DarkStar Spouts Off

Question of the Day: Revised

How many people would be Christians if it weren't for Christians?

How many people have the following turned off?

• Jesse Jackson, Sr.
• Pat Robertson
• Al Sharpton
• Robert Fawell
• Jesse Lee Peterson

[ Update ]

After thinking about it more, I'm sure many more people are turned off by the Christians they know "up close and personal":

• The newly Born Again Christian.
• The long time "Born Again" Christian who curses up a storm, drinks, gambles, etc, and says, "I'm born again, so I'm forgiven" or "I may sin, but I'm forgiven". With that type of attitude, I could do anything and blow it off by saying, "I'm forgiven".
• The pastor/preacher/deacon/elder who is "cuttin' up".

The spirit of condemnation and retribution seems to reign supreme instead of the spirit of love regining supreme.

Thinking Aloud

• If health insurance costs are high partially because of people who are uninsured, how will health insurance costs decrease under any other schemes like HSAs? The uninsured are still around under any scheme and if they are a primary reason for high health costs, then it seems to me the costs will remain high. Someone help me to understand this please.

• When people use invitro fertilization methods to try to have babies, there are always "excess" embryos left that are destroyed, frozen "for all eternity", or used for purposes like stem cell research.

Since stem cell research seems to be a "hot button" issue because embryos are  destroyed, shouldn't invitro fertilization also be a "hot button" issue? How many embryos are destroyed or used in research?

I know there are efforts afoot to donate the embryos but that leaves how many left?

Bush Poll Numbers

Right now, Bush's poll numbers are down.

So what?

He has 2 years left in his administration and he can't server another term. There is no need for him or his administration to care about his poll numbers.

At least that is what I think.

Question Of The Day

How many people would be Christians if it weren't for Christians?

How many people have the following turned off?

• Jesse Jackson, Sr.
• Pat Robertson
• Al Sharpton
• Robert Fawell
• Jesse Lee Peterson

State of the Black Union: My View

I listened to the morning show as I went about my morning doing Daddy Duty.

I TIVO'ed the afternoon portion of it, but the schedule was messed up on TIVO so I didn't get as much of it as I wanted.

From the morning portion, I think there was maybe 15-30 minutes of it that I found worthwhile. I didn't like the general attitude that if you weren't interested in creating your own business you couldn't build wealth. Michelle Singletary noticed that same thing and mentioned that she thought it was wrong.

She also kept things grounded by saying that there is more to wealth, than money. If you are in a home, have clothes on your back, have your health, and are providing for your family, you have wealth. From a "spiritual" -- for lack of a better word -- standpoint, I think she was right.

I'm glad Floyd Flake was there. The more I hear from him, the more I like the man. We see eye to eye.

More of a focus on how to learn about investing, what to think about when starting a business, why you may want to start a business, why you may NOT want to start a business, estate planning, etc. would have made the morning segment live up to the name of the segment.

The afternoon segment I TIVOed and didn't see much of, first hand. I've reviewed what I had TIVOed and have come away with the impression that I had coming into it: a lot of talk, but not much of anything else.

I'm also glad that Rev. Henry Jackson was there. He defended himself from the start by saying he realizes that a lot of people don't like that he has had meetings with President Bush, but it doesn't make sense to offend those who have political power and who have indicated a shared interest. (That's my paraphrasing). He's right. Jackson is pragmatic and that's where I see myself at this stage of my life.

What will it take to get the job done? Then do it IF it doesn't really go against your morals or beliefs.

Rev. Jackson noted something that I had thought about when I first heard about the "Covenant": the document would be something tangible and focused. It would give those who wanted to follow such a thing, some tangible goals. He said that was needed and I agree to a point.

Most people who are about change, do so because they see things need to get done and then set out to do it. They don't need such a document. They have the internal focus.

All in all, it was a lot of talk. I don't think much will come of it, but if I'm wrong, I'll be glad that I'm wrong.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to do the things I do:

• Work;
• Provide for my family;
• Try to provide guidance to those God has charged me with taking care of;
• Enjoy life, even when it is hard; and
• Live.

