Stephen's Own Domain 2008

First Take: How many here would believe that Milwaukee is somewhat good for Young Professionals? I would assume good in some sense. I was reading the Journal Sentinel last week and it had an editorial about Forbes Magazine having Milwaukee at the number 8 spot behind other cities like Chicago, Boston and New York. That seems well for once, despite of the various opinions. But the question really arised about "Black Professionals" or should I say "Young Black Professionals" .  I read in the article further that a college student, who is Milwaukee born, left for Florida A&M Univerisity and when the student's father saw other families at the same university, he summarized that all of the potential students left Milwaukee. The deal? The article cited, cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and others have a support that attracts and gain interests in young blacks professionals and having the ability to keep them. Chicago, we know, but definitely, Atlanta! I remember having a neighbor telling me at one point that those who have gone on to other Colleges outside of Milwaukee and graduated, never come back. I have some friends who I attend church and in my high school classes moved to Chicago for jobs. One of them I know personally is going through a program that helps mental patients while working on  her Doctorates Degree. And she's happy about it through the educational program and is "enjoying" her job.  I wonder does Milwaukee has this? Another friend works with kids in Chicago, who by the way is a black male. And we all know about Black Males and Role Models. He also was born here in the city,  and went to colleges in Minnesota and Columbia University. By the time it came for working after the degrees, he tried looking for work in his field here in the city, but moved to Chicago to pursue his employment, in once again, working with kids. Some of you are assuming, "he could have done that here."  But the issue is, I think he wanted something more in his new venture. Partially, I think this is more of that "Brain Drain" scenairo in which most of us here heard time after time. Which is embarrassing. Some asked me two years ago when I was about to graduate from UW-Stout (notice the pic on the bio!), "Are you leaving?" I had to respond by commenting that "I don't know where it is, or when, but I'll do it". And I still don't know but that question does retrack my memory.

Most of us ask, and continue to ask is what is there to do for Milwaukee to keep or draw young black professionals? For me, I think Milwaukee needs to start or taking notes more on other cities on how to attract businesses. Like Chicago! Or maybe like Atlanta, or any other larger metropolitan city that knows how to attract young black professionals. I know this is the same song and dance, but in reality, it has to be done. Some might call it copying the bigger cities, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's all about learning, summarizing, and having a real objective! This is what I think is missing here! Go out and do a simple research on how to attract new businesses to young black professionals, or any other young minority professional. The last paragraph or sentence read: "The city must do more to attract and keep young minority professionals". Well, in relation to young black professionals, I think Milwaukee must do more of that to gain the positive attention on a national scale.

Second Take: The Farve Factor. OK. First off, let me say this. I really hope that Brett Favre is somewhat "satisfied" about making a potential decision of playing again, despite of the "media flavored" media circus, which is unnecessary. Hey, if Brett Favre wants to play, let him play. I'm don't care about it! I don't work for the Packers Management, and I'm assuming none of us here does either. But I do think that taking the 20 Million Dollars to stay retired is just dull. Now since he's willing to do this, yet again, he should kindly just play fair. No behind the scenes schemes of misery. You know, I was reading some other blogs, about those whom had season tickets or connections to see the Packers play at Lambeau in all. The crowd that constantly had connection, after connection, after connection, just to see #4 live and in living color. Well, I too saw him play one time in living color - 10 years ago! Me and my Father got tickets through of all places, Milwaukee Public Schools. Yes! MPS, the school system that most criticize,  had some Packer tickets through the AAL Elemetary School on the southside. My mother got two of them and gave them to me and my pops to our first and only visit to Lambeau. Notice the pic below. That was one time, a decade ago. That was like me watching The Roots at Summerfest last month, ONE TIME on the Fourth of July! Or me going to the WWE's King of the Ring at the U.S. Celluar Arena hearing Stone Cold Steve Austin, blaring the Austin 3:16 quote ONE TIME in 1996.

But the thing is now, it's back to square one. Now Brett doesn't have the mindset to play. Some of us probably have joined or started the "anti-Brett Favre for life" websites on Myspace or Facebook. I haven't seen those responded in a negative fashion since Bill Maher ribbed on Pope Benedict XVI.  I'll say this and this only. For the sake of those who are living a hysterical nightmare:  THE MAN NEEDS PRAYER!  I'll say this who are all divded of this whole thing, we all need prayer! We all need prayer to get our minds right! No matter if you are a football fan of any team. or just flat out "observing" fantasy picks. Brett Favre needs prayer to get his mind right.  I'm sorry for bringing a little religion into this, but it doesn't hurt, OK? Prayer changes things. Learn it. The real stuff, not the fake prayers! As for Aaron Rodgers, I would say well, we'll see, I don't know. If the season goes 9-7 or 4-12, we don't know. Maybe Aaron Rodgers could bring something to table that Brett didn't do. Maybe a little bit more. No disrespect to the Three Time MVP. Who knows, he could be a best pick for fantasy football. It could happen. You'll never know.

This is "My Double Take". Right Or Wrong. Just my thought.

 

          

There was an article that caught my eye on Tuesday. And I think it caught the eye of every American of African Decent (started using that term), and yours truly. The title was called: "House formally apologizes for Slavery and Jim Crow". I know someone out there probably is saying to themselves, in bold letters or words: "It's about time! After all of our protesting, preaching, peace rallies, those telling us to "get over it" (I don't know about that quote) prayers, resolutions, and most of all, just talking about it face to face, on the blogs, on MySpace, on MyFox, on TV Shows, and uneasiness comments  from Pat Buchanan, It's about time!"  This apology proposal summarized I feel is like "another victory that was long overdue". Let me say that again, another victory that was long overdue! What took all this time just to get this out?

 

  

 

 Back in April, a talk show host, Tavis Smiley was on Bill Maher's show, where he talked about Patriotism. Not the version that Fox News likes to see! (Flag pins, flag waving) He quoted Frederick Douglass about this version of the subject: "A true patriot is a lover of his country, who rebukes and does not excuse its sins". He described about loving a country on one hand, which isn't anything wrong with it. But also the rebuking part along with the non-excuse really sunk in. What is rebuking or to rebuke something? It's defined as:

 

1) to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

 

2) sharp stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand - all from dictionary.com

 

 

 

I know at some points, of summarizing highlights through the history, there were figures in a historical sense that rebuked the act of slavery and or Jim Crow against blacks. We can talk about Dr. King, Malcolm X, Black Panthers, and others. One of them was John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist Church. By the way, his teachings are a great influence on Methodism, and ordained several believers of his teachings. He preached a sermon, "Thoughts Upon Slavery" back in 1774. If you have never read any of his sermons, read them! Whether you're apart of the United Methodist Church or not! Matter of fact, read this sermon first! As I was reading the message, or in this case re-reading the message, John Wesley  in my view was talking about how the African slaves were treated from a barbaric sense to procurement. He went into detail about the punishments and surpassing them with inhumane acts such as fraud and violence. He even also questioned the American Slave Owners on their actions of using the slaves to their advantage. This is John Wesley describing the acts at the time. Knowingly overall in the sermon, he was man enough to say that the sins committed did not have an excuse. 

