is more important for the world right now than preserving ways of living in balance with the earth?

[Source]

Books You can Read on Darfur:

Darfur: A Short History of a Long War
by Julie Flint and Alex de Waal

Darfur: The Ambiguous Genocide
by Gerard Prunier

Darfur Diaries: Stories of Survival
by Jen Marlowe, Aisha Bain, and Adam Shapiro

Darfur/Darfur: Life/War
featuring photographs by U.S. Marine Brian Steidle and photojournalists Lynsey Addario, Mark Brecke, Hélène Caux, Ron Haviv, Paolo Pellegrin, Ryan Spencer Reed, and Michal Ronnen Safdie.

Darfur: Twenty Years of War and Genocide in Sudan
by Leora Kahn (ed.)

The Devil Came on Horseback: Bearing Witness to the Genocide in Darfur
by Brian Steidle and Gretchen Steidle Wallace

Famine that Kills: Darfur, Sudan
by Alex de Waal

Genocide in Darfur: Investigating the Atrocities in the Sudan
by Samuel Totten and Eric Markusen (eds.)

The Journey of the Lost Boys
by Joan Hecht

A Long Day's Dying: Critical Moments in the Darfur Genocide
by Eric Reeves

The Lost Boys of Sudan: An American Story of the Refugee Experience
by Mark Bixler

Never Again, Again, Again...: Genocide: Armenia, The Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur by Lane H. Montgomery

Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond
by John Prendergast and Don Cheadle

A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide
by Samantha Power

The Root Causes of Sudan's Civil Wars, Douglas Johnson Hamilton
by Douglas Johnson Hamilton

They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan
by Alphonsion Deng, Benson Beng, Benjamin Ajak, and Judy A. Bernstein

Voices of Sudan
by David Johnson

Organizations Dedicated to ending Genocide:

24 Hours for Darfur Darfur Genocide

Amnesty International

Eyes on Darfur

Human Rights Watch

Crisis Group

United States Holocaust Museum Dream for Darfur

Activate through petitions, open letters, letters to all our elected officials as well as U.N., Sudanese and Chinese officials, and speaking out to the corporate sponsors of the Beijing Olympics as China plays a key role. All actions sponsored by Dream for Darfur:

1. Write to the ambassadors of the US, the UK, Russia and France to the UN. Urge them to help China insist that Khartoum stop its obstruction. Take action! Email the ambassadors.

2. Email or call the Olympic Corporate Sponsors. Send a letter to companies sponsoring the 2008 Olympics, hosted by China. (Our email system will let you do this with the touch of a button.) Take action! Send emails.

3. Pledge to turn off the commercials of Olympic Sponsors during the Games. Olympic corporate sponsors have been silent about China’s financing of the Darfur genocide, even as the sponsors are spending billions to enhance China’s image as Olympic host. If sponsors continue to ignore China’s complicity in the Darfur genocide, we will ignore their million-dollar ad campaigns. Take action! Sign the pledge.

4. Write to the UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace. Mr. Adolf Ogi represents the UN Secretary-General in contacts with international sports bodies. Tell him you are concerned that the world will gather for the Olympics while the people of Darfur are being slaughtered. Take action! Send an email.

5. Petition the International Olympic Committee. Urge the IOC to work with the international community to ensure that China uses its leverage with the government of Sudan to help stop the genocide in Darfur, and avoids tarnishing the 2008 Games in Beijing. Take action! Sign the petition.

For more information on what you can do to help, visit any of the sites above and keep checking http://blackandmissing.blogspot.com/ for more information on Darfur. Also, remember that it's never too late to participate. If you wrote something on your blog, leave a comment with your link so that others can visit your blog too. Leave any resources you have as well. Thanks for helping!

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

...argentina...a brief historical overview

2008-04-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

i have been mentioning this post for awhile. despite there being so many other topics that i would like to blog on now...i must be obedient and pace myself. so here is an overview of the history of argentina. please go in search of additional information for yourself. seeking information for yourself is true education as far as i can see. study to show yourself approved...

...how many similarities, if any, to the u.s. do you see?

i always welcome your thoughts.

BLACKS IN ARGENTINA: DISAPPEARING ACTS

By HISHAM AIDI First published: April 2, 2002

When songstress Josephine Baker visited Argentina in the 1950s she asked the biracial minister of public health Ramon Carillo, "Where are the Negroes?" to which Carillo responded laughing, "There are only two— you and I."

Scholars have long pondered the "disappearance" of people of African descent from Argentina, long considered South America's "whitest" nation. A 1973 article in Ebony asked, "what happened to Argentina's involuntary immigrants, those African slaves and their mulatto descendants who once outnumbered whites five to one, and who were for 250 years 'an important element' in the total population, which is now 97 percent white?"

One history book calls the country's lack of self-identifying black people "one of the most intriguing riddles in Argentine history," while another notes that "the disappearance of the Negro from the Argentine scene has puzzled demographers far more than the vanishing Indian." Was the Afro-Argentine community annihilated by disease and war, or absorbed into the larger white community?

Of course, whiteness itself is relative. Many Argentines who proudly consider themselves white come to America and are shocked to find that in American racial discourse they are considered "Latino,""Hispanic" or vaguely "Spanish," and not white. SaysPaula Brufman, an Argentine law student and researcher, "Argentines like to think of themselves as a white nation populated by Europeans. I was surprised when in the US, people — especially Latinos — told me I was not white but Spanish."

Today in Argentina, there is a growing interest in the country's African past and Afro community, "lacomunidad Afro," as it's called. The past decade has seen black clubhouses, religious institutions and dance clubs crop up in the capital, Buenos Aires. A group called Africa Vive (Africa Lives), made up of Afro-Argentines, has spearheaded the campaign to raise awareness of the country's Afro-culture and history. At the Durban UN Conference on Racism, Africa Vive presented a widely circulated study about the socio-economic situation of Afro-Argentines. The report documented the high unemployment and difficulties with naturalization that many blacks in Argentina encounter.

"Minorities in Argentina — indigenous, Afro, etcetera— suffer from a problem of invisibility and poor organization, " says Mercedes Boschi of the Buenos Aires City's Human Rights Commission, who worked with Africa Vive on the aforementioned report, as part of the municipal government's "Right to Identity" initiative.

So, how many people in Argentina today can claim African ancestry? The numbers are themselves difficult to calculate, says Alejandro Frigerio, an anthropologist at the Universidad Catolica de Buenos Aires. "People of mixed ancestry are often not considered black in Argentina, historically, because having black ancestry was not considered proper. Today the term 'negro' is used loosely on anyone with slightly darker skin, but they can be descendants of indigenous Indians, Middle Eastern immigrants. People in Africa Vive say there are a million 'afrodescendientes' in Argentina. Although many people are not aware that they may have had a blackgreat-grandmother or -father, I think that this is an overestimation. I would estimate that there are 2 or 3 thousand Afro-Argentines, descendants of slaves, 'negros criollos,' 8 to 10 thousand in the Cape Verdean community, most born in Argentina, and I'd add another 1,200 Brazilian, Uruguayan, Cuban and African communities. "

Created in 1996, Africa Vive has reached out to Afro-Argentine leaders with the aim of creating an organization that can battle poverty in Afro-Latino communities. It has single-handedly brought media and the mainstream's attention to the plight and legacy of Afro-Argentines.

"Different groups have emerged, including Grupo Cultural Afro and SOS Racismo, but Africa Vive is probably the most important group that has rekindled interest in things African in Argentina," says Frigerio. "It is the main group composed of Afro-Argentines, descendants of the original Afro-Argentine population. Africa Vive has successfully drawn the media's attention — they organized a conference against discrimination at the University of Buenos Aires in 1999, and were written up in an eight-page article in the daily Clarin. The article was significant because for the first time in almost thirty years, the term 'Afro-Argentine community' was used, instead of 'black' community."

Frigerio continues: "Last September, these black groups, led by Africa Vive, convinced a national deputy to organize a ceremony in memory of black soldiers who died fighting for Argentina's independence. The event took place in one of the traditional halls of the National Congress and was attended by the commander-in- chief of the army and the head of state. The national deputy spoke in honor of the fallen black soldiers and then awarded honorary degrees to the heads of several black organizations. It was quite remarkable that such an event could take place in Argentina."

War heroism, in fact, is one reason Argentina lags so far behind in recognizing its people of African descent. Even after the official abolition of slavery, many blacks were still slaves and were granted manumission only by fighting in Argentina's wars, serving disproportionately in the war of independence against Spanish rule and border wars against Paraguay from 1865 to 1870. Blacks were also granted their freedom if they joined the army, but they were deliberately placed on the front line and used as cannon fodder. Historian Ysabelle Rennie notes that the government deliberately placed as many blacks as possible in "dangerous military service" and were sent into batte, "where they got killed off fighting Indians (another race Argentines were interested in exterminating. )"

Argentine sociologist Gino Germani chalks up the"disappearance" to racist immigration policies, saying that the nation's "primary and explicit objective" was to "modify substantially the composition of the population," to "Europeanize the Argentine population, produce a regeneration of races." Marvin A. Lewis, author of Afro-Argentine Discourse: Another Dimension of the Black Diaspora, concurs, saying that "there was an official, concerted effort to eliminate the blacks from Argentine society."

Many have argued that people of African descent simply "disappeared" by mingling into the waves of thousand of European immigrants. Argentine historian Mariano Bosch wrote in 1941 that Italian men had "perhaps anatavistic preference for black women: body odor led them to matrimony and the blacks accepted them as whites," or rather, "almost whites, because the Italian has much African in him, and his color is a dull pale."

"There is a silence about the participation of Afro-Argentines in the history and building of Argentina, a silence about the enslavement and poverty," adds Paula Brufman. "The denial and disdain for the Afro community shows the racism of an elite that sees Africans as undeveloped and uncivilized. ...The poverty in the Afro community was terrible. Although slavery was abolished in 1813, the death rate of freed blacks was always higher than that of white people and of slaves. Why is that? Because in Buenos Aires, slaves were very expensive, so the masters took real good care of them. Once a black got his freedom, his living standards collapsed even further."

The past few years, however, have seen a growing interest among young Argentines of all backgrounds in Afro-Argentine culture— in tango, the dance and music with such strong West African roots, and other dances such the milonga, the zamba and the malambo. For this, many thank immigrants from other parts of South America.

"Afro-Uruguayan and Afro-Brazilian migrants to Buenos Aires have been instrumental in expanding black culture — teaching Afro-Uruguayan candombe, Afro-Brazilian capoeira, orisha and secular dances to white Argentines," says Frigerio, who has written of various Afro-Argentine cultural movements, including dancing saloons owned by blacks, carnival societies and black newspapers. One such dancing saloon, "The Shimmy Club," was founded in 1922 and lasted until 1974.

Frigerio believes the newfound interest in Afro-Argentine culture is not only the result of immigration but also of a new state policy. In the 1970s and '80s, Argentina was ruled by a succession of military juntas who suppressed and almost eradicated black culture. "The military dictatorships from 1966 onwards prohibited or severely constrained the gathering of people in the street or in closed spaces— a practice which certainly negatively influenced carnivals, which almost disappeared; tango dancing,which died out until it was revitalized in the 1990s; and also black dance clubs such as The Shimmy Club. All genres of popular culture severely suffered during the dictatorships and many almost disappeared, but began resurfacing in the 1990s."

Still, he cautions against too much optimism regarding race in Argentina. "The new laws and institutes help celebrate ethnic diversity and help groups like Africa Vive emerge and operate," Frigerio says, "but they have not undermined the dominant national narrative of racial homogeneity and whiteness." While the racial situation is much better today than it was half a century ago — when a review of Josephine Baker's performance wrote of her "monkey rhythm" — Frigerio says that "today blacks are more exoticized than stigmatized. ... What scholar Livio Sansone said of Brazil, we can say of Argentina: there are hard and soft areas of racism, or areas in which it may be advantageous or disadvantageous to be black. In Buenos Aires, being black is advantageous in finding a girl/boyfriend, but less so for finding a job, unless the person is a musician or dance professor."

so let me get this straight...for lover or entertainment---it is advantageous for one to be black? well, alrighty then...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

open letter 4/11/2008: the horizon and the bottom line

2008-04-11T05:31:00.001-07:00

We sincerely hope that this post can be the last Open Letter that criticizes the involvement of the NAACP and Al Sharpton in the Dunbar Village case.

Although we are not satisfied with the official conduct of the NAACP in the past few weeks, we acknowledge that the finite goals that we originally set for this campaign have been completed.

We will continue to offer our support to the victims of this crime, and would like to thank the prosecutor in this case for exercising a high degree of discretion.

