The Bridge is Over

This is one of my all time favorite joints. The beat is timeless. I'm in an old school hip hop mood. Feeling sentimental this time of year.

Men lie, Women Lie, but Numbers don't

Men lie, Women lie, but Numbers don’t

Men lie, Women lie, but Numbers don’t. This is much more than a rappers slick innuendo towards record sales. It has more of a significant meaning to me. There is nothing more concrete and believable to any group of people than to be shown numbers and statistics. In light of the alleged sexual molestation charges against Pleasure P I wanted to bring awareness to a topic that is rarely talked about in the community of people of color and hip hop fans. There is no height, age, or weight requirement concerning sexual abuse. Social status is not required or a prerequisite; it doesn’t matter if you are rich, poor, working class, or middle class we suffer from this together. I have worked in the social services field for the last 8 years and the things that I have seen concerning sexual abuse has made me appreciate life and my family a lot more. I have seen the after effects of sexual abuse perpetrated against young women and men. I have witnessed young girls so full of life become hollow shells of themselves. I have seen young boys attempt suicide or engage in other self-destructive behavior because of sexual abuse. And the saddest thing that I have witnessed in my years in social services is; I have seen the victim become the perpetrator. The cyclical nature of sexual abuse has perverted our community and changed it for the worst. I have worked with kids, who have identified with the behavior of their attacker; internalized that same level of hatred and done the exact same thing to someone else, not only destroying their lives but continuing the cycle with a new victim. The statistics surrounding this are both shocking and staggering 1 in every 4 girls is sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. The numbers are similar amongst boys. 1 in every 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18. Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults occur to children ages 17 and under. You would believe that children would be safe in their own home around family but that’s not true. 90% of sexual abuse is by someone who the family knows.
• 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
• Another 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.
• Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.
• Only 10% are abused by complete strangers.

There is no direct age for when sexual abuse to occur: the median age for reported abuse is 9 years old but more than 20% of children are sexually abused before the age of 8. An alarming statistic is that nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under the age of 12. These are just the statistics of the people who tell about the sexual abuse; evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused. So many young victims may not recognize their victimization as sexual abuse; as is the case with Lil Wayne who openly bragged in his documentary about being molested by a much older woman at the behest of Baby. Then there are the victims who internalize it and never speak to anyone about it at all; over 30% of victims never disclose the experience to anyone.
There are so many psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems that affect survivors of sexual abuse. Children who have been victims of sexual abuse exhibit long-term and more frequent behavioral problems, particularly inappropriate sexual behaviors. Victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to be sexually promiscuous than those who weren’t. Some women who reported childhood rape are three times more likely to become pregnant before the age 18. Some victims of child sexual abuse report more substance abuse problems; 70-80% of sexual abuse survivors have reported excessive drug and alcohol use. Close to 50% of women that are in prison state that they were sexually abused as children.
As it was not my intention to upset or to stigmatize anyone. I just wanted people to understand the seriousness behind sexual abuse. We have to take care of the 39 million survivors of sexual abuse. We failed them once let’s not fail them again.

Quote

When a race of people is oppressed within a system that fosters the idea of competitive indivdualism, the political polarization around individual interests prevents group interests.Each negro prides himself on his ability to reason or think as an individual.Therefore, any gains are to the individual and not to the group. So individuals join tribes or groups to further their own personal ambitions.It's one of the things that keeps us fighting ourselves instead of the enemy - H. Rap Brown Die Nigga Die

KOBE BRYANT AND LEBRON JAMES NIKE COMMERCIALS

Nike has created some of the more memorable basketball commercials since the Nike Freestyle commercials some years ago. Taking a page from the lil penny series from the 1990's they have made some funny ass commercials for Lebron James and Kobe Bryant