 

Even today, those who protest against the act of it, to me are saying in a same sense of Jim Crow/Racial Discrimination. Just recently, we all know about Whoopi Goldberg explaining to Elisabeth Hasselbeck about her mother couldn't vote in her hometown during the two different worlds comment. This was an example of Jim Crow. Yes, I know about the Women's right to vote.  No question. Remember the Decibel Deepbar story, where an African-American Male couldn't get it at first because of his clothes and shoes and having his Caucasian friend, Joel Edgar, to dress in the same outfit and went in, and his friend didn't? I think John Jordan; the black male was rebuking the bar's actions or sins of not accepting African-Americans patrons into establishments like Decibel. And by the way, I read some of the comments, and I think most of the posts from some, who defended the club, didn't realize how real racism can be. I said in my last blog about the stories of black patrons not being welcomed into some of Milwaukee's nightspots. Some said, "Just change your clothes in all". Changing your clothes at home, isn't going to cut it that much. I think the club itself, needs to change it's clothes! The clothes of ignorance, segregation, or discrimination, if you will. And that goes for the some other clubs in Milwaukee's nightspots who discriminate as well.

 

I had a band teacher that once had a banner on his wall at Marshall High School that read: "Results Matter, Excuses Do Not". I can somewhat summarize the problems of inheritance here. The results of Slavery and Jim Crow against African Americans were just out there in crazy sense, but the excuses of those results did not settle in, as of humanity sense. I think the House, or the U.S. Government finally, and I mean "Finally" got this straight. I said this earlier this year, if America does admit the "mishaps", there might be full acceptance also. I think the words "Slavery" and "Jim Crow Laws" are part of the "mishaps" and I hope this apology proposal from the House, does start the full acceptance. I didn't say it would complete it, but I hope it would start it up. Just like in 1997, when President Clinton acknowledged the Tuskegee Airmen for their service in the Military, but also apologized for their treatment of Medical Experiments that plagued them for 65 years. That's right, 65 Years! I would also say that this apology from the House of Representatives would influence other ethnic groups to follow. Including Native Americans! If any group in game that would get it next, it would be them. We know it. They know it. I know it. And everyone else knows it.

 

All in all, I can somewhat say that this preparation of the apology had to come out. From them!  And it had to come out in a sense of admit. I only wish my grandparents and great-grandparents were alive to see this for themselves. Mainly this was for them as well, although they are not here. But anyway, this is also that can be summed as one battle that doesn't get the war victory. Discrimination is still alive and has to deal with each day, as well as unresolved implications of Slavery also. So in fairness, I'm glad the House of Representatives really had to admit the inheritance dilemma that has in my view, bewildered African-Americans for so long. Make that too long!

 

This is my  take. Right or Wrong. Just my thought.

 

 

Ok, I'm going to go easy on this subject. No it's not in reference to The Dark Knight, which I am planning to see anyway. And no, I didn't go to any of the theaters and simply wait just get in. What I'm referring to is the ongoing issue of a word that is just revamping itself over and over. I'm referring to the N-word. Yeah that word. Like some in America, I tuned into "The View" last week, where Whoopi and Elisabeth were sparring over the N-word and the use of it, after Rev. Jesse Jackson mentioned it towards Sen. Barack Obama. Some say blacks can say it, others say whites can't. And majority are just in the middle of trying to understand it. As I was watching the "hot topic", which I'm assuming it is, yes, I got to admit that it was a heated to a point. I know that Elisabeth Hasselbeck had her say on it, but I have to side with Whoopi on this one. Not because she's black, and has an oscar! In my view, Whoopi put up some valid points on the word as in relates to not only discrimination, but also fear, dark history, and pain behind the word. The dark history i'm referring to is Slavery and the Jim Crow era. She commented for example that her mother couldn't go in her hometown to vote when she was alive. Coming to think, I probably had family members who went through the same thing. This was in relation to the "two different worlds" comment. Speaking of that subject, there was sample of that on the east side when I watching a news footage about a patron who was denied access into a club. The patron was a African-American male. According to the footage, at first the man was stopped because his pants wasn't the right size, nor his footwear wasn't correct. Plus his outfit wasn't "approvable". So in an experiment, he asked his friend, a caucasian man, to dress in the same clothes he was wearing in prior going to the club. Guess what? The caucasian man got in with the exact clothes his black friend was wearing! Do you see a pattern here? The footage I watched was from Channel 12's Investigations Segment in which Colleen Henry did the story. And I often read stories coming from black publications, such as the Milwaukee Truth, about clubs like Decibal Deepbar don't cater to African-Americans. I read in an article about club goers (about 22 year old black college students) who commented, had the "not accepting us" relations in going to establishments like Decibal Deepbar.

Back to the subject at hand: Some of you are saying this, why are you agreeing with Whoopi? Why her? Why not get on the side of Elisabeth? Let me tell you: I may not agree of what she said in context, but I have to admit the fact, in my view, Whoopi made a valid point in this matter. It may be somewhat understandable, but then again it may not be. I know that I'm probably the same age as Elisabeth Hasselbeck (31), and I don't at times fully understand "the gist" behind the use of the N-Word. I haven't been in the world long enough like my older family members to fully get it. That's almost I'll agree with some pointers of Rev. Jerimiah Wright made about America's problems. I'll go forward and say that I have some of my older family members upon occassion say the N-word. I'm being real here! Especially my Great Uncle, who is Old School! Even my parents, especially my father, had mentioned the N-Word so many times in our family conversations. And they broke it down to myself and my sister of what it ment towards the using of it in a negative manner. There was a time that my current pastor said during a childrens moment in my church, last year, about the N-Word in full context, and telling the children not to be afraid growing up of what the true meaning of the word really is. Plus, he was being real about it! About four years ago, one of my living uncles, who works for P&H Mining on the South Side, mentioned to me when he started working, the employees at the time were given the green light for calling the black employees the N-Word. Keep in mind, this was way back when, before I came into the world. And like my pastor, he was very real to me about saying this, although I wasn't comfortable in hearing the N-Word. 

For famous people: This is nothing new. I know the first people when it comes to mind about it are rappers. Not all, but some. Recently, Nas, the rapper who claimed that Hip Hop is Dead, has an album out now called "Untitled" which is based on the N-word. And I know there are some or most of the consumers who flocked to Kmart, Target, Walmart, Best-Buy, Amazon.com, Itunes, or Circuit City bought the CD or singles to listen to Nas about the N-Word. I didn't get my copy. There were other famous individuals like Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams, Malcolm X, even Martin Luther King, Jr. and countless others, all mentioned the N-Word in a similiar form of experience of what they went through growing up. Vaneesa Williams for example, was interviewed by Barbara Walters, experienced the N-Word when growing up in a all white neighborhood. For Tina Turner, she experienced that while growing up in the south. Even websites like Wikipedia, has the N-word posted with a definition behind it. Remember Michael Richards? Kramer from Seinfeld mentioned the N-word so many times in his comic routine on TMZ, that got some blacks upset. Like it or not, I was watching some of George Carlin's dialogues about the subject and he said the word also. Even Chris Rock said it in one of his comic routines from his "Bring The Pain" HBO Special back in 1996. Not to mention mostly, Richard Pryor.