Synopsis

New readers: this post is the conclusion of a protest in which thousands of African Americans from various walks of life condemned the recent actions of both the NAACP and the National Action Network in a criminal case known as the Dunbar Village Atrocity. Read details of the crime here.

Statement

We are satisfied that the NAACP will cease to use it’s power of advocacy to demand that the suspects in the Dunbar Village Atrocity case be given the opportunity to be released on bail.

We are satisfied that a long overdue show of official support for the Dunbar Village victims has been made, or is under way.

We are somewhat satisfied with the apology that was given for the public declaration that the Dunbar Village Atrocity and the Boca Raton rape case are comparable; however, it is not lost on us that the apology was done privately, and not delivered by the National office with the same level of conviction in which the original statement was made.

We condemn the NAACP’s failed attempt to obfuscate the truth concerning their participation in the press conference dated 03/11/2008.

The absurdity of their attempt to deny such easily verifiable facts caused real damage to the credibility of their establishment. Our community needs to be able to trust the integrity and veracity of any organization that purports to advocate for it, therefore, we challenge the NAACP to be honest enough to admit their mistakes in the future, even the big ones.

Conclusion

We have done our very best to be people of integrity concerning this matter, by thoroughly researching the facts before mounting this campaign.

Our wish is to be to be able to work together with justice organizations to right the wrongs inflicted on people of color, by not only enforcing standards of prosecution, but also by raising the standard of ethical conduct of all people involved.

While our demands have been met in this case, we are not convinced that either agency has taken the appropriate steps to ensure that tragic decisions like the press conference in support of the torture suspects will not be made again in the future.

We urge the NAACP and the National Action Network to interpret this protest as a golden opportunity for critical self reflection, as a new line of dialogue, and as a chance to move into better alignment with the will of the very people that they exist to serve.

The Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund

Individuals who would like to donate money to the victims can go to any Wachovia Bank and donate to the St. Ann’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Donations will go directly to the mother and her son.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church will also accept donations. Checks can be made payable to the "Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund - St. Ann’s".

Donations can be mailed to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

For more information about this Dunbar Village Campaign, you can visit any of the following blogs:

http://www.dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblogravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://tributetoblackwomen.com/news
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog
http://purplezoe.blogspot.com/

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

eliminating our proof

2008-04-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

i wasn't going to post today.

decided instead to work on packing, spending time with my family and taking it easy.

my favorite way to "take it easy" is to read. i find it really difficult not to share. so here it is...

we are in the process of eliminating our proof...

in my reading travels i came across items that felt like confirmation of my purpose.

recently i met a world traveller and african historian. he sent me today an over view of the history of argentina. he did this without knowing that the history of argentina has been on my mind for awhile. in the coming days i will share it with you. i want to make it easier for all to know the truth. there is so much that i would like to share. i am so aware that the lies (or "myths" as they are consistently called) are killing us. literally.

i can see clearly the road that the u.s. is on. i read a book once about "solutions to the negro problem" and am horrified to see our reproductive choices become the ultimate tool.

Kola Boof says this better than i could hope to; so i will let her tell you, if you will listen. in her article she says:

"America is a western society that completely fears, hates and seeks to erase black people and Africa. And I would say that most Black Americans (at least 70%)...also hate black people and Africa...but because they themselves are black, they don’t realize it.

They will curse the photos of a lynched black man hanging from a tree as white people sit around having a picnic...but they will not give birth to that black man again. Instead, they will marry the lynch rope and produce children who look more like the white lynchers at the picnic. They will call out the words, “Mother Africa”...but the lowest, most despised, hated person in Black America is the authentic Black woman. And the reason is...her WOMB makes them black, therefore, she is the enemy. And they make all manner of excuse, create any and every bald-faced lie against her...their own mother...in order to place the White man’s mother above her...as a savior; as a bridge out of blackness."

know that black men and black women are just as guilty of being used to eliminate ourselves. it is not about the blame game. it is about solutions. in the absence of honest dialogue solution is not a possibility.

visit http://kolaperfume.5u.com/ for the entire piece and to get fed...the truth, for a change.

read it. think about it. share your thoughts if you feel so compelled.

we must save ourselves. it is in the best interest of no one else to save us...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

the eyes of the rainbow...

2008-04-05T02:39:00.000-07:00

encouragement comes to me from a lot of different places. i am appreciative and grateful for my abundant blessings.

many thanks to Ensayn1 @ ensayn reality! i had time just now to follow your suggestion and had to laugh out loud at the timeliness of the message. God is so good to me:-)!

so, i thought i would pay it forward. may Queen's wisdom bless, encourage, and inspire others right now as well...

i will not hang my head in shame before my ancestors.

i will choose to be human, loving, kind, and respectful of all humanity.

i love black people---men, women and children. i will do my part to bring healing to our family...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

WTF!

2008-04-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

i listened to the podcast with Gina from what about our daughters? & Shecodes from black women vote! last night.

i have a painful confession to make... i wish i hadn't.

since that spectacle i have felt so sad and wounded. to my very soul. it was my goal and plan to get up today and shake it off. i have not been able to do that, in truth...just yet. i will tell you why.

i like most black women have been conditioned to believe that black men had our backs. despite the bad ones that most of us encounter, as children, before we even leave our house. through it all, i have been able to still love black men. in fact, i have always been acutely aware of how black men must feel in their journeys with all of the pressures of excelling despite the white supremacy/racism, injustice, and odds. it has been my joy to show love, smile, and encourage them in their journeys; whether i knew them or not. in many ways it felt like my God given purpose, responsibility and pleasure.

i have long held the belief that there is nothing like a black man on the planet. i have always appreciated all black men. i have without apology always had a special affinity for those that were black, black, gloriously nappy, dominant, strong, beautiful black.

last night's call took something from me.

despite living in los angeles and seeing, first hand, that most men that look like me can't see me or those like me when blonde/brunette/redhead becky, lolita, ping, or what are you mixed with? enters the room; nevertheless, i have been able to hold the love i feel for black men. i have been able to have compassion for the white is right/non black women supreme message they are bombarded with all day every day. additionally, i think that love has allowed me to exercise options in the man arena. don't trip, i have had lonely nights, though. be clear, my lonely nights have been born of standards. for sure, having a man---all colors---has never been a problem for me. i just always loved black men more.

even as i write, know that i have been blessed to have a black man as my man, like the one that i just described for which i have a great affinity. i am no doubt blessed. even so, something inside of me has shifted. in all honesty it has been shifting for awhile. i fully understand that we are only as strong as our collective. my commitment to black women and children has been strengthened; even as the podcast last night accelerated the internal shift.

i am deeply hurt which turns to outrage to know that for centuries white men have called us whores, bitches, wenches and mocked the very humanity of black women for the whole world to see and ignorantly & lustfully join in. while simultaneously emasculating (literally in quite a few instances) black men. the realization that now, with options and more rights & freedoms than black men in this country have ever known---black men now delight (it seems) in calling us bitches, hos, jump offs, baby mamas (we are good for sex and carrying babies just not wives), pshots, and every other type of denigrating, degrading, debasing, dehumanizing name black men can come up with. it seems becoming indignant at the lack of impunity is the only stance that can be taken. before you ask who is raising these men let me answer---in most instances women that have no idea what the love of a man should feel like! black men are not just abandoning their sons! additionally, black women, too, are getting the same white is right and non black supreme messages all day every day! those that don't agree with this consistent public/private practice of denigrating, debasing and disrespecting black women disagree, for the most part---very privately and quietly!

the naacp trotted out a black woman and a black man to defend their indefensible position on the support of the armed rapists/torturers of a black woman and her manchild. the naacp black woman played the role of the good cop--- she readily admitted she was not making excuses for the media event/position that took place. the naacp black man, who in his right mind would most definitely understand the importance of protecting black women and children; had no problem being abrasive, condescending, dismissive, and overall offensive with the well behaved women that engaged him. black women have been so socialized/conditioned that we actually apologize! for feeling angry with being rendered less than human.

i am most saddened by the fact that i have lived to see the day when the greatest enemy against black women is---black men. this truth has pricked me to my soul. it has rendered me non-productive today. i am conscious of the black women that have stood on the frontlines with black men to secure rights and freedoms only to be rewarded with this treason, disrespect, and in more cases than hits the news---bodily harm and murder. as black women, collectively, we sustain all of this while watching black men worship at the altar of white feminity in their quest to be like white men. as white men switch their worship to the asian woman where do you think the white-like black man stands? try in agreement.

the reality has been pricking my soul for awhile. last night penetrated and made it impossible to ignore that black men have joined (in large, highly visible, very vocal numbers) with white men in declaring black women and children as the throw aways of society. the same black men that will shred a black woman that dares to stand and speak out will not use their voice to adjust black men that are functioning as the enemy to the black collective.

if you destroy the hearts, souls, and minds of the women and children of a society---you have destroyed in fact that people. wise, men of God, know this. for this reason, self respecting men die to protect their women and children. in doing so they also garner...respect. it really is all related!

i have to be silent until i can speak/write with clarity. i understand that words are powerful and i hold myself responsible to build up not tear down.

all black folks would do well, in the interim to study the history of argentina. we are well on our way folks...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

Dunbar Village Update: Reversing the Advancement of the Black Community

2008-04-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening the Black Women's Roundtable, in conjunction with What About Our Daughters?, interviewed NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze and NAACP National Director of Communication, Richard McIntire.

During the podcast, just as it has before the email campaign, the NAACP displayed its profound disrespect for the intelligence of Black people everywhere.

Though we are content with the NAACP's decision to discontinue advocating for the Dunbar Village rapists, we are not content with their attempt to contradict themselves and obfuscate the facts regarding the e-mail campaign.

MUDDYING THE WATER STRATEGY

The email campaign launched against the NAACP has been a very tactical one. Contrary to their assertions, the NAACP has not been criticized for the sum total of their mission, but rather their defense of the indefensible.

During the interview, the NAACP mentioned school suspension disparities and hurricane relief efforts as an attempt to shift attention from the sole issue that raised ire in right-thinking Black Americans with a grasp of the concepts of right and wrong.

Though there may be differences in opinion on the most pressing issues, the only criticism levied against the NAACP was its egregious decisions to find injustice where no one can show there has been thus far.

HOW CAN THEY NOT HAVE A STANCE?

The NAACP has made the decision to not take a public and definitive stand on not only Dunbar Village but what the tragedy epitomizes. To refresh all of our memories the NAACP stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The word that undoubtedly stands out in that name is 'advancement'. When the mothers and daughters of an entire community are prey for domestic terrorists, when rape is utilized as a tool of revenge and hate for a community's women how is that NOT an issue that hinders the advancement of our people? Lets be clear, the NAACP has decided to speak out on DunbarVillage, they were simply on the wrong side of the fight.

NO INDIVIDUAL CASES

The NAACP is an organization rife with contradictions. Obviously, if there are two contradictory statements, then one of them simply is not true. Mr. McIntire stated the NAACP does not concern itself with individual cases, however Jena 6, Michael Vick, and Genarlow Wilson implies the opposite.

The NAACP felt compelled to inject its name and time into these cases often times by doing nothing more than making a statement. Why do these cases deserve a public statement but support of the Dunbar Village victims (before missteps and chiding) did not deserve public support?

RIGHT TO BE FREE

Several times Mr. McIntire stated the suspects have a right to bail. Bail can be denied thus it is not automatic. In the state of Florida, men have been denied bail for child pornography. With the DNA evidence and statements by at least two of the defendants expressing guilt, the community (the people) are best served by the detention of the suspects. Innocent until proven guilty does not inherently mean bond is given. The NAACP stated they wanted to ensure the process moved forward. However, they did not (and presumably can not) express how the process had been stalled nor who was preventing due process.

PUBLIC DEFENSE AND PRIVATE APOLOGY

During the podcast the NAACP leaders attempted to apologize privately for something that was done in public. The West Palm Beach NAACP branch is not some rogue element of the NAACP. There is an established environment within the organization that gave a sense of comfort that allowed the local branch to speak for the rape suspects.

The NAACP leaders subtly and gently put the onus on the local branch but they are an agent for the national NAACP and they spoke on their behalf. Initially, the National NAACP stated in a widely-circulated press release that its position was misrepresented in the email campaign. Not only does this show the dichotomy of how they have handled the situation (publicly defending and privately admonishing), it also highlights their strategy to publicly attack the bloggers who rightly decried their actions.

The NAACP

During the interview they stated the NAACP performs numerous acts, supposedly ones that support victims and not criminals, that simply don't receive the attention. The NAACP is complicit in this one-sided media and public attention. They didn't hold the press conference at their local branch, they created an image sure to send a statement, because every move is a calculated one meant to send a message. They stood with the families of the suspects before the State Attorney's office. When they want attention, they know how to get it.

