Isaiah Washington makes me think Part 2 - 6.29.2007.2

Continued from Isaiah Washington makes me think Part 1...

As for Mr. Richards,
he and Mr. Seinfeld tried to explain how this was meant to be humor. It was just ‘a response to being heckled.’ The news media, which only picked up the story due to the proliferation of a YouTube video of the event, 3 days after the fact, dropped the story in a couple of days. No mention on this has happened since about a week after the event. Mr. Richards also went for counseling, and apologized to several of the patrons at the Laugh Factory that night. There may have also been a cash settlement, but that was never confirmed or followed by the media to my knowledge. [If you know tell me]

In both these cases we see that the media made a big deal and then quickly dropped the story. Both men had huge entertainers stand up for them when the news broke. Neither man had ties to a television or movie studio at the time [Mr. Gibson’s movie was independent and self-owned]. Mr. Gibson seems to have fully recovered. Mr. Richards abilities are unknown.

So is Mr. Washington correct? Well I do have to mention that Mr. Michael Jackson has continued his career since allegations of child molestation. Then again, that is quite different in nature of what happened, and some claim Mr. Jackson may be near bankruptcy. Still there is no question that he has mostly survived the negative media attention. Not that his career is not filled with negative media.

There is also R. Kelly.
5 years after being accused of raping a minor on video tape, his case has yet to see the light of a courtroom. The widely distributed tape is barely ever mentioned anymore, and the father of the victim reportedly now works for R Kelly. He has made record albums and comparatively toned down music videos since, and the media today barely whispers about the case.

Yet I have never heard of the kind of forgiveness that Mr. Gibson or others have received. When comparing apples to apples, as best as can be done, the similarities end. The volume of acts committed by the entertainers and celebrities that the media takes a soft hand to is numerous. The number that this treatment reaches, that are minorities of any type are few.

Mr. Washington seems to not have gotten a fair shake, compared to other entertainers of similar stature and nature. I mean there was a lot said about Ms. Angelina Jolie, before she started traveling and working to improve the lives of children. But even Newsweek had to mention that Mr. Washington is building a school in Sierra Leone. Mr. Washington claims to have been donating to homeless shelters, and working to improve the lives of the downtrodden for many years. Like many African American, and Hispanic/Latino American entertainers and celebrities, like Mr. Chris Gardner of whom the movie Pursuit of Happyness is based, little of these actions has ever been mentioned.

Forgiving Mr. Isaiah Washington for his comments is a personal decision. Whether anyone thinks his comments were vile, crude or ignorant is not my point. But I do wonder why it seems quite apparent that the media seems ready to crucify entertainers and celebrities of color when something that is questionable is done, yet when blatant criminal acts are done by other entertainers [like taking drugs, driving without a liscence, drunk driving, ect] they turn the other cheek repeatedly.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Isaiah Washington makes me think - 6.29.2007.1

Newsweek has just published an interview with Mr. Isaiah Washington, that seems to be getting interesting comments. Many are probably familiar with recent troubles for Mr. Washington. He called a former cast-mate a f*****, twice. The second time backstage of an Awards show. This lead to a reported homophobia counseling and then to his dismissal from Grey’s Anatomy.


According to the interview [which has an interesting title], what has been reported is not everything that was going on. As is often the case, the media played up aspects of the issue and ignored others, according to Mr. Washington. There is no question that Mr. Washington made the comment, though he claims the context was quite different.

"Patrick and I had a philosophical disagreement that got out of hand and that I regret a great deal," Washington says. "I said a lot of negative things that were never reported, but there was one word that caught everyone’s attention, particularly someone who wasn’t even in the room with us. It was a fight between two men that shouldn’t have happened. But someone heard the booming voice of a black man and got really scared and that was the beginning of the end for me. I see that now, but I didn’t then."

Regardless of how anyone might feel about his comments, Mr. Washington does go on to make a strong point, and I wonder how often this will be mentioned in the mainstream media,

"If a black man can’t get forgiveness in this country, when so many other people like Robert Downey Jr. and the governor of California get second and third chances … I think that says a lot about race and this country where we stand."

That one statement got me wondering. How many websites and media sources were covering that comment and what it means? When I found this interview on Newsweek’s site I noticed 2 other items. One skips this part of the interview entirely. The other, which appears to be a British site, does mention it in part.