Raw Nerve Hit

It looks like I hit a raw nerve with Callin' People Out.

Good.

Check out the comments in Booker Rising's mention of my post. Do you just feel the love?

I'm going to say something again, which NONE of the commenters there cared to address. (Sometimes, it's more interesting to see what is not said vs. what is said).

• Robert Ehrlich, Jr., Republican, campaigned in Black areas and went to Black media to state what he believed when he ran for governor of Maryland.
• Newt Gingrich addressed the NAACP.
• George Bush "Sr" addressed the NAACP.
• Ronald Reagan addressed the NAACP.
• Ronald Reagan addressed union workers at an auto plant and told them what he stood for. This moment is seen, by some, as the "creation" of the "Reagan Democrats".
• Michael Steele took up an offer from Black talk radio station WOLB in Baltimore to present his, and the Maryland Republican Party's, views on things; he hosted a weekly radio program.

There you have people who went into "hostile territory" to present what they believe. What use is saying what you believe to people who are already believers? You have to go out to those who don't believe as you do and state your case.

Isn't it also interesting that Black Republicans/conservatives are said to be "brave people" for "standing up to" the "popular belief" of the Black community, yet the commentors make excuses, in my opinion, for people backing punking out?

Here's something else that I think is interesting.

When Sean Hannity had Smiley and Cornell West on his show, Hannity asked if Smiley would invite him, Hannity, to one of those functions. So, here you have a white man, willing to go into a "hostile Black crowd" to state his case, and probably stick up for Black Republicans/conservatives. Yet, Black people won't go into a "hostile Black crowd" to state their case? But Al Sharpton will go on conservative radio and television shows to state HIS case.

Now, if THAT doesn't stop and make you think, then I "can't do nuthin' fo' ya mahn."

Also check out Casey Lartigue thoughts on the post. He seems to be torqued, some, by my use of "punk". He also seems to say that more "talking" than action is taking place. On that latter point, I'll agree.

Hat Tip: Booker Rising

MJB: I Understand. I Get IT

OK, after listening to the Mary J. CD a few more times, I get it.

I get the reason why the woman is going strong. I didn't understand it until this CD, but now I understand IT.

She lived her music. She lives her music. She sings like she lived or lives her music.

I get IT.

IT is the "thing" that you really can't identify. IT is the "thing" that you can't place a finger on. IT is the "thing" that some people have and some people don't.

With her songs, Mary J. has IT.

It is because of that reason I won't try to give my review of each cut on the CD. Instead, the best that I will do is this.

Mary J. loves her man and sings about it. You feel IT.

Mary J. has issues that may cause some trouble between her and her man. She wants her man to know that the troubles are because of what has happened in her past but she's trying to work things out. She wants her man to stand by her. You feel IT.

Mary J. didn't have a man around when she was younger, so today, some things may come out in how she needs some attention from her man. You feel IT. Women who don't know that they have daddy issues may feel IT. Knuckle heads who make babies and don't stick around won't feel IT. But, those who are struggling about the kid or kids they made and wonder about them, may feel IT.

Mary J. wants other women to know some of the things that she has gone through, but has overcome. She wants other women to know that if she can make it, they can too. You feel IT.

Mary J. believes in love and the love relationship. You feel IT.

Mary J. doesn't have the best voice. The music behind the words isn't the best, meaning it's not overly complex nor layered nor something you listen to underneath the headphones to discover somethingnew. But Mary J. feels what she is singing about.

She feels IT.

She delivers IT.

Get the CD if you want good music.

One cut with Raphael Saddiq is a throw back to the days of early Aretha. It HAS to be her bow to the Queen of Soul.

The cut with U2 is, musically, the most complex and I really like it.

Get the CD. Feel IT.

Callin' People Out

"Callin' people out" is a phrase that I've heard used for years. "Callin' people out" is when someone feels the need to publicly embarrass someone, some people, or some group.

Tavis Smiley called out some Black Republicans.