In this case the NAACP walked blindly and did not analyze the situation for what it was, a heinous crime. They saw Black males in the justice system and went on auto pilot. When will the NAACP not speak on behalf of a Black criminal? How does continuously and exclusively advocating for the criminal faction of a community advance the community?

WE REMAIN VIGILANT

The NAACP needs to do publicly what it did privately last night --state they were wrong and apologize. Particularly since they stated bloggers were wrong. They can't have it both ways - we were not both wrong.

BEYOND THE RELICS

In the end, it is unfortunate that as we celebrate the life, work and legacy of a great American, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., we must see yet another step toward decline for an organization meant to advance Black Americans. King believed that "in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

It leaves a lasting impression when Black organizations are reticent to speak and act on behalf of true voiceless and vulnerable victims, and instead speak loudly for those focused on the destruction of our community.

For more information about this Dunbar Village Campaign, you can visit any of the following blogs:

http://www.dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblog-/http://mynewblog-ravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://tributetoblackwomen.com/news
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
/http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog

get involved in the interest of...

...SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

happy belated birthday, Queen Assata

2008-04-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

i love and honor Queen Assata Shakur. her example both inspires and guides me. her letter needs no introduction. there is nothing at this leg in my journey that i can hope to add to her wisdom...

happy birthday Queen.

Letter from Assata Shakur

By http://www.assatashakur.org/

Apr 1, 2008, 11:24

First of all, let me say thank you, to the many people who have helped me to celebrate my 60th birthday. Thank you for your beautiful birthday cards and for your warm and eloquent messages. Thank you for your activism, your radiant energy and most of all for your love. I am sincerely grateful for your support and for your commitment to social justice, truth and freedom.

It is somehow surprising for me to realize that I have lived on this planet for 60 years. I never imagined that I would live this long. Some of those years were very hard years, other years were happier, but I have never forgotten who I am or where I came from. For as long as I can remember, I was acutely aware of my oppression and of the oppression of my people.

In some ways it was easier for my generation. Racism was blatant and obvious. The "Whites Only" signs let us know clearly, what we were up against. Not much has changed, but the system of lies and tricknology is much more sophisticated. Today young people have to be highly informed and acutely analytical, or they will be swept up into a whirlpool of lies and deception.

Freedom, justice and liberty are words that are thrown around a lot in the United States, but for most of us, it is empty rhetoric. With each and every passing day the country becomes more repressive, the police more viciously aggressive and the so-called constitutional guarantees obliterated by scare tactics. The so-called 'Conservatives' are only interested in conserving their privileges and power and helping their rich friends to become richer. Black 'Conservatives' serve their "masters" and are basically interested in grinning, shuffling and 'Uncle Tomming' all the way to the bank. This is the most corrupt administration that has ever existed. They have blatantly stolen not millions, but billions of dollars. They are actively seeking to preserve the old colonial order with a new face, where the oppressed people of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East are expected to suffer happily, and sing praises to imperialism to the tune of the star spangled banner.

It is extreme arrogance to attack and occupy a country and expect its people to rejoice and lick your feet. Not even Roman Emperors were involved in such misguided conceit. The U.S. government has no right whatsoever, to force its undemocratic "democracy" on the rest of the world. I am 60 years old and I cannot remember a time when my people ever experienced true democracy. It is still the active policy of the U.S. government to use a wide variety of tactics to prevent poor people and people of color from voting. And when we do get to vote, our votes usually do not count. For the most part, there are no decent candidates to vote for, because the U.S, government is a "dollarocracy" where candidates have to beg and pander to the corporate rich in order to be elected.

I am 60 years old, and I have never in my life seen such widespread violence and cruelty. The U.S. government has more people in prison than any other country in the world, and it is now actively involved in creating prisons all over the world. Abu Ghraib is only the tip of the iceberg. People all over the world are being imprisoned in secret prisons, with no formal charges being made against them. They are imprisoned under the most inhumane conditions, and detained for indeterminate periods of time, with no rights, no trials, and no justice whatsoever. In short, the leaders of this country are war criminals. All the U.S. government has to do is call them terrorists or extremists, enemy combatants or whatever and they can do anything they want to these people. I live in Cuba, and the Cuban people watch horrified, as the U.S. Army illegally occupies their land in Guantanamo and commits unspeakable acts of torture on their soil, in the name of "freedom." The U.S. government not only destroys the lives of people around the world, many mothers have cried because many of our young people have had their lives destroyed as well. I believe that this earth was meant for tenderness and not terror. The imperialist countries not only implement terrorist policies in the Third World, their actions also provoke terrorist activities and internal disputes between people. I believe that when Western governments learn to respect the sovereignty of Third world governments, and to offer solidarity and support rather that imperialist policies and exploitation, most of the world's problems will be close to being solved.

Inside the belly of the beast, conditions are also disastrous. Most of the victims of Katrina are still waiting for decent housing and public services. Schools and hospitals around the country are either deteriorating or closing down. Around the country social programs to help poor and working people are mostly a thing of the past. Our young people are being marginalized, criminalized and brutalized. It is often an act of courage to go to school, or simply drive down the street. The U.S. government's occupation of Afghanistan has produced a record increase of heroin production, and the "war on drugs" continues to be a war on poor people and people of color. The police brutality in our communities is not a simple matter of randomly "bad" cops. This government is more repressive than ever and more and more of a police state. When you have a trigger happy president, a trigger happy vice-president, a trigger happy office of homeland security, you are bound to have an increase of trigger happy police and many of our young people are bound to end up dead or imprisoned. The social policies of the United States have deteriorated from so-called benign neglect to malignant hostility or indifference.

The role the press and the media have played in all this has been increasingly malignant. There is no such thing as a free press in the United States. Journalists receive big salaries for telling "official" lies. The media both knowingly and naively became the vehicle for misinforming the people of the United States and convincing the people that it was "necessary" to go to war. Their "reporting" was based on outright lies. Now they "embedded" in the military, continuing to misinform the people, and distort the truth.

I am 60 years old and I am proud to be one of those people who stood up against the ruthless, evil, imperialist policies of the U.S. government. In my lifetime I have opposed the war against the Vietnamese people, the illegal contras – war in Nicaragua, the illegal coup in Chile, the invasion of Haiti and of Grenada, and every other illegal, immoral and genocidal war the U.S. government has ever waged. I have never been a criminal and I never will be one. I am 60 years old and in spite of government repression, in spite of the media's lies and distortions, in spite of the U.S, government's COINTELPRO Program to criminalize and demonize political opponents, I feel proud to count myself as someone who believes in peace and believes in freedom. I am proud to have been a member of the Black Panther Party although the U.S. government continues try to distort history and continues to persecute ex-members of the Black Panther Party. Just recently, the U.S. government has indicted and arrested 8 ex-Black Panthers in a case that was dismissed 30 years ago. The case was dismissed some 30 years ago when it became obvious that the most vicious forms of extreme torture were used to extract false confessions from some of the so-called defendants.

I am 60 years and it is doubtful that I will ever live to see my people free of oppression and repression. But I am totally convinced that our collective dream of freedom will some day be realized. I sincerely implore young people to develop their minds, to develop their skills, to expand their states of consciousness, and sharpen their abilities to analyze reality. Those Africans who conspired with the European slave trade to sell us into slavery were seduced by trinkets. I hope and pray that our young people will not continue to fall into the same traps. I have always loved my people and always loved our culture. The culture of my people has always been rich and always been filled with the seeds of resistance. I hope that young people hold fast to that tradition. I sincerely hope that all young people will have the courage and the wisdom to hold on tight to their humanity and their historical mission. Most people in the Americas, were either indigenous people whose ancestors were victims of genocide, or brought to this hemisphere as slaves, or came to this continent seeking freedom. I believe that it is our collective duty to make freedom a reality. I truly believe that it is possible to end oppression and repression on this planet. If we all see ourselves as citizens of this planet, and citizens of the world, it will be easier for us to save this planet and recognize the human rights of human beings around the world.

Much love, Much Solidarity,

May we all make freedom a reality,

Assata Shakur

http://www.assatashakur.org/

thanks to Bill W. & SeeingBlack.com for sharing this great wisdom with me. it is my pleasure and duty to pay it forward.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

Marvin Gaye...happy birthday!

2008-04-02T00:49:00.001-07:00

the really great ones tend to leave too soon it seems.

i would rather remember your birthday so, happy birthday...

...thank you for all of the joy your music continues to give me. i feel blessed that i can always hear your beautiful voice. i love this song, the message, and the beautiful images of black people. together.

most of us still haven't figured out what's going on... the game is still the same... i think we will figure it out. i am hopeful.

may your rest be peaceful.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

build alliances based on truth…

2008-04-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

...so... i have had my say on the topic(s)---white men /white women and obama. it troubles me not in the least to acknowledge that for the most part i am not impressed by any of them. however, i agree wholeheartedly with the wisdom that we must build alliances based on truth.

far be it from me not to point out how ridiculously hypocritical and indignant white americans have no problem being; generation after generation. to be angry that blacks would vote for blacks...please sit down and shut up white people. i have no patience. the notion that blacks cannot be fair is a devilish lie unsupported by historical facts. the only people black folks can not seem to treat consistently well are, frankly, other black folks. we consistently give white folks too much love, forgetfulness, forgiveness, excuses and opportunity to make the same flagrant fouls (like wage war against us flagrant) century after century as far as i can see. until we realize that history informs the future---we will not see any significant changes. anyhoo, take a peek at what the esteemed Alice Walker has to say...

Lest We Forget: An open letter to my sisters who are brave.

By Alice Walker TheRoot.com

The author argues that we must build alliances not on ethnicity or gender, but on truth.

I HAVE COME home from a long stay in Mexico to find – because of the presidential campaign, and especially because of the Obama/Clinton race for the Democratic nomination - a new country existing alongside the old. On any given day we, collectively, become the Goddess of the Three Directions and can look back into the past, look at ourselves just where we are, and take a glance, as well, into the future. It is a space with which I am familiar.

When I was born in 1944 my parents lived on a middle Georgia plantation that was owned by a white distant relative, Miss May Montgomery. (During my childhood it was necessary to address all white girls as "Miss" when they reached the age of twelve.) She would never admit to this relationship, of course, except to mock it. Told by my parents that several of their children would not eat chicken skin she responded that of course they would not. No Montgomerys would.

My parents and older siblings did everything imaginable for Miss May. They planted and raised her cotton and corn, fed and killed and processed her cattle and hogs, painted her house, patched her roof, ran her dairy, and, among countless other duties and responsibilities my father was her chauffeur, taking her anywhere she wanted to go at any hour of the day or night. She lived in a large white house with green shutters and a green, luxuriant lawn: not quite as large as Tara of Gone With the Wind fame, but in the same style.

We lived in a shack without electricity or running water, under a rusty tin roof that let in wind and rain. Miss May went to school as a girl. The school my parents and their neighbors built for us was burned to the ground by local racists who wanted to keep ignorant their competitors in tenant farming. During the Depression, desperate to feed his hardworking family, my father asked for a raise from ten dollars a month to twelve. Miss May responded that she would not pay that amount to a white man and she certainly wouldn't pay it to a nigger. That before she'd pay a nigger that much money she'd milk the dairy cows herself.

When I look back, this is part of what I see. I see the school bus carrying white children, boys and girls, right past me, and my brothers, as we trudge on foot five miles to school. Later, I see my parents struggling to build a school out of discarded army barracks while white students, girls and boys, enjoy a building made of brick. We had no books; we inherited the cast off books that "Jane" and "Dick" had previously used in the all-white school that we were not, as black children, permitted to enter.

The year I turned fifty, one of my relatives told me she had started reading my books for children in the library in my home town. I had had no idea – so kept from black people it had been – that such a place existed. To this day knowing my presence was not wanted in the public library when I was a child I am highly uncomfortable in libraries and will rarely, unless I am there to help build, repair, refurbish or raise money to keep them open, enter their doors.
When I joined the freedom movement in Mississippi in my early twenties it was to come to the aid of sharecroppers, like my parents, who had been thrown off the land they'd always known, the plantations, because they attempted to exercise their "democratic" right to vote. I wish I could say white women treated me and other black people a lot better than the men did, but I cannot. It seemed to me then and it seems to me now that white women have copied, all too often, the behavior of their fathers and their brothers, and in the South, especially in Mississippi, and before that, when I worked to register voters in Georgia, the broken bottles thrown at my head were gender free.

