Phil Specter is convicted and America yawns

Phil Specter was convicted of murder today. And basically no one cares.

Think about it, an entertainer from decades ago, with an odd lifestyle, brutally murdered his girlfriend, and was engaged in a long-running court battle with high paid lawyers pulling every trick they could manage. Does this sound familiar?

It should since these are the very things that were used to describe the OJ Simpson trial. A trial that kept the nation on its tiptoes. A trial that created the largest outburst of rage since Jack Johnson won the Heavyweight title.

But Phil Specter is guilty, and no one cares. In fact few television stations or cable networks covered the story on a regular basis. And everyone should ask why.

Why is it that the brutal murder of a woman should be so unimportant? Why is there such a difference in the coverage one celebrity trial received as opposed to another? Why is there no cries of national joy with this conviction?

Because Phil Specter is not Black. It’s just that obvious and blatant. And I am disgusted by it.

I’m not defending either crime, nor whomever did it. I’m just sickened by the reaction of the nation. Because a Black man accused of a crime must be guilty. And if he escapes justice, the nation must find a way to make him pay. For the rest of his life. I mean that has been the reaction at least among the majority of White America for over a decade with OJ.

And I can only come to this conclusion by the facts at hand. No 24/7 coverage of the Specter trial. No analysis on cable news networks of the judge, the lawyers, and every piece of evidence. No national outrage as the first trial ended in a mistrial. Yes, that’s right, there have been 2 trials for this same murder. How many knew that before reading this?

Americans should be disgusted with themselves right now. Our legal system, or more accurately our manipulation of the legal system via the media, is beyond fractured and racially biased. It’s so bad that there is no way to hide it. Instead the media just ignores it, and people assume that it must be right since that’s what TV says.

There isn’t one good reason that the Phil Specter case did not get 1/10 the coverage of the OJ Simpson case, beyond race. And it’s hardly the only one. The Robert Blake case has come and gone as well, without a whisper. As have other high profile cases.

The difference is abundantly clear when you think about it. Virtually every Black entertainer and celebrity that has had a problem with the law has been lambasted by the media, and those that are White have been forgiven.

Lindsey Lohan is apparently a drunk drug addict, but she needs help. Paris Hilton is a forgetful kid going thru a phase to figure out who she is. Britney Spears is under enormous pressure and needs our support. Blake wasn’t discussed.

Yet Lil Wayne needs to be locked up. TI is going to jail where he will pay for his crimes. And so on. It’s not about the crimes, but the legal system and the media – and the bias they have.

That’s what the legal system says every day. Ex-Officer Mehserle kills an unarmed, defenseless, co-operating Oscar Grant, and he is without charges for a month (even evading investigation when he resigned from the police). Were it not for the video tape and riots, and more than just a few bloggers spreading the story, Oakland authorities likely would never have pursued the case.

But the media bent backwards to highlight only some video that made the case questionable. In fact they tried to deny the existence of evidence of the cold-blooded murder, other extended raw video, even though it was simultaneously available on Youtube.

So is the legal system biased? Oh Yeah. And is the media a willful and decisive tool in ensuring that racial bias is embedded in potential juror’s minds long before any trial? Every day.

The examples are numerous. I could keep going and going. But just go back to where I started. Phil Specter. And try to recall any detail of the case covered over the past couple of years (yep it’s been going on that long) by the media. Then compare that to your memory of the OJ trial (actually any trial of OJ will do as they all got massive media coverage).

If you don’t see the bias, I have to believe you don’t want to. Perhaps that’s the only thing worse.

Oscar Grant - the deafening silence

Right now I can say that I can't recall a post subject that has drawn more attention on my blog than right now on the subject of Oscar Grant. Not that the major news media has been focused on this issue until there were riots in the streets of California. Yes Oakland is enraged, as well they should be.

I have watched more people comment on my own expression of rage on my youtube commentary than anything but the election of President Obama, based on the same amount of time. I have recorded more visits and views, at each and every blog that I own or write for that covered this issue.

But I am noticing a few things.

One of the first things I noticed is how quiet a large section of the internet has become. I do not believe that a single White visitor to any blog I write to or own has said a word. Normally I have commentary from around the world, people of every race, creed, ethnicity all comment on various things I say. When it comes to race relations in America I normally get feedback from various Americans across the nation. Some agree with my views, others do not. And inevitably I have some that just want to be racist.

But I'm hearing nothing right now from anyone but African Americans - apparently. The people that defend cops when I correctly point out their policies on brutality on African Americans and other minorities are quiet. People that think my comments about race in America are biased or too extreme are silent. In fact, even the racists that find fault with any comment that reveals America is racially divided have nothing to say.

Considering the number of visitors I have every month, and the huge numbers viewing my posts on Oscar Grant, I find this odd. On 5 different blogs (including Black and White Blog which is focused on race relations issues), one of which (1800blogger.com) dwarfs my own blogs in terms of visitors each month, there is nothing being said. WHY?

Is it because the only concern of the major news media is the riots that have disrupted businesses and thus they are covering the news? Is it that the videos of the event cannot be edited in any manner that brings question of the murderous guilt of officer Johannes Mehserle? Rather ex-officer as he has resigned in an attempt to pre-empt further investigation and avoid punishment as well as embarrassment on the Oakland police.

Why are people rioting in Oakland, why is the national African American community outraged? Because this murder has been brushed aside by the media and excused by the police - like the beating of Rodney King, and the murder of Sean Bell and so on. African Americans are tired of being targets, of being ignored in the news (except when a negative statement can be made), of receiving a second-class justice while being depicted as objects of fear, violence and hate.

A White man lost in the woods gets national attention. White children that are missing gets national attention. A White man stealing millions in dollars gets national attention. White stars die and they get year-long attention. Each of these have been news items in recent weeks, and each received days of news coverage and posts on these stories have gotten dozens of responses across the blogosphere. But when the victim of a crime is Black and the criminal is a White police officer it all goes quiet.

Well I am glad I have helped raise attention on this issue. And more importantly on the fact that this is not an isolated event. That this is a policy found across the nation. That the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of this ex-cop walking away from this cold-blooded murder without spending a day in jail.

The news media have acted like cowards. They hid this story from the nation, for reasons I cannot name. They have failed to draw attention to the very thing they exist to do - make the public aware, keep all levels of law and enforcement accountable to all the people, and bring justice to those who have been wronged.

If this was kept out of the major media because of ratings, then they are worse than cowards. Fear of losing viewers because it makes cruel, vile, White police officers look bad is their job. Yet they do this job poorly.

How much attention did the assault of 15 cops on 3 Philadelphia Black men receive? Do you know what has happened to the case since that video was released? Do you know what happened to the 5 officers that brutally shot some 51 times Sean Bell and his companions in their car in New York City? How about the 6 Whites arrested and on trial for the rape, torture, and kidnapping of Megan Williams? And I can go on and on.

But I bet you know what happened to OJ Simpson, every day. Or the arrest of Wesley Snipes (and far less so his victories and overly-harsh punishment on minor non-federal charges). Or the arrest and trial of Bobby Cutts.

So I am not surprised that so many people that want to argue with me about the racial bias in movies and television (in front of and behind the camera), commercials, news, at airports, and so many other places and events in America are absolutely wordless in this case. Because there is no question of guilt. There is no twist or doubt or anything but guilt. And it was racial if not racist in its motivation. And again there is no question there.

All White people are not like ex-officer Johannes Mehserle. The shocked reaction of some of the officers on the scene tells me that not all officers in Oakland are like him. But when the news media wants to avoid the entire subject because it makes them uncomfortable, or whatever is their reason, it makes it hard not to feel that they all are like Mehserle.

Obviously I am still angry. And I have every right to be. The White part of this nation was insanely upset about OJ wining in L.A. Now imagine if African Americans were to be equally as insanely upset over the multiple, repeated, unjustified, unpunished violence and murders enacted by police officers against us. If you can imagine what that would bring, the only question I can ask is why does the news media seem to want to provoke such a reaction by failing to do its job?

Oscar Grant's family deserves tens of millions for his wrongful death. Ex-officer Johannes Mehserle needs to be in jail, convicted and put to death. And the news media is obligated to cover both of these things, for days, at every step, to ensure such an outcome and preserve some semblance of justice in America. The silence as seen so far is not enough. Action and active participation needs to occur.

Just like it would if Grant had been White.