Tavis reminded people that Black Republicans/Republicans/Black conservatives/conservatives claim that Blacks don't "invite" "other voices" to speak at functions or to hear other views besides "Democrat"/"liberal" views.

At the "State of the Black Union" that appeared on CSPAN-1, Tavis Smiley said the following:

• Ken Blackwell was invited, confirmed, and then canceled.
• Janette Bradley was invited, confirmed, and then canceled.
• Alphonso Jackson was invited, confirmed and then didn't appear. Smiley went further to say that he, Smiley, saw Jackson at the hotel the previous evening.
• Michael Steele was invited but declined.

He went further to say that he mentioned this so that the next day, stations *cough*FOX*cough* won't say that "other voices" were not invited.

I'm going further to say that it appears to me that there is more interest in "being the victim" than addressing Black folk were they be at.

How can people complain they are not invited, then get invited, accept the invitation, and then turn it down?

Was there an "order from on high" to say back out of it?

What is the deal?

I gained respect for Michael Steele because he appeared on WOLB talk radio one day a week to host a show where he presented his point of view.

Robert Ehrlich, Jr. (R), when running for governor of Maryland, pledged that he would address everyone, and did it. He appeared on Black radio. He went to Black functions. That earned my respect.

When Ronald Regan ran for president, he went to an auto factory and gave a speech to union auto workers. They were labeled the "Reagan Democrats".

Even Al Sharpton regularly goes to "hostile environments" to say what he has to say.

So why not those Black Republicans?

Is it easier to stand up for what you believe to an audience that already supports you? Or, is it to proclaim the crown of victim?

Some people punked out. But the white conservative media will still proclaim these people to be brave.

What. Ever.

"State of the Black Union" on CSPAN, Afternoon

• In the afternoon session, Tavis Smiley just said that both the Republican and Democratic parties will address issues raised in the Covenant with Black America.

Interesting...

[ Update 1 ]

• How many people realize that Smiley uses the word "Negro" alot, for both "liberals" and "conservatives"...

• State Sen. Jackie Winters. Black. Republican. Is there. She has strength. Unlike Alfonso Jackson.

[ Update 2 ]

• Harry Belafonte... Boy did he give a lot of red meat to people.

[ Update 3 ]

• Tavis Smiley just called out some people.

• Jackie Winters, Rep. OR, showed up.
• Ken Blackwell confirmed and then canceled.
• Janette Bradley, accepted then canceled.
• Alphonso Jackson accepted and canceled. Jackson was at the hotel with Smiley last night.
• Michael Steele, invited and declined.

• Bishop Henry Jackson showed up. And he just said the same thing that I have been saying. The same thing I've been labeled as a liberal for saying. The conservative vs. liberal labels, the Republican vs. Democrat labels doesn't mean a thing. (About 1:45 minutes into it. That's a note to me so that I can go back to the TIVO).
• Bishop Jackson is saying things I say.
• I'm going to blog about the above list of folks who didn't show up.
• Jackson is going to catch heat from Republicans/conservatives I think.

[ Final Update  ]

• From what I heard, a lot of hot air. I've seen the list generated "from the bottom up" and I'm not impressed at all. But, so be it. Time for me to continue to do my thang. What Black folk need to do is address the issues that each person feels needs to be addressed. But, then why address things that need to be addressed as Black folk? That goes against the individual, right?

"State of the Black Union" on CSPAN

I've got kid duty.

CSPAN-1 is tuned on all televisions in the house, so I'm burning electricity, just to hear what is happening.

• At the start, Tavis thanked CSPAN for covering this event for 7 years, noting that they are the ONLY station who deems it worthy to cover. Ain't that a slam on BET? :-D

• It should also be noted the number of "white" companies who are backing the event: Nationwide, Wells Fargo, McDonalds, and others. To those who say "white America" is out to hold "Black America" down, you have no leg to stand on, IMO.

• The economic stats on Black America is depressing. "We" are making money and seem to be not doing much with it. Now, Michelle Singletary is talking on this one...