Neatherdals, Cave Women, and Troglodytes

As I sit here typing this entry into blogger. I am confused to the direction that I want to take. I want to react emotionally and call people names and hurl insults at them. But I also want to articulate my point and come across in all sincerity as an open minded individual. As a society we are losing control. We are losing control not because we are becoming uncivilized. Hold up let me retract that statement. We are uncivilized. We are acting like we have lost our freaking mind. Not all of us but some. As I have watched the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets second round playoff matchup I am stunned at the way that Denver has manhandled the Dallas Mavericks. They are quicker, stronger, and hungrier than the Mavericks. They are outplaying them in all facets of the game and in that equation the better team will win this series. The difficulty that I am having is the manner in which the Maverick fans and their owner has behaved. In the Game 3 loss to the Nuggets Mark Cuban was seen shouting at the mother of Kenyon Martin as he headed back into the tunnel. Now as the owner of the Dallas Mavericks he has the right to be angry at how his team was robbed. He however doesn't have the right to yell at someone's mother in the manner in which he did. Where is the NBA abmonishing his behavior? Where are all the sportscasters calling for an immediate ban of Mark Cuban for the remainder of the playoffs? Then in Game 4 Carmelo Anthony's fiancee had to send her young son back to the hotel room because of the aggressive nature in which the white fans were taunting them, using profanity and racial epithets. Am I supposed to be satisifed with the lack of response by the NBA. heck no. Let a player run into the stands because they feel that their loved one's are in danger and then you see everybody standing up on their soapbox talking about the NBA is turning into a thug league. The lack of respect for black women is obvious in this lack of response from the entire world. It seems we let people off the hook when we should hold them responsible for their actions, especially in this case. Let that had been some poor blond hair blue eyed white woman then the entire world would have been upset. But because it's someone who looks a little darker they feel that it is alright, no bump that. Sometimes it's necessary to make people respect what you represent. If you don't stand up for your women who is going to respect you as a people. We let Howard Stern slide. We let Emimnen slide. We let Asher Roth slide. and we let Rush Limbaugh slide. To take a page from Tupac's character Bishop in juice" When are we gonna start grabbing some collars and letting mofo's know we matter".

G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra Trailer

I saw this preview during the Dallas and Denver game last night. This movie looks like it is going to be the blockbluster of the summer.

IN LOVE WITH ANOTHER MAN - JAZMINE SULLIVAN

The very first time I saw this video I though Lauren Hill was coming back out with a hot new song. As a man I don't want to like this song I couldn't help it.

LOVE MAGIC BY CIARA FT JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

I don't even like Justin Timberlake ever since he disrespected Janet Jackson but this is a hot song he collaborated with Ciara on.

AIR JORDAN FLIGHT 45

I am a recovering sneaker fiend. I used to collect Air Jordans like crazy a few years ago but I gave it up once I stopped wearing sneakers because of my job. These new sneakers coming out the Air Jordan Flight 45 are hot so I might have to cop me a couple of pairs lol.

MAXWELL - PRETTY WINGS

This is Maxwell's new single Pretty Wings. We went to High School together and he was a year behind me. This is just how he looked when we were in school together in 19887-1990

Do It Again - Jayz ft. Beanie Siegel and Amil

Here is one of my favorite Jay Z song's Do It Again

Is That Your Chick - ft. Memphis Bleek Jay Z and Missy Elliot

I was on www.icedotcom.blogspot.com and he had a couple of video's that reminded me of my favorite era of music. Here is a brooklyn banger, Is That Your Chick.

Facing Ali Documentary Trailer

This is a trailer for another documentary for the greatest of all time Muhammad Ali.

NFL DRAFT

It's been too damn long since I posted something. School and work has been kicking my butt this semester. I'll be back posting regularly in a few weeks once the semester ends. I maybe the only football fan in New York City that doesn't like the NY Giants. I'll root for the because they are a New York Sports team but I don't like them. Their reign of terror over New York is soon to be over. The Jets finally have a young quarterback who can make them respectable again. Welcome to New York Mark Sanchez. Time to get tough because the New York Fans and Media will eat you alive if you are a sucker.

