.::Brother Please::.

Oakland Thugs

Oakland has one of the worst reputations in the country when it comes to violence. That’s pretty much all Oakland is known for. True we held the record for most homicides several times. In 2002 Oakland had 113 homicides, in 2003 there were 114 and just last year there were 88 (see stats). This year well it’s been lower than most. It’s considered one of the poorest cities with about 40 percent of the population living on some form of government aid. This could be called a city of crime and poverty, there are nice area’s in Oakland, the median price is around $550,000 to $600,000 – if you pay any lower than that you might just be in the “high crime” areas – something I don’t know much about (born and raised on the “nice” side), but the biggest thugs are located right there in city hall.

There are numerous cases and as time goes on I’ll address them, but this one caught my eye in Fridays paper; “Brooks seems a law unto herself”, what a coincidence the city council member that represents the worst part of this city – East Oakland. Desley Brooks, who’s know to “Keep it Real” crossed the line this time as she has done time and time again with no repercussions. She has intimidated those who get in her way and none of her thug counterparts have challenged her. The article shows just a glimpse into their thug mentality.

What the F@#K!

"Ebonics is a different language, it's not slang as many believe,' Texeira said. "For many of these students Ebonics is their language, and it should be considered a foreign language. These students should be taught like other students who speak a foreign language.' Read More.

Excuse my French, but this lady needs to be shot. There is no such thing as Ebonics! It’s an embarrassing subject to have to deal with and America I’m from Oakland, California where this started and I apologize. Even though I believe black so called conservatives (black republicans / blacks for Bush) are sambo step and fetch its, I can agree that there is no such thing. It’s a God damn speech impediment, that’s exactly what Ebonics is - a speech impediment and a lack of parenting. The uncle toms have it right, but they’re just trying to please white people and it's deeper than that. I say it’s wrong because I love my people and I would love to see them get it together; home training people, home training. And if you can’t speak English, well actually it’s not the kings English, as most would believe. But if you can articulate yourself in a way that White people can understand and feel comfortable with; you’re just anther spear chucking jungle bunny in there minds. You don't have to sell out to function, but you do have to communicate.

Now unlike these conservative blacks would have you believe, it’s okay to speak broken English or slang when you’re with your people or peeps (Friends). But when you go to work and have to function in this society it’s best that you know how to articulate and pronunciate in the manner in which they (white American society) perceive as proper terminology.

Missing

I'm tried of hearing about little missing white girls. No disrespect to those who have  daughters or sons for that matter who are white and missing. It sickens me every time I see it on the news; for anyone to take and harm a child is disgusting. The death penalty should be the only option in situations like this (and I'm against this penalty except in cases like this. However much attention, you could say too much attention is given to missing blonds than to ethnic women or children.

I was looking over Black Informant and noticed a post with two missing black women. There should be some network of bloggers to share this information because missing people of color only get a fraction of the medias time whites get. Tameka Scott and Latoyia Figueroa need their pictures and information shared with "equal" time in the news with the missing Aruba girl.

Updated.....

I thought I'd change the look of the blog today. I think it has a better feel and look; any suggestions? Anyway, being a strong believer in "doing for self", I'm currently working on a new business idea. The concept itself is currently in use, but I plan on customizing and promoting this idea in a more resourceful manner. I've been working on my "business plan" for about a week. I've found Entrepreneur Magazines site to be a very useful resource for me. My goal is to launch operations sometime in September / October after I get all the licensing and permits I need. I intend on building a network as well, so stay tuned in and when everythings up and running I'll "share" what I'm doing, it's said that it's best not to talk about what your doing (especially in detail) until you're doing it. Hopefully those involved can share the wealth. Well until next time...late

HIV/AIDs - Accepting Responsibility

I was just going through my daily routine of checking blogs and surfing and came up on one blog that caught my attention: The Prodigal Sun; the post titled, The longest pause of my life. The link in that post led me to some very startling information. It's known that HIV is growing ramped in the black community and that Black women are more likely to carry the virus (80% of women infected with HIV are Black or Hispanic women although 25% of all US women are black or Hispanic - AIDS Fact Sheet) I mean to have sexual relations with a black woman is like playing Russian roulette (no offense - I love black women, but if you read the facts...). Anyway as I was saying, based on these statistics nearly half of the gay black males in the study tested positive. What that says to me is that HIV/AIDS education isn't working or God is trying to make his message clear. Getting tested regularly will not promote the practice safer sex, what it will do is inform those who have it to take action.

