Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Troy Davis: here we go again

Black people, and even some white people, are extremely upset over yet another case of racial injustice. By now, most folks know the Troy Davis story and that despite new evidence and 7 out of 9 jurors changing their verdicts, he was still put to death last week by means of lethal injection.

Outside of various jabs that people regularly make towards President Obama, this is one of the most heinous and racial injustices to occur since Sean Bell was wrongly murdered by the NYPD, or since the Jena 6 debacle. Everytime something like this happens, especially to a black person, it stirs up hostility. Nevermind that Casey Anthony was just acquitted of murder back in July, or that a white man's execution was postponed the day after Troy was executed.

Our legal system is without a doubt flawed, biased, crooked, and just in need of serious cowbell and repair. Judge Greg Mathis even made his views known in a YouTube video, stating that anytime new evidence is presented, there should be a new trial, period. Then again, Troy had the misfortune of being black, poor, and in Georgia, right in the midst of the deep South.

Watching this case sadly unfold reminds me of all sorts of bad memories, including those shown in The Green Mile. This case here also comes to mind. This little boy was so young, and his own parents didn't even get to tell him goodbye. m.flickr.com/#/photos/22067139@N05/5251556905/

It is known from my blog over a year ago how I feel about the death penalty. I believe its inhumane, hypocritical, and just plain wrong. And in this case, it was unnecessary to the highest point. Justice was in no way served.

Unfortunately, I don't think this will ever stop or end, meaning the way minorities are treated and mistreated in the criminal justice system. It can be slowed down in a variety of ways. One is by acquainting yourselves with lawyers and the law. The old clique was that you don't equip yourself with attorneys unless you're a criminal. Now, many many folks know that ignorance of the law is definitely not bliss. It's called CYB (Covering Your Behind). Knowledge of the law and your rights can help prevent anyone from becoming a Troy Davis, Sean Bell, or a John Coffey.

I don't know of too many folks that play a game without first knowing the rules. Well there are rules behind life, and the legal system. Knowing these laws can make it tougher for the system to wrongly accuse you.

It's indeed a tragedy what happened to Troy Davis. The larger tragedy will be not responding in the proper manner and preventing this from happening to future generations.
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Thirst Is Real

Receiving and giving compliments and praise can be an awesome thing. However there is a such thing as too much of something good. You can be referred to as desperate, creepy, or even thirsty if you go overboard.

Many of us are guilty of acting thirsty, often too much. Men tend to get it the worst as many do not know how to properly step to, approach, or compliment a woman. When you're thriving for attention, constantly throwing out praise and almost worshipping that female, that would be thirst.

Cat-calling, the "hey girl" guys, men that whine like Keith Sweat, and of course the stereotypical construction workers, ALL demonstrate dangerous levels of thirst.

Social media has magnified and exposed thirst at a greater level. Often when an attractive female posts a sexy pic, she us met with numerous likes and comments. These can range from "Work it!" " Nice outfit and smile" to "WOW!!! Can I have your number?" "I wanna smack that phat booty" . The latter remarks are obviously thirst in one of its worse forms.

Now fellas, lend me your eyes for a second and read. The thirst epidemic does not excuse or exempt you from complimenting a woman, letting her know how you feel, and just being nice. There is a certain way to express yourself, but a woman must be complimented. It's not that every woman seeks attention, but most want to feel beautiful and appreciated by others. Closed mouths don't get fed so you better speak up. Just think before you act or speak. She deserves the upmost respect, and space.

When in doubt, simply remember to keep it simple, and less is sometimes more. Be concise and to the point, but don't make a person feel like you want to smother, cover and devour like a double order of hashbrowns at Waffle House.

Yes the thirst is indeed real. But civilized adults can control it by using common sense, good judgment, and home training. Just keep your composure and remember we're all human and deserve to be treated as such.

Don't obey your thirst, obey your brain!
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Monday, September 12, 2011

9/11 should be honored and remembered every day, enough said

Yesterday was of course the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that happened on 9/11/01 when our country experienced perhaps its greatest attack on its soil. I still remember when it happened, our nation seemed to pause and come together. For a while, we were ALL americans and NOT just black, white, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, etc. About 2 months later, things seemed to be finally turning to some normality. But life in the US would never be the same again. Every year on 9/11 we all focus, pray, and reflect as a nation.

But why don't we focus and commerate it year round?

9/11, now dubbed "Patriot Day" should be honored and upheld every day. Although I celebrate many holidays, I cannot stand the fact that many folks wait until the holidays to get together or even be kind to others. 9/11 is getting the same way.

I saw strong evidence of this over the days leading up to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Specials, tributes, and around the clock news coverage. Yes it is an important time in our nation's history and a time to pause and focus. But we should do some sort of tribute daily, remind each other and other nations that we are still here, we are USA!

I don't think I'm being insensitive in my remarks, simply overly concerned about how 9/11 could and should be celebrated. Lord forbid it ever becomes commercial and stores have 9/11 sales. We already do the same for Easter, who's to say this will not happen to "Patriot's Day"?

I will simply end by saying we need to carry the courage we displayed this weekend everyday in our hearts and of course, never, EVER, forget. 9/11/01
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