100 YEARS OF LYNCHING

I tried not to speak on the Chris Brown and Rihanna situation because I didn’t want to throw my opinion into a discussion in which all of the facts aren’t known. That was until I watched another celebrity throw another young black brother under the bus. As more and more so called celebrities distance themselves from Chris Brown when is someone going to embrace him? I’m not saying to embrace or condone his irresponsible behavior but to embrace the young boy and show him how to be a man. Have we forgotten that he is a 19 year old kid attempting to be a young man? It is our responsibility as a people to correct his behavior and show him how a real man behaves. As I heard Minister Louis Farrakhan say in a speech “Who other than my Brother and Sister to correct me when I get out of order.” Where is the Diddy Blog telling Chris Brown that men don’t hit women? Where is Russell Simmons telling people that Chris Brown needs to be afforded the same liberty of innocent until proven guilty? Where are any of the male celebrities or public figures speaking up for this young black brother and providing him proper direction on how to become a man? They are nowhere to be found and are allowing the media to destroy another black man.
As we only have heard one side of the story we have unfairly labeled Chris Brown a domestic abuser. In fairness we only have one instance of him actually putting his hands on a woman in an uncaring manner. The media has portrayed him in such a negative light that Chris Brown is guilty in the eyes of the public which is much worse than actually being guilty in the court of law. He has only been charged with felony assault and making criminal threats. He hasn’t been convicted of a crime or even released a statement but everyone is distancing themselves from him. In reality if he is truly guilty of everything that they said that he did to her he needs to pay for his actions. But is his presence better served in jail or is he needed to speak out publicly about the harsh reality of physical violence amongst teens and domestic violence. He can do better by utilizing his celebrity status to bring awareness to a growing epidemic. As a society we are have become desensitized to violence directed to youth and women. We need to do a better job as a nation and community in protecting our women, youth, and each other. But instead we are watching celebrities like Oprah Winfrey apply the kiss of death to not only the career of another young black man his but his life. I didn’t see the outrage when Christian Bale beat his Mother and Sister up. Where was Oprah Winfrey then? Why didn’t his commercials and ads get pulled? I find it hard to believe that racism isn’t a factor but I guess Chris Brown is another N.W.A (Nigg-r Without Appreciation)

BLACK PIPEOLOGY

Black Pipeology© In order to properly educate our children we must have an ideology, which reflects the ideals and aspirations of our people. One component of such an ideology is the importance of seeing the child as a MIND developing in the environment of a physical body in a material world – Dr. Na’im Akbar