Now this is the would be the million dollar question: what can be done to erase the N-word? What can be done to really eliminate the word? I mean hey, Sen. Barack Obama is in the Presidental Candidate circle with Sen. John McCain, and this word is in the way. The burial didn't work, but most folks kept bringing it back from the dead. This word has always been in the way no matter what era, generation, or presidential election year it is. It's just like Whoopi said, and I agree about "finding a new way". Finding a new way to not only just mentioning it, but a way to understand to progress past it. The old ways are probably falling off the mark, and not seem to be workable. Let me also go forward by saying this - have a real conversation about it! It's just like the pastors several months ago, who spoke about having a sacred conversation about race. We need to have a sacred converation about the n-word, and any other slur word that plagues our country's ethnic communities. I mean if you know what certain words are, you should know the definition. If you say the word and have no knowledge of the definiton, you might not understand the meaning. That would probably mean that we would have to step out of the computer realms and get into an open space like Pere Marquette Park or Cathedral Square, and just have an old-fashioned, face-to-face, man-to-man, woman-to-woman, black-to-white, ethnic-to-ethnic, northside-to-southside, eastside-to-westside, county-to-county, suburb-to-city, district-to-district, neighborhood-to-neighborhood, state-to-state, city-to-city, clubgoer-to-clubgoer, church member-to-church member, pastor-to-pastor, webteam worker-to-webteam worker, news colleague-to-news colleague, a Greta Van Sustren to Juan Williams style-chat about the legatity of the N-Word. Don't be scarred! I mean, if we can have a coversation about Brett Favre trying to play again, or having Ted Thompson fired, Myspace, MyFox, The Dark Knight(hey, I like Batman myself), Wisconsin Badgers Football, HDTV, Converter Boxes, NFL Ticket on DirecTV, the best DVDs, the worst Video Games, Nintendo Wii, PS3, Xbox, Madden '09, Gas Prices, or any other best/worst subject, why not a sacred or real conversation about the N-Word? If we don't have this real conversation about the N-word, we'll be stuck in the same boat for the next many years and having to the next generation to ask us, what is a N-word and why some did used in many ways such as hurting people? Don't be suprised about those questions.

On the real, I don't use the N-Word. I don't have the intentions of displaying it in public. It's not my interest nor desire to speak it. Nor it's my intention of looking at on a book cover at Borders or Barnes and Nobles. Nor as me being of African decent (or African-American call it what you want) of embracing it in a negative fashion like those who constantly use it and get away with it. I know my upbringing of standards and morals.

This is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

First, let me say that I'm kind of shocked and confused about the Packers/Farve thing. Now I've heard from the media, MyFox, Greta Van Susteren, the JS, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, Foxsports, other news stations in the Milwaukee Area, the fans that organized the BringBackBrettFavre.com website, and I would dare say BET.com or Yahoo. All about the hype surrounding Brett Favre now wanting to play again. And like everyone else, I am entitled to my opinion on this. I come in peace.

We all know, several months ago, Brett Favre annouced that he was hanging it up and retire. But now, he wants to comeback. Now what is my take on this? Well, let's see. In my own opinion I would have to agree about individuals making decisions that may or may not fair well with others. We all get that. Most of the time, it's gut-wrenching, other times it's complex. But somewhere in the middle, it's somewhat confusing. Yes, it's one of those woulda-coulda-shoulda scenarios. If you don't know what woulda-coulda-shoulda means, ask someone who knows and they would tell you. Now getting back to the Brett Favre decisions saga. I think, coming from me, Brett is in a crossroads point of that scenario. It's obvious that he's is still that competitive Ironman QB that yeah, "bring it on". I know about the questionable inquiries about him making a choice, and having time to bring it out and just say it. I had this scenario two years ago with a familiar company that most of us are familiar of. It's been around for over 100 years that started with a bicycle and now they are one of the most widely used package companies in the world. I'm talking about UPS. I remember working as a Seasonal Package Handler for the Summer of 2006 by unloading parcels out of trailers and into the hub in Oak Creek. If you have worked or are working at the facility you probably worked with me, or knew me for that one summer. When August came of that year, I felt "unhappy" of the position that I worked. I think it was the unhappiness coming from those around that were realtively new. One of the older workers asked me if I wanted to continue, and I said I would think it over, and I would inform the head supervisors about it at a later time. I continued a day later. And I remember those two days being not myself and just unhappy about the refusal of the other workers at that time. I wasn't a type to spread out false implications of violence around the workplace, not my style, nor I wasn't into spreading haterisms if you will.

The ultimate sheet that really hit the fan, was a couple days later. I was working in one of the trailers and I accidently strained my left shoulder, badly. And I remember going to have it checked out with the supervisors in all. One of the supervisors asked me if I was going to continue in working for the company in all, since I was gradually improving my progress. I said that I would like to continue, but after the pain I suffered recently, I said "no". The supervisor said that he needed more workers for the fall of that year. He was concerned about the potential staff in all, but "I" made my choice! Not the company, nor the Teamsters Union, it was my choice as an adult to leave the job. I hope UPS understands this well. Nothing against the company in all, it is one of the best companies in the world and I wouldn't argue with that notion. I've had my turn with them, and I think that they had to realize, that I wanted to move on with something else. After all, I have a B.S. degree to think about and to fall back on. It was hard for me to say that, but similiar to Brett Favre almost, I gave them an "honest answer" with "honest reasonsing". That was it. End of story. And for the record, working as a package handler is a challenging, but not easy job. It's has it's ups and downs.

Now back with the situation regarding Brett: I can somewhat understand his reasons to play and not to play. Maybe I don't. That could mean in regards to anyone. I've never played QB when I was a student at Marshall High School. But the issue is, maybe Brett should have thought this through before making that choice to retire. Most Pastors would tell you, that when a person retires, they aren't "retired" until the Pastor or any Undertaker/Motician of a well known funeral home like Krause, buries the body in the ground in a cemetery. That's when you retire! Game Over. Maybe Brett could have made a statement of when he wanted to have at least two more tries as the Starting QB, then retire. Or maybe, Brett would have said this from the start about a couple of years ago. And possibly thought it through with Packer Management, without making a "in-rush" decision of stating his retirement on national television, and not to ruin his legacy. Just my thought on this notion: Legacys should honored, not watered down. For the record, I think Brett probably does have the notions or to quote Mike McCarthy "the itch" to play more, and I don't think 38 years old is not an old age. I'm 6 and half years younger than him, and I haven't approached that yet!

I mean, I've seen this before from two different atlhetes: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. Yes, I did say Magic Johnson. For Michael, I remember 15 years ago that he announced his first retirement from the NBA, way after his father died. Then going forward to play AAA baseball.  We all remember baseball around 1993-1994, right? Then the strike came. So around 1995, Michael Jordan came back, and two seasons later, won three more championships with the Bulls. And he also continued with the Washington Wizards until his third retirement from the NBA, for good. For Magic, I remember him annoucing his retirement because of the announcement of his AIDS virus. But he continued to play such as winning an all-star game, and one of the 12 players of the original Dream Team winning a gold medal. (That's the 1992 Dream Team, mind you) But when he continued one season, which it was involved a playoff loss to Houston, Magic said it right on the spot claiming that he, using his words: "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992."  - In a way, this was his saying goodbye to basketball.

I think what I'm saying is, although comebacks after retirements can be good at times from a fans standpoint. But at the same time, I believe it's not the same. Everyone said about Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and others who retired or was traded didn't look the same previously. Look at Cris Carter for example. He came back to the NFL, in a year, after ending his career with the Vikings, by joining the Dolphins. After the Dolphins lost their 2002-2003 season, (including missing the playoffs) he quietly retired again, for good. Situations like this could happen, but then again maybe not.  As far as Brett Favre is concerned, I still think he's one of the best QB's that the NFL has seen. No question. But all in all, he's human just going through a rough time, of asking: Should I or Shouldn't I? Like I said: Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda.

That's it, I've said my peace!