[ Update 1 ]

• She's saying that we are more likely to take care of others in our family, so starting off behind and taking care of others, hurts the bottom line. But, stop spending and live below your means.

[ Update 2 ]

• Alphonso Jackson was invited, said he would attend, then backed out.

[ Update 3 ]

• Michelle Singletary is troubled by defining wealth as having money and owning businesses vs. spiritual wealth, having a  home, being fed, etc. Interesting view. I don't like the idea that if you aren't a business owner, you aren't building wealth.

[ Update 4 ]

• Floyd Flake is the man. Every time I hear the man speak, I came away saying the same thing.
• The moderator is doing a bad job keeping control.

[ Update 5 ]

 

• blah blah blah
• Overall, from listening, I think there are 15 minutes worth of good stuff in the morning session.

Real life moves on...

New Music...

I have 2 new CDs that I'm listening to:

Heather Headly's new CD, "In My Mind" and Mary J. Blige's "The Breakthrough".

From the first listen, Headly's CD is good adult listening on the mellow side. At this point I think that for music to really do something to me, it has to come from the vocals of a woman. So far, I like this CD. From the first listen, I'll give it a 7.

From the first, second, and third listen, MJB has produced a solid winner. It has some nice upper tempo stuff as well as some mellow grooves. Again, this woman's songs hit an emotional spot. Listening to the CD, it gets stronger every listen. The cut with U2 hits me, musically. That song, to me, cranks under the headphones. I'll give it a strong 8.5.

More later...

Drop Squad Candidate: Damon Wayans

OK, Damon Wayans in not just a candidate, the "man" is first in line for the Drop Squad.

Read this Wired article:

The actor Damon Wayans has been engaged in a 14-month fight to trademark the term "Nigga" for a clothing line and retail store, a search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's online database reveals.

Wayans wants to dress customers in 14 kinds of attire from tops to bottoms, and use the controversial mark on "clothing, books, music and general merchandise," as well as movies, TV and the internet, according to his applications.

But, so far, his applications have been unsuccessful. Trademark examiner Kelly Boulton rejected the registration dated Dec. 22, citing a law that prohibits marks that are "immoral or scandalous." A previous attempt by Wayans was turned down on identical grounds six months earlier.

If I were his father, my foot would be all up in that n***** bee-hind.

Hat tip: Avery

State of the Black Union Conference

The State of the Black Union conference happens this weekend and will be shown on CSPAN.

This weekend, 35 black professionals -- including educators, ministers, policymakers and business leaders -- will convene in Houston for the 2006 State of the Black Union' conference, a day-long forum where panelists will offer practical advice for uplifting America’s black communities.

Saturday’s symposium at St. Agnes Church will focus largely on black economic empowerment to help black Americans formulate their own plan for economic security.

The conference is hosted by radio personalities Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley. Participants include entertainer Harry Belafonte, author Walter Mosley, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), National Urban League President Marc Morial, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, SCLC co-founder Rev. Joseph Lowery and Alphonso Jackson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

It should be an interesting show, but even with the Covenant With Black America being a focus, I don't expect much to come out of it. And if you see the snippet of the article above, you will see a Black Republican among the people being there.

I listen to segments of The Tom Joyner Morning Show so I know there are more Black Republicans who will be there. But that isn't my point. My point is this:

On the 2/23/2006 Hannity & Colmes Show, Tavis and Cornell West appeared in a segment. When Hannity asked why more Black Republicans/conservatives were not invited, Tavis "fired back" with this one:

They had invited Black Republicans/conservatives to these forums in the past but they have not shown up!

So, let me get this straight. There are complaints about Black Republicans/conservatives being shut out of such events, then when they are invited, they decline the invitation.

Would that be so that said Blacks could continue to play the victim game?

Smiley said this on national television. I would have liked for him to name names.

I'm smelling some punks.

The Port Deal

My knee-jerk reaction to the Dubai port deal was that no foreign country/business should own any ports in the U.S. In fact, I referred to the reaction that happened last year or the year before when a company, owned by China, was going to get the rights to a deep water port in San Diego. Many people, including conservatives, went off the wall over the deal. And, to me, rightly so.