I made my first white women friends in college; they were women who loved me and were loyal to our friendship, but I understood, as they did, that they were white women and that whiteness mattered. That, for instance, at Sarah Lawrence, where I was speedily inducted into the Board of Trustees practically as soon as I graduated, I made my way to the campus for meetings by train, subway and foot, while the other trustees, women and men, all white, made their way by limo. Because, in our country, with its painful history of unspeakable inequality, this is part of what whiteness means. I loved my school for trying to make me feel I mattered to it, but because of my relative poverty I knew I could not...

to read in its entirety go to: http://www.theroot.com/id/45469

silent denial does not lead to healing. lies have gotten us where we are. simple truth.

thanks E for the link sis:-)

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

i love and miss you tremendously...

2008-03-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

Dr. Muhammad i love and miss you tremendously.

i honor you, standing on your shoulders, taking my blessings for granted not.

it is you and honorable men like you---those fully committed to the truth and fearless with their sharing of it; that strengthen me and my resolve daily.

my understanding of what black manhood is supposed to look like:

loves, appreciates, and dies for the well-being of black women and children

dominant

strong

unapologetic

courageous

determined

focused

intentional

loving

protective- places nothing over the best interests of black women and children

honorable

of strong character

a partial list for sure.

one that i know as a result of being blessed by you and your journey. i have seen authentic black men therefore counterfeit ones are unacceptable. i love you more than these words can convey.

i have faith that there are more black men like you here even now...i will not give up on us.

when your voice goes silent Dr. Muhammad, the tears fall. i love you. i will always honor you because you honored me and always addressed me, respectfully, as a black woman in your balanced teachings. thank you. it was you and those like you that taught me the importance of...

...SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

black folks will do better...when black folks DO better

2008-03-31T00:39:00.000-07:00

i am personally loving this political season. actually, the pathetic absurdity notwithstanding, there is an upside...there always is…...

quite a few black men have been able to ignore the fact that white women benefited and still do mightily from slavery and white skin privilege; while simultaneously belly aching long and hard about white women’s sons/brothers/husbands. it is really cracking me up to watch hrc do her entitled, shrill, lying, teary-eyed, rules don’t apply to her white woman routine to the fullest for the whole world to witness. she knows her place...first there is the white man and then there is her, the white woman second. wth!!! is obama thinking? hillaryous!

ever notice how white women will claim the benefits of their husbands' experiences at all OTHER times besides slavery and on-going white skin privilege? this is a deliberate tactic and it works time after time. i have witnessed it again and again as black men foolishly fall in, buy in, marry into the nonsense.

many black men have been able to ignore the fact that it has been well recorded that man-less white woman enslavers were required by law, in fear of revolt; to employ horseman security to assist them to ensure the brutal enslavement of black men, women, and children. otherwise, they were perfectly capable by themselves of managing their enslaved humans. furthermore, i have not yet met a white woman whose men folk had not taught her how to use a gun. granted, i am from the south and have had quite a few run-ins with southern belles, steel magnolias, wanna be scarlett o'haras, and proud daughters of the confederacy. these experiences have taught me to look for the smile to reach the eyes and to closely watch behavior. thoughts/feelings of superiority have a distinct vibration and energy i have learned; i don’t fight the feeling as a result. when white supremacy rears its ugly head i act respectfully, boldly, and swiftly to take it right off. i have been labeled often as “intimidating” as a result. fortunately, i care as much about white folks’ labels for me as they do mine for them---not at all.

quite a few black men will readily write off sisters that try to remind them of all the historical and present reasons why, if they are going to do the heavy lifting of committed love, it should be with a black woman. this wisdom gets written off as insecurity and you guessed it--- jealousy. harry potter over at http://whitewomensuck.blogspot.com/ is spilling the beans that most white men won’t in “polite” company. white men’s self respect and murderous desire to remain in the dominant position makes them speak anonymously, if at all…additionally, if they stood and discussed this front and center trust me, there would be reprisals. this is why they don’t speak candidly publicly. white men (all other men in fact) understand the importance of protecting their women at all costs. black men routinely get up and want to advocate for “women” despite the unique suffering and lack of protection (historically and presently) of black women. trust, those prominent brothers that have done this have heard from me. i have said it repeatedly, black folks emulate all the wrong things.

now, compare and contrast that behavior with the black men that cannot seem to wait to say something terrible publicly in jest and seriously about black women. the black men that don’t openly denigrate black women appear to stand in silent agreement. these same silent black men will be offended when word goes out that black men don’t know how to treat their women. these same silent black men that have such visible platforms don’t use them to shut down those other black males that are damaging the collective. so if black men are not concerned with the position and survival of black people and can’t see themselves in their wives, sisters, and daughters (i do not mean only the ones that are personally related to you brothers!)…it is pretty much an exercise in futility for black women to continue be overly concerned. i cannot in good faith advise my sisters to keep waiting…quite a few brothers have moved out and on. black women putting everything and everyone above ourselves has long been the destructive norm. i don’t give half a whit about the norm when it is self defeating.

the only thing i would ask after watching this hillaryous yet pathetic political spectacle is:

brothers, any questions?

of course, i know there will probably be none.

brothers will philosophize, swear they can’t help who they love while refusing to love those that look like them and need them the most, continue to kill each other in record numbers, continue to prey on and take from the women and children they should protect and provide for, despite knowing full well that white men (historically and presently) can’t stand the thought of free genetically dominant black men; and have consistently demonstrated no problem with unevenly applying the law to eliminate the perceived threat, brothers will continue to do those things to foolishly jeopardize their freedom---mind you not honorable imprisonment like fighting for freedom, really stupid embarrassing stuff that support the racist stereotypes, and make yet more excuses while continuing the dogged pursuit of...white women and any other woman at this point---asian, hispanic, racially ambiguous, oh God ANYONE anyone that doesn't look like him.

to quote a peculiar looking little loud-mouth black male with an international platform and high visibility---black wives are a “handicap”. clearly, by the behavior quite a few black men believe this way…

why?

i am now granting myself permission to speak freely---grown talk for grown folks.

why? because black men and women, collectively, have not been able to figure out the simplest things. collectively black folks have continued to measure themselves against white standards/definitions. collectively blacks continue to foolishly see whites as their “competition” rather than acknowledging the historical and present undisputable fact that whites have declared and waged open war against black men, women and children for centuries! there has been nothing, nothing at all that would indicate intent to cease and desist with this “tradition” anytime soon. all signs are to the contrary in fact.

whites (male and female) understand the importance of disrupting the natural balance/dynamics of black male and female relationships. for this reason they have been careful to do it century after century. using everything that they can. today their greatest weapon is the media, imagery, and so called education. we are being turned against each other. used consistently to hurt and disrespect one another. we are allowing our historical enemies to define who we are (try criminals and whores), what we should consider desirable and beautiful (anything but black! ½ black is as black as it can be!!!) and the direction we will go as a people (no where but down). despite being shown time after time the nature of the beast, collectively blacks have sought to negotiate with the proud descendents of sociopathic liars that have demonstrated that treaties, promises, laws and agreements are made to be broken. despite good logic or reason blacks have sought to forget our history rather than embrace, learn and honor our history, ancestors, and ourselves.

adding to this and multiplying the problem, black men demonstrate collectively, a selfishness and cowardice that one would be hard pressed to find in a child of either sex. even children are known by what they...DO. or in the case of black men, refuse to do. like stand up, protect, and provide for their women and children; this should be the norm not the exception my brothers. black men should busy themselves immediately with setting and upholding community standards that provide for and benefit the community---you know the men, women, and children--- not just black men. brothers need to stop, immediately, begging white folks to bestow upon them freedom and equality. there is no way to have great self esteem without doing esteemable things. brothers would do well to realize, finally, one must assert their equality and seize their freedom. but then we come back to figuring things out and courage. speaking of figuring things out…ever ask yourselves, black men, why if black women are so ugly and undesirable are white men so obsessed with us? always have been---even when declaring us “animals” and are the same way now. it is kindda like white folks convincing black folks that africa is bad bad bad while you can’t keep white folks out of rich, fertile, mother of humanity africa. it is called trickery my brothers. whenever you are ready you can stop falling for it.

without fail, when faced with a situation of either disrespecting/betraying his black woman or upsetting a white woman, most black men choose---i will let you take a guess. in doing so, know that you confirm that not only is the white woman supreme and superior but her man is as well-his word is supreme and since he said the white woman is better than your black woman you agree. think about it. you know, fanon’s black skin white masks should really be a cautionary tale not an excuse as some pseudo intellectuals have made it. i have been a dark skinned, gloriously woolly, nappy haired black woman all of my life. i speak from experience. this is also how i know that white men tend to be obsessive about our skin, natural hair, and being in close proximity to us.

so, it was the Ford obama article that i posted that got me to really thinking about this. in it he said "White men, the recipients of the most unearned privilege, wealth and power over the four centuries of English-speaking settlement (theft) in North American"...Read more...

there are other books, written by black men as well, i have read that routinely excuse/omit white women from their rightful places next to their men as enslavers and white supremacists. it is the white woman who has benefitted the most from slavery and white supremacy. let me say that again. ready? it is the white woman that has benefitted the most from slavery and white supremacy. she fights relentlessly to maintain white supremacy. straight hrc gangsta with it in case you didn’t know. understand that because of white supremacy and white domination the white woman gets to be comfortable, protected, well provided for, supreme, the epitome of femininity, virtuous, brazenly slutty and sitting at the top with her white supremacist man---when she chooses. all privileges based on lies, brutality and the continued destruction and exploitation of black people and other people of color world-wide.

despite how history is re-written when the movie gets made by white folks, white women have not been overcome with compassion for the humanity of black folks. when white women like harriet beecher stowe ,who gave birth to uncle tom and his cabin, did challenge the system it was to save the souls of white folks. she was not really trying to stop exploiting the black men and women that made her life so comfortable. the white woman to this day can and does routinely the most gold digging slutty things of all time; while white men keep lying about her being the epitome of virtue, femininity and beauty. black men keep gobbling up the okey doke and self terminating. black women, too, for that matter, but that’s a different post. let me be clear, wherever the black man goes the black woman follows. this has always been the case, from wearing conks/relaxed hair in days of old to what we are witnessing today…

so since black men aren’t figuring this out quickly enough and seem determined to help external de-population efforts by cooperatively internally de-populating---let me help you figure this out. white men and white women share white skin privilege. white men and white women have worked together and continue to work together to enslave black men and black women all over the world. understand that as you scream and shout about the white supremacy and racism of white men while in record numbers dating, procreating, and marrying white women that the joke is on you. it really is a joke at this point. a bad bad bad joke. think about it. the white woman’s value is established/maintained by the same source that in no uncertain terms dehumanizes you and your women routinely. instead of standing and fighting against this declaration of war in large numbers you instead support the nonsense wholeheartedly, disrespectfully, vehemently, loudly in words and deeds. respect is earned my brothers.

the fact that quite a few brothers, lebron james included, can’t see the problem with the revival of king kong makes me want to throw up both my hands. this “classic” has re-emerged around the same time the love of nooses and black-face reappeared. history is repeating itself and quite a few black men have chosen not to be bothered with something as crucial as survival and self preservation. instead, they are busy procreating out and not paying attention. where is the honor, heart, esteem and courage in that? “history does not forgive those that lose their way” Lerone Bennett spoke with great insight and wisdom. it would be in the best interest of all to heed his words immediately.

in closing, let me share this true story. i met a really smart older gentleman recently. he and his blue eyed black wife started a black film festival. how are her blue eyes relevant, you ask? i am glad you did. his wife had the same superiority complex that you will find in quite a few really fair complexioned black people. she consistently made statements that would have not been permissible had she in fact been a white woman. statements that attributed improper planning, disorganization and substandard performance at her film festival to “blackness”, “inferiority”, and “colored folks” rather than her improper planning, disorganization and under performance. since she was in charge that buck would have stopped with her; obviously that fact escaped her. black black me pointing it out did not go over very well either.

her husband is as black as they make them. i have noticed and am not afraid to say that quite a few pro-black, dashiki wearing, power to the people; fist raised black nationalists love love love really white looking black women. unless, they just refuse to pretend and go straight for…white, asian, hispanic, or other women. this brother and i had very interesting conversations. he always told me books to read. one of the books he suggested i read that we were to discuss was black power by stokely carmichael. i needed to re-read it to prepare for our discussion. before we could discuss the priniciples of the book, i learned that this man that can spot a white man conspiracy a mile away---employed an incompetent, entitled white woman to be in charge of the films in his black film festival! “black power” principles notwithstanding! not answering phones, for maintenance, or assisting the person in charge of the films. she was in charge of the films at the black film festival! needless to say, we never discussed the book. the conversation would have been a hollow waste of time. what good are sound principles if they are not applied?

black folks will do better when black folks DO better. it really is that simple.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

talking out of both sides of the mouth...an art form

2008-03-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

so, the speech is still on my nerves, folks.