This is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

 

Yep. The title says it all. But what I'm referring too? I was reading CNN's website today about Rev. Jesse Jackson having a explicit comment about Sen. Barack Obama. It wasn't that explicit, but I'll sample this quote in a clean context. Rev. Jackson said these exact words about Obama: "See, Barack's been talking down to black people ... I want to cut his**** off." To quote pro-wrestler, Booker T: "Tell me he didn't just say that?!" Here's another embarrassing notation, when Rev. Jesse Jackson said those words, guess what? The microphones were on! Yes, even when you're whispering, your voice picks up! I've learned this by being around alot of sound. Voices do carry! Obviously, that probably didn't matter to Rev. Jackson. But like a change of heart of everyone else, he did apologize for what he said. But getting behind the reason of the comments, Rev. Jackson's remarks was aimed at Barack Obama's comments around Father's Day, when he talked about black fathers need to get behind their children. That's one comment I'll agree with. I remember this quote that "any man can help make a baby, but it takes a real man to raise his children". Notice "Real Man" in the sentence. That means something! Or,like last year when my pastor on Father's Day talked about "daddies" and "fathers". Daddies, as he put it, makes the children. Fathers raise them. I gave a Father's Day shout out this year, during my Men's Day Celebration, and I publicly said to every father, grandfather, male mentor, uncle, single fathers, single mothers and any other person that has EARNED the title of "Father". Notice the word "earned". I was simply giving mad props to the real dads out there. Even my own.

What does this incident teaches us? When an individual like Sen. Barack Obama is doing well thus far, there is always going to be someone in the background talking down about that person in a negative fashion. I hate to say this, but now Rev. Jesse Jackson is one of them. Yes, I know he said "Keep Hope Alive" and stood by with Martin Luther King, Jr. In regards to "haterisms", I get that some of the notions myself. Let me give you two examples: Back in day when I still a teen, I and some of my summer workers were passing out flyers for my church's summer program. This was about in the early 90's. One of the neighbors was saying explicit words at me just because I doing something good. Another example was when my denomination held it's NCJ/BMCR Celebration in November of 2005 in Brown Deer. There were some guests from out of state murmuring negatively about the fact I have good computer skills with making name tags, composing MS Excel spreadsheets and making pickups from Office Depot. They didn't. My mother told me this, and I had no clue that some were like that. Keep in mind, these were "church going" individuals of the BMCR. BTW: BMCR stands for Black Methodist for Church Renewal, which is part of the United Methodist Church. Once again, someone like me doing good work, while others try to bring it down. On a personal note, it reminds me of four years ago, I had two organizations like the Milwaukee Urban League and Manpower got real personal about my education with Stout, income, and I was a 27 year old man looking for work around my distance education classes. The urban league claimed that I've had a negative attitude in all, but that was false. The truth, simply put, I was frustrated of not working. That was it! And since that time, I told them how I felt at their last meetings, and never shown up to their organizations again! They did me wrong, folks. What I did was I just told them that I will be looking for work somewhere else in the city, without them! Sorry I got a little personal, but hey, this is one example I've encountered. I almost felt discriminated. After that, I continued my distance education and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Management from the university.

When someone in the black community or any other community is doing good things, to me that's praise. But you'll always get that particular person who would probably say: "He/She thinks she's all that just because of whatever!" "What did I do to get this?" or this one: "They aren't so special! Why should I care about that?" You know what, those in my view, are a prime example of haters of just sitting around and complaining. Instead of Rev. Jackson murmuring about Obama, or in his case "talking down" to blacks, maybe Rev. Jackson should ask why to Obama. What was his motive or trying to say in general?

Now the part of Rev. Jackson, again claiming the Democratic contender was "talking down to black people". I disagree. What was hype behind that comment? And which groups of black people is he talking about? I think, knowing me, that Barack Obama was commenting about being responsible of what we do. That's it. Be responsible of raising your kids, or getting a job, going to your doctors to get checked out (yours truly had two blood labs for HDL this year, and a third is coming in November) and better yet: staying out of trouble! I've had my parents, church members, community advocates, Marine Corps recruiters, and even one of my former teachers from UW-Stout, used to tell me and groups of others: "stay out of trouble, man." And they meant it. Seriously. And I'll go forth by saying that there are some real fathers out there are handling their business with their families. No question. Even if you don't have kids, and if they, well let's say play infront of your house, tell them to go play infront of their house or play in their yard.  That's what my Father did to tell some of the neighbors kids around in my old neighborhood. It's all about of respecting people's property.

Shifting gears, my older sister, who is an outreach minister at my church, told the youth that "you better be careful what you say to people". I don't care if you said something back in the second grade or whatever, it might comeback to haunt you. This goes for everyone! I don't care how intelligent, liberal, conservative, creative, pro this, pro that, athletic, political, or how "American" you claim to be. Yeah, I went there on the American part! Don't get it twisted. For in the case of Rev. Jesse Jackson, I think his conscience is haunting him. So the lesson of today is: Loose Lips Sink Ships!

This is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. Mine was special. Well, maybe not that special! Friday night, I had the privilege to see one of favorite Hip Hop Groups at Summerfest, The Roots. Yes, it was a 10:00 pm show, despite of the crowds near the Miller Lite Oasis. And plus it was my first seeing a headliner at a side stage. The band came out one by one, with Damon Bryson also known as "Tuba Gooding, Jr". Yes, that's his stage name! He came out with his Tuba as if he was in a marching band out of college. Plus the other members came out to the stage like Frank Knuckles, Owen Biddle, Capt. Kirk Douglas, Kamal, Black Thought and Ahmir Thompson, or you can call him Questlove. The band spent the first part performing their current songs, such as Rising Up, Get Busy, which is from their current album, Rising Down. Plus they also performed hits such as Blackstar's "Definition" - this I remember from Dave Chappelle's Block Party movie. Also, they played Nas' "Hip Hop is Dead", Timbaland's single from last year, "The Way I Are", and concluded with Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" as a two minute instrumental snippet.

Towards the peak of the performance, the Band went "Old School" such as Biz Markie's "Just a Friend"(you should know the chorus, by now!), plus two Wu-Tang Clan rap songs that featured ODB's classic hits of "Got Your Money" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". And "Act Two(Love of my Life) which was from their earlier albums. In addition they also performed three rock songs. One of the songs was a Bob Dylan classic called "Masters of War", which Questlove preluded after mentioning about the November election, and the Bush Administration. And by the way, Questlove was candid about it on the 4th of July.  Two of the rock songs which was blended almost sounded like Jimi Hendrix coming out of Capt. Kirk Douglas. Towards the end, The Roots played more of their earlier hits like "The Seed 2.0" , "Long Time", "Here I Come", "The Next Movement" - which is a classic in my opinion, and to top it off, with a blended song comprising of "Web" and "Melting Pot". All of that under two hours of playing time.


That was basically most of songs I remember hearing. They also did an R&B song which almost sounded like Erykah Badu's single hits. It was "You Got Me". Mostly it was Hip Hop, then blending in with Jazz, and Rock music. I have to say, as an avid listener of Hip Hop, I've enjoyed it! And plus this was my first time going to a "live" Hip Hop performance and just seeing and hearing the experience. Keep in mind, that The Roots play all their songs with live instruments of Drums, Keyboards, Guitars and yes even a Tuba. Just to think, Hip Hop started with two turntables and a microphone. Overall, that to me was special, especially on the 4th.