Because I'm in the Baltimore-D.C. corridor, I got to hear people who have in depth knowledge of the port business and what was said was eye opening.

First and foremost, the ports will not be owned by Dubai; they will be managed by them. That, to me, is still problematic just because a U.S. country should manage U.S. ports. However, the security concern is not as high for me as it was before I learned more about the situation.

American workers will still load and unload the ships. The Coast Guard and TSA will still be responsible for port security. So, if 5% or less of the containers are being searched, the problem is with TSA and the Coast Guard.

Lastly, I've heard some talk about this being a good way to make friends in the Middle East. We get to establish a business relationship with a country and this would make it less likely that the country would support terrorism or anti-American actions. That is a load of bunk.

The U.S. does a lot of business with China, but does anyone believe that China is not an enemy of the U.S.?

P.S. People who are calling this racist are pulling the race card. Those people need to stand down and rely on better arguments.

Follow The Money?

OK, follow the money?

The Bush administration secretly required a company in the United Arab Emirates to cooperate with future U.S. investigations before approving its takeover of operations at six American ports, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. It chose not to impose other, routine restrictions.

As part of the $6.8 billion purchase, state-owned Dubai Ports World agreed to reveal records on demand about "foreign operational direction" of its business at U.S. ports, the documents said. Those records broadly include details about the design, maintenance or operation of ports and equipment.

The administration did not require Dubai Ports to keep copies of business records on U.S. soil, where they would be subject to court orders. It also did not require the company to designate an American citizen to accommodate U.S. government requests. Outside legal experts said such obligations are routinely attached to U.S. approvals of foreign sales in other industries.

Puff, Puff, Pa$$ on Ca$h

Who says mary-ja-juanna ain't addictive?

Dolphins running back Ricky Williams faces at least a one-year suspension from the NFL after a fourth violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Two sources confirmed a report by a Denver TV station that Williams had violated the policy, although neither would say whether Williams had failed a drug test or if he had missed a required test, which also is a violation.

On three previous occasions, Williams tested positive for using marijuana. Williams did not return an e-mail message from The Miami Herald on Sunday night. He has spent much of the offseason in Northern California studying yoga and had planned to go to India for further study.

Williams can appeal a violation to the league and had made it through the season despite being tested 10 times a month. If the violation remains, Williams would be banned from the league for 12 months from the time of the violation before he could apply for reinstatement to the NFL, meaning he would miss all of the 2006 season.

Denver TV station KDVR reported the violation Sunday evening after talking to an NFL source examining the possibility of trading for Williams.

According to George Will

According to George Will:

[ Ken Blackwell ] appeals to blacks by being black, and because many blacks are cultural conservatives.

In one sentence, George Will negates all of the complaints by Black conservatives against the general Black population.

I just thought I would mention it.

Whoops

Blame the Campaign, Not the Candidate.

That's the headline of an article in Human Events Online. But, the text then states that it is the candidate to be blamed, by my reading.

Lynn Swann takes hit:

The first critical error made by Swann happened during an appearance on ABC News with George Stephanopoulos.  When asked if he would sign a bill that would ban abortion in Pennsylvania should the Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling, Swann replied, “Well, if the Supreme Court overturned it, then, they've basically overturned it.  They've basically said that, you know, you can't have an abortion.”

Anyone that pays any attention to abortion politics knows that this simply is not the case.  If Roe v. Wade were overturned, the issue would then be deferred to the states, and whatever existing laws were in place would then take effect.

...

The second error is the revelation that Swann hasn’t been voting very frequently over the years.  The Philadelphia Inquirer broke the news that Swann has, in fact, only voted in 16 of the last 36 elections, covering a time period of the last 18 years.  Now this, by itself, is not exactly an avoidable revelation.  It is what it is, and there’s nothing to do about it now.  However, the campaign’s response has, in my mind, been less than adequate.