When you look up ideology it is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
1: visionary theorizing 2 a: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture b: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture c: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program
And by Wikipedia:
An ideology is a set of beliefs, aims and ideas, especially in politics. An ideology can be thought of as a comprehensive vision, as a way of looking at things, as in common sense and several philosophical tendencies, or a set of ideas proposed by the dominant class of a society to all members of this society.
And when you search for a deeper understanding of the word ideology Wikipedia states “The main purpose behind an ideology is to offer change in society through a normative thought process”. Ideologies are systems of abstract thought (as opposed to mere ideation) applied to public matters and thus make this concept central to politics. Working in the Social Service field I see a lot of disheartening things when dealing with the youth, especially the teenagers. So many of today’s youth don’t believe in anything but what they see on television or hear in a song. The belief system is completely different from what you would expect for their age group. As they are physically more developed than we were at their age they lack the mental development that we had. If you don’t believe in anything positive not just for yourself but also for the people around you; there’s no future for you. The youth just lack direction or a clearly defined purpose. As I don’t watch much TV I however have become a huge fan of the show Heroes. One of the characters on the show asked another a question that stuck in my head long after the show went off. He said “Do you want to live a life of purpose or have a life of meaning”. How can I receive something so powerful and meaningful from a fictional show? Looking back at that moment I realized that this is what I needed to clarify my purpose to myself, to help assure me that I’m on the correct path and that this is where God intended for me to be. Your life purpose is never what you intend it to be but what God has designed for you. My purpose is to work with the youth and I can no longer run from it. As Agent Smith told Neo in the Matrix Reloaded “It is purpose that defines and drives us. Without Purpose we would not exist”. So I understand and embrace my purpose now.
Before I can go any further I must first breakdown the true meaning of Black Pipeology.
I’m different in the manner in which I express my feelings and thoughts. I always use metaphors, innuendos, and double entrende’s when I write. People always hear me talking about basketball and recruiting players for my team. By using the term team I have chosen an alternate or metaphoric way of saying community and nation. Rebuilding the community has always been my objective; by building a team you are improving the neighborhood and community in which you live in one person at a time. In order for our people to grow we must be there for each other as teammates and as a team. It is only through a collective effort that we will persevere against racism, negativity, poverty, and evil. The word Black Pipeology derives from the word Black Pipe. I named my first book the MisEducation of Black Pipe. I chose that name because it has both a metaphoric and symbolic meaning. As Richard King wrote in the African Origin of Biological Psychiatry “Blackness is the universal solvent of all”. (King, 2001) The key chemical found in every living thing is black, the carbon atom. These atoms unite to form melanin. Melanin is the first chemical to capture light and reproduce itself. The word Black is symbolic for melanin. As melanin is the key of life. The word Pipe is the metaphoric name for the Brain, many things flow throw a pipe. It stores and manages all forms and things. The brain also stores everything; it is viewed as the library of infinite knowledge, past, present, and future. When you combine them the word Black Pipe takes on a different meaning, it stands for the Black Mind. So when you look at the name of my first book the MisEducation of Black Pipe it takes on a different meaning altogether than when you initially view it, the MisEducation of the Black Mind. So when you see Black Pipeology understand that it means the theoretical study of the black mind as a philosophy, ideology, and a sociopolitical system. In order for you to achieve any level of greatness you first must believe that you have greatness within you. The purpose of Black Pipeology is to help bring that confidence to the forefront. Helping young men and women reach a level of self-actualization is the intention of Black Pipeology. Before I can go any further I must first explain the true meaning of Black Pipeology.
I’m different in the manner in which I express my thoughts and feelings. I always use metaphors, innuendos, and double entrende’s when I write. People always hear me talking about basketball and recruiting players for my team. By using the term team I have chosen an alternate or metaphoric way of saying community and nation. Rebuilding my community has always been my primary objective; by building a team you are improving the neighborhood and community in which you live in one person at a time. In order for our people to grow we must be there for each other as both teammates and as a team. It is only through a collective effort that we will persevere against racism, negativity, poverty, and evil. The word Black Pipeology derives from the word Black Pipe. I named my first book the MisEducation of Black Pipe. I chose that name because it has a metaphoric meaning. As Richard King wrote in the African Origin of Biological Psychiatry “Blackness is the universal solvent of all”. (King, 2001) The key chemical found in every living thing is black, the carbon atom. These atoms unite to form melanin. Melanin is the first chemical to capture light and reproduce itself. The word Black is symbolic for melanin. As melanin is the key of life. The word Pipe is the metaphoric name for the Brain, many things flow throw a pipe. It stores and manages all forms and things. The brain also stores everything; it is viewed as the library of infinite knowledge, past, present, and future. When you combine them the word Black Pipe takes on a different meaning, it stands for the Black Mind. So when you look at the name of my first book the MisEducation of Black Pipe it takes on a different meaning altogether than when you initially view it, the MisEducation of the Black Mind. So when you see Black Pipeology understand that it means the theoretical study of the black mind as a philosophy, ideology, and a sociopolitical system. As you read and decipher the definition of Black Pipeology appreciate its metaphoric meaning. In order for you to achieve any level of greatness you first must believe that there is greatness within you. The intention of Black Pipeology is to help bring that belief in greatness to the forefront. It is only through mastering yourself that you are able to achieve greatness. It is in everyone potentially to develop the god-like mentality. However everyone doesn’t reach their full potential because they don’t master analytical and holistic thinking both logical and intuitive, and verbal and imagistic. Helping young men and women reach their full potential is the primary goal of Black Pipeology. It is within the human mind to achieve this god mentality and through Black Pipeology I want to help other’s achieve it.
Working directly with kids I see their experiences from a different perspective. I see the constant fear that so many of them live in, the fear of being an individual. So many teens take on the persona of their favorite rapper, athlete, or the neighborhood drug dealer or thug. It is only through progressive mental development can they realize their full potential. Embracing analytical and holistic thinking they can develop exponentially and become true masters of their world. Utilizing the three departments of the mind, conscious, sub-conscious, and super conscious you can make your thoughts become your reality. They never develop and become the person that they could truly be. They have lost sight of the important things in life; Love, Peace, Happiness, Supreme Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Wealth, Friendship, Freedom, Justice, Equality, and Independence. These are the things many of the youth today are not in possession of. They haven’t been given the foundation upon which they can build their future. It is our job as parents to instill these principles in them.

CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST

Initially when I saw the cartoon depicting Barack Obama as a monkey filled with bullet holes I was upset and angry. Then I paused and thought for a moment why would I be upset at someone for expressing their views. Are we not in America, the land of the free and the home of brave? Freedom of expression is a given no matter how disturbed, insensitive, and prejudice it maybe. As I truly think back at the supposed progress that America has made in the last year. I ask myself why would the New York Post allow such a racially insensitive picture to illustrate their discomfort with President Obama’s Stimulus package. I know we ridiculed former President Bush throughout his Presidency but I can’t recall seeing any racially insensitive cartoons being posted. Am I mad that some people are being exposed to the world for still being insensitive and racist, hell no? As Malcolm X said “how can I be mad that the chickens have come home to roost?” This is just a reminder, a hard slap to the face to all the idealistic Americans who believe that the world has suddenly changed and is now free of racial bias. Bullshit! “Racism is still alive they just be concealing it”. Have we forgotten that this is a federal government who is more concerned about prosecuting Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens for taking steroids than providing Sean Bell’s family with closure and prosecute the cops who violated his civil rights? They are more concerned with sending Michael Vick to jail for dog fighting than ensuring that the murderer of Oscar Grant is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. So for the New York Post and the other racist idiots who are quick to call us apes, monkeys, and gorillas you are correct in your assessment of me. I am a Guerilla and I’m standing on the Empire State Building pounding on my chest. I’m fighting this war just like you but I’m being smart about it. I’m tired of boycotts and silent protests. We need to start chin checking some chins out here and taking our respect one city at a time. But I digress I don’t want to be accused of inciting people to riot and making terrorist threats. Don’t want Facebook to ban me. Bump that they can get the finger too.

REBIRTH OF A NATION

The Rebirth of a Nation

Civilization is measured by the woman. If you want to take the world down, the place of attack is the female. If you want to build a world up, you start with the female. A woman is three-times the value of a man, because she brings forth life. Women teach and train the off-spring. When somebody wants to take the world down, they destroy the value of knowledge in a woman. And when you deny education to the female, you are denying it to a nation. When you deny education to a man, you have denied education to an individual. When you deny it to a woman, you have denied it to an entire people. That's how valuable a woman is. - Hon. Elijah Muhammad This is going to be the most sincere post I have ever written. This is dedicated to all of the women I have come into contact with. There is nothing more valuable and precious than a woman. The image of women has evolved and deteriorated simultaneously over time. We have lost respect of the true power that a woman welds. As a society as the role of the woman has evolved we have lost sight of how important women truly are. To only true comparison to the importance of the woman to society is that of the relationship of the Sun to the Earth. The Sun is often unappreciated despite all that it does for the Earth. First off let us not forget that the Sun is the center of the universe and the Earth revolves around the Sun. Most of the life forms on Earth are supported by sunlight. The climate and weather is driven by sunlight as well. Sunlight is also the primary source of energy for Earth. The power of the Sun is vast and is very dangerous. Exposure to sunlight for long periods of time causes cancer and can damage your eyes when staring at the sun for long periods of time. The woman is essentially the same entity as the sun. She is the center of the family and society. The family revolves around the role of the woman. The woman has the ability to breathe life figuratively and literally into a people. As the foundation upon which families and societies are built the woman’s job is vast. Women raise and teach the future of our society how can you not appreciate her and all of her magnificence. It is only through the power of a women can we return our nation to prosperity.
The future of our nation rests in the hands of women. It is a woman who shapes and determines the mind, behavior, attitude, and beliefs of the children. The woman’s role is symbolic of the Virgin Mary; like the Virgin Mary she is the carrier of the child of god. So she must raise her child with the purest of intentions and the utmost sincerity. As men it is our job to protect the women, much like the King protects the Queen in Chess. We have forgotten the importance of protecting our most valuable asset, the Black Woman. We have forgotten this and have allowed the Mother of Civilization to be mistreated not only by others but also by ourselves. It is now during the dawn of a new era that the woman will be placed back on her throne. It is through the Genes of Isis (Genesis) will we once again rise up and become a mighty nation.
I am a man and I’m a womanizer, I love women. However I’m not a womanizer in the traditional sense but in the spiritual sense. I love to be in the presence of women not just to take in their physical beauty but for the inner beauty and the positive energy that they posses. I have been blessed to meet women who generate a positive aura and provide inspiration and motivation just by being in the aura. You know when you are in the presence of someone who has the ability to change the world. You can see it in their written word, in their spoken word, and in their actions. Sometimes you can see it even if they can’t. I am drawn like a moth to the flame to some women because of that power. My biggest mistake is that some misinterpret my true desire. I come across as insincere when that is truly not the case. I want to build not destroy. So to all of the women who have mistaken what my true intentions are I offer my sincerest apology’s to you. Like the Earth I need the light of the Sun in order to thrive. There energy provides me with strength and power. I just want to form a union with them, a union of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. Together through the alchemical marriage of the soul and intellect we can rebuild our nation. We must first put our faith in our women and ourselves. As the Pledge of Allegiance states “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." I pledge allegiance to my sisters that with the help of God to not be divided and rebuild our nation one piece at a time.
“Waiting for the lord to rise I look into my daughter’s eyes and realize I’m going to learn through her. The messiah might even return through her. If I’m a do it I must change the world through her.” – Common – Be