 

 

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I often said and read that the month of June is Black Music Month. A month which we pay tribute to Blacks who have first created and performed all forms of music. But I got an email today from my one of my uncles that used to play in the band called The Chefs. They used to be a local band here in Milwaukee years ago. I clicked on his message and it took me to the Imeem website. And I clicked on the song "Mr. Machine". That was the only recording that my uncle's band every had in their collection. Last year, when I was reviewing my Summerfest moments, I did mention that some of my family members on my mother's side were musically talented, and yours truly does have that trait as well. If you must know, I play a Saxophone.

Moving on, if you heard of the bands of The Chefs or Black Frost, some of the band members were indeed my uncles, and mother. And they used to open for acts such as Tina Turner, B.B. King, and James Brown. When I played this song, this was a black music moment that just hit me! It hit me because I often hear stories about my family's musical groups. Long time ago, I went to a Black Frost Reunion show near the Carver Park Neighborhood, which by the way, used to have houses, and Metropolitan High School was formally named Lapham Park. That was the first time I've heard my late uncle, Robert Burton, played his bass gutiar with the band. As far as the The Chefs, I've stories too, but until today, I've heard a sampling of the band's recordings. (Thanks, Unc!)

I could on and on. But anyway, just to show the fact that I can talk about James Brown, Public Enemy, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Run DMC anytime. But there's nothing wrong listening to music that came from your relatives. This is my family's talent. And it's part of me, and the future. Take a listen if you wish.

 

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Mr Machine Pts 1 and 2 - The Chefs

Yep. It's happened. Former Alderman Michael McGee Jr. is going to jail after 9 counts against him.  I think this goes to show that even though alderman or any higher official may have "power", but sometimes that same "power" can be used against you. Now, I know that there are some out there who thinks that Mike McGee is still a victim. A victim of what? I mean this was the same Alderman who once organized crusing at Miller Park. Why Miller Park? I'll never know. Some say that Mike McGee is a Martyr who also at the same time, talked to young children and teens at church and in their neighborhoods. Well I hate to break the bearer of bad news of those but I think Michael McGee Jr. may have been a "lighting rod" in support of Frank Jude, Jr. and appeared as a positive character of an individual, but he also had Guilty Consequences of damaging his district. I also agreed of what ViAnna Jordan said about all the Alderman need to have a wake up call, in regards to this.

Like I said in another blog previously, I'm not a support of him, nor his father. I don't have a poster of him in my bedroom. But I'll go on a limb here that maybe, just maybe if he hadn't been so fearful, so extorionate against the store owners and whatever, he would be "postively serving" in the sixth district seat right now, not going to prison for 30 years! Also, he could have been playing cool and collective as an Alderman, by not organizing any drama. That was his fault for not taking that route. What is the motto? You reap what you sow. I've been saying that alot this year along with the "Reaping the Whirlwind" subject. The fact of the matter is I think Michael McGee reaped a whirlwind, in a manner that was in a negative fashion. By the way, I'm borrowing the "Reaping the Whirlwind" subject title from my pastor that was used in a church sermon.

Now there are those who say that "it wasn't fair for him". Or "the system was out to get him". Or better yet, "they just did him wrong". They can say it. It's their right. Expect national outlets like BET or the NY Times(again) to jump in this. But the fact of the matter is, he was found guilty on all nine counts. Not because of his last name, or whom he's related to. But simply was based on the actions.

Just to think, all of this going on in the same week when Shaquille O'Neal was caught "rapping bad" about Kobe Bryant on TMZ, a fire at City Hall today, about 3,000 individuals packing in the Marcia Coggs Building for assistance that almost turned ugly. I thought it was for food stamps, not tickets to Wrestlemania! Out of nowhere, Don Imus was talking about Adam Jones about his previous 6 arrests records. Didn't he came under fire about Rutgers last year? Plus the death of George Carlin- whom by the way, I think was just as intelligently honest in a explicit manner of world views, which somewhat made sense.

This is my take. Right or Wrong. Just my thought.

I'm going on a "double take" of My Takes here on the blogs. But before I get into that, let me say welcome to Summer. Let's just hope that this one is much safer and get involved in activities!

My first take is on Walmart. Oh, yes Walmart. On two separate occassions, and on two separate areas, I visted both locations on the Eastside and Midtown. Mostly to do some shopping and or looking up for a merchandise item for adding for the house or personal needs, like DVD's. But here's the thing that got me concerned and offguard: Fighting in the store. At the east side Walmart near Holton and Capitol,  I witnessed last month two men having an altercation in a almost MMA/WWE brawl. One of the men was dragged and slammed to the floor near the entrance way in order to be restrained. And it was carried into the back near the security offices. It also turned out that the person was trying to get away with some merchandise underneath his clothes. When I first saw that, I'm thinking this Walmart needs to have some "improved" security measures for things like this to upbeat for the store. And I mean IMPROVED! Also this other fight occured yesterday at the Midtown Center (formally called Capitol Court). As I was about to leave the store, there was a loud reaction coming from once again, the entrance way. I thought someone might have fallen or collasped, but it wasn't. It was an altercation between a man and woman. The fight spilled from the entrance way to the near side where the bathrooms and checkout counters are located. Mostly it got way out of hand for one of the clerks . I noticed that the woman was restrained by couple of men who was trying to make sure that she didn't lay a finger on him. Plus, she was escorted out of the store. For the man in the altercation, he too was restrained but continued to walk away from the entrance way and into the store. Another thing that lead to the fight was about mostly the man in the picture gave a swipe to the woman. Almost like domestic disturbance. By the time I got to entrance way, and out of the store, the police were on the scene talking to one of the clerks and possibly one of those who were with the woman in the scuffle. I'm saying to myself asking "what is wrong with these folks bring their business in public?" It seems that there can't be no shopping in peace and safety no more. Like the eastside, the security near the doors must be IMPROVED. I know Walmart has security on the outside but they have to need on the inside near the entrance way also.

Second take: What do the Hotcakes Art Gallery and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's MKE have in common? Both are disapointed in the idea of the Fonz Statue. I don't know any of you, but  I liked reading the MKE every Thursday. It's a supplement of the Journal. My favorites are mostly the features, and the "When I was 30" articles. But now, if you don't know, the MKE's last publication will be July 10th. The Hotcakes Gallery (never been there) is closing around the 4th of July. I don't get it. These organizations are just having a fit all because of a statue. Come on. It's just being silly of them cowaring out of the city over the fictional character. Now me, I've said on other blog comments, I don't care about the Fonz Statue. Never have. Never will. Unlike those I've mentioned, I got alot more stuff to worry about, like looking for full time work with an annual secure salary(which is must need for me!) , health benefits, saving gas and more.  Now, hold your breath when I say this, but I'll say it anyway: If it took Visit Milwaukee about $85,000 to raise in order to make the project happen for a statue, I kept thinking over and over again, how would my non-profit organization, my church, for example, could raise $85,000 for a worthy cause? Or how could any Non-Profit company could raise almost that amount to forward a worthy cause turned artwork or whatever? What did they do? How did they carry it out? What were the necessary steps to make this possible? And how could it benefit my company/organization to help those in need? Like getting a new improved transit system for the city without "fear" and "misunderstanding" coming from downtown. Had to put that in there!