The best, most popular, and different posts of 2008 on Black Entertainment USA

For my last post of 2008 I wanted to look back and see what were some of the most popular posts I had written, and what I consider some of favorites. I know I am highly critical of things that displease me, so I thought I'd turn that same critical eye towards myself for a change.

I must say that in looking over the hundreds of posts I wrote on Black Entertainment USA alone this year, some just don't belong here. Some of the comments are far more political than anything else. And I can't use the excuse I have no where else to have said these things - I do own a political blog as well.

And I admit to having a few posts where I was just far too tired. I should have gone to sleep. Or taken that vacation all my friends have heard me speak about over the last 15 years (I've had 2 vacations in my life, none exceeding a week or involving travel). But instead I must apologize because they were really sub-par, even for a bad day.

Still overall I will say that roughly 80% or more of my posts were relevant and interesting. Many are topical and focused on the events of the day. Looking back some are not as important as I first thought they were, and others far more than I would give credit. And several posts were popular that I would not have expected to be.

Some of the top Black Entertainment USA posts of 2008, as viewed and/or commented by you my readers were:

So there is a Black guy in an elevator...
Audi television commercial says we are all not the same
OJ Simpson convicted - kangaroo court closed
OJ Simpson trial - injustice unreported
The new 90210 - is it cancelled yet?
NASCAR, Mauricia Grant, and my opinion
Is Robert Downey Jr funny as an African American?
Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman to return to cable television
VH1’s Top 100 of rap music celebrates the positives of the genre

It's an interesting group of posts indeed. And I think that I got it right in those posts. Not that everyone agreed with my view, just that they felt something after reading it. And that ultimately is one of my goals.

But I looked over the entire year and I saw a couple of other posts that I thought were very important, and/or meant something to me directly. Not all of them were relevant, given, but they said something important. And I want to present them again. Again you may not agree with my view, but I hope my top 10 will motivate some reaction. [Oh since 3 of my top 10 are in the above list that you my readers have found of interest, I will substitute 3 others]

NJ considers apology for slavery (part 1, 2, 3, 4)
Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday (part 1, 2)
President Bush and Darfur now - not the movie
R Kelly - next stop Neverland Ranch
Janet Jackson: Intelligence, success, and fame are not enough
Black Americans - commodity, criminals, or something much more
Do you know enough about the 2008 Presidential election?
1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero - please read and donate if you can
50 cent sells a new opiate to the masses
Movie Review Iron Man

I also found the time to champion a couple of other causes that aren't the most popular or widely held:
Boycott 33 variations - Hanoi Jane Fonda
Levi's 501 jeans - promoting HIV and AIDS?

Found a video on Youtube I really liked - Try This with an Xbox360 or PS3 - and one I though was an abysmal joke - Snoop Dogg in Country Music: a bad experiment

And I achieved a great step forward for my company as well:
M V Consulting, Inc and TV One Announce Collaboration - Press Release
Introducing the first 2009 model Ashley

And of course I found the time to pick a fight:
Viacom (and maybe Jon Stewart) doesn't like Black Entertainment USA. Maybe.

So I wasn't just speaking about entertainment this year. But considering all the things that were going on, all the changes, and the things I felt mattered, I think I covered a lot of what you wanted to read about.

In 2009 I will try to stay on point a bit more. But as always I will share with you my thoughts and views about the important topics affecting all our lives as well as our entertainment. And I always look forward to your comments [yes even the dissenting views that are thought out beyond just cursing me out] about what I present.

2008 has been a tough year, no matter what country race or whatever you may be. 2009 will be different, and I hope that all of my readers, and those that will become my readers, their families and friends will share in a prosperous and peaceful year.

2008 - a year in overview

With the hours ticking away I wanted to go back one last time and look at the year 2008.

It has been quite the year. Barack Obama rose from a nuisance Senator for the Clinton machine to become the first Black President, 411 years after the first African slave was recorded in this land.

The financial system started the year with rising oil, depressed profits, and fears of inflation. Which quickly became a domino of failed institutions, buy-in, buy-outs, and bailouts - most funded by the Government. And the vortex of money sinking into the blackhole of political finger-pointing, and employment worries has yet to end. But inflation and oil are no longer concerns.

And focusing on entertainment we started the year with a mediocre talent that died from his own illogical action and was catapulted to superstardom for it. As the year progressed, serious acclaimed greats in literature, comedy, film, music, and other forms of entertainment passed - barely with attention. And it looks like even into 2009, the stupid actions of 1 man will dwarf the lifetime of achievement of dozens of others.

War continues to rage in the world and in the movies. While the atrocities in Darfur continue to be waged, the screens of America are filled with blame America-for-everything political wastes of time. These films are not bad because they are badly acted (though some are), or that the scripts are irrelevant (some are just too inane to imagine being greenlighted), or even because they don't like their home nation (one of the few in the world that allows criticism of every elected official without reprisal). They just failed to entertain.

Hollywood enjoyed a year that was filled with no surprises and even fewer attempts at innovation than the year before. More sequels, spin-offs, remakes, revisioned past favorites and direct copies on the big and small screen occurred than Bill Ayers on a LSD flashback remembering his past actions. And most were as entertaining - the new 90210 comes to mind.

Filling the void of intellect was fodder so unfit as to be like sugar mainlined into a 5 year old with ADHD. There was the usual "reality" programming that did nothing but allow the public to lose brain cells without the joy of a buzz. And there was the not so subtle loss of several programs that bucked the trend - The Shield, The Riches, among others.

Another loss to the small screen flies in the face of the change in politics in the nation. While America gains the first African American to ascend to our highest office, television descended to a vision of America not seen since 2000 (or more like 1970). Several Black actors in co-leading roles were removed, or shows canceled. Hispanics and Latinos remain virtually unseen and when seen reflecting a diversity that is easily confused with another ethnicity. Native Americans and Asians remain invisible, even in background scenery. And if that sounds bad, the environment behind the camera is 1/3 as diverse.

So in 2009 the schizophrenia will be that one of the few times a Black face will be on the national airwaves will be in the news and the rest of television will be whitewashed. The hypocrisy of Hollywood and its ultra-liberal views, as opposed to its staunch 1950's actions, is amazing to behold.

And the ethical void continues to grow. The nation was deluged with images and stories of entertainers doing the wrong thing and getting away with it. From the British Winehouse (aptly named I think) to our own disfunctional and potentially child-endangering Spears. We watched as entertainers were allowed to throw children into crowds from stages, admit drug use, carry illegal weapons, abuse animals and people alike, all without a hint of true reprimand.

And as the substitution of justice we had racial revenge. OJ provided the means for many White Americans to cry out "Justice at last" though his trial was a mockery of justice from start to finish. He may be a fool, and perhaps even guilty of past crimes, but his trial was as much a kangaroo court as in any movie.

And when it comes to the law the media was very consistent. African Americans that they labeled guilty were made to look horrible, and their claims (and even jury confirmation) of innocence went unheard - like Wesley Snipes. But for the people making the media money, in music videos and records and what some call movies, there was plenty of coverage hyping their minor convictions - like Akon and DMX.

2008 was quite the year indeed. So much happened all at once it was often hard to be sure what was the most important thing to track. And just as often what the media wanted us to watch was the least important of the issues at hand. But then again this was the year where the line between journalism and cheerleading was obscured from sight. The after-the-fact admissions of several media giants that they crossed the line, "a little", says nothing of the 'feeling in my leg' they poured into televisions and thus homes across the nation.

The news media was so bad that satirical comedy shows often were more objective and less political than the supposed "neutral" media. And networks like CNN and MSNBC wonder why their ratings are so bad.

2008 was a bad year in most every manner of accounting. From wasteful spending by the Government, to political polispeak that was fair and unfair. Even in moments of honesty - like polling from various agencies during the Primaries - America showed the world that the ugly underbelly of racism still held a grip in the nation.

I won't miss 2008 overall. While I am amazed and pleased with being able to say President Obama and that I am a homeowner, there is little else that occurred in this year that makes me wish to relive it even in memories.

But 2009 is just hours away. And with it will come a new President, with a very different set of objectives for America. The new year will usher in a new direction in American thinking, where some like it or not. And the media will be forced to adjust, because even in comic books the world is changing.

2008 was they year to say "I want change", 2009 will be the year it happens in. And we can all only hope that the change is better than the reality of the year that has ended.

