Remember the Dream - forced to be a dream?

For those that have taken a look at my catalogue, and noticed the Remember the Dream images with models Christina Blank and Tiffany Murphy, I have news. If you have gone to my online store, World Of Vass, you have noticed that the entire designer clothing line is unavailable. That is not by my action.

Cafepress has decided that the depiction of a drawn likeness of the public figure, Dr. Martin Luther King, in conjunction with the rest of the image, is illegal. I disagree.

I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King is a public figure. His image and words are used by millions of people and businesses every year, and especially on his birthday and during Black History Month. He is as visually accessible as President Lincoln, or Mahatma Gandhi, or President Kennedy.

But I am no lawyer (if any are reading this I would love to know the legal standing here). I believe that in a drawn image where Dr. King is not the focus, but included, it is legal and should be available for use. And until I am told otherwise, I will find other means to make this image available to the masses.

I believe that the message of this t-shirt is more important than just the corporate opinion of one group. Let me explain.

Did you notice that all the men, regardless of age, have the same face? Did you notice all the issues that are facing the Black community today in the background? Do you see the relevance of the words of Dr. King and the meaning of what he gave his life trying to attain? And there are more levels to it.

Like my other more political designer clothing lines (Never Again and Stop The Game) there is more at stake than just the look of the clothing.

Maybe I have violated the terms of Cafepress. But to my knowledge, and more importantly for my goal of making a point that can be conveyed visually, I have not violated the thoughts of Dr. King. Keep an eye out, I will find a way to provide this image for sale.

I Love America! That's why I vote - first step

The Presidential election is an import even in America. The up-coming 2008 election is even more important than most in my opinion. Readers of my political commentary at VASS are familiar with the fact that I believe this is a crucial point in the future of America.

Given this belief, I have followed and commented on various aspects of the Presidential candidates, the issues, my observations of average people discussing their concerns, and the truth that is often shaded or avoided by pundits, media and the candidates. Since 2006 I have dedicated an extreme amount of time trying to stay abreast of all the most relevant issues and news. More importantly I have tried to be neutral in my coverage of all of my posts.

But that is not enough.

My comments and observations are meant to provoke thought and inspire those readers that have not voted to be involved. I do not question the reason for anyone to not have voted before, or for some time. I do not question the choice anyone might make for President. I respect everyone’s ability to go into the voting booth and choose whomever they wish, and for whatever reason.

But considering that this up coming election will be so critical on a multitude of issues that will affect every American directly for the next decade at least, I feel more is needed. Again, I am not asking anyone to choose what I believe. In fact I have yet to endorse ANY candidate. But I implore you to be involved and to vote.

I truly believe that it is thru your vote, that America will be able to pick the best choice for the nation and our collective future. Anything less will leave us all with a leader of the free world that is lees than what is needed. With what is at risk in the next 10 years that is too dangerous to ignore.

So I will be taking further steps to get American citizens to vote. Again, I’m not asking anyone to pick a side that I believe. Just to vote for what YOU believe.

To that end, I have created a line of 61 consumer products that emphasize the importance of our votes. You can see a few of the products here, and each one will link you to my online store where you can see the full product line.

Be proud, stand up and be counted. Don’t sell your vote, or allow it to be bamboozled from you. Show that pride and interest in the greatest good for America with the various t-shirts, mouse pads, mugs, kids clothing, pet cover, aprons, magnets, stickers and so much more.

And don’t think this is the only thing I will be doing. There is much more planned, and already a few other bloggers have voiced their support and interest. I will be going for the support of several institutions as well. I plan to work towards increasing the number of voters, because when all of America acts together we do the best things for our nation and the world.

Keep an eye out for press releases and events coming soon. And they will continue all the way up til the votes are all counted and the winner announced.

And if you like what you see spread the word, display the products, and remind people that the difference in the last several elections was a mere handful of Americans. Your vote counts and it can make a huge difference.