It's just like when Bill Maher said about the Krispy Kreme donuts three years ago: "New Rule: It's just a donut!" In this case, "It's just a statue!" Recently, I had a converastion with my Pastor in concering about one of my Men's Day programs I made for my church. He said one on the members was acting picky of a picture of her late husband that I was mentored by. I had a lot of male mentors in the church. What got to me was the fact the church member is someone I knew since I was a baby, and also one of the ones who helped me along the way to manhood. Frankly, in my defense, (I would not say or end with a yes maam comment) I explained to my Pastor that I was trying to be positive about it. And I didn't hurt no one. Not one soul! And I put my name on the booklet to show that one day for example, my baby cousins would grow up and see that their cousin Stephen did something cool! It's individuals like them that once said: "You need to do something constructive or need more discipline". I think I proved myself in those areas thus far. It's just take encouragement. Can I say.......... move on to what's important, here? For Hotcakes and the MKE, I don't hate them, I just feel sorry for them. I feel sorry because, I think they probably never gave the statue a chance. And I can't imagine in the next 20 or more years down the line, someone might come and say: "You quit working at the MKE/Hotcakes because of a statue?" "That is so lame!" "What were you thinking crying over a statue?" Don't be suprised if questions like that are asked!

Yes, this is my "double" take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

 

There has been alot of talk about no cheering at Graduation Ceremonies. Yep, I said it. No Cheering at Graduation. Espcecially in high schools. I recently went to Eugene Kane's "Raising Kane" Blog on the Journal's Website to read his thoughts about it. (BTW, he had a nephew graduated high school.) I don't hardly agree with some of the comments but I think the leading reason what I don't agree the most, is the arresting part. According to CBSnews.com, and the titled article, "7 Charged with Cheering at Graduation", the story summarized with 7 individuals were charged with disorderly conduct. In results of cheering! At my high school graduation, in 1995, there was cheering all around for us in our class. I assume that your high school classes had the same thing. From the beginning of the diplomas to the end. One of my former classmates danced before getting his diploma. (Thomas Stirckland if your're out there, and you went to Marshall and graduated in '95, what up!) Anyway, the thing is there were no arrests that night unlike the one happened at the school in South Carolina. But, I'm going to say something that probably would not offend any educator or any other person that relates to education. What happened to Freedom of Expression?  Think about it. Is that in our Bill of Rights?, The First Amendment?  I assume so. Those who cheered that night to have their sons or daughters name shouldn't have been arrested. That's just flat out ridiculous.  It's not like that they were saying the word "Fire!" and everyone had to leave the building in a orderly fashion. Nor having the possession of warning of threatening emails. I think there is a reason to cheer for someone who is about to move on to the next level. Let me give you one example. This past sunday, at my church was our Men's Day Service on Father's Day. (It's a annual thing) Four of the men in my Men's Group were honored for their years of service in the church. All received "rockstar receptions" for their commitment when their names were called, and no one was arrested! Let give you another. I have to quote on what Vince McMahon said about the fans who show up to the arenas on Monday Nights to be on TV. He said that those who critcize the fans on RAW are mostly snobs. Vince also said those who come out and cheer and show posters of whatever represent "Americana". The Americana of every race, creed, class and others that is just described. Maybe the people who did a holler at a students were just showing example of what I think should be a form of expression. Thirdly, in June of 1999, at the time I lost my first Grandfather, Robert Burton, Sr to cancer at 85. But in the same year, my older sister graduated from Garrett Seminary. If you don't know, that's on the Northwestern University Campus and has connections with the United Methodist Church.  When her name was called. There were mostly cheers for her when she was awarded her Master's Degree in Ministry. Not only that, she managed to go through the struggle with her MS and continued to finish her education. And she was cheered for it with standing ovations from some of the classmates. But again, no one was arrested. Yes, there are rules and regulations, but the thing is don't shun the freedom part.

How many employers in America have job discrimination information around the workplace? I assume mostly. How many employers in America have demonstrated that notion of using zero tolerance? I would say mostly.  The reason I brung this up, because on of the most famous companies in America had a issue with discrimination with race and gender, NASCAR. Yep, you read it right. NASCAR!  If you don't know the story, a 32-year-old black woman named Mauricia Grant is filing a $225 Million Dollar lawsuit against NASCAR based on discrimination regarding her. She worked two years as an Technical Inspector for the company by making sure the race cars were in working order. She enjoyed it. But behind the scenes were just different angles of intimidations, fear, and yes racial overtones. She was called from "Queen Sheeba", "Nappy Headed Mo", and other names. She also was feared that one of the workers had connections with the KKK, plus she was threatened more with harrassement which involved lewd jokes, blamed for being a lesbian, and to top it off, was accused of using bad behavior like language, which according to  NASCAR, was leading to her dismissal, of so they thought.  The article on the incident concluded that she was fired because they felt her job performance was poor, or not up to company standards. But on the upswing of her, she was spoken highly of her superiors.

What got me about the article was the fact despite of the good work she put in, she was also felt disrepected. Also, I would say the fact she was just treated wrong because she was a black woman working in an area like NASCAR Racing. Plus she was a good worker!  Why the hate? I've had black female supervisors, white supervisors, etc. and I've shown respect to them: as like teachers, advisors, head supervisors, managers, co-workers in all. I can't see some African Americans that I know, wouldn't apply for NASCAR based on what happened. (Believe me I know!) I know most companies do display their Zero Tolerance Rules to ensure respect, fairness, and dignity of all workers. And I mean ALL workers. But what happened to Mauricia Grant was a nightmare, and I think some companies should really examine of what this means, seriously. Partially, I also think this is why most opportunities for some just go up in smoke. Just my opinion.

Note: to give credit, I have highlighted  the names or stories above to go to the articles. Read them if you want.

Bill Maher once said in his New Rules last year that "New Rule: Death isn't always sad". In making reference at the time to Jerry Farwell. Well that same statement can be applied to Tim Russert, or anyone that we loss during bereavements. I know that when his death at work was announced as a result of a heart attack, it reminded me of one of my late uncles who went the same way as Tim did. Like Tim, my late uncle, Robert Lloyd Burton, died on the job while working as a bus driver for Milwaukee County. He also was a bass player (who by the way started in the family), had skills in HVAC, plus his character was "gentle" although he was a gentle giant. The morning of January 20th, 1999 was a shocker in our family that my uncle died at work. He worked at the Fond Du Lac Bus Station for the county. And yes, he did had co-workers who looked up to him as an inspiration. The strange thought of all of this, was the fact that he was at my parents house the night before his death. Very true folks! It took a toll on us as a family that week. Now I know I should be focusing on Tim Russert but I'm coming to him now.

For Tim Russert, yes his death too, was a shocker. It was shocker because of him of dying at his place of business. Similar of what happened to my uncle in 1999. I too watched Tim as he asked the tough questions to senators, presidents or any other government official or person that he interviewed. Or the coverages of the elections that he did. In my opinion, he was a class act for real. I also looked at his eyes most of the time while asking the questions. It's almost like intensity or determination. I never really saw that in any National newsperson like a Chris Wallace, Chris Matthews, George Stephanopolis, Juan Williams, Mara Liasson, or Cokie Roberts. Even Birt Hume, Hannity or Colmes, Greta, and I dare say, Bill O' Reilly. Or previously (before he went to work for Bush) Tony Snow.

Rev. Bernice King once spoke about God isn't going to find another MLK or CSK (that's Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King). I don't think the almighty isn't going to seek out "another Tim Russert". I say that because there can only be one like him. The Sunday Mornings and MSNBC (I know this is Fox) won't be the same without Tim Russert on it. And I know years ago, when Peter Jennings died, World News Tonight wasn't the same until Charles Gibson came in on a new plan.