Swann has claimed to be proud of his voting record, citing the fact that he’s voted in 9 of the last 10 general elections.  When pressed on the issue, Swann has simply refused to answer additional questions.

Just watching from the window.

Drop Squad Candidate: Flava Flav

Man, I loved Public Enemy back in the day.

Back in the day, I thought PE was deep. (I have their recent release. Nice beats. Lyrics lame. Politics, I can't get with).

Flava Flav has gone way off the deep end. Maybe it was crack. But after viewing this crap, I must formally submit Flava Flav for Drop Squad consideration.

Places I Want To Visit

These are places I want to visit, in no particular order:

• Ghana -- I've heard it's pretty and a moving place to visit.
• Australia -- What I've seen on television and in pictures is
     inviting.
• Switzerland -- To ski.
• Alaska -- I have family who went on a cruise and they loved it. I've
     seen pictures and I think I need to see some things for myself.
• Galapagos Islands -- The place where Darwin came up with his theory.
     That's not why I want to see them. I want to go there because a former
     co-worker went there and the pictures were stunning.
• The Ivory Coast -- Just because of the name.
• Egypt -- To see the pyramids.

I Hadn't Planned On Blogging About Shani Davis

But now I'm starting to get a little ticked at the hypocrisy involved in this situation.

In 2002, Davis made the U.S. team as a member of the pursuit race. The U.S. team coach replaced Davis on the team, a spot that he earned.

In 2006, the U.S. team coach was going to replace the person who earned the pursuit team spot, with Davis. Davis declined.

It turns out that he decided in 2002 that what happened was wrong and that he would not allow that to happen to anyone else.

Next, Chad whatshisface isn't being called out as "selfish", but if Davis had helped the team win a gold medal, Chad would have had a chance to get 5 gold medals, and tie a record.

Hmmm...

Changing Culture Through Marriage

On Saturday, Gregory Kane wrote this piece:

When Laneisha Drafts tells people about the father of her child, she'll be able to call him "my husband."

When Duane Drafts talks about the mother of his child, he'll refer to her as "my wife."

Now if you're thinking that's as it should be, you're right. If you're thinking that's the way it is, then oh how wrong you are.

...

Neither has a job but both are looking for employment. Laneisha's goal is to be an obstetrician. Duane wants to work with computers. If you're thinking they got married and are having a child under less than ideal conditions, then you'd be right. But unlike their peers who bandy about the terms "baby mama" and "baby daddy" as if they're acceptable, the Drafts are hedging their bets.

They are enrolled in a "healthy relationships and marriage" curriculum sponsored by the Baltimore Building Strong Families Program, also known as BSF. Cassandra Codes-Johnson is the director of BSF. Codes-Johnson also works on the staff of the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development.

CFWD has been around for seven years. The goal of the organization is to help "individuals in regaining the personal power to benefit their families and communities," according to a news release announcing a $1 million grant to promote marriage and build stronger relationships for young black couples like Duane and Laneisha Draft.

That article uses an approach that I rarely read from the Black conservative corner. ( For the record, I regularly read Thomas Sowell, Armstrong Williams, Larry Elder, and Walter Williams. I also read pieces at Project 21 ).

Not only is a problem in the Black community cited, but an organization or person is also cited who is trying to do something to address the problem.

[Update]: Hat tip to Booker Rising.

Shani Davis

I wonder.

In the coming days, how many political commentators will mention Shani Davis's accomplishments under the guise of social commentary?

How many will mention that he has a drive to succeed despite detractors? Of those, who many will overlook the racist garbage posted to his website but mention the doubters in his neighborhood?

How many will mention the comments by Shani and his mother that the U.S. skating organization hasn't really treated him well and that he hasn't had the type of endorsements someone of his stature should have, but won't mention his dedication to training and to showing kids that you can succeed if you are determined to succeed?

And then, I wonder, what the political "stripes" will be of said commentators who decide to wade into the issue?

Credit Card

My 8 month old just received a telephone call to open a credit card account.

California African American Museum

I saw the California African American Museum on Patti LaBelle's show on TVOne.