List of 25 thoughts on 2008 in review

In a year where the general mantra was change, 2008 lived up to the hype. Yes it's time to look back at the year and reflect on what surprised us, amazed us, disappointed, and angered. Here are some of the best and worst that I have noted about the year.

1. Senator Obama wins the Presidency - After facing rampant rumors and internet smear emails about his race, religion and plans for the nation, not to mention direct insults and racial attacks from the campaign of his now proposed Secretary of State, Senator Obama defied all the pundits and pollsters. With almost 10% of the nation admitting they would never vote for a Presidential candidate that was not White, and a mere 40 years after the Civil Rights Movement, Senator Obama broke through one of the highest and hardest glass ceilings in the nation. Many never expected to see the day a Black man became President. Nothing else could take first place in this year.

2. Amy Winehouse - She is still alive. I am incredibly amazed. She has been in more rehab and hospitals than Britney Spears, and that says a lot this year. I am sure there were odds in Vegas running almost 50/50 on her dying this year. It is merely the miracle of the human body in youth that seems to keep her going, not that she isn't pushing the limits.

3. The mortgage crisis - It started the year depressing the financial industry, raising up gold and commodities, and took out Bear Stearns. This of course gave us the quick action of Treasury Secretary Paulson, Barney Frank, and Fed chairman Bernanke. Thus it got much worse. As oil peaked at $160/barrel, gold topped $1100, mortgage foreclosures hit all-time highs, and home prices dropped across the nation the overseers just mentioned promised more action and the security of our institutions. Then Freddie Mac and Fannie Mac failed on cue. And as the scramble to fix the fix became more important it became an election issue. But not before we were told the sky was about to fall; it didn't but the stock market did. This then became...

4. The credit crisis - Money for everyone got scarce. New home purchases bogged down as banks said no to even highly qualified borrowers. Big businesses couldn't get loans, including Mc Donald's. The stock market continued down in a crash not seen in 2 generations. Banks failed at an unprecedented rate, brokerages became banks to get in on a bailout that HAD to happen. And the Government scooped up positions in private business, for our good, as they poured a trillion dollars into the economy. Which still has not stopped the overall downturn in the economy.

5. Heath Ledger, Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes, Buddy Dial, Jerry Groom, Janet Kagan, John Bliss, Julian Rathbone, Mike Smith, William F. Buckley, Jr., David Edwards, Buddy Miles, Genoa Keawe, Larry Norman, Richard Baer, Eagle Day, Dennis Letts, Stephen Marlowe, Steve Whitaker, Ben Chapman, Robin Moore, Bobby Lee Trammell, Jim Jones, Benigno G. Tabora, Jerry Karl, Bobby Lord, Johnny Weaver, Thurlow Cooper, Perry Lopez, Lionel Mark Smith, Roger Voisin, John Brunious, Preston Hanson, Freddie Bell, Steve Gerber, Roy Scheider, Robert DoQui, John Alvin, John Grimsley, Schoolboy Cleve, Kenny Konz, Winston Walls, Ken Hunt, Christopher Allport, Lance Clemons, Suzanne Pleshette, Bobby Fischer, Ernie Holmes, Allan Melvin, Brad Renfro, Johnny Grant, Brandi Borr, O.G. Style, Sean Levert, Heath Benedict, Chalmers Alford, Richard Widmark, Al Hofmann, Wayne Davis, G. David Low, Martin Fierro, Rafael Tufiño, Chuck Day, Gary Gygax, Ivan Caesar, Will Robinson, Paul Davis, Al Wilson, Orish Grinstead, VL Mike, John Marzano, Danny Federici, Sean Costello, Stanley Kamel, James Barrier, Gib Shanley, Charlton Heston, Ray Poole, Harvey Korman, Sydney Pollack, Tom McHale, Mitch Mullany, Camu Tao, Dick Martin, Michelle Meldrum, Zelma Henderson, Lloyd Moore, John Phillip Law, Heather Stohler, Dick Sutcliffe, Curtis Whitley, Eddy Arnold, Mildred Loving, Jim Hager, Don S. Davis, Dave Carpenter, Charles Dryden, John Furlong, George Carlin, Scott Kalitta, Mel Agee, Johnathan Goddard, Stan Winston, Mitch Frerotte, Jim McKay, Robert J. Anderson, Bo Diddley, Mel Ferrer, Luther Davis, Bruce Adler, Michael J. Daly, Joe Beck, Estelle Getty, Anastasia Blue, Paul Sorensen, Sherman Maxwell, Luke Kruytbosch, Bobby Murcer, Terrence Kiel, Larry Harmon, Phil Hill, Ed Vega, Kevin Duckworth, Steve Foley, Frank Cornish, Jeff MacKay, Jerry Finn, Julius Carry, LeRoi Moore, Pervis Jackson, Jack Kamen, Gary Mooney, Fujio Akatsuka, Paul Newman, Nappy Brown, Norman Whitfield, Joan Winston, Joey Giardello, Bill Meléndez, John Ripley, Estelle Reiner, Merl Saunders, Richard Blackwell, Dave McKenna, Chris Mims, Kevin Foster, Gidget Gein, DeWayne McKinney, Johnny "J", Robert Arthur, Doris Dungey, Derek Scott, MC Breed, Abraham Woods, Michael Crichton, Chris Thurston, Nathaniel Mayer, Tiffany Sloan, Shakir Stewart, Paul Benedict, Donna Stewart-Hardaway, Steve Bradley, Jimmy Anderson.

All passed away in 2008. Only Heath Ledger has been spoken about in any lasting and referential way.

6. The Shield ended is run on cable television. And so has The Riches in a move of network television cowardice (in my opinion). Leaving a serious void of realistic and/or quality programming.

7. American Idol continues to be on television. Creating a lasting void in the minds of viewers.

8. Top movies of the year starts with Batman: The Dark Knight. Which proves that hype and bad writing can make money. This is followed by Iron Man (a massively better movie), Indiana Jones 4, Hancock, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 2, Horton Hears a Who, Sex in the City, and Quantum of Solace.

Considering the top 10 grossing films, you would think the nation loves kid films that are animated or movies based on long-running comic book characters. The exception being sluts and a guy with an accent and lots of violence. And you would be right.

9. The continuous flood of television shows that were successful (and better) on the BBC, that have now been Americanized and appear on U.S. channels (notably NBC). Generally these converted shows fail within a few episodes.

10. The massive blogosphere controversy over Ben Stiller's film Tropic Thunder failed to ignite onto the streets when the film came out in theaters. This is likely due to the failure of the film as anything watchable. But the controversy continues to this day.

11. The massive number of films that are 'revisioned' copies of comic books, television shows, and books astounds the mind. 70 % of the top 10 movies are either a sequel, comic book conversion, television show and/or a combination of these. The sheer number of copies for the entire year is to high to count, especially if you add in video game conversions to the mix. Witting in Hollywood seems to be completely dead.

12. The absolute joy of the media and many White Americans at the thought, and then celebration of the OJ Simpson Las Vegas trial and conviction. Never mind the dubious nature of how the crime was setup, nor the quirky way the trial went. It could only be justice if OJ went to jail for a long time, which was a given the day he was arrested. Not to mention the guy where justice just evaporated and the media just passed it over.

13. The unmitigated bias and propaganda of the news media in promoting President-elect Obama throughout the election cycle. Never before has the media so blatantly given up its obligation to provide the truth without bias to the public. It wasn't yellow journalism, but it wasn't beneficial either.

14. The amazement of how the media continues to depict video games as inciting violence in children, while playing down events like the collapse of a boy because his father could not bother to check in on him for 20 hours. It's not the games any more than it's music or movies or cartoons. It's the lack of parents doing their jobs.

15. The belief of some that racism has ended because President-elect Obama won. This flies in the face of police actions this year, stereotypes in the media, events in the nation, and long-held views that were reflected in polls. Or did we forget Lindsey Lohan already (which is understandable).

16. Guns n' Roses Chinese Democracy finally made it out to fans. Considering it took well over a decade to get done you might have expected it to be a masterpiece - it isn't. Still it did get it's share of media attention mostly due to Dr. Pepper.

17. Hanoi Jane Fonda announced she is again trying to forget what she did in the past.

18. Even amid all the economic chaos many continued to make charitable donations. Some from the most unexpected sources. And sometimes the media just wants to throw garbage at such actions. Still giving is a great thing and especially in these difficult times.