in fact, it strikes me as nothing short of evil.

most seem determined to not look deeply into the heart of what is at stake in the 2008 elections.

what is at stake is the continuation of this parasitic, white supremacist, racist system. world white supremacy/domination and one world government is at stake. the very foundation of america is one of exploitation and genocide. now there is an opportunity to have a figurehead with a seemingly kinder, gentler, black face.

progress? uh, no.

i don't think anyone would argue that it has been well demonstrated that black folks have no problem killing other black folks. but then, this is america where being brain dead is considered "patriotic" so it wouldn't surprise me to hear argument. historical facts don't sway the brain dead i have learned.

so, i happened upon someone that said exactly how i feel. in no uncertain terms. i like no uncertain terms. black folks don't need a lullaby. black folks need wake up salts.

black folks need to wake up now! in our sleeping we are falling victim to mentacide, genocide, homicide---pick a cide---black folks worldwide are targets of it! anyone telling you otherwise is lying. black folks must know, speak courageously, and act on the truth---this will make us free.

i realized that Rev. Wright was being villified for telling the truth. the black folks that call Wright's views "hatred" are out of their f#%king gourds! far be it from me not to call it. i don't suffer fools gladly. i don't have time.

because it has all been done before, i particularly enjoyed the Douglass reference. we are in the same battle centuries later and a whole lot of black folks are wandering around acting like they have arrived. WTF!!!

all the sleeping lost black folks would do well to heed the wise words of Lerone Bennett:

"history does not forgive those that lose their way"

...clues are not that hard to get folks. they are in fact harder to miss.

check out the article. click the link, racial diplomacy i think, within the article as well. as i said...clues are harder to miss than get! thank you Glen Ford! i love the picture. i stand in solidarity and salute you.

share your thoughts if you feel compelled...they are always welcome.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

Barack Obama Runs A Crooked Game

by BAR executive editor Glen Ford

Barack Obama specializes in rigging political games so that African Americans can’t win – that is, unless the African American is named Obama. So intent is Obama to retain his huge support among white males, the Senator constantly admonishes Blacks to avoid upsetting white men or their peculiar notions of American history. Obama calls for a “dialogue” between Blacks and whites, and then removes from discussion all items that might cause stress or loss of privilege to living whites. From Obama’s point of view, the worst conduct imaginable for a Black man is to exaggerate the effects of slavery on the captive Africans or the society that enslaved them. Should the one million Black prison inmates be subjects of Black-white dialogue. Nope – too upsetting to white folks. Read more...

???

2008-03-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

does anyone else ever wonder who decided that the democrats served the best interest(s) of black folks?

why do blacks feel like they must support the democratic party?

who decided there was a difference (in action) between democrats and republicans? my efforts to have bush impeached has demonstrated that they work together; without question, against the interests of americans; especially black americans.

so, why is it so hard for the masses to see that the dixiecrats and the republicans work together to maintain our white supremacist/racist american traditions? i really don't get it...

what sense does it make to follow rules that will only lead to your destruction?

ever notice the shot callers refuse to follow their own rules?

think about it! think.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

character problems? or good politicking?

2008-03-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

not sure how long this will be around. thought i would share it...

i think the political system is corrupt and needs to be dismantled. the decent folk that want to make a difference are frozen out of the process. time after time. year after year. election after election. nevertheless, most americans feel compelled to play along. why?

it comes as no surprise to me that hrc has character problems. i have met quite a few that seem clueless to this fact...

what do you think?

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

...the poverty of philosophy...

2008-03-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

i could not have better presented my thoughts... if i tried:-)

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

The Dunbar Village Atrocity

2008-03-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Open Letter 3/28/2008 Update: A New Underground Railroad is Born

Subject: The Dunbar Village Atrocity

Synopsis:

In the past week, a rapidly-moving viral email campaign was launched, and thousands of concerned black citizens spread the word about a shocking crime against a Black woman and her 12 year old son, in which crimes against nature were committed. (read more details of the crime here)

This email, entitled “Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women,” described a stunning betrayal in which the NAACP and Al Sharpton held a press conference and demanded bail consideration for three suspects in custody for the crime. (source1) (source2)

Concerned Black citizens all around the country were outraged by the actions of the NAACP and Al Sharpton, and many vowed to withdraw volunteering and financial support from these agencies “until they make the safety of Black women and children a priority.”

On March 24, 2008 an NAACP memo that attempted to defend this betrayal was sent to Beverly Neal, who is the Director of the NAACP’s Florida State Conference. The memo claims that the NAACP was brought into this fray by Rev. Al Sharpton. Moreover, the memo was written by Maude Ford Lee, who is President of the West Palm Beach Branch of the NAACP. (read the memo here)

On March 27,2008, activist Al Sharpton went on the air to clarify his position on the treatment of the Dunbar Village Suspects. He invited writer Tonyaa Weathersbee and blogger Arlene Fenton to his show, to discuss the matter. Rev. Sharpton claimed that he never said that the Dunbar Village suspects were being treated unfairly, and that he did not want bail for the suspects in question.

Ms Weathersbee and Ms Fenton said that their research indicated otherwise, as indicated by video footage, eyewitness accounts, and the reporting from the Florida Sun Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post.

At the end of the radio show, Al Sharpton strongly condemned any activity that would promote bail consideration for the suspects in question. Rev. Sharpton admitted that “if the suspects were white, he would have been there sooner.” He stated that this is a problem with many black civil rights organizations. He apologized and vowed to uphold his prior promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village. He also challenged all activists, bloggers, and writers to be accountable to each other.

To date, the NAACP has not made an official statement denouncing the Dunbar Village Atrocity, nor have they officially expressed regret to the victim. The NAACP also has not officially retracted their statement requesting bail consideration for the alleged rapists/torturers. To our understanding, neither agency has contributed to the Victim’s Assistance Fund or created a reward program geared toward the apprehension of the remaining rapists/torturers.

Conclusion

WE ARE SATISFIED with Al Sharpton’s qualifying statements that he made on his radio show on 3/27/2008. We will watch to see if he fulfills his promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village, and we are willing to assist any effort that promotes safer black neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, FL.

WE ARE NOT CONTENT with the reckless, irresponsible actions of the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter). We continue to urge all black people, women especially, to refrain from volunteering or giving financially to this organization until they take our safety seriously.

WHAT WE WANT

We want law enforcement to make a concerted, sustained effort to apprehend the remaining suspects. We want to see a genuine reward system in place to encourage members of the community to come forward with the knowledge of the whereabouts of the remaining suspects.

We want the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter) to reverse their position that the alleged rapists/torturers of this case should be considered for bail.

We want both the NAACP and the National Action Network to cease downgrading the gang rape/torture/atrocity of the Dunbar Village by comparing it to an unrelated gang rape, in which guns, maiming, and forced incest were not involved.

We want to see genuine victim advocacy in the form of financial support for the relocation, medical expenses, and mental therapy for the true victims in this case.

The Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund

Individuals who would like to donate money to the victims can go to any Wachovia Bank and donate to the St. Ann’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Donations will go directly to the mother and her son.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church will also accept donations. Checks can be made payable to the "Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund - St. Ann’s".

Donations can be mailed to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

If you would like to post this Open Letter on your blog, you can copy the HTML here:

(Blogger HTML) A New Underground Railroad is Born
(General HTML) A New Underground Railroad is Born

For more information about this Dunbar Village Campaign, you can visit any of the following blogs:

http://www.dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblogravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://tributetoblackwomen.com/news
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog

know yourself...

2008-03-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

if "you know your enemy and know yourself," he wrote, "you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." ---the art of war

do you know who you are?

or do you see yourself through the eyes of your enemies?

here is what you are not taught:

Africa is the home of early man.
Africa is the cradle of modern man.
Africa is the cradle of civilization.
Africa once held a position as world teacher including the teacher for the western world.
There was and there still is a continental wide unity in Africa and in the African communities around the world.
The first time Africans left the continent was not on slave ships.
Africa and African people all over the world have been under siege for nearly 2000 years and only recently by European slavery and colonization.
There is an African Diaspora all over the world today.
African people have resisted domination on the continent and all over the world.
Even under slavery, colonization, segregation, apartheid, African people have made monumental contributions to arts, science and politics.

we are not a people that just lies down and accepts oppression. there is nothing in our history to suggest such a course. any suggestion of this "giving up"screams the fact that we are not in touch with who we are as a people.

we are lost and must get back to basics.

...as i searched for a way to share the message, all roads lead back to history. it has all been said/done before. Malcolm X taught the lesson in a way that said it all...

please note that white has been added by me. i don't think that white men are THE man. they are simply white men...words are powerful...let us not defeat ourselves with them...

"You Can’t Hate The Roots
by Malcolm X
1965

Why should the Black man in America concern himself, since we’ve been away from the African continent for 400 years, for 300 – 400 years, why should we concern ourselves? What impact does what happen to them have upon us?

Number one; first you have to realize that up until 1959, Africa was dominated by the colonial powers. And by the colonial powers of Europe having complete control over Africa, they projected the image of Africa negatively. They projected Africa always in a negative light; jungles, savages, cannibals--nothing civilized.

And why then naturally it was so negative, it was negative to you and me. And you and I began to hate it. We didn’t want anybody to tell us anything about Africa much less calling us an African. And in hating Africa, and in hating the African, we ended up even hating ourselves, without even realizing it. Because you can’t hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree. You can’t hate your origin and not end up hating yourself. You can’t hate Africa and not hate yourself.

And you show me one of these people over here who has been thoroughly brainwashed, who has a negative attitude towards Africa and I will show you one that has a negative attitude towards himself. You can’t have a positive attitude towards yourself and a negative attitude towards Africa at the same time.

To the same degree that your attitude, that your understanding of and attitude toward Africa becomes positive, you’ll find that your understanding of and your attitude towards yourself becomes positive. And this is what the white man knows. So they very skillfully made you and me hate our African identity, our African characteristics. You know yourself. And we have been a people that hated our African characteristics. We hated our hair; we hated the shape of our nose. We wanted one of those long dog-like noses. We hated the color of our skin. We hated the blood of Africa that was in our veins and in hating our features and our skin and our blood, why we had to end up hating ourselves. And we hated ourselves.

Our color became to us a chain. We felt that it was holding us back; our color became to us like a prison which we felt was keeping us confined, not letting us go this way or that way and we felt that all of this restriction was based solely on our color and the psychological reaction to that would have had to be, that so long as we felt imprisoned or chained or trapped by black skin, black features and black blood; that skin and those features and blood that was holding us back automatically had to become hateful to us. And it became hateful to us. It made us feel inferior, it made us feel inadequate, it made us feel helpless, and when we fell victim to this feeling of inadequacy, or inferiority, or helplessness, we turned to somebody else to show us the way.

We didn’t have confidence in another Black man to show us the way or Black people to show us the way. In those days, we didn’t. We didn’t think a Black man could do anything, but play some horn and some sound and make you happy with some songs. But in serious things, where our food, clothing, and our shelter was concerned, and our education was concerned, we turned to the (white) man. We never thought in terms of bringing these things in existence for ourselves. We never thought in terms of doing things for ourselves. Because we felt helpless. And what made us helpless was our hatred for ourselves.

One of the things that made the Black Muslim Movement grow was its emphasis upon things African; this was the secret to the growth of the Black Muslim Movement. African blood, African origin, African cultures, African ties; and you’d be surprised. We discovered that deep within the subconscious of the Black man in this country, he’s still more African then he’s American. He thinks that he’s more American than he’s African because the (white) man is jiving him; the (white) man is brainwashing him everyday, telling him ‘you’re an American, you’re an American.’

Man how can you think that you’re an American when you have never had an American tree here? You have never, never…Ten men are sitting at a table eating; you know dining and I can come and sit down where they’re dining. They are dining. I’ve got a plate in front of me but nothing is on it. Because all of us are sitting at the same table are all of us diners?

I’m not a diner until you let me dine. Then I become a diner. Just being on the table with others who are dining doesn’t make me a diner. And that’s why you got to get in your head here in this country. Just because you’re in this country doesn’t make you an American. No; you got to go further than that. Before you can become an American, you’ve got to enjoy the fruits of Americanism and you haven’t enjoyed those fruits. You’ve enjoyed the thorns; you have enjoyed the thistles; but you have not enjoyed the fruits. No sir.

So I point these things out brothers and sisters so that you and I will know the importance, in 1965, of being in complete unity with each other, in harmony with each other, and not letting the (white) man maneuver us into fighting one another. I say again that I’m not a racist. I don’t believe in any form of segregation or anything like that. I’m for the brotherhood of everybody. But I don’t believe in forcing brotherhood upon people who don’t want it. So long as we practice brotherhood among ourselves and then others want to practice brotherhood with us,we’ll practice it with them also; we’ll work for that. But I don’t think we should run around trying to love somebody who doesn’t love us."