BARACK OBAMA'S INAUGURATION SPEECH

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

"WHY"

"Why do you write"? I find that I'm asking myself this question too frquently. I know that I write because I enjoy it and I have a lot to say and I want to pass it on to the people to read. Although they might not agree with what I'm writing I know I have something to say and I just want to be heard. Some of the stuff that I write about is thought provoking and inspiring. The thing is I want to profit from it. However nobody sells well from dropping knowledge. The best sellers are usually the urban fiction and romance books. I can write like that but would I truly be doing a service to my community and my people by writing another Scarface or New Jack City. So do I write to make money or write to spread knowledge. It's a dilemma for me because I want to make a living from writing but until I can gain an consistent audience and following I will not be making any true money from my hobby. So when I ask myself why do I write my answer will continue to be because I love it

DEAR MR. PRESIDENT

Dear Mr. President
What’s good Mr. President, I like the way that sounds my dude. I guess congratulations are in order for your historic and monumental victory in November. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of history. Damn it seems so long ago since I sent you that last letter after you won the Democratic Presidential nomination. A lot of time has passed since then but I just wanted to reiterate to you how proud I am of your accomplishments. It has made me feel good to see how you have represented other men and what it means to be a true man. I want to come down on the 20th of January and Pop Champagne with you but I don’t have a ticket to commemorate this historical event so I’m going to have to watch it from home with my sons. As this should be a joyous and wonderful occasion the sad thing is we aren’t able to transition you in slowly and smoothly. The country and the entire world is in an economic crisis as we are the standard upon which the world moves. We need you to become the leader that we elected you to be; you are our point guard and our commander in chief. It’s time to lead us into the future as the visionary that we believe that you are. As I am familiar with your track record in the Senate, 1,986 bills authored and co sponsored in 8 years is outstanding. We now need you to work some of that visionary magic on our economic woes and breathe life back into this country. It is going on 76 years since the inauguration of the man history has deemed the greatest President in United States history, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like you FDR was dealing with a recession he created social programs that revitalized the country and jumpstarted the economy. He provided immediate relief, recovery from economic collapse, and reform to prevent future economic recessions. That is the blueprint that you should follow Mr. President to save our country. Implementing social programs has the calming effect over the country because it shows that you are taking a proactive approach to fixing the problems that ail the country. As I don’t want to take up too much of your time as I know you have a lot of preparation to do. I just want to remind you like I said in my first letter that you have a purpose that goes deeper than being the first Black President. You represent to millions of other boys and young men who resemble you, hope. You provide them the hope that racism and prejudice are a thing of the past. You provide them the hope that with knowledge of self and building a relationship with God that anything is possible for them to achieve. You provide them with hope that they are no longer going to be viewed as the descendants of slaves but as the leaders of today and tomorrow. You provide them the hope that they no longer are going to be Niggers in the eyes of so many. The line “I’m out for President’s that represent me” is more than just a catchy rhyme. It means exactly what is says. You truly represent me Mr. President thank you for stepping up and taking the leadership mantel. I also want to ask something of you that will draw a lot of heat. I think it’s time you brought Joann Chesimard home. Pardon her for her alleged crimes and let our sister come back home it’s only right. I think that the police have killed enough of our brothers and sisters that they can take this loss. It’s something for you to think about my dude. Ok I’m going to end this letter wishing you much success and I’ll hit you up from time to time to let you know I got your back. Stay up Mr. President we got you.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Civilization is measured by the woman. If you want to take the world down, the place of attack is the female. If you want to build a world up, you start with the female. A woman is three-times the value of a man, because she brings forth life. Women teach and train the off-spring. So, if you are an ignorant, unlettered and foolish woman, you will make a foolish people.

When somebody wants to take the world down, they destroy the value of knowledge in a woman. And when you deny education to the female, you are denying it to a nation. When you deny education to a man, you have denied education to an individual. When you deny it to a woman, you have denied it to an entire people. That's how valuable a woman is.
Hon. Elijah Muhammad

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I want to wish every one a Happy New Year for 2009. I hope this year is propserous and blessed for everyone out there. Good Bless