19. Internet scams continue to be on the internet, and many are gaining steam. From fake IRS stimulus checks to going after the grandparents little is left to chance. Considering the information on the net you would expect these frauds to fail completely. Yet they are still out their. And more than a few are snake oil salesmen that do to well with incredible claims that only harm those they claim to help.

20. We all continue to remember Sept 11, 2001. And I hope we never forget or diminish what happened that day. Or how we came together as a nation in the weeks afterward.

21. The Olympics were a time of great unity in the world. And at the same time some nation chose this moment to show how backwards they can still be in the 21st century.

22. And the media continued to seek out ways to portray African Americans as poorly as possible. While at the same time ignoring the obvious racially motivated actions of institutions against Blacks.

23. Several black celebrities were able to get some extra media this year though. Some were for accidents that occurred (and the media sought to mine controversy out of tragedy). Some were for their rising stars as they continued to gain acclaim they deserved. And a few were just selling out just a bit more before their media inspired hype ends.

24. We had a moment where the Government almost did something important. But instead settled for something notable and that went unreported. Because how important could an apology for slavery really be? Besides important enough that no one wanted their names on it, yea or nea.

25. There were many cotroversies throughout the year. Some for silly items and some were quite serious.

26. And along the way some learned a few new things about this nation that they never knew before.

These are just some of the things in the year that I noticed. I am sure I missed a few things, or had an interpertation some disagreed with. There were events I didn't mention, or didn't convey in this list. And I really haven't mentioned one thing that I find personally quite important.

One of the most important things in 2008 was the continued and growing attention you my visitors have provided to my blogs and sites. Without the attention and input from all your voices in over 125 nations each month, I would be working in vain. And for that I want to thank you.

I continue my promise to let you know my thoughts on issues and events that I believe are important, and sometimes just silly, that catch my eye. I will work hard to respond to each comment and email that comes from you. I will endeavour to provide the quality of writing and attention to detail you have come to expect.

2008 has been a good year for the growth of my blogs and sites, but I realize that it only happens because of you.

So I end this review of 2008 with this thought. No matter the economic environment, the events of the day, we all can achieve success if we work hard and maintain a high level of quality. You have proven that for me, and if I can do it I am sure you my readers can do even more.

OJ Simpson convicted - kangaroo court closed

Prepare for the shock of your life. OJ Simpson has been convicted of 12 counts in the Las Vegas kangaroo court trial on Saturday. I’m sorry, I meant to say the legal farce that was the precondition to the incarceration of now convicted OJ Simpson, on charges that he murdered his White wife. Oh, wait. You thought this was a case about something else?

Lest you think I made this up, that OJ was on trial a second time about his wife’s death, here are some quotes to reflect on.

“I think he did it," juror Sherian Sue Eckart, 55, said in response to a questionnaire item on the murder of Simpson's ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson…

“I don't believe the jury consider(ed) the facts," Ruth Ann Horschmann, 62, wrote of the Los Angeles jury…

I disagree with the verdict. I think the police/prosecution in the case made errors," Sharon Ann Johnston, 36, wrote…

In documents released by the Clark County Court following the verdict, five of the 12 jurors disclosed during the jury-selection process that they disagreed with the 1995 verdict.”

“David Wieberg, a 51-year-old manager, was among the jurors who said he disagreed with the 1995 verdict.

"No, I don't believe the jury consider(ed) the facts," he wrote in his questionnaire.
Mr Wieberg also said he agreed with the outcome of the civil trial that found Simpson liable for the deaths.

"It may have given the victims' families some satisfaction," he wrote.”

“She says jurors instead used video, audio and documented evidence to evaluate whether Simpson was guilty of each of the 12 counts. She was one of seven jurors to speak to reporters.

Jury foreman Paul Connelly says it might have been a waste for prosecutors to give plea deals to several Simpson co-defendants in exchange for their testimony.”

And this was a fair trial? This was about Las Vegas?

This case was never about Las Vegas. If it were the fact that there was considerable evidence supporting the contention that OJ was entrapped into the whole thing would have been relevant. And the testimony of the witnesses, actually a group of men looking to avoid up to 11 years in prison each by turning states evidence, showed many reasons to have doubt.

Now that doesn’t mean a crime wasn’t committed. Nor that OJ shouldn’t be convicted of that crime. But it does mean that 12 crimes and a lifetime in jail is unwarranted. Unless you were one of those rejoicing at this blatant act of revenge. So much for a legal system.

This is so angering. This is all about race. A Black man was accused of a White murder, and because he could afford a legal team that usually only some Whites can and is found innocent he had to be tormented for his life. If OJ was caught on tape J-walking there were cops hoping to arrest him and lock him up. 13 years of news coverage of his every step, and newscasters unconcealed disdain over OJ’s freedom says it all.

There was no question of OJ getting convicted. I have spoken to dozens throughout the nation, not one thought he could win even if God came down and forgave him of his sins on primetime.

So while some are out having a great time, cheering and drinking the conviction here is a sobering thought. Justice in America, no matter how lax or intermittent before, is now dead. It is now legal precident that double jepardy is allowable and enforceable.

No longer will it be enough to win a case, be prepared to win in every concievable aspect and court, many times over. While the average White defendant will likely never have to worry about this, if you are Black you will have to. Because the legal system that previously was biased to significantly convict any Black defendant, and to more hashly sentence that defendant, will now follow you to your grave no matter if you win and everytime you do.

If you are White you likely will never understand why OJ being convicted this time matters. If you are Black you understood it the day he was arrested in Vegas, and all through the week of coverage that followed. And if you weren’t scared, you have to be dead.

Some want to think racial injustice in the law died the day that Senator Obama ran for President, and those same people were likely screaming for OJ’s blood 13 years ago – and rejoicing this weekend. So maybe it’s just that as long as you do what they would like you are treated well, and once you don’t they will have no problem cracking the whip. Just that these days the whip is the legal system.

And if you don’t agree then explain why so many are so damn pleased about this verdict, barely able to contain themselves about the case 13 years ago that had nothing to do with Vegas 1 year ago?

OJ Simpson trial - the joke in Las Vegas continues to be sour

But there was also news to start the week of a less positive nature. Case in point is the OJ Simpson trial. Which I still contend is a kangaroo court, meant simply as a justification to convict OJ for the prior case he was found innocent of over a decade ago.

So far the prosecution has finished its case and the defense has started. And in its first day the defense has proven that the transcript of the audio tape recorded in secret after the events in the hotel room in Vegas is factually incorrect. The transcript has omissions and additions that are completely false or creations of the prosecution.

That further bolsters the view that Michael McClinton is saying whatever he can to avoid jail. McClinton has already plead guilty and made a deal with the prosecution. He claims to have had a gun drawn, and to have given a gun to another alleged accomplice, which he says were known to OJ. Though he never states that OJ observed the guns, just that they were potentially visible.

I make the point about McClinton’s testimony for 3 reasons. He proved that the prosecution transcripts were false, he admits that he failed to mention to police that a gun was present when police first arrested and interrogated him, and because he made a deal so that he may be able to walk away from all the charges with only probation – to be determined after OJ’s trial is done. The first 2 feed the third point. He has every reason to lie or alter facts. Especially if the courts and police want to get a conviction that L.A. was unable to get.

And the fact that no African Americans were allowed on the jury, and that news media contamination of the jury was found to be unimportant, also bolster my point. Of course there is also the fact that the jury was told day one not to consider the L.A. trial and its results in this case; and then the prosecution proceeded to bring up details of that trial.

I’m not saying OJ was or is innocent. But I again say that he was found innocent in L.A. and that the current trial is the means of getting double jeopardy on that case. And some want to believe the legal system is fair for all.

OJ Simpson trial - injustice unreported

I did not want to discuss this case. But when I listened to the glee from Sheppard Smith (news anchor for Fox News) as he spoke on the news I made up my mind to say something.

The case I am referring to is the OJ Simpson trial. You may not have heard much on this, you might even be surprised to know that his trial in Las Vegas is already underway. And the reason there has not been much media on this is likely because of what the outcome will be.

At this point I feel incredibly confident that OJ Simpson will be sentenced to jail for his life. For all those cheering that sentence realize this – OJ is being jailed based on prejudice and the bias of America.

Whether or not OJ Simpson is guilty of the charges, all 12 of them, stemming from his arrest in Las Vegas is not important. It’s the fact that after more than a decade the legal system, and most White Americans, now have the chance to convict OJ for the murder of Nicole Simpson; which he was found innocent of. The major news media has never accepted that answer. Shepard Smith has always made it clear he despised that verdict. And double jeopardy be damned White America could not live with this.