Like everything else, the show (and competition) must go on. Even for NBC as a whole. And the same for Fox, ABC, and others. I know that Tim Russert died on Friday The 13th. The last person to die that I know of died on the same day, was Tupac Shakur. This was a week after he was shot in Las Vegas. I feel for his family going through this. So, like I said, the show will go on.

It seems that every year around the summer, or leading to the summer season, yes schools (or most of them) will be out, and activities and events will arise. No question. But recently, I like everyone else read about the Riversplash incident that happened over the weekend. Me, I just shook my head. Why this festival? Knowing incidents like this aren't nothing new because of previous history regarding Juneteenth Day Celebrations, and I must say African World Festival. Recently, I listened to 1290WMCS this morning, and the topic was regarding Riversplash. As I listened to the conversation, it centered around the one thing of presence of individuals, dress, and behavior. Those three. The behavior part is mostly the number one issue in regarding to ruin a good time of events that have been planned for the city to enjoy. They say that one bad apple spoils the bunch.  Even with dress attire. The first time I passed through a Juneteenth Day Celebration, most of the young girls were dressed scantily clad almost. Have one pant leg and a cut off on the other with shirts. And knowing the boys, well let's just say it was "sagging city".  Glad I didn't stay that long. The thing that gets me about those who come to celebrations like Juneteenth, and mess it up, don't usually know about the history of how it came to be. A little synopsis: Juneteenth was established on June 19th, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. This was also the year that President Abraham Lincoln was assasinated months prior.  The day was also declared that slaves were free. As in free citizens no longer under Confederate Control at the tail end of the Civil War. See, this is real summary of why there is a day exists, but yes there are still someone out there wouldn't care and bypass it in a negative fashion. The same I can concure with those who always light illegal firecrackers around the Fourth of July and hang out and don't know what Independence Day really means. Time to re-educate here! For some reason, some call Juneteenth Day as the black version of Independence Day. Getting back to Riversplash, like I said I just shook my head in disbelief.  Riversplash? That's crazy. And now the Mayor and other officials declared that if the street festivals don't shape up with security needs, they're pulling the plugs on them. I hope every street festival, including Juneteenth got the message. If that really happened, there would complaints or questions from those who might ask "...why no riversplash and other street festivals? Oh because of some individuals who can't act right in public." Another might say "That's messed up, all because of people with no home training!"

Second Thought: What to do during the summer.  I've heard this comment over and over again: "School is out and there's nothing to do for the kids." Oh yes there is. When I was growing up there were two things the most looming every summer, Summer School and Summer Jobs. Flat out. My parents didn't kept me at home most of the time during the summer and waste up my energy over a couple of months. Nor got me in trouble. They kept me involved in Summer School, because of fine tuning my education. And yes, field trips were a factor. Another was Summer Jobs working for the church to earn extra money for school, and it was a safe supervised job of cutting and watering the grass, pulling weeds, planting flowers and performing some cleaning jobs on the inside by trash removal. And I also did tutoring in my teens to young children during six summers. Once again, odd jobs and even money to earn. They say there's nothing to do during the summer?  I challenge those to go the MPS Receation facilities to exercise, or the YMCA to get involved with different clubs. Including the Boys/Girls Scouts. I've said this on MySpace, despite of the gas prices, take the family to Noah's Ark one day and ride Black Anaconda. Have a good time at it. Summerfest and the State Fair has something for the kids. Go to either festival. Host or attend a Vacation Bible School session for one week, and that one week alone would set the tone of establishing positive aspects. Make something happen instead of waiting on hands and knees for someone else. Here's something: watch fireworks at a park. We know the dates, so have the freedom to pick and choose. Go to Lakeshore State Park and ride your bicycle around the Island area. It's free. They say there's nothing to do during the summer mostly for the kids in all? When I think about all the activities going around the city, these are some examples that can be family friendly.

To conclude yes, I know the keyword going out is safety. I always said that safety should the first, next and last thing on the list. Knowing me, when I go out, no matter what time of day, I go out and do whatever interests me and come home in one piece. However when problems arise, I just stay home. Not to be a error for social or hanging out, but just to stay safe without getting involved that is not doomed for me to get thrown in Jail, or lying six feet deep at Graceland Cemetery.  I know I sound like a old school hen, but I rather be a safe hen than a jailed or dead hen!

This is my take. Right or Wrong. Just my thought.

Let me begin by saying welcome to June. Otherwise known as Black Music Month and the month of celebrating Juneteenth and Summer. This morning, I caught a footage on TV about Senator Obama leaving his home church in which he was a member over 20 years. The same church in which formally, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was pastor. We all know about it. And also the church has formally welcomed Father Michael Pfleger and some of his sermons in regarding Race, and America's "mishaps" are somewhat similiar to what Rev. Wright said prior to his viewpoints. I know what I said kind of makes me cringe at times, and others the same, but that's the reality. What do I think about this subject of Barack's Departure, is nothing new but slightly, to me is good for Senator Obama and his family to focus on the presidential run.

Now the next question probably would be, what church would Obama join next? I've had church members or former church members left my home church for obvious reasons:

• One is the cold weather and snow. Knowing the midwest.
• Two, the pastor at the time, and some congregation members didn't seem to get along on the same page or some other ideal matter.
• Three, personal demons arised in church members that goes from decades or years back.
• Four, families leave for other cities for their own matters and safety.
• Five, even some pastors lie and drive congregation members apart. I remember over 10 years ago that one of my former pastors lied and deceited some members in getting his own way. And morely it effected my older sister who was attending Garrett Seminary at the time and really had needs of getting support from the church.

But getting back to Senator Obama and his departure from Trinity United Church of Christ. I mean that was his choice to leave. Flat out. We all make choices in life right? With all the hype and him running for president,  yes distractions will occur in anything, but this is not a play thing, nor let's have the Pastors featured in this election. This is like serious business at hand. I have to say if I were in his position, I would probably done the exact same thing. I don't blame him at all.

Back in February, when the Primaries were going on, Michelle Obama made a statement: "For the first time in my adult life, I have been proud of my country."  That was the quote she gave in Madison and for some took that almost a different turn. I've heard some say that "I've been proud of America since the first day, and I don't why it took Michelle Obama so long to accept that" in a smear type fashion. I know, media and politics. Thinking about that quote, coming from a black woman like her is almost rare to me to hear that, In my view. It is. I've even heard some black men commenting the same thing. I was reading a comment from BET's blog site that one man, who I'm assuming is Black, scripted that despite of that statement, he felt that African-Americans aren't considered or treated as "real americans". Now, let me just say, don't go overly patroitic! This is just one person's opinion. It's debateable. Calm down! Read the blog, "Obama Splits With Yet Another Clergyman " from BET.com. Has yours truly been accepted by the same statement that Michelle Obama said? Well let me say that if you go to my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/smcclintonjr5 . And if you see on the front page on the right, you'll see your answer.  I know it's one of those blogthings that are fake in all, but the message underneath says it all. Now what is a "real american"? I remember when Chris Rock had his HBO Special, "Never Scared"  four years ago. And he had a comment or statements of "real americans" or Americans in general. Morely, it involved contributing anything American: He commented on three examples that Veterans are an example. By the way, mad respect to all the Veterans. No matter which branch in the Armed Forces. I can't say nothing about them. I have Veterans in my family and church. He also commented that those who came from other countries are another example in that category. Also he described on the sacrifices for the immigrants that endured. The third comment he said "Everybody else, you're just lucky" as in reference who are just born here, and haven't contributed anything that is somewhat "American".  Go get Chris Rock's HBO Special, Never Scared on DVD or do a search on Youtube. I would show it here, but the clips do have explicit language. As hilarious as it sounds or appears to be, he does hit home with the issues like this.