So is Mr. Isaiah Washington correct? Who might have been forgiven for similar actions? Well of course there are the numerous problems of Mr. Downey. The ‘Govenator’ is accurate too. But is there anyone else? Well there is Mr. Mel Gibson’s widely covered comments about Jews, which was excused by his drunkenness – but he still said it. And there are the comments of Mr. Michael Richards at the Laugh Factory. But his friend Mr. Jerry Seinfeld came out to publicly state that he wasn’t like that. I’m sure comparisons to Ms. Lindsey Lohan and Ms. Britney Spears could be made as well. But I think Mr. Gibson and Mr. Richards are the most recent and most applicable.

In Mr. Gibson’s case, he apologized and went back to his alcohol abuse counseling. He then released his movie Apocalypto, which did very well. Today there is barely anyone speaking about it. During the incident there were many that came to his side, and the media made a big deal about his being drunk at the time.

Continued in Part 2...

HR 180 IH, what does that mean? - Repost - 6.28.2007.2

This is a repost from my Vass ...

Here is something annoying. You have not heard a single Presidential candidate speak about this. I don’t recall any news media coverage of this. Were it not for the efforts of Mr. Don Cheadle, and several other prominent actors, and the humanitarian award he received I might not have heard about this. Not that there was any significant attention made about Mr. Cheadle getting the award or why.

The point is that the United States government has reacted pitifully in regard to Darfur. So far 3 sessions of Congress have been discussing this and still nothing has been done. And here is the proof. On January 4th Representative Lee introduced HR 180 IH. If you wonder what that means it’s the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Introduced in House). So far any attempt at accountability has gone out the window.

As of my writing this now, as Congress prepares to go on July 4th celebration seven months after introducing this bill the best thing that can be said is that it only took 3 months for a subcommittee meeting on this. In virtually seven months there has been no movement on this bill since March 20th. Perhaps if the members of Congress were in danger of losing loved ones there might be more action on the matter.

Now some of you may be saying, ‘Hold on, we don’t need to start another war.’ Others may be saying, ‘What is HR 180 IH?’

The answer to the first is that the bill doesn’t require the United States to put a single solider anywhere they aren’t already. The answer to the second is

“To require the identification of companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies, and for other purposes.”

Basically this bill cuts off money that goes to support what the 108th Congress

“declares that the atrocities unfolding in the Darfur region of Sudan, are genocide.”

That was almost 3 years ago to the day. How many have died since that time do you think? The GENOCIDE was unfolding according to Congress, it still exists, and we barely hear anything about it.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told Congress there was a genocide, President Bush told the U.N. that there as a genocide, yet only 4 states have passed laws requiring that no company doing business with the Sudan can do business with their state. Odds are it’s not your state. I can guarantee that it’s not New York State, home of Wall Street, and where the big six brokerage houses invest millions of dollars in mutual funds that could be doing business with [thus supporting] the Sudan and genocide.

I bet that 99% of those reading this now, that have a pension or mutual fund, have no idea what that mutual fund is invested in. I would bet that 99.5% have no idea what businesses might be supporting the Sudan government. Yet I am sure that, of those over 30 [which is maybe 50% of my readers] everyone was for and supported the bans against South Africa and Apartheid back in 1986.

To my knowledge, virtually every member of Congress is old enough to have at least heard about the 1986 bans. They have no excuse.

Of the 24 colleges mentioned in this bill there is not one that I am aware of that is a Black college. That could be simply an oversite of Representative Lee, or that they are doing matters separate of this bill. But I recall that back in ’86, there was more than one black college that was invested in South Africa.

Perhaps Congress can sleep at night without doing more than speaking about this terrible situation. Perhaps they have more to do in preparing their particular candidate for the 2008 election, or raising funds for that candidate. Perhaps every candidate for President right now can’t spend any time to come up with a 30 second soundbite for Darfur, as there isn’t enough time after explaining the resolution to Iraq, taxes, terrorism, social security, and why they are so great and warm people. Each of those points explained in 30 second soundbites. Perhaps the moderators of the debates are too overwhelmed with questions on when America will be out of Iraq, that question can be and has been asked in each debate maybe 20 different ways, to find one on Darfur.