Every misstep OJ has made since the murder trial ended has been publicized. The media has maintained an onslaught of coverage aimed at 1 goal, tarnishing his image and guaranteeing every American would believe he was guilty of murder and deserved to be in jail. And this trial will be the fruition of all that work.

On the 10th of September the Las Vegas judge, Jackie Glass, decided that 2 members of the prospective jury being contacted by a reported member of the press was not a problem.

On September 12th the jury was selected. 9 women, 3 men. Not a single person on the jury is Black.

On September 16th, after being told not to take into account any of the news or rulings dealing with OJ’s murder trial, the prosecution has introduced it as part of their case.

So let’s look at this. Reportedly 4 men and OJ entered a hotel room to recover stolen goods that belonged to OJ. Questionably the meeting was set up by one of those men, who has given evidence against OJ for reduced charges. 2 men in the room that day are reported to have had guns, neither of which was OJ. Both of those suspected men have turned states evidence to get off their charges in return for being a witness against OJ.

9 women were reminded that this man is believed by the prosecutor, media and many Whites, to have brutally murdered a woman. They were reminded that for over a decade the media has hammered the thought that this man is guilty though proven innocent beyond a shadow of doubt.

Fear of racial bias for OJ prevented any person in the jury from being African American. Racial bias to convict OJ was never considered in the jury selection. And the potential jurors being contacted by the media, thus hinting at future media stardom – or at least their 15 minutes of fame and a nice check for a book or appearance – was not important.

And someone wants to tell me this is a fair trial. After the initial arrest superseded all other news for 1 week. After a decade of persecution. After acts of retribution by the police on Rodney King (that’s just a guess about the L.A. police). Yeah, a real fair trial.

OJ is going to be convicted of at least 10 of the charges against him. He will be sent to jail for at least 25 years. It was a foregone conclusion the day he was arrested in Las Vegas. That’s why there the huge media circus that week. Validation for all their efforts of over a decade. And it’s why right now there is so little coverage. It has to be fair if they aren’t covering ever second of this stacked deck.

I’m not saying OJ is innocent of the charges in Las Vegas. I’m not saying there weren’t guns present, or that OJ didn’t know they were there. But I have doubt, especially the way this was handled and organized, and prosecuted.

I am saying that OJ is innocent of the murder of his wife, a court said so. I am saying that White America lost their mind on this case, and the media has fed that hate and anger. I recall mobsters being acquitted of multiple murders and getting less coverage or dismay.

The glee of newscasters reporting on the OJ trial just makes me certain. It may be nearly impossible for a Black man to get a fair trial in much of the nation [Jena 6, Rodney King, Sean Bell, Wesley Snipes, and on]; but it’s impossible for OJ.

Some call that justice, I call it the legal system in action. And people wonder why people of color distrust the legal system.

R Kelly trial to start, or will it?

“5 years and counting. What might that refer to? Could it be the Iraq war? It could also be the amount of time since R Kelly was supposed to go to trial for the alleged rape of a minor…”

“Will R Kelly finally go to court and stand trial for his actions – and will the family of the girl that was raped still be working for him?”

I made those comments back in September 2007. Now in May 2008 with 2 days to go before the start of the trial, another delay looms, and the media still isn’t paying attention. I cannot describe how angy this makes me. A rumored and widely acknowledged pedophile is running around free and evading the law and the news media can’t be bothered.

The media makes me sick in cases like this. Wesley Snipes is an entertainer, and Black, so no time was wasted in painting him as a felony criminal – even after he was found innocent of all but the least significant charges. OJ Simpson can’t walk across the street without a news crew documenting it (as they virtually have for over a decade) – and he was found innocent. Rev. Wright had 35 years of religious service and work for the equality and imporvement of quality of life wiped out by five 10 second polispeak soundbites – and he wasn’t running for an elected position.

But when it comes to real crimes the major news media has it’s head stuck up it’s collective a**. The Jena 6 case was ignored for months. The Megan Williams case was granted all of 30 seconds and will never be uttered again. Sean Bell was discussed form the cops perspective, without ever mentioning the conflicts in their stories, and pushed to a corner as quickly as possible. Now the actions of 15 cops in Philadelphia is set to be accepted as merely a slight over reaction among a small group of officers – completely obfuscating the connection to and growing trend of excessive police brutality to people of color nearly exclusively.

And we can add R Kelly, a pedophile whos targets are near-pubescent girls. The daughters, neices, and sisters in the Black community that are supposed to be protected by the law and the community. Yet the news media can’t be bothered to know anything about this case, because Britney Spears cut her hair, Amy Winehouse is a crackhead that got arrested again, and Paris Hilton is a spoiled rich brat who was arrested for violating the law and is placed into entertainment events because she has too much money to offend.

Of course how can we blame the major news media. African Americans regularly support this vile and disgusting man every time he has a concert or makes a record. Grown women still swoon to his words and gyrations on music videos, actively ignoring the fact that were they standing in front of him naked he would prefer a clothed 13 year old next to them. What makes him any less dispicable than the Mormons in Texas?

And not a single complaint has come from the major news media about the judge’s running of the case.

“Vincent M. Gaughan, a Cook County circuit court judge… essential goal, according to one of his orders: "To preserve the dignity of the court and the integrity of the proceedings." That's an especially powerful, ironic argument, given widespread concern that Kelly is receiving preferential treatment because of his celebrity status.”

The media has been consistent in complaining that Black entertainers get treated preferentially by the legal system. They point to OJ, Wesley Snipes (who was sentanced beyond any parity according to all experts in such matters), and numerous rappers like Snoop Dogg. Yet they can’t seem to be able to see R Kelly or the fact they are giving him a pass that is underserved or justified. And many African Americans laud this as a positive.

Of course R Kelly hasn’t been taking this vacation from the law lightly. He’s used the time to lay low, keeping out of the direct spotlight – letting potential jurors only know about his records and not his deeds. He’s employed the father of his victim, paying cash to keep his a** out of jail and possibly buying testimonies in the process (isn’t that called inciting perjury – and a crime in itself?).

I once quoted

“As Huey states in one episode, [I paraphrase]
“America has done a multitude of injustice to Blacks, but that does not mean everything is an injustice, or that this makes every African American a hero.”

The fact that R Kelly can sing a song, is Black, and entertainer and has some money does not make him a hero. The fact that video tape proves he is a pedophile does make him a criminal and in need of imprisonment in my view. And the news media ignoring this case makes the injustice to African Americans no less palpable than when the media ignored Jena, Megan Williams, Sean Bell, or ignored the innocence of Wesley Snipes.

The major news media has a position and it seems to be clear. It could be said as:

• If a Black is popular and well off – find something to take them down. Crush their lives if possible. (Stories on Michael Jordan gambling on golf games, stories claiming Tiger Woods' wife was in a porno, searching for infidelities in Bill Cosby’s life or others, and so on).
  
  
• If they are guilty, or even suspected of a crime against a White, convict them at every turn (Wesley Snipes, OJ Simpson, and on).
  
  
• If they are committing, or suspected of, a crime against themselves or African Americans. Spin it as positive as possible. Publicize it as often as possible. And if it has no positive edge, ignore it. (R Kelly, Snoop Dogg and more)
  
  
• If they are the victim of a crime – only if commited by a White – ignore it. If it can’t be ignored then blame the African American and support the White (Duke rape case, Megan Williams) but never allow guilt to be a fact.
  
  
• And for any other case not covered, just look for the most negative portrayal of any person of color as possible, or avoid the issue. (How many Amber Alerts have you seen on the news for Black children? How about in the past year?)
  

So I have to wonder if R Kelly will ever get into a courtroom. Or if the media will cover it if he does. Or is the victim in the case (who is now 23 and thus won’t look as obviously a victim as she would have 5+ years ago) going to have her short past used as a weapon against her.

What would you bet?

Grammy's versus Black History Month - 2.11.2008.1

Why is it that I have seen news on ‘Cookie’ Thornton for a day last week, and then a bit later news on C.J. Turner, but I have yet to hear that 3 of the 6 defendants responsible for the rape, torture and kidnapping of Megan Williams have admitted their guilt? Why is it that I have seen maybe half a dozen missing women reports since the beginning of the year yet none of them have been Black, Hispanic/Latino or Asian. Why is it that major news media followed every aspect of the OJ Simpson Las Vegas case for 2 weeks, but there was barely 5 minutes of coverage on Wesley Snipes being found innocent of Federal charges? [Look at the linlks on the bottom for posts on the above.]