This also reminds me of Christians. I'm one yes.  The United Methodist Church is part of that umbrella. I was told as a teen years ago that wearing a cross around your neck doesn't mean you're a Christian. Much as wearing a lapel pin on your jacket doesn't signifiy your American side of patriotism. What does it mean really? In my opinion, I may be wrong, it does come from inside. As in, "Inside You". And I would also say family values. My family can take attest to this. You can prove your Christianity by acting upon "the acceptance" that is instilled in you. Same as true patriotism. Just act on it instead of saying it to get other's attention. To quote one wrestler, Scott Hall (we knew him as Razor Ramon) "Don't sing it. Bring it!" or The Rock would say "JUST BRING IT!"

Finally getting back to acceptance in regarding the "real americans" thought. I think it would take time just to accept it.  Despite of the bitterness, this is not a fly by night, overtime work thing here. Now if it took Michelle Obama time (and I mean "TIME") just to accept the notion of being proud of America, in her adult life, it could work for others if they choose to follow it. Just like if someone accepts Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior after years of doing work in and out of the church. Or coming off the streets after doing drugs, alcohol or other sorts of crime. It takes time folks. Seriously. No need to push envelopes! Maybe some might say if America does admit the "mishaps", there might be full acceptance also. I was watching a footage/news briefing from 1997 about President Clinton offering his apology to three members of the Tuskgee Airmen, who were at the time were given a false experiment in cure of syphills. The reason why it was false because the Airmen didn't know they were examined that way. Keep in mind that it took up to 65 years just to admit two things: an apology and accepting wrong doing. Read the article "Tuskegee Experiment and Apology" from the Online NewsHour website.

Yes, this is my take. Right or wrong. Just my thought.

One of things that I miss during my three years of driving is taking the bus. Not there's anything wrong with it. I used to be an avid bus rider since my teen days going to high school and college until 2005. But the incident that has me stirred crazy for the last couple of days really irritates me. I'll be brief. After looking at the footage over and over again either on TV or on the Web, I began to ask myself what was the attacker's problem? What did he do to that bus driver that made him want to go ballistic or postal? As a matter of fact, why didn't the passengers on that Bus do anything to help the driver? The person "said" that he had a weapon, but didn't show it. I remember back around a couple of years ago, there was a bus shooting near 20th and Capitol involving a passenger getting the bullet. Another we all saw or read that some bus drivers getting jumped by some juvenilles over bus transfers. Bus transfers?! Come on. Money is one thing, jewelry is another, but Bus Transfers, I'm sorry. That's just a new low.  And recently this one. It seems that there's no reason to ride the buses safely no more because of things like this. I can't imagine other cities around the midwest region and others probably might say that: "What is going on in MIlwaukee? You are on the news again". And another comment might be around here: "Time to start driving. No more bus riding for me." "I am done riding the bus!"

I have some family members, who are my first cousins on my mother's side, are bus drivers for the Transit System. One of my late uncles was a bus driver, and one of my living uncles is a mechanic that used to be a bus driver for the County.  There were talks about security on buses a while back around 4 years ago to ensure safety while riding.  I think after seeing this again and what I've previously described, there should be security on the buses as if they were regular passengers. Undercover really. I know that there are cameras on board which is one thing, but having live security would be another. Make that a definte must for all times. Not for show, but safety. In speaking of that, safety must be the first, next, and last thing on everyone. Not just the bus drivers. But everyone! And to add, I think the bus drivers as well as passengers, should learn Self-Defense.

I can't imagine what the driver is going through. And I hope and pray that he does find the time and patience to recover and get working again. I know that the Bus Drivers for Milwaukee County are out there picking up and dropping off passengers each day of the week. And they do a good job at it. Some passengers know the drivers because of family, friend, neighbor or associate. Like I said, I have family members that worked for the company as drivers,  and I think about their safety.

There's an old adage: "There comes a time in everyone's life, where a person must be held accountable for their actions". I think that's how that goes. Or here's another, "You reap what you sow." For the person who jumped the driver, I know that justice will come, and when it happens, that person will have to live with the consequences.

I read a source several months ago that the price of gas would scale up to $4.00 per gallon by the Memorial Day holiday. I drove past a BP Gas Station near 76th and Industrial Road today and I noticed the price of $4.04 for regular fuel. Even further, I drove near the Chilton Bank/Gas Station near 76th and Good Hope and I saw the same price of Gas totaled at the $4.00 mark. I said this months ago, and I'm going to say it again: I knew this would happen. It's May, and about two weeks to the Memorial Day Holiday and the gas prices are soaring up to $4.00.

So what is there to do? Well if you're a type of person on a budget, or begining to sacrifce some loose change or dollars, I think it's time to save up and cut back. Save up as in put away some money earned and save it up part of a budget, in which there would be some to spare. Another is yes, cut back! Cutting back on the expenses that are least important and we all know what they are like DVD's, Music and so forth. Getting back to saving money, there is a trick of saving money and spending gas a little could be a balanced equation. I've mentioned this in other blog comments but, I'll dab some right here. It doesn't matter if the vehicle has a V6, or a Hemi Engine, but here are some tips from me, just to save up, from what I've learned in my 3 years driving (Yes I've been driving for three years. No need to go for the "yeah rights!"):

1) Look at your amount of gas right now. Yes, I said it. Right now. If you're gas gauge is at around a quarter or half tank, from the full mark, chances are you would be spending between $16.00 and $32.00 just to fill up the tank. The best bet, is to fill the tank when the meter is about 3/4 full, just to save your money.

2) Keep track of your mileage and stops per day. This would also help to save gas also. For me, I travel 5 miles between my sister's house and work and the same back. That's 10 miles in a day. A week is 50 miles between monday through friday.

3) Do not go fast over the speed limit! I've seen this alot in my new Grand Prix. The reason I mentioned this because this also helps to waste gas in your tank. Even if you just filled it up. Go for a moderate speed. This may also would make other drivers who are in a big hurry to slow down or just go around. Another reason is the fact that Speedtraps are in effect this season. I've think we seen them before like the Police, Sheriff, or maybe the State Troopers- Extra tip, when they have those tracking guns to track your speed, Just Slow Down! This is a must lesson for younger drivers.

4) As I mentioned before, you may need to do a budget. I don't care if you're working 20 hours per week and coming home with around $400.00 in your check. Or working 40 hours per week. Instead of spending about 40.00 dollars on CD's and Movies, for example buy one CD or a Movie. Or download a movie or song from Itunes or Walmart's Website. That way you're spending less and saving more. If you have bills to pay, like I do, save the money or most of it for that. Even food purchases. And focus on the Nintendo Wii or a new Widescreen TV later.

5) Take alternative ways of transportation. I'm thinking about going a bicycle ride this spring/summer just to leave the car at home on some weekends. Not only it will help me to save up some cash, but I'll get more exercise.

That pretty sums it up for me. These tips are just my suggestions to save up on gas and other expenses. It may take time to adjust to it, but it might be well in a long haul.