I know that I was too busy writing to 6 blogs, and growing my company to stop and get into this issue. But at some point you have to stop and say, I can do more.

Well here I am doing more. I’ve raised the bar. Now you know. What will you do? Will you get in touch with you Congressional representative and ask them what they did over the 4th of July while people died and a simple resolution sat on the congressional floor? Will you take a moment to read HR 180 IH, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007?

This is what I think, what do you think?

Worth the ticket, Live Free or Die Hard - 6.28.2007.1

You need to see Live Free or Die Hard. I saw the film last night and it is well worth the money.

In an interview with Mr. Bill O’Rielly, Mr. Bruce Willis mentions that this is a visual rollercoaster rider, and he was correct. Almost from the very first scene this move starts running Like a cable modem connection, making most of the other films this year look like they were on a dial-up connection. Especially when you watch “Spider-boy” in action.


Mr. Willis’s John McCane has gotten a bit older, and life has slowed down a bit, but he definitely isn’t some old foggy. He still has trouble with the women in his life, and like many technology is well beyond him. He can still kick ass with the best of them, definitely someone you want on your side.

Let’s not forget that McClane is a New York Police Detective. That should be warning enough for the PC police out there. One of the funniest and most memorable lines is so outrageous it has me in stitches, while many in the movie theater gasped, not sure what to do. The line is just funny, and sadly it will ruin it if I tell you here.

There is enough action to satisfy any fan of the Die Hard series. Like the previous films almost every scene is realistic. There are one or 2 things that just can’t happen, but while you are watching them unfold you don’t care. Only one thing makes you go “how did he do that” a split second before you just go”ow” out loud. In fact there are manybe a dozen scenes where everyone will cringe out loud. Not because it’s graphic, but because you can feel the pain. Some of the action just had to hurt.

I love the fact that unlike most movie action heroes, McClane takes a beating as good as he gives. The man is a Timex watch. To bad for the bad guys that there is no digital analog.

While all this is going on, a pretty strong statement is made about national security, the differences between the generations in terms of technology, and the general apathy that many of the youth have today. It’s not a sermon, the points are made and the movie keeps moving. It works, you get the message and aren’t taken out of the film.

Some may recall that Mr. Willis’s character John McClane is a father of a son and daughter. You might imagine that his kids wouldn’t be the average kid considering their father and his propensity to have less than traditional hoilidays. If you think that, you won’t be disappointed.

I really can’t say too much more, or you may call 1-800-henchman on me. Suffice to say that I plan on seeing this again. This will probably be the #1 summer movie of the year, and it should be.

This is what I think, what do you think?

What interested be from the BET Awards - 6.27.2007.2

What can I say about the BET Awards? Well actually a couple of things. The first refers back to a post I made about Mr. Robin Thicke. Mr. Thicke did not win an award. Many were expecting that he wouldn’t. For me it wouldn’t matter if he had or not.

The question I posed still remains a question. Is there a bias to the BET Awards? IF there is, which there may not be, is that a bad thing? It’s hard to say, and I don’t have that answer. What do you think?

More important to me was the fact that Mr. Don Cheadle
was recognized for his humanitarian work. Few entertainers or celebrities, African American or otherwise, have done as much as he has. He has brought attention on the plight of millions, and I think he has helped to improve those lives.

If his award helps to bring conversation and attention to this matter, then it was a great thing. His work in film, a book, and his organization Not On Our Watch stands out. In this nation with so much, there is just so little said or done about Darfur. If Mr. Cheadle was not as good an actor as he is, those things alone would make him newsworth.

But I expect no less from a man proficient at GO [I do play and would love to get a game with him] and poker. I look forward to his next film Talk To Me and his future humanitarian work. Congratulations on the well deserved Award.

Lastly I am surprised by the apology made by TI to Ludacris. It’s wildly uncommon to hear of such a thing, to any degree, especially in public. It’s so much better than how these things usually get resolved; bullets, fists and jail time. Maybe some in gangsta rap are starting to grow up.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Inspiration and a World Record deserves media coverage - 6.27.2007.1

With all the negative media that hits the airwaves it’s great to hear something positive from time to time. Pay attention because you may not notice this being covered by the cable news networks.