I bet right now there is more news out about who won Grammy's, and what the celebrities and entertainers wore than on Megan Williams, Wesley Snipes, and every Black woman and child that went missing in this nation since the beginning of the year. At the very least you think you would see more about African Americans since this is Black History Month, yet that isn’t the case.

In fact, there is more news about the drugs Heath Ledger took to kill himself (accidental or not), or the coverage of the news about Kayne West and Amy Winehouse winning awards than there was about the 3 villages in Darfur that were bombed on Friday, and the tens of thousands of men, women, and children that are fleeing for their lives.

But what can the major media do? It’s only Black History Month. It’s only realistic and a small portion of it positive non-entertainment related news about African Americans and Blacks in the world. That’s not something important. And besides the quota of positive Black news was filled with the coverage of Senator Obama winning Primaries and Caucuses.

I would say I’m being obtuse and sarcastic, except I don’t see anything on the major media that refutes such a thought. Nothing. In fact I will make a bet with anyone willing to take it. I say there will be more coverage (in minutes of airtime and/or number of related stories) on the Grammy red carpet and what Beyonce, Bai Ling, Soulja Boy Tell'em, Carrie Underwood all wore, than about Megan Williams, Darfur, Wesley Snipes winning his trial, and every other positive news event other than Senator Barack Obama, combined. I’d also bet that the Grammy’s will garner more attention than Senator Obama’s wins this weekend. I won’t even bother comparing it to coverage celebrating the African Americans who made 1000’s of inventions that we use every day or those that have given up their lives so that Obama can be a Senator now.

I think this is the perfect month to ask, why are those White Americans that run the major media so terrified to present positive and real events involving African Americans? Why is it that the only real media focus is on Blacks as entertainers or criminals? Even in the one, shortest month of the year when attention of a positive nature is supposed to be the secondary, or even terciary focus.

The most I’ve noticed are more television commercials with Blacks in them. Like the one from Time Warner Cable. The one with a woman comedian (who looks White – but could be incredibly light skinned) who thanks Richard Pryor (without ever mentioning his name) for letting her be able to joke about events in her life on stage. While that may be a breakthrough, I think the things that Time Warner could promote about Richard Pryor beyond that can fill hours of television time. Yet that’s the best homage they could manage. Not his writing, his work to fight Muscular Dystrophy (MS) or other events.

In fact even in schools there is a failure to recognize African Americans and there contributions to America. There are tens of thousands of things that African Americans have done over centuries to improve lives in America, but don’t think the major media or schools will mention that. From early versions of gas masks that saved lives of miners and firemen 100 years ago, to the Tuskegee Airmen who saved hundreds of lives and helped win WWII, what has been done is barely ever scratched.

I know of schools that have yet to discuss African Americans, though they are discussing the world history. Kids of all races know a lot about the Holocaust, yet few know anything about the causes of the Civil War and where freeing slaves really fell as a priority. And if it were up to major media, not a single child would learn a thing more than Blacks play games well, can sing and shake their asses, and some can make funny movies. That’s the message out there.

The more I think about it the more I get upset and insulted.

If you have kids, nieces or nephews, take a moment and ask them about Black History. See if they can name more than 5 famous names (and what those people did). See if they can name anyone beyond Senator Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King [the DR. part is important – he had a doctorate and it should be included in his memory], Malcolm X, Dr. George Washington Carver, and Booker T. Washington (rappers, sports figures, and other entertainers of general achievement don’t count). Ask them if they know the real reason America had a Civil War (freeing slaves was an afterthought – tying up loose ends). Ask if they have ever heard of the Tuskegee Airmen, or Tuskegee College for that matter. And if you don’t know these things you can learn about it too.

Everyone in America has seen the positives of White America, the positive news of various selfless acts, and the fears that occur when a White child is missing. I just wish the major media could give a little bit of attention to those same things for African Americans, or any people of color, at least during the shortest month of the year.

Since America is set against apologizing for the slavery that built the foundations of this nation, and livid at the mention of reparations fro that slavery, the Jim Crow laws and segregation that followed, a bit of positive images are the least that can be done.

Justice may be blind, but the legal system sees colors Part 2 - 12.5.2007.2

Continued from Justice may be blind, but the legal system sees colors Part 1...

There is no way possible that the current system will improve when, even in the face of criticism by the highest courts, the average populace thinks that the system is fair or needs to be harsher. There is no chance of repair while the media focuses thoughts towards the impression that Blacks are responsible for the majority of violent crimes, are the majority receiving social entitlements, and generally in the worst class of society.

“Focusing on 2006 (estimated data from the FBI) there were 611,523 violent crime arrests and 17,034 people murdered. 70% of all arrests were for Whites, with 59% of those responsible for violent crimes being White. And White teens represented 67% of all teens younger than 18 arrested.”

Those are the facts, but the media has spent how much time following every aspect of the recent OJ case? How much time was dedicated to Bobby Cutts? And in each case how often did major news commentators all but declare these men guilty from the first day?

“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.”

The legal system is not fair. It never has been. It is racist and predjudiced. But there are many Americans that don’t realize this. A friend and colleague of mine once stated to me

“I had no idea of the things that happened to you were possible in America. It would never come into my mind. It would never happen to me, or anyone I know. I’m shocked.”

So once again we will hear about how bad things are. And the media will maybe provide a minute of coverage, unless they are too busy dedicating a day of coverage to OJ sneezing, or Ellen DeGeneres losing another pet and crying on television about it. You know covering the important issues.

Because the legal system is fairer now, more than any other time in history.

Justice may be blind, but the legal system sees colors - 12.5.2007.1

*This can also be found at Black & White Blog, where I am a co-author.*

I was recently talking to a friend and they mentioned how things are so much better for African Americans these days. They believed that the legal system is fairer now than ever before. I laughed.

There is no question that African Americans have long felt that the legal system in America is a failure when it comes to any person of color. We have long complained of higher conviction rates, less access to bails, and harsher penalties once convicted. That says nothing of the stigma attached to those paroled, falsely accused, or who win the judicial action.

There is the examples from the past of numerous lynchings, the eradication of Rosewood, and Jim Crow laws including segregation as recent as the mid- to late-70’s. But on more recent notes there are the examples of Rodney King, Sean Bell, OJ Simpson, Genarlow Wilson, and the Jena 6. To that recent list can be added Allen Snyder.

Who is Allen Snyder? A black man who was convicted in Louisiana for the murder of a man and the stabbing of his wife. Sounds similar to another case? Well this trial was initially in 1996 and the prosecutor removed all African Americans from the jury, and then made correlations to the OJ Simpson case. The all-White jury agreed on guilt and the death sentence.

“Williams made repeated public references to the Snyder case as his "O.J. Simpson case." In his final remarks before jurors, Williams said the case reminded him of Simpson's, although he didn't use Simpson's name.
"The perpetrator in that case got away with it," Williams said, after the trial judge overruled a defense objection.”

Now the Supreme Court is looking over the case. Of course this is after the fact that back in 1986 and 2005 the issue of racial bias in juries was addressed.

"The use of race- and gender-based stereotypes in the jury-selection process seems better organized and more systemized than ever before," Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a 2005 case. Breyer said that despite a 1986 decision, Batson v. Kentucky, barring prosecutors from striking someone because of race, studies suggest discrimination "remains a problem."

My point?

Simple. There is more than just an imbalance in the legal system. It’s an absolute fact that it’s prejudiced. But the media plays short shrift to this, and the general White populace believes that everything is fair. At least that’s how I have experienced it.

Continued in part 2...

The things you can get paid for

In the land of weird and dumb news I have found something that really blew past the mainstream. How odd is this? Well let’s just say that the secret to Warren Buffett’s may not be just his business ethic. It’s his name. The same reasoning may be why Britney Spears is the apparent mess that she is. Their names. Or more specifically their initials.

Oh yes. Someone convinced someone else to pay them to study the names and grades of 15,000 students over 15 years, and 93 years of professional baseball players. What they were looking for is what affect a person’s initials have on their grades and life choices. Seriously, someone did this. Just check the link if you don’t believe me.

I truly have picked the wrong career. Imagine that people get paid to figure out things like that. It’s insane. Can you imagine the amount of money they made off this study? As if anyone ever wondered this was important.