Individuals who live those type of life styles invite these kinds of issues into there lives. I'm not saying all those who carry it are gay or lesbian or that those who have HIV/AIDS deserves it. What I am saying is that those who live a particular life style are asking for it. It's the truth and the truth hurts, but we must be honest with ourselves. We have to accept responsibility and begin to live a morally just life. My personal belief is that homosexuality is not something you were born with but a sexual preference. Read the reports - that's all I'm going to say for now.

Does Hip-Hop Have a Conscience?

Is Kanye West the conscience of Hip-Hop? I’m sure you’ve heard “Diamonds (From Sierra  Leone”) and what about “Jesus Walks” just to name a couple. He’s often referred to as self-absorbed, which maybe true, but confident in what ones doing can appear that way. Mr. West is getting ready to release another album (release date is still TBD). The New York Times has an interesting article on the young star in the Arts and Leisure section. When you think about it you have to ask yourself, “Where is Hip-Hop going?” What ever happened to the Public Enemies of the world? If there’s one thing lacking in this “culture” it’s a conscience. Well, that’s what one would assume if you just listen to what’s being pushed over the radio. There are a lot of “positive” individuals in the industry and underground. I’ll probably look at doing something on that sometime in the future.

Wal-Martism – Modern Day Slavery

Wal-Mart the end all and be all of corporate greed and lack of opportunity has done it again. It’s very important that we (the American people) understand the negative effects that wal-martism has on our society. The Berkeley Daily Planet recently reported that they were trying to gain access to legal documents regarding a lawsuit that was filed by a Wal-Mart employee. The judge in the case (Superior Court Judge Ronald Sabraw) ruled that while the Berkeley Planet is entitled to access of the 17,000 pages of Wal-Mart documents the newspaper or it’s attorneys must pay $76,000 for that privilege.

Wal-Mart the end all and be all of corporate greed and lack of opportunity has done it again. It’s very important that we (the American people) understand the negative effects that wal-martism has on our society. The Berkeley Daily Planet recently reported that they were trying to gain access to legal documents regarding a lawsuit that was filed by a Wal-Mart employee. The judge in the case (Superior Court Judge Ronald Sabraw) ruled that while the Berkeley Planet is entitled to access of the 17,000 pages of Wal-Mart documents the newspaper or it’s attorneys must pay $76,000 for that privilege.

Hustle Fest 2005

 

Hustle Fest, I mean Mega Fest 2005 is coming next month, August 3^rd thru the 6^th in Atlanta, Ga. The best hustlers and pimps, I mean pastors and bishops will be there to entertain you with the gospel. I’m not completely sure who all will be there but here’s a list of guys I’m sure you can count on:

No Morals Mo’ Problems

Lil Kim is off to jail in September; thank God, unfortunately it’s not enough time. I  know I’m coming off as a hater and in this case – yeah I’m hating. She represents everything that’s wrong with Hip-Hop. She represents what’s wrong with black women today. What can be so glamorous about portraying a slut? Yeah it may pay to be a video whore or slutty rapper, but where are your morals, did you miss a hug or two? Let’s push for our women, but instead of pushing them into the night clubs and street corners let’s get them in those schools, programs and activities that will produce college educated self respecting character. I’m a black man with a daughter and hopefully I have a positive affect on her life, but this trash has to go. “I feel for her”, I see that posted everywhere. Why? What has she done that’s had a positive profound effect on people, hell black girls / women? NONE.

Lakers May Lose Daft Pick

The WCC player of the year,  Ronnie Turiaf who played 4 years at Gonzaga was diagnosed with an enlarged heart.  According to ESPN reports he'll need open heart surgery soon. There is now obvious speculation that he may not be able to come back from this, thus ending his career before it starts. However with the miracle of today's medicine who knows.

"His aorta is too large for his heart," Ndiaye said. "This is open-heart surgery. He could come back if everything goes OK and he works hard."

Let's pray for the brotha.