Mr. Barrington Irving has just set a new world record, actually 2 of them. The records are for being the youngest to fly solo around the world. This young pilot, only 23, has just finished his world hopping flight after starting 93 days ago. He is also the first African American to make the trip.

Mr. Irving is a senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University, who started to learn to fly when he was just 16. His motivation to take on and create this world record?

“…inspire other young people to resist the negative influences of the streets and work toward their dreams.”

Mr. Irving did it, and he is no rich celebrity. He went to a community college with a partial Florida Bright Future Scholarship before his work and dedication prompted community leaders to provide him joint Air Force/Florida Memorial University Flight Awareness Scholarship to further his education and flight training. He has earned his Private, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor licenses. In addition he founded a nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation, Inc.

I, for one, and truly impressed and filled with respect for Mr. Irving. His plane, called Inspiration, was built from donated parts he collected. He had Chevron donate the fuel for his trip, Microsoft donated free Flight Simulator software to students of Experience Aviation, 2 satellite companies provided tracking software so people could follow him on his trip, and a software development company is making a flight simulator based on him.

All this came to Mr. Barrington Irving, who was born in Jamaica and raised in the inner-city of Miami, because he went for it. This is a story that needs to be covered more. Kids in cities can succeed. Black men can be more than a rapper, athlete, or drug-dealing pimp. Education, dreams and a will for more, when coupled with hard work can get you wherever you want to go. Don’t believe that because I said so, know it because Mr. Barrington Irving did it.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Black entertainer thrown off plane - 6.26.2007.1

Here is something not getting any press so far. Considering the millions of fans of American Idol I will presume that everyone knows who Ms. Frenchie Davis is. I’m sure millions are familiar with her, as even I recognize her photo.


It seems that there was an incident on a plane with her. So far there is only her side of the story, but it does sound odd. I’ll summarize but all the reported news can be found at EURweb.com. Essentially, Ms. Davis was on an Alaska Airlines flight and had fallen asleep prior to take off. A man and his son are seated next to her. The son apparently doesn’t like her due to her size and race. The father tries to wake up Ms. Davis by “violently shaking” her. Ms. Davis wakes up and tells him to get his hands off her. The father then gets the attendants, who ask Ms. Davis to move without any question of what happened. She refused and then somehow the plane gets turned around, and Ms. Davis is kicked off the plane.

Now I’m not sure how Ms. Davis knows what was said while she was asleep. I do know that if I were asleep and someone had hands on me, I’d probably clock them upon waking. I’ve done it in the military, and I have no doubt I’d do it on a plane. That’s just normal.

Were the attendants right to not find out what happened? Not sure. Was it racism? Maybe, Maybe not. Did the plane need to be turned around, and her kicked off? NO.

If you ask me it seems there were a lot of hyper sensitive people on that plane. Over-reactions seemed to happen like dominoes falling. Who was right? To some degree none of them. I don’t understand why the father and son didn’t just change their seats, exchanging them if there were not enough of them.

Why the pilots reacted as they did seems odd. Something seems to be missing in this. I’m sure Alaska Airlines will reply to the reported Thursday press conference. Of course they will say it’s not racism, and the blame will be on Ms. Davis. But how will the media play this out?

What are the chances that Thursday there will be news on Alaska Airlines response, and not on Ms. Frenchie Davis? What chance that the media will frame this from the first moment as a spoiled Black entertainer having a tantrum for no reason?

Here is a chance for the media to prove there is no bias in reporting. Let’s see how many mention this without input, or side with Ms. Davis from the start. I’d love to see an outpouring of support for Ms. Davis like that for Paris Hilton, who was guilty of a crime.

I’ve mentioned it many times, most recently in the Jessie Davis case, and the Nifong/Duke rape case, something is wrong in the news media. The days of Mr. Edward R. Murrow are long gone and what has replaced it bodes ill for many Americans.

This is what I think, what do you think?

News media and murderers Part 2 - 6.25.2007.2

Continued from News media and murderers Part 1 ...

Either issue is reprehensible. Neither victim deserved their fate, and the guilty should be punished. But I wonder why the media chose the Davis case to smother the airwaves. I agree that when there is the chance of finding Jessie Davis, attention is due. But the media was focused equally during that time to question Mr. Cutts. I know about every child of Mr. Cutts, his relationships, why he was fired, allegations of abuse, and allegations of improper actions as an officer of law. Right now, at 1:46, pundits on Fox News are declaring how they always knew there was guilt but had to maintain the pretense of innocence until proven guilty.