But what they found is that if your name starts with say a C or D you will be more likely to have lower grades than average, or someone with initials that have an A or B. If you are in baseball your chances of hitting that classic 9th inning winning homerun drop severely if you have a K initial. Basically it’s all because the initials represent good or bad things.

Now how this applies to real people is anyone’s guess. As I mentioned at the start there is the example of Mr. Warren Buffett. There is no question of his success. He is simply the best investor in the history of the stock market.

Other examples of success might be Bill Gates, Humphrey Bogart, Bill Blase, Brad Pitt, Bill Cosby, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bob Hope, Aristotle, Albert Einstein, and Archibald Anderson. Even the rise to success of Britney Spears could be claimed by this study.

Now on the converse side there are those who have done badly with bad initials. First on the list is Britney Spears. (The S could stand for stupid, sloppy, sluggish, slovenly, or slow) Then there is former President Gerald Ford (it’s debatable on how successful he his). Also Julius Caesar, John F Kennedy, the Confederacy, Diogenes of Sinope, OJ Simpson and Caracalla.

Seems like their findings make sense, until you just casually consider President Franklin D. Roosevelt (with 2 bad initials), Donnie Osmond, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Denzel Washington, Walt Disney, President William Clinton, Curtis Jackson (depending on your point of view), and George Clooney.

Like most loopy ideas this one has holes all over the place. Again I have to wonder, how much did they get paid to do this and who funded it? I just hope it’s not a federal grant. Can you imagine your tax dollars going to fund this “research”?

**This can also be found at All American Blog, where I am A contributing author.**

All are equal under the law. Really?

**This can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

I just have to wonder. The legal system in America is skewed. If you are rich, you are set. You can get away with almost any crime. From Ted Kennedy to Robert Blake, it’s happened time after time. But that is not the only problem.

If you happen to not be a White American you can expect even more problems. As I noted in a recent post

“But young White males are dangerous. High school shootings? White males. Most petty crimes, the same. Nooses hung from trees and various other places? White males. ‘Redneck row’ and other whites’ only places enforced by White males. Bensonhurst, and so on and so on.”

But that danger is only a start. Because if you are non-White and on trial for a crime, the chances are you will be convicted (most assuredly if the victim was White) and the penalty will be more severe than a White person under the same circumstances.

Take Mr. Genarlow Wilson, a teen that had sex with another, though younger, teen on a consensual basis. In fact the female was the aggressor. Yet due to her age Mr. Wilson was convicted of rape, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. After 2 years, the courts finally overturned the sentence as extreme cruelty versus the crime, and the underlying law has been changed.

In the Jena 6 case, the boys involved were charged with attempted murder. The White male involved had previously provoked the altercation in a fight the day prior (allegedly hitting one of the Black males with a bottle), was knocked unconscious in the case in question, and went to a dance the day of the incident. That does not sound like attempted murder. That’s a lopsided fight and the White teen lost. Bails in this case were set so high as to guarantee the incarcerations of the Black teens. There are more issues with the case but I think the point is made.

And of course there is the case of Ms. Megan Williams. She is the woman from West Virginia that was raped, tortured, stabbed, hair pulled out, boiling water poured on, choked with a noose and more by 6 Whites (3 men, 3 women of various ages). That entire story, and the subsequent arrest, the denial of Hate crime status, and a recent march to draw attention to the injustice have received 2 minutes of attention and have been buried by the major media.

My point is that there is a fascination, and a need for the legal system to prove, that non-Whites are dangerous. It’s a troubling fact that most of the roughly 200 million White Americans never have to question as it never applies to them. But the media feeds this fear daily.

The Jena case was ignored for months. The Wilson case was unheard of by major media for years. But the OJ Simpson case has never stopped being discussed since the trial started. For 2 days now, the leading story (at least at Fox News) virtually every hour has been some aspect of the OJ Simpson case. Virtually every reporter I’ve heard has referred to the prior trial and has tactfully alleged (though not crossing the legal line of making a direct statement) that OJ was guilty of the original murder trial. They forget to state that he was found innocent, and thus IS innocent. Under the same nature of coverage, Senator Ted Kennedy should be referred to as the ‘the alleged murderer Senator Kennedy.’ That of course does not happen. Every time there is a murder of a married woman, references to Robert Blake are not drawn.

Right now OJ is in pre-trial. There is no question he will go to trial. There is a small chance he will win the trial. Small because though he has a very high priced defense (which is uncommon for an African American to start with) which should allow him to win under the skewed nature of the legal system, the media has been trying him for over a decade.

If this were a White man, and he was arguably set up by a less than credible Black male (who illegally taped entrapping conversations prior to the event) in an event organized by the Black male – most would say he would walk. If every other person involved was given immunity from prosecution or deals on their crimes, most would say this was prosecutorial bias, and an attempt to railroad the White male. If it were stated that the intended crime was told to the FBI with plenty of time before hand, and they did nothing, many would demand the White male be released from this set-up.

But OJ is Black, and he got his lucky win against the legal system already.

I want criminals prosecuted for their crimes, regardless of skin color or income level. I want justice for victims without thought of race or where they live. But more than that, I want a legal system that is balanced. If that means that the rich have an advantage, then all rich people have that advantage without race being a factor. I’m no idealist. If the system is flawed, as all systems are, I at least want it flawed equally. If violent crimes get overly-harsh penalties all convicted should get that.

But we cannot trumpet how wonderful our system is, and I do think it is the greatest in the world, when we enact inequality on a daily basis. We are the greatest, but we can be greater. Don’t you think so?

Duane 'Dog' Chapman part 2 - 11.1.2007.2

Continued from Duane 'Dog' Chapman part 1...

Perhaps Rev. Storey is correct. Maybe ‘Dog’ is not racist. But he sure knows how to use racist language in a denigrating manner that racists use. And he has no problem having his associates do the same. So based on that alone, I respectfully disagree with the reverend.

The worst part of this is that news commentators, and no doubt pundits in general, are using this to attack hip hop and organizations that seek to improve the condition of African Americans. I am no fan of Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson, but I respect that they and their organizations do try to improve my life from time to time. I am no fan of 50 cent or gangsta rappers. But pundits comparing Chapman to 50 cent is wrong.

I disagree with any use of the N-word. Yes I realize I have promoted the Boondocks, but I believe they emphasize the idiocy of the common use of this word. And I hate the message promoted by corporate executives of misogyny, drugs, and imprisonment that is gangsta rap. I am upset that the rappers that are the figureheads of this genre have sold-out for a few pennies and are aiding in the pain, suffering, and difficulties many African Americans live through to varying degrees daily.

But Chapman is not an entertainer. He is a bounty hunter that happens to be televised. He is not being artistic in his words or actions. He is not commenting on society. He is just doing a job, like all those who don’t get television shows in his industry. So even that flimsy excuse of art is unavailable to him. Those pundits that try to draw a line between Chapman and gangsta rap are merely trying to change the subject and turn away from the fact that another White male has been caught being a racist and it embarrasses them.

How long will this be a public issue? Not long. Very quickly this story will be dropped, perhaps after Dog goes to a program to help him with his ‘insensitivities’. But the issue will not end. Like with Imus it will be deflected to rap and hip hop. The argument will become, “if Blacks say these words why can’t I?” Because ALL African Americans don’t use that word or such language. Most African Americans whether entertainers, celebrities, or regular people don’t speak in this manner in private or at work. But the media loves to promote the idea we all do. But because some don’t understand the meaning of a word, and executives of corporations want to continue to make money off this ‘inside’ joke, the accusation is made and sticks.

The biggest reason why the issue will be deflected and then dropped? Because the thought that some Whites are as racist today as in the 1950’s is unpopular. The realization that PC does not end racism is undesirable. Because too many Whites will be embarrassed, and like reparations or Slavery the issue is unpleasant for some Americans. Besides, the media can forgive Whites that act in a racist manner. They forgave Michael Richards, and sales of the Seinfeld DVD’s have gone on unabated. They forgave Don Imus, and he has had a 9 month vacation, a multi-million dollar windfall, and a new job for millions more.

Just don’t be African American and be controversial. OJ Simpson is going to go to jail not because of what happened in Las Vegas, but what happened over a decade ago. Mr. Genarlow Wilson spent 2 years in jail for a trivial action. Ms. Megan Williams won’t even be discussed by the media.