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

know your enemy...

2008-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

the ancient chinese warrior Sun Tzu taught his men to "know your enemy" before going into battle.

for if "you know your enemy and know yourself," he wrote, "you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

but, Sun Tzu warned, "if you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat."---the art of war

"yes, i know my enemies
they're the teachers who taught me to fight me
compromise
conformity
assimilation
submission
ignorance
hypocrisy
brutality
the elite
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams
all of which are american dreams"

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

working from within?

2008-03-24T13:27:00.001-07:00

will someone please help me understand all the black folks that want to "work from within" all communities, organizations and parties... that are NOT BLACK?

i am not trying to be funny!!!

black folks want to work within everything BUT the black community...

might it be a lack of...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT?

i say...yes...yes...yes!...wake up...yes!... stop it already!!!

1964..the ballot or the bullet?...the more things change folks...the more they stay the same...wake up!

2008-03-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

for those of you that have elected yourselves to the board of "make sure white folks are not offended" please note that "cracker" is a historical reference. it is a term used to describe the white person, that wielded a whip and cracked it mercilessly on the backs of black men, women, and children, in an effort to brutally beat them into oppression.

additionally, please be advised that "cracker" children today are diligently about their fathers' (and mothers') business. trust.

be notified that keeping white folks unoffended and comfortable is the new jim crow law---i don't abide in it. be offended and angry if you must. be respectful as you voice your differences.

i.understand.slave.conditioning.

however, i must and i will be free. i don't seek nor need anyone else's permission. don't be mad--- if you have the heart, come join me!

coming out of last week---recovering from the effects of obama's speech and the gleeful reactions to it from black folks---most white folks were mad; they expect all or nothing and obama didn't give it all in his meally mouth, intermediary, buckdancing, distance himself from "tom" wright's performance. still, i say, wtf!

black folks, sadly; still have no self love, self acceptance, self respect, or standards. as a result, black folks accept pretty much any old thing---as such, most black folks were happier than pigs in sh%t following the buckdancing performance.

i must confess, i felt horrified, dismayed, and very tired watching it all go down.

i tried to think of what i could say.

i spent a couple of days thinking about it. while black folks dressed up and celebrated with the bunny that lays eggs.

i had to come back to the fact/conclusion that it has all been said before. so while we continue to pretend, move out, date out, marry out, and procreate out---feverishly---black male and black female---the battle is still the same. intermarriage did not save the jews from the holocaust and it will not save us. bank on it...we must come back to basics. and all roads lead back to...

...SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!

2008-03-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

DEAR READERS:

This mass open letter is a call to action for all black people who care about the safety and welfare of black women and children in America. If you are concerned about the recent developments about Dunbar Village, please copy the post below, and email it to all of your friends and coworkers.

WE WILL NO LONGER BE SILENT ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACK WOMEN.

Copy and email below, and title your email: Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!

Let us know in the comments section if you are supporting the movement to protect black women from black on black violence.

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!

Right-thinking black people everywhere are stunned by the recent betrayal of Al Sharpton and the NAACP in a situation that is just too outrageous to ignore.

This is a painful story to tell, but it’s important for the moral, law-abiding majority of black Americans to understand exactly why Al Sharpton and the NAACP must be immediately stopped.

On June 18, 2007, a black woman was gang raped by 10 youths and forced at gunpoint to have sex with her own 12 year old son in a housing complex called Dunbar Village in West Palm Beach, Florida. The young men not only viciously punched, kicked and sliced this sister and her son with glass objects, but they also blinded her boy by pouring nail polish remover into his eyes.

The young men forced this sister and son to lay naked in a bathtub together, and attempted to set them on fire (they could not find matches). The youths boldly took cell phone pictures so that they could enjoy their violent, immoral and sadistic acts at a later time. The violence continued for more than three hours, and although this sister’s neighbors heard her screams, no one called the police or came to her aid.

This sister and her son had to walk a mile to the hospital, because the assailants stole her car, and threatened to kill her and her family if she told the authorities.

Only four of the young men have been apprehended, while the remaining six are on the loose, doing Lord knows what in our communities. There is no manhunt for the remaining suspects.

As devastating as this story is, what the NAACP and Al Sharpton have done about it will simply take your breath away:

Not only did the NAACP ignore hundreds of requests to assist this woman because it was 'outside the scope of their mission', but they joined forces with Al Sharpton, and sent their lawyers to speak out IN SUPPORT OF THE RAPISTS.

You heard me right.

Even though there is conclusive DNA evidence and signed confessions, the NAACP and Al Sharpton are saying that it is 'unfair' to not offer bail to these four alleged rapists. They even had a press release about it.

IT IS TIME FOR SENSIBLE BLACK PEOPLE TO STOP THIS KIND OF NONSENSE ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Al Sharpton and the NAACP are banking on the belief that you and I will be just like this black woman’s neighbors. Join me by saying NOT THIS TIME. We will not turn a deaf ear to when we hear calls for help from one of our sisters and brothers who are being victimized.

Stop the NAACP and Al Sharpton’s National Action Network from committing this disgrace in our community. Just this once, let’s stand up and be counted by saying that we demand safe neighborhoods for our women and children.

Here is what you can do:

1. Spread the word. Forward this email if your conscience and concern have been raised. Send it to every concerned black citizen that you know.

2. Demand an explanation from your local NAACP chapter about this case. Cancel your membership to these organizations, and write a letter explaining that you will return when they prioritize the public safety needs of black women and children.

3. If you do not belong to these organizations, call and write them to tell them of your outrage and displeasure:

NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
Toll Free: (877) NAACP-98
Local: (410) 580-5777

National Action Network
Rev. Al Sharpton
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, New York 10039
212-690-3070
877-NAN-HOJ1

4. If you know an African American reporter or a black radio talk show host, forward this story them and ask them to follow up on it.

Each Friday at 9:00am, visit any of the websites below, which will give you an update on the status of this situation. DO NOT LET THIS GO. Let us start working for safer neighborhoods in black communities.

Read the history of the Dunbar Village problem here:http://www.dunbarvillage2008.blogspot.com/

ON FRIDAYS, CHECK THE NETWORK OF A NEW GENERATION OF BLACK ACTIVISTS:

http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblogravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog

aaahhh...truth

2008-03-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

"If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there!"

--African Proverb

one love...now...

2008-03-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

i wasn't going to post today.

there has been so much going on...

...i thought i would take a break. yet, i feel compelled to share. i suggested that people should search out zeitgeist. i want to make it easier to get the information. so here it is in part...

so... it is really up to us, no? one love has a whole new meaning now, doesn't it? we can no longer afford to be divided and distracted.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

media whore

2008-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

i have been trying to find humor in what i see so clearly around me. it is a challenge i must confess, i like challenges, though:-) that's the upside; there is always one.

so, this week i have been dealing with being ignored and given the run around by the naacp---i have changed their initials to mean the national association of the advancement of criminal people. that made me laugh and feel better.

so, i am still waiting on return phone calls from the naacp and nan. i will not hold my breath. i got the message loud and clear. my commitment to the The Black Women's Agenda allows me to focus and remain purposeful.

"dunbar village, what's that?" if i had a penny for every time i heard that, i would be...

...oprah's very loaded, conscious neighbor.

supporting the Dunbar Village RAPISTS! will help get all up to speed. there is no shame in not knowing. there is shame in knowing and doing nothing.

the following episodes reminded me of al media whore opportunist sharpton; among many many many other things...

...it is all related. only child-like fools believe otherwise. ignorance is not bliss---it is lethal.

wake up...wake up...wake up...my people wake up...please...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

don't worry....check out part 2

zeitgeist...search it...see it

2008-03-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

AMEN SISTER!!!

2008-03-18T18:38:00.001-07:00

all i can say is amen! Cynthia McKinney said it so well. read. think about it. what are our politicians up to...really? or are we just happy to see black skin?

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

Cynthia McKinney
A Discussion of Race Worth Having
March 18, 2008

Much has been made around the edges of this campaign about the issue of race. Sadly, nothing has been made of the public policy exigencies that arise because of the urgent racial disparities that continue to exist in our country. Just last week, the United Nations criticized the United States, again, for its failure to address the issues arising from the rights, particularly the right of return, of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors. Author Bill Quigley writes in "The Cleansing of New Orleans," that half of the working poor, elderly, and disabled of New Orleans have not been able to return. Two weeks ago, United Nations experts on housing and minority rights called for an immediate end of public housing demolitions in New Orleans. Now, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, ratified by the U.S. in 1994, further observes that the U.S. must do more to protect and support the African American community. In 2006, the United Nations Human Rights Commission "noted its concern that while African Americans constitute just 12% of the population, they represent 50% of homeless people, and the government is required to take 'adequate and adequately implemented' measures to remedy this human rights violation." In short, the United Nations has issued reports squarely calling for the United States to do more to eliminate racial discrimination— and this discrimination is a human rights violation.

I am deeply offended that in the middle of a Presidential campaign, remarks--be they from a pastor or a communications mogul, or a former Vice Presidential nominee--are the cause of a focus on race, and not the deep racial disparities that communities are forced to endure on a daily basis in this country.

Myriad reports and studies that have been done all come up with the same basic conclusion: in order to resolve deep and persisting racial disparities in this country, a public policy initiative is urgently needed. A real discussion of race, in the context of a Presidential election, ought to include a discussion of the various public policy initiatives offered by the various candidates to eliminate all forms and vestiges of racial discrimination, including the racial disparities that cloud the hopes, dreams, and futures of millions of Americans.

For example, every year on the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. United for a Fair Economy publishes a study of the true state of people of color in America called the "State of the Dream Report." And it was their 2004 report that noted that without public policy intervention, it would take 1,664 years to close the racial gap in home ownership in this country. And that on some indices, for example, infant mortality, the racial disparities were worse at the time of the report than at the time of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In their 2005 report, entitled, "Disowned," United for a Fair Economy explored the disparate impact of Bush's "Ownership Society" economic program that saw Black and Latino lives shattered as unemployment, income, home ownership, business ownership, and stock ownership plummeted even in the face of Administration economists trumpeting the phenomenal "growth" of the U.S. economy as a result of their policies.

In 2006, United for a Fair Economy focused on the devastating and embarrassing effect of government inaction before, during, and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They focused on something as simple as car ownership and the relationship between vehicle ownership and race. In the case of New Orleans, car ownership literally meant the difference between losing or saving one's life.

In 2007, United for a Fair Economy explored the Black voters' attachment to the Democratic Party, and in a piece entitled, "Voting Blue, but Staying in the Red," they explored goals that the Democratic Party should have put at the top of its agenda for its first 100 hours in the majority. While noting that the Democrats didn't even mention Katrina in their agenda, United for a Fair Economy concluded that Blacks and Latinos voted in the November 2006 elections in the blue, but due to a failure of public policy that pays attention to their needs, they continue to live in the red.

In their 2008 report, United for a Fair Economy explores the sub-prime mortgage crisis and note that the largest loss of wealth in U.S. history is being experienced by the Black and Latino communities with an estimated $92 billion being lost by Blacks and an estimated $98 billion being lost by Latinos. And while families are losing their life savings and the only major investment that they own, policy makers are asking them to tighten their belts. But the predator banks' CEOs are walking away with record remuneration. And our policy makers are notable for their inaction: first on the predatory lending that disproportionately affects Blacks and Latinos, and then on offering relief so that homeowners remain homeowners, including in the midst of this crisis.

Sadly, United for a Fair Economy isn't the only research organization to find glaring and intolerable disparities in our society by race and no appropriate public policies enacted to address them. Hull House did a study that found that it would take 200 years to close the gap in the quality of life experienced by black Chicagoans and white Chicagoans. There has been no public policy initiative taken up by the mayor or the governor of Illinois to begin closing that gap.

Several years ago, the New York Times published a finding that nearly half the men between the ages of 16 and 64 in New York City were unemployed. There was no initiative by the mayor or the governor of New York to begin addressing such pain.

Every year, the National Urban League publishes a study, "The State of Black America," in which the ills and disparities that persist in this country are catalogued. Every year, the story is basically the same. The United States has a way to go that only public policy can address. However, when Harvard University/The Kaiser Family Foundation did a study on White attitudes about race several years ago, it found that Whites have little appreciation for the reality of Black life in America, from police harassment and intimidation, to imprisonment, to family income, unemployment, housing, and health care. But without an appreciation of the reality faced by many of our fellow Americans, the necessary public policy initiatives to change those realities will find difficulty gaining acceptance in the public discourse.