Conversely I ask, what do you know about Mr. Christopher Vaughn?
This man has allegedly killed his wife and 3 children in cold blood. He is in police custody and has been charged with 8 counts. Do you know where he lived? What he does for a living? His past? If you can’t answer those questions you have to ask why.

Both acts, I say again, are evil. I would never stick up for anyone capable of this. But I am questioning why the media picked one case over the other, which is what has been done. Why can anyone watching the news tell me more about Mr. Cutts, but can barely recall the name of Mr. Vaughn?

The differences are this, Mr. Vaughn was the father of 3 children, none toddlers. He is White, married to one wife (to my knowledge), a computer forensics advisor, that moved to the Chicago area about a year ago. Mr. Cutts I described in part above, but he has been cover enough that I don’t feel the need to repeat.

So far today I have heard Mr. Cutts compared to Mr. Scott Peterson and Mr.OJ Simpson. Mrs. E.D. Hill on Fox News spent about 3 minutes or so re-evaluating photos of Mr. Cutts, inferring that his guilt should have been apparent immediately. I’ve seen one photo of Mr. Vaughn, that could have been a mugshot, with no commentary on it.

If either of these men is guilty of the charges placed against them, I have no problem seeing them sped quickly to the hell they would deserve. But my point is not about guilt. I am speaking about the media, and the preferences they pose to the public. The ramifications go much farther than these alleged killers.

Stepping away from the emotion of the cases, you have to wonder why. I do at least.

This is what I think, what do you think?

News media and murderers - 6.25.2007.1

It’s a sad day when a pregnant mother is found dead, murdered, leaving a child without their mom. I give my condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Jessie Davis. Such things should never happen, and whomever is guilty should be punished harshly in this life and the next.

I want to make this abundantly clear, this post is not about whether Mr. Bobby Cutts Jr did anything. I, like most observers, don’t know nearly enough to know if he is guilty. I do not presume to know anything. Given that this post will address some aspects of that case, no offense is intended.


There has been a huge media surge on the case of Ms. Jessie Davis. From the first moments of reports that she was missing, the news media have been all over this case. While reporting this case several other items of news have been virtually ignored. My question is why?

It’s not an insipid question. I understand that a, then, missing pregnant woman whose birthing was imminent missing from her home and her 2 year old son being apparently abandoned is shocking. I’m glad the news was able to get enough attention that hundreds of volunteers came out to help search for her. Yet, virtually from the first announcement there was a bias in the news (at least according to the programs and information I observed).

During the last 10 days all media has focused on this case, and Mr. Cutts directly. But on June 14th a mother and 3 children were found dead in a SUV, reported at the time as a murder-suicide. Much like the Jessie Davis case, Mr. Christopher Vaughn (the husband and father) was not considered a suspect. Though he had been wounded, and reported that his wife shot him then he ran for help and then the police found the bodies of his family.

Let’s compare a few things, in the Vaughn case the media attention was large but not intense. Questions were in the air, but there was an assumption that the father’s story was true. There was no report or question I am aware of to the statements made by Mr. Vaughn. It was considered a tragedy and covered for a day and a half, then dropped. There was minor interest from the news media when the police became suspicious on the nature of the murders, and links to an episode of a popular television show (Law&Order: SVU I believe) seemed to appear. Again this was short lived and dropped. The arrest of Mr. Vaughn popped up on the national radar, but just barely registering as the overwhelming news was on the Jessie Davis case.

In terms of media time there was about 1-5 ratio at best on the coverage of the Vaughn case versus the Davis case. So far today I have noticed about 5 minutes of news on the Vaughn murders, versus 1 ½ hours (at least) on Mr. Cutts. This was over a 2 hour 45 minute time period. Roughly every 3rd item on cable news is referring in some aspect the Davis case. In comparison there has been 1 item on the Vaughn case in that same time.

Continued in Part 2...

Fighting against gansta rap - 6.23.2007.3

Here is something that I noticed at African American Opinion.

As long-time readers of this blog know, I have no love of gansta rap. I enjoy rap music, mostly from before 1992, and most R&B but not the insistence that this genre has on drugs, committing crimes, violence and degrading of women. This opinion is shared by many, for more than a decade, and now a campaign has started to combat this in a visible and direct manner.