So is Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman racist? I say yes. Will he lose his television show? No. [And remember that will not affect his ability to work since he is a bounty hunter and not an entertainer anyway.] Do I feel bad or accept his apology? No, and I’m insulted by his attempt to preserve his income with this slap in the face. But he shouldn’t worry, and we should. White men that degrade and disparage African Americans are forgiven and their actions forgotten quickly anyway. At least according to the media.

Don’t you feel happy now? I would suggest that I would stop watching his show, but I don’t watch it already. If you are upset, stop. I’m not sure the demographic of my readers actually watch this but it might make a difference. The other thing is to contact A&E with letters for ‘Dog’ which can be sent to feedback@aetv.com.

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy - 10.13.2007.1

Keep an eye out on the horizon for a new movie that will be coming out probably next year. The movie is called Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy.

This is not a comedy show, like The Kings of Comedy or Mr. Eddie Murphy’s RAW. This is a documentary. Now before you say well that’s too boring and I won’t see it, listen to who is involved.

Beside the fact that it is being co-produced by Mr. Robert Townsend, who is no slouch in his own right, it contains interviews with some of the top Black comedians around today. That includes D.L. Hughley, the Wayans brothers, Paul Mooney, Tommy Davison, Reynaldo Ray, Marla Gibbs, Eddie Griffin and Katt Williams.

But this documentary, like Black comedy, will also include political commentary and thoughts from the world of hip-hop from noted individuals like Dr. Cornel West, Stanley Crouch and Russell Simmons.

At just 90 minutes some of the best go from their comedy routines to the roots of what is happening in the Black community and how they transform these topical and emotional events into humor. From Don Imus, to OJ Simpson, to Jena 6 and more.

If this doesn’t sound like something you want to keep an eye out for, what else is there for you to look forward to? How often are you able to not only see where the comedy comes from but how and why it affects us all. How comedy interacts with all the facets of life in America, especially for those of us who often have no other voice to carry in the media and public.

With the people associated so far, one thing is certain. There will be quality and depth and intelligence. Insight and debate will ensue. Critical questions will be posed. And isn’t that one of the things that we expect from movies?

Response to 'Average American' comment on comparing news coverage Part 4 - 9.28.2007.4

Concluding from Response to 'Average American' comment on comparing news coverage Part 3...

You go on to say that OJ was freed, actually he was found innocent by a jury of his peers which included Whites. He did nothing more than what other rich men have done. Afforded a great legal team. How much time did Senator Ted Kennedy spend for Chappaquiddick?

The D.C. Mayor was elected. Drug use or not. And how many politicians are duplicitous in their actions? Perhaps you might also find fault that Senator Hillary Clinton took $850,000 from a man (Norman Hsu) that had a warrant for his arrest, evaded prosecution, and scammed people for that money. Even after the fact of his past was revealed, the Clinton campaign spent weeks before mentioning how much money he had given. They even initially tried to give away only $32,000 AFTER they knew of his record. You want to speak about questionable political figures; a Presidential candidate may be where you want to start.

And the Duke Lacrosse team. Those innocent boys, that hired strippers for a drunken party with minors. Whose actions prior to this event gave pause to their credibility and claim of innocence. That had every media outlet defending them from day one. That received justice, fame, and monetary gain for their troubles. Do I feel bad for them? No, they are richer today, several having graduated, and have no long term problem.

“How is it that so many black people care so little for truth? With the turnout at the Jena march it suggests there is a huge disparity in understanding that exists between the black population and the rest of America.”

Truth? I think I have clearly stated the events involved. What part of the events in Jena do you see as a lie? You disagree that there were nooses hung? You already said they were. You dispute the honesty that the White boy was attacked? No one has said he wasn’t. That all of this was started because of remnants of the segregation that was rampant in the South in your youth? While no one has said it exactly as I just have, everyone agrees that the source of all this was Blacks sitting under a tree that was considered Whites only. So what lie have African Americans assumed as truth?

I agree there is a disparity, but not in the manner you suggest. If you are the ‘Average American’, which I severely doubt having read your words several times, then there is a large disparity between Americans living in the 21st Century and yourself. The rest of us are willing to say a law or action is wrong. White, Black, Hispanic/Latino or any other minority. The average person I know in America wants a rule of law that is fair and equal, in execution and meaning. Those I know would not only write in protest, but march for what they believe. An even smaller portion, and no less or more loyal, have taken an oath, as I have, to defend this nation and ALL her people.

I have given an oath, as did my father, both grandfathers, and a sister. I believe in the Constitution and the Amendments. I have and those before me, and many today, have sweat and bled for this nation. That means I believe in your right to have your opinion and voice it. I further invite and encourage commentary on the posts that I make. But that does not mean that either of us has to agree.

I feel that you have a mind that is closed to some aspects of life. I believe you cannot accept that things happen in this nation that you would never allow to happen to a White American. I believe you think that life in America is fine as is, and because I believe you are White and have never faced any of the events and problems I, my family and friends have encountered they don’t exist in your mind.

If rose colored glasses could work in reality, the world would be far better. But they don’t. Slavery was real, as was Jim Crow laws. Segregation lasted longer than the 60’s, and racism persists today. That doesn’t mean I will blithely accept these things. I am successful and strive for better.

At the same time, I am constantly reminded that I am an African American Puerto Rican, and that everything I have made can be lost quickly. I am reminded that for every obstacle I surmount there is another waiting. And I am reminded that people that share your views will make my life difficult, sometime without their own conscious intent, to live.

I leave you with this thought. Life is fluid and in constant motion. The moment you stop trying to improve you start to decay. This is true of Justice, Equality, and personal actions.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Reflections on Bill Cosby's words 3 years ago - 9.24.2007.2

3 years later and finally Dr. Bill Cosby is getting some respect for his statements about the Black culture and community in America. It’s about time.

At that time, and since there has been a huge outcry that Dr. Cosby should not have said what he did and has since. I’ve never understood why. He was speaking the truth and it was as obvious then as it is now. In fact it’s been true for a lot longer than just when he made his statements.

But the fact was that more than a few were either embarrassed, in denial, or oblivious to these facts. How I am unsure. A casual observation at high schools around the nation, or prisons, say everything right there. The Black community had become complacent about the advances made in the 60’s and was doing nothing about the wholesale commoditization of the culture since the mid-90’s.

Perhaps the impact that Dr. Cosby was speaking about can be summed up in these words

“If we can get outraged enough to trek by the busload to Jena, La., then the dysfunction destroying our communities from within should compel the same outrage -- and the energy to do something about this black implosion.”

Strong words. And appropriate. I would add that if we can feel a national outrage by the words of Don Imus, revulsion by the idiotic definitions of Snoop Dogg, endangered by the torture in West Virginia, and angered by the lack of compassion provided by Michael Vick, then we must look to the roots of those problems and what we can do to correct them. Sitting by passively allowing these things to exist cannot provide answers, or more accurately answers that will engender a positive response.

The major news media has no interest in discussing the positives in the Black community, apparently. Universal condemnations of OJ Simpson and Michael Vick, excusing acts of denigration (Don Imus) or completely ignoring them (How long was Michael Richards in the news?), and promotion of the worst aspects of rap music and videos seem all that they are interested in. When that is the message being presented by the news on a daily basis, coupled by the virtual non-existence promoted by television programming, we need to step up in our communities to provide the positive impetus that is desperately needed.

I mentioned

Of the centuries that our ancestors struggled to gain the right to read and be treated as equals, is the only benefit our chance to compete in games for the selfish monetary return it provides? I cannot agree that the only benefit of the past efforts is our increased ability to entertain the masses. Dr. Martin Luther King did not dream of an equal chance to ‘shake dat ass’ on an iPod. Mr. Malcolm X did not want to defend his life and family “by any means” so that his children could sell drugs, or have ‘baby-mama drama.’ Mr. Jackie Robinson did not endure the stresses of proving his abilities to hostile crowds so that drop-outs would have the inability to read about his challenges; and Mr. Richard Pryor didn’t make us laugh and think about what was inadequate so that the youth could use a term that is the single most offensive term in the English language as a greeting because they haven’t learned enough to know the words meaning and history.

I feel no different today. I would hazzard to believe that Dr. Cosby would agree. The fact that others are also joining in this mindset is a positive. Perhaps that is the best news, after 3 years. That there are positive moves being made, and that the community has gotten over the minor reasons to avoid Dr. Cosby’s words and are now embracing them. If that is the case I look forward to the next 3 years.

This is what I think, What do you think?