Additionally, compounding the problem, there is little public discourse because the corporate press refuse to cover the deep implications of the results of all these studies. I am convinced that if the American people knew the truth of the conditions, change would surely follow. I believe that to be the case because of the impact of the images of "Bloody Sunday" on the passage of the Voting Rights Act. I believe that to be the case because of the impact of the images of the Vietnam War on the turn of the tide of public opinion against that War.

This moment sheds light on a much-needed discussion: on race and the legacies of race and slavery and the continuing problems associated with our failure to treat racism as a curable American disease.

I am glad that candidate Obama mentioned the existing racial disparities in education, income, wealth, jobs, government services, imprisonment, and opportunity. Now it is time to address the public policies necessary to resolve these disparities. Now it is time to have the discussion on how we are going to come together and put policies in effect that will provide real hope and real opportunity to all in this country.

To narrow the gap between the ideals of our founding fathers and the realities faced by too many in our country today: That must be the role of public policy at this critical moment in our country today.

I welcome a real discussion of race in this country and a resolve to end the long-standing disparities that continue to spoil the greatness of our country. I welcome a real discussion of all the issues that face our country today and the real public policy options that exist to resolve them. That must be the measure of this campaign season. For many voters, this important discussion has been too vague or completely non-existent. Now is the time to talk about the concrete measures that will move our country forward: on race, war, climate change, the economy, health care, and education. Our votes and our political engagement must be about ensuring that fairness truly for all is embodied in "liberty and justice for all."

the high road

2008-03-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

it is always good to take the high road...

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

get the feeling we are expected to just...shut up?

2008-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

i don't agree with it all.

the "christian culture with morality" junk sent steam out of my ears. for the record, i don't think all jews are degenerates either. let me be real clear.

i found http://www.iamthewitness.com/ to be interesting to say the least. i will have to read more before i know what i think. their disclaimer in part..."thinking, writing, and speaking about a broad range of Zionist issues. We are not racist, xenophobic, homophobic, or prejudiced against any race, creed, or national origin. We are prejudiced only against criminals." helped my fear that they were simply hateful and trying to lay blame for the giant world wide mess we see at the feet of the jews. this seems to be the popular theme of white supremacists that refuse to acknowledge the participation of whites in the creation of the mess.

i haven't yet met anyone that i do agree with all they have to say. so take what you need...leave the rest.

i get the distinct impression that in order for the plan to work, we all must...shut up.

uh, thanks but no...let's talk about it. with respect, love, and the desire to make it better. it is up to us. we owe it to our ancestors, our children, and ourselves.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

spitzer...from a different perspective...this time using the brain!

2008-03-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

this info was shared with me. i thought i would share it with you.

Greg Palast is a journalist that grew up in the san fernando valley. after he reported a story that angered the gov't he had to leave this country. he does a program in england on the bbc similar to nightline here.. truth telling means you have to move; in order to keep freely telling it! freedom of speech my...

i salute his courage and support him in his efforts.

so...let's stop focusing on the ho/whore/prostitute/hofessional/hooker/call girl/escort/pretty woman. please.

it is smart to practice using the whole brain. or at the very least substantially more than average.

let's dig in and focus on what makes the most sense with which to be concerned. more black men, women, and children are headed into poverty and homelessness. i have met, personally, quite a few hispanics and whites as well; fighting desperately to keep their homes. this is serious business and we need to get serious about handling business. these are hard working people that are diligently trying to succeed within the system. think. focus. purpose. action=civic duty.

the blue in the article is me talking. thought i would point that out; don't want anyone to be confused:-)

read. dig deeper. think. share your thoughts if you feel inclined. they are always welcome.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

The $200 billion bail-out for predator banks and Spitzer charges are intimately linked

By Greg Palast Reporting for Air America Radio’s Clout

March 14th, 2008

[To hear it, click on the link below…]

While New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was paying an ‘escort’ $4,300 in a hotel room in Washington, just down the road, George Bush’s new Federal Reserve Board Chairman, Ben Bernanke, was secretly handing over $200 billion in a tryst with mortgage bank industry speculators.

Both acts were wanton, wicked and lewd. But there’s a BIG difference. The Governor was using his own checkbook. Bush’s man Bernanke was using ours.

This week, Bernanke’s Fed, for the first time in its history, loaned a selected coterie of banks one-fifth of a trillion dollars to guarantee these banks’ mortgage-backed junk bonds. The deluge of public loot was an eye-popping windfall to the very banking predators who have brought two million families to the brink of foreclosure.

Up until Wednesday, there was one single, lonely politician who stood in the way of this creepy little assignation at the bankers’ bordello: Eliot Spitzer. coincidence? try no!

Who are they kidding? Spitzer’s lynching and the bankers’ enriching are intimately tied.
How? Follow the money. always a good practice. practice it. especially in politics...

The press has swallowed Wall Street’s line that millions of US families are about to lose their homes because they bought homes they couldn’t afford or took loans too big for their wallets. Ba-LON-ey. That’s blaming the victim.

Here’s what happened. Since the Bush regime came to power, a new species of loan became the norm, the ‘sub-prime’ mortgage and its variants including loans with teeny “introductory” interest rates. From out of nowhere, a company called ‘Countrywide’ became America’s top mortgage lender, accounting for one in five home loans, a large chunk of these ‘sub-prime.’

Here’s how it worked: The Grinning Family, with US average household income, gets a $200,000 mortgage at 4% for two years. Their $955 monthly payment is 25% of their income. No problem. Their banker promises them a new mortgage, again at the cheap rate, in two years. But in two years, the promise ain’t worth a can of spam and the Grinnings are told to scram - because their house is now worth less than the mortgage. Now, the mortgage hits 9% or $1,609 plus fees to recover the “discount” they had for two years. Suddenly, payments equal 42% to 50% of pre-tax income. The Grinnings move into their Toyota.

Now, what kind of American is ‘sub-prime.’ Guess. No peeking.

Here’s a hint: 73% of HIGH INCOME Black and Hispanic borrowers were given sub-prime loans versus 17% of similar-income Whites. Dark-skinned borrowers aren’t stupid – they had no choice. They were ‘steered’ as it’s Continue reading ‘Eliot’s Mess’ Tag: Podcasts Podcasts

Listen Now:
Elliot Spizter Gets Nailed Pt 1: Hide Player Play in Popup Download

Elliot Spizter Gets Nailed Pt 2: Play Now Play in Popup Download

so please---no! i am not colorblind and i will say as well that no one else is either!

americans need to stop lying and tell the truth. starting with ourselves first. it is the only way we have a snowball's chance in hell. think about it.

truth+accountability=patriotic

2008-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

feel free to play the song while you read:-) rage against the machine performs to the same level that i feel as i write. i am heated right now. especially, with the images of suffering iraqi women and girls seared into my memory. black women and girls have not and continue to not fare any better, in this country and abroad. standing against injustice is the only thing to do. that is, if you want to claim inclusion in the human circle; that is my humble, strong, unapologetic position.

the u.s. corporate owned media doesn't want us to know or see.

i think we all have the right to know and act from an informed place. don't you?

want information you won't find in mainstream media?

check out:

THE REAL NEWS!!! ---this source is also on my blogroll. support them. they have no strings, no corporate owners and behave like journalists (not the tabloid variety:-).

the iraq veterans against the war (ivaw) are holding a winter soldier's conference, presenting vets', iraqi, and afghan workers' testimony of u.s. imperialism's war atrocities. it is modeled after the testimony of u.s. war crimes in vietnam presented by vietnam veterans against the war (vvaw) in 1971.

the more things change, the more they stay the same. no?

the white supremacy/racism/corruption starts at the top and trickles down...it is the american way...most americans without thought act as though the world is inhabited by lesser humans.

asking the u.s. gov't why? only ensures more gov't lies! true education is an individual pursuit. pursue knowledge. seek and ye shall find.

i salute these brave men and women that have decided to shine light in the dark places. it takes courage and i stand in solidarity. tell the truth and shame the devil! sociopaths are big on appearances, being worshipped and respected. it seems public humiliation is the only thing that puts them on the righteous path.

so we know where mccain stands. he supports torture and makes no bones about it. i can respect his candor. clinton has made it abundantly clear that she wants power and control even if she has to ruin her political party to get it. trust her with the world, do you? obama is as slick as snot, as such so many are missing the obvious... so let's examine fun facts...

...did you know?

both obama and clinton support the democrat carter doctrine: using military force to guarantee u.s. access to, control of, and profit from persian gulf oil.

though obama pretends to be the "out-of- iraq" peace candidate don't believe it! arch imperialist paul volcker's endorsement of obama should have been a great indicator. yes, that paul volcker---chief economist at chase bank, director of the rockefeller led trilateral commission, federal reserve chairman who put millions out of work by jacking up interests rates to 20% to bail out bankers in the '80s volcker.

this brazen soul went on record saying, he hopes obama's "leadership...can restore confidence in our vision, our strength, and our purposes right around the world." (wall street journal, 1/31/08) uh, sinister, anyone? anyone?

for those that don't know---harvard's kennedy school is a top imperialist policy factory, in my opinion. recently, obama fired foreign campaign advisor, samantha power (kennedy school guru! coincidence- no!) who specializes in disguising military invasions as "humanitarian interventions". on march 6th a bbc reporter asked her: "so what the american public thinks is a commitment to get combat forces out in sixteen (16) months isn't a commitment?" power's answer: "you can't make a commitment in march '08 about what circumstances will be like in january '09."

obama says he's "open" to keeping troops in iraq for years, if necessary. while the ny times reports the number of civilians killed in afghanistan is "alarmingly high". the u.s media doesn't count the death toll of non-americans. (history mandates as a black person that i don't ever forget that the powers that be don't count me and mine either! to forget is to be caught by surprise)

obama promises to redeploy more u.s. troops to afghanistan. the recently announced increase in u.s. covert operations in pakistan will continue, no matter who is president. bank on it.

don't believe, it is to your detriment to do so---the problem is just bush, the neo-cons, and mccain. capitalism is ruthless and inhumane. as evidenced by u.s. imperialism in its drive to control oil supplies, other resources, and as well as maintain profits. all signs indicate that ww3 will be a battle of capitalist rivals protecting their economic interests. the working class will suffer and die in large numbers as a result. we are expendable!

possible solutions? let's come up with them based on truth. i don't believe in trying to conform. i believe we need to come outside of the corrupt system, unite, and make this government truly of the people, for the people and by the people. though americans are not a monolith; i think we all want to live free and well!

talk to me...we are killing in the name of...let's rage against the machine!

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

do something!

2008-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Iraq Fax-in: Let's Show Congress How We Feel

March 19 marks the 5th Anniversary of Bush's disastrous invasion and occupation of Iraq - yet there is no end in sight.

The costs so far are staggering: 4,000 young Americans killed, tens of thousands maimed... 1 million Iraqis killed, millions maimed... $562 billion in tax dollars stolen from our children... $3 trillion cost to our economy through veterans care, weapons replacement, higher oil prices, and the collapsing dollar. All that in just 5 years!

We elected a Democratic Congress in 2006 to bring our troops home, but they keep giving Bush blank checks. Incredibly, Congress will soon vote on another $102 billion blank check.

On this 5th Anniversary, it is time for everyone who hates this occupation to do something about it. And we're making it as simple and effective as we can.

We're calling it the Iraq Fax-In. It's like a sit-in, only you can do it from home. http://iraqfaxin.com/

1. Fax an image to Congress that visually expresses how you feel about the invasion and occupation of Iraq. We've posted a few ideas, but we welcome all of yours! http://iraqfaxin.com/

2. Email your Representatives by signing our "Out of Iraq" petition on the right side here:http://iraqfaxin.com/

Let's each do our part to make the world a better place.

Resist in March

On March 19, peace and justice organizations will hold actions around the country and in Washington, DC to demand an end to the funding of the occupation, along with the impeachment of the president and vice president who launched it. For the full range of activities, see http://resistinmarch.org/

_______
MARCH 19, 2008 (Wednesday) Nonviolent Civil Resistance in All 435 Congressional Districts and in the Nation's Capital on the Fifth Anniversary of the Occupation of Iraq

Locations in each congressional district, to be determined locally, will include congressional offices (Congress Members and Senators will be in their districts on this day), federal buildings, military recruiters, weapons makers, war profiteers, or corporate media outlets. In Washington, with Congress out of town, the focus will be on war profiteers in the military industrial disaster-capitalism complex. Events will include roles for people not wanting to risk arrest.
http://www.5yearstoomany.org/

LOCAL EVENTS: Post Yours! Update it.
FIND LOCAL EVENTS AT http://5yearstoomany.org/ AND IN A SEPARATE LIST AT http://worldagainstwar.org/
WASHINGTON DC EVENTS: Join us!
Resources for nonviolent activism: HERE.Resources for promoting your event in the media: HERE.Flyers and posters with room for local info: HERE.Ideas for local actions: HERE.

"injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

the power of tears

2008-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

in pulling information for my post on the 5th year of the iraqi war, i came across images that reflect the suffering of women and girls in war torn lands.

i must say that i chose not to include these images, sobbing recounts from those tenacious enough to survive, and perpetrators brazen enough to brag about their participation in crimes against humanity.

on a certain level i felt the images too graphic. additionally, it felt as if my posting them would further dehumanize the unfortunate women pictured. i would never want that done to me or my family---so i did not do it to another woman and her family.

i must say this though. my viewing these images wounded my soul. they haunted my dreams last night. in the comfort of my home, safe, surrounded by my family and everything i need; my life was impacted.

my love, respect and immense empathy prompted me to re-visit the topic today. i love my sisters and their suffering affects me. my sisters motivate me to continue to tell the truth, do my best to shine the light of understanding in the dark places; and let the chips fall where they may. i honor them and will stand in solidarity with them against violence and sexual assault.

all americans don't believe that other lands are inhabited by lesser humans. some of us understand that during times of war, the men and boys die and the women and girls die a thousand times. i will not even pretend that rape is not a weapon of oppression and war. i won't bury my head and mute my voice because it is so ugly and unpopular to discuss such things. i wish there was no need to discuss such things.

additionally, i am tuned into the fact that the poor women and children displaced by hurricane katrina are still suffering; although it is no longer on the news. where i live, i see funds for schools being slashed, while the police departments are being bulked up. i get an e-mail everyday wanting to know if i want to be a police officer. the stage is being set...

it is time to wake up! Malcolm X said it best with, "the greatest mistake of the movement has been trying to organize a sleeping people. you have to wake them up to their humanity, their own worth, to their heritage, then you'll get action." it is time to wake up!

i will relax when i see progress being made. even then, only a little. ever mindful that if this is the plight of non-black women, it will be double time for us. nowhere have i been able to find an indication of otherwise.

my tears cleanse me. my tears heal my soul. my tears release my anger. when things beat me down, i will get up. i will come back in multiples of ten. this is who we are, my sisters. my tears have been dried and my face washed; i will now return to my assignment. it is time for everyone to wake up.

thanks to my mother for the image. i love you.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

follow up to do something...where you are...now

2008-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

so...the march today was...amazing!!!

it was beautiful to be surrounded by all the different hues of humanity. everyone united in the desire to resist the "new world order", and the assault on the working class---also known as the masses. worldwide.

i saw blacks, asians, indigenous, hispanic, arab, indian and white people. all in harmony, lifting their voices- in different languages to stand against oppression, white supremacy, and imperialism. we stood in agreement that the masses need to set aside petty differences and unite. a unified people are a powerful people. we cannot afford to succumb to distractions.

my favorite sign today read: REAL EYES* REALIZE* REAL LIES

today's experience reminded me of a song that i heard recently. in fact, it reminded me of several. i will share a couple with you. listen. think. share your thoughts. they are always welcomed.

hard hitting images i know. for this reason the corporate media will not allow you to see what we are really up to around the world. you would want to stop it, right? i think most people would. the powers that be know this... check out how it all began...five (5) years ago...that's a lot of suffering, destruction, and inhumanity.

it is up to each of us to do something...where ever we are...now. all signs indicate that venezuela, among other nations, is next http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/256.0/popup/index.php?cl=6988736.

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT

Letter to NAN

2008-03-15T10:16:00.001-07:00

this is the letter that i sent to NAN today @ revalmedia@yahoo.com. i will also call every naacp office on monday in the general vicinity of my residence. there are exactly four.

i won't continue to kick myself that i was too busy friday to get it done:-) i will just get it done.

feel free to join the efforts. thanks Shecodes for making it so easy to make a difference!

My name is focusedpurpose, and I host a blog entitled "focusedpurpose". I am part of blogging ring of black women, and our collective readership reaches several thousand women and men of color every day. Our readers have avidly followed the Dunbar Village incident.

Our readers are aware of the extreme reluctance that many black activists have displayed when asked to advocate for the apprehension of the remaining suspects. They are also highly incensed by Rev. Sharpton's recent statements that the few suspects that were apprehended are 'being treated unfairly'. Many people, including myself, are appalled at Rev. Sharpton's new stance, and are prepared to mobilize concerning this if Rev. Sharpton continues in this vein.

I am writing this email a good faith attempt to forestall an embarrassing backlash for Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. I am asking Rev. Sharpton to reverse his present direction, and to renounce all statements that might cause the authorities to believe that black people want these suspects released on bail.

I am appealing to you as a woman, as a black person, and as a fellow activist in the struggle, to exert pressure for the apprehension of the remaining suspects, and a speedy trial for all detainees involved.

Please give a long overdue show of concern for the safety of black women in West Palm Beach, FL.

In the Struggle,
focusedpurpose

do something...where you are...now

2008-03-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 15th, - the 5th Anniversary of the U.S. War on Iraq
Join Thousands in Protest - Gather at Hollywood and Vine at 12 noon

End the War Now!

Bring the troops home - U.S. out of Iraq and Afghanistan Immediately and Unconditionally!!

Money for Housing, Jobs, Schools and Healthcare - not Imperialist Wars!

End U.S. Support for Sixty Years of Occupation in Palestine! U.S. troops and bases out of Latin America, Africa, and Haiti, Hands off Iran and Venezuela!

Wage a War Against Home Foreclosures, A War Against Racism, and a War Against Layoffs!

Stop Attacks on Immigrant Workers! Tear Down the Walls from the West Bank to Mexico!

Come to Hollywood and Vine on Saturday and march with thousands who demand an end to the corporate campaign of militarism, racism, and attacks on workers! Look for the International Action Center banner!

To volunteer with the IAC (international action center) on Saturday call 310 677-6407---check for a local branch near you. what can you do to be a part of the solution?

injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. this injustice is on our shores already. in due time it will be each of our personal turn. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/terrorist_surveillance don't be fooled. freedom has not ever come without a fight historically. there is nothing new under the sun.

i wanted to use a peace sign with this entry. instead, i will point anyone that cares to know in the direction of why we must check the history of everything before we just accept it. people are perishing for lack of knowledge. www.jesus-is-savior.com/.../peace_sign.htm take what you need, leave the rest.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

...imagine...

2008-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

i would like to, in no uncertain terms, make it clear that i do not advocate the use of "nigga" or "nigger" as a term of endearment. in fact i strongly oppose such a practice.

yet, i respect that everyone's message won't be like mine or conveyed my way.

i fully support free creative expression. i have abandoned mainstream "music" and "entertainment". i don't find it very musical or entertaining anymore. quite the contrary actually.

at any rate, i appreciate this brother's message. i hope you do as well. i welcome your thoughts.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

my history love affair

2008-03-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

my wise and generous elder Bill, sent this to me today. ( you insist, yet it still feels weird to call you by your first name, i am a southern girl at heart:-) i appreciate and love you. i know that i am blessed because of the people like you in my life. thank you for the generosity with which you share your wisdom.

when i received this it resonated as confirmation.

i love history. it guides me. my history and my ancestors caution me; i feel their whispers in my spirit to go left, now make a right and just ahead will be truth, wisdom, understanding.

history cautions me to take information and flip it that i may have clarity. we are in a backwards world. i am abundantly blessed. we all are. we must stand and claim our blessings. they are our birthright.

today i read a quote by Frantz Fanon:

"each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it."

fulfilling our mission must be the purpose as i see it. resisting oppression, all oppression is the mission. we must be focused and diligent where ever we are. each of us.

i know i have been preaching the importance of knowing, appreciating, respecting our history and ancestors. enjoy Dr. Milton's voice. apply the principles and live freely...powerfully...committed to be the much needed change.

Understanding Wisdom And FOREVER Appreciating The Past
Dr. Alice Tyler Milton
~ Associate Dean of Business and Information Technologies Division ~
~ Acting Director of the Small Business Center ~

Wisdom may be defined as a practical outlook to the problems of life. Wise men and women of our past and present made many sacrifices and used their life experiences to help strengthened our confidence and abilities in ourselves. Their life experiences have always been placed into words to conform our thoughts as we present ourselves to the future generation. Adhering and understanding the words help us to progress with greater opportunities to success. Words of wisdom have always had the capacity to motivate, expound, and discipline the minds of listeners. Thurman Arnold stated “Unhappy is a people that has run out of words to describe what is going on.”

Moreover, wisdom is a flourishing fountain of virtue, respect, self-assurance, and self-respect. Cultural understanding helps to nourish and keep the vision alive—no matter what generation. History has shown that the most successful leaders are those who have learned to draw upon our heritage of thought and experience. Booker T. Washington believed that the story of his life was a typical American success story, and he redefined "success" to make it so. Because of the many wonderful accomplishments of the past that made our present and future brighter, we must NEVER forget our history.

SELF LOVE~SELF ACCEPTANCE~SELF RESPECT

it's a trend...remain focused and purposeful!

2008-03-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

so... i had to step away for a moment. haste makes waste and i tend to be more radical than most it seems. especially, during this space in history. i am clear though as to the reasons.

al sharpton gave the world a glimpse of his foolish ass awhile back. some brothers made excuses for him.

yesterday, he showed the whole, big, rotten, disgusting, ridiculous, amoral, for sale-as long as there is a video camera, shameless, criminally misguided thing. in doing so he made it impossible for the mentally slow, aforementioned brothers, to say anything in integrity aside from WTF! there is always an upside:-)

had i been surprised i may have fallen down. *movie reference-starring michael douglas:-)*

instead, i decided to go racing, spend time with my family, and recruit others to join the battle.

in case you haven't noticed folks...we are at war! domestically and abroad. literally and figuratively. the truth and degree of the matter you will never see on the news. most have been trained to not tell the truth. it is rude, unlady-like, a downer, and a "national security risk". not to mention, if you acknowledged what's really going on and what's wrong---it would be human nature to want to fix it. this is why deception, lies and inhumanity go hand in hand.

despite feeling like i am whispering in the wind. i feel led to keep doing it. i will. with purpose. and laser-like focus.

i will stop, as best as i can, reminding those within my circle of influence when those things come to pass that i have called previously. i will not feel annoyed when others tell me what i have been saying all along; as if it should be a newsflash to me. i will instead re-direct that annoyance to buoyancy with the fact that i have company in the light of understanding. i will continue to pace myself and remind myself that what other people think of me is not my business. i will re-post my first official blog, periodically, to re-focus myself. those that invite me to focus on all of mankind, i will consistently ignore and pray they gain perspective. in addition to the common sense that would inform them that all giant projects are best broken down into manageable ones. i will keep my eyes fixed firmly on the prize. i will remain focused. i have the power.

i will, instead of getting angry, belly laugh at this this conk wearing preacher clown; that has volunteered his services to be the agent of inhumanity. i will give praise for the wisdom that informs my knowledge that we will see a lot of this fool and those like him. what he is fighting for-the right of males to rape indiscriminately at young ages; and to be dealt with leniently regardless of race- has quietly become the national past time. look. see. accept the truth. this evil knows no racial bounds. all of humanity faces the same enemy.

for awhile now rape has become a part of the "entertainment" scene. it has become frequently included in the titillating gratuitous sex scenes. actors of all ages have signed up to add the visual to the atrocity. what we see now is of course the natural progression. my refusal to support the "entertainment" industry has in part been because of this very reason. that and the erasing of the black woman image in any type of positive light. that and the refusal to couple black men and women (unless she looks white-like which promotes colorism) in meaningful, healthy, non stereotypical relationships.

so...i will not allow my focus to be shifted. i will continue to register my disdain and release it:-) i am NO saint; and this fool makes me want to take his head OFF! discussions at this point seem like a game of patty cake. i don't love traitors into turning back. traitors should be swiftly dropped where they stand. victorious people historically get this basic principle. they don't risk victory by trying to compromise and err on the side of caution.

i will use what we see to assist black women and girls to empower themselves to not only survive...but to live abundantly, powerfully and freely. human rights are claimed, not given. freedom is seized not requested. cease and desist orders are commands not mere suggestions.

the alleged predator you see above is eighteen and charged with several friends of sexually assaulting a sixteen year old special education student. you may read more @ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/teen_sex_assault .

if you are interested to know more about the sharpton shenanigans the following bloggers do an amazing job keeping the record up to date:

Black Women Vote!

Essential Presence

black sapience

Aunt Jemima's Revenge

of course this is a partial listing of great bloggers out there. my favorites are of course on my blog roll:-)

SELF LOVE~ SELF ACCEPTANCE~ SELF RESPECT