The campaign will put up billboards in cities throughout the nation that advertise against gansta rap. I support this movement and will provide a link for their fundraising efforts.

You can contact the African American Opinion publisher via email at: AAPublisher@gmail.com for more information, mention that you heard about it here.

Video games have grown up - 6.23.2007.2

It’s funny when you think about it. I read an article recently and I started to think back. When I was a teen, I collected comic books, played Dungeons & Dragons, and read the Lord of the Rings. Among most of my peers that set me apart somewhat. Not enough to be a geek, but definitely a bit nerdy.

Today, my comic book collection has a value of some high end sports cars, the original D&D books are a collector’s item, the LotR trilogy has become one of the most successful film series ever (with well over $1billion in sales), in addition to spawning several video games and an MMO (massive multiplayer online game).

Back in the day, when the Atari first came out and then the subsequent other systems, video games were called nothing more than a fad. With the advent of the Sony Playstation, video games became a ‘minor trend’ and those that played them were ‘geeks without a life’ in the general media.

Today a recent research report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, states that this will be the first year that video games will exceed the music sector. Not consoles, the games themselves. I’ve seen ads on television for higher learning to become a video game designer. More and more movies are being made based on sucessful game titles, and a successful game series sells faster than virtually any form of entertainment. The top action actors are all lining up to be considered for the leading roles in movies such as the reported Halo movie.

It’s just funny when you think about how things have changed.

Help prevent AIDS - 6.23.2007.1

I always enjoy speaking about celebrities and entertainers that are promoting a cause or helping to improve the lives of the general public. Too often the focus is on the negative aspects of these individuals, and the positives get glossed over by the general news media. Even rarer are reports on the positive actions of Black entertainers and celebrities.

Well here is something that needs more attention. While many may know that AIDS is a major epidemic in the world you may not know that there are more than 1 million people in America afflicted with the disease. It’s estimated that 40,000 people get infected with AIDS every year. It is also the leading cause of death among Black women between the ages of 25 – 34. That is unacceptable to me.

I’m happy to say that many others feel the same way. Several well known African American actors and actresses, as well as other celebrities, and institutions are helping raise awareness of this disease and to help motivate more people to get tested. The goal is to get 1 million African Americans to get an AIDS test between now and December 2008.


I think it’s a good cause. I’ve been tested every year since I was in the military back in 1986, my most recent test being this February when I got my annual physical. Knowing what is going on is critical to good health. One of my sisters caught a cancer in the initial stages because of a regular check-up. Checking is important.


On June 25th, Ms. Regina King, Mr. Henry Simmons, Mr. Hill Harper, Ms. Vanessa Williams, and many others will be getting public HIV screening tests to help promote awareness and prevention of this disease. Institutions involved in this event include the Screen Actors Guild, Black AIDS Institute, and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists among others.

Do your part in protecting yourself and those you love. Get screened and know your status. Celebrities, entertainers, and I have done it, you can too.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Video games still under the gun - 6.22.2007.1

The entire video game industry just got very lucky. They nearly took a big hit, and the proponents of videoholics nearly got a huge boost. How did this all quietly happen? When and where?

The how and when is the final Virginia Tech report, made by Health & Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and given to President Bush, which made no comment on videogames though critics Jack Thompson and Lyndon LaRouche tried hard to make the connection. This could have been devastating to the industry to be linked to a deranged mass murderer like the shooter at V-Tech.

There have been constant critiques of video games, usually timed with tragic events or political elections, and the violence some games contain. Now there is the AMA. I think it’s just silly. There is no connection to either of these things in my opinion. To make a connection is a false premise, and only benefits lawyers and psychiatrists.

The fact is sick people do sick things. That’s not the fault of a video game or game manufacturers, but the sick individuals themselves. Looking to find an excuse beyond that is just a way to give lawyers another defense in court that shouldn’t exist, I think. Mark my words, this push by the American Medical Association to make videoholics a reality is probably tied to a court case of some sort, probably a class action lawsuit, against some gaming company.

I’m not against lawyers making money, or defending their clients as best they can. I hate when quasi-scientific ‘diseases’ are used to excuse why someone does something they know is morally and/or legally wrong. I feel similar with respect to psychiatrists. They can definitely help people, but not with crap like this, that will no doubt lead to extended sessions for parents who can’t ‘control’ their child. The kid will get plenty of medication to cure or control his ‘addition’ and the parents will lose tons of money.

This sounds so much like what happened when I discussed the Sexsomniac court case,

“I speculated that the research being done in October was a precursor to some legal case an attorney was preparing for. Lo and behold I was not wrong. On the 23rd of May, Mr. Scott Axelburg used this defense to justify placing his hands down the pants of a 16-year-old babysitter.”

Just wait and not only will there be a court case on this, I’d expect the usual political hounddogs to come out and get their pictures taken as they claim they will do something about this ‘epidemic’. It’s the same argument that came out after the GTA (Grand Theft Auto) Hot Coffee fiasco. Given all the senators and politicians that were making soundbites on all the cable news media, I’m surprised that nothing has changed and the issue was dropped for the next watercooler outrage.

Then again, I’m happy it didn’t go anywhere. I may not like GTA, or let my nieces and nephews play that or other violent games, but I won’t say that such games can’t be made. It’s not the kids buying these games, it’s the parents. Congress can’t make anyone buy anything, nor should they. This is a free speech issue [a favorite topic of mine] and a parenting one. The government has no place in it.

I’m sure this isn’t over yet, but at least on more hurdle is past.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Reply to comment about D L Hughley Part 3 - 6.21.2007.1

This is in response to a comment made by Eddie G. Griffin who commented on my post Why protest D L Hughley Part 3 - 6.19.2007.3.

I’m glad to see you share the passion that your associate g-e-m has. It’s commendable. But I must mention that I feel neither of you have read through the various posts found on this blog, and my other (www.mvass.com).

I say this because your first statement fails to recognize what I said previously, my post was about free speech. I was not commenting on the quality or morality of what Mr. Hughley stated. My clarification on that point can be seen in my comment and the post itself, I don’t believe I need to clarify that point further.

I am glad that you felt compelled to protest Mr. Hughley. You stood for your convictions and that is something most do not do. I will not take away from that.

As for what people in California, New York, Chicago or any other portion of America and the world think or do I cannot comment. I only speak for myself. It is my understanding that the norms of behavior and speech do not change in different areas of the nation to any great degree. I say that as I have lived in several states across the nation and visited perhaps a dozen more. This is my opinion; you may have had other experiences.

Given that, I point you to a couple of things I have said that it seems you have failed to read about. The secret anti-ganst rap movement - 4.30.2007.3, Another Blackplanet poll - 3.22.2007.1, Nick Cannon's Boost Mobile ads, NBA code, Harper Hill - success vs. dmx - airport arrest, Sean Bell - 11.29.2006.1, Mrs. Elizabeth Vargas, formerly of World News Tonight, Chuck Creekmur and Rap on Fox News - 3.7.2007.2. I think you get the point.

I provided these links because this may help you understand what you seemingly have not read. My views are all available for anyone to read. I have a couple hundred posts that speak clearly to my views on women, rap music, the current state of Black culture, education, justice, drugs, media, health, and dozens of other subjects. I would suggest you read some of them, you may find that my opinions are not based on who I am speaking about but what I want to speak about.

I don’t need to say I stand up for women, African Americans, Hispanics, politicians, this nation, children, education, health, or anything else. My posts do that for me. My backbone has been visible to the entire internet since 2005, and easily found in searches on most any search engine. Put Black Entertainment into a search engine and I’m confident you’ll find me on the first page out of millions of results.

Because of my convictions I try not to make personal attacks, implied or otherwise, against anyone. That doesn’t always happen, I’m human. But when I attack gansta rap I do, when I confront an individual rapper I do that. If I speak about free speech I mean that. And I provide information, when possible and I feel needed, to back up what I say. I don’t make it personal (beyond the fact that it is my opinion) as it weakens the argument I am making.

As for the community, I’m glad you are doing things you believe will help. I do as well, this being one of those items. If you disagree, fine. If you think I am incorrect, then provide me an example of what I said and correct me with proof that ANYONE can link to. I try to do my homework, if you want to say I’m wrong in front of the internet, I expect the same as a courtesy. I’m not abov