When greed trumps service.

"Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed. "
~Mwai Kibaki~

Every person who runs for political office should keep that quote by Kibaki somewhere close by. This is especially true of politicians of color, who, in my opinion, have a heavier burden to bear. If you put yourself out there to help your community you had better put aside your own selfish needs and personal agendas.

I haven't blogged about Jesse Jackson, Jr. and his recent fall from grace, because I, like others, was led to believe that he was suffering from some form of a mental disease. However, now that he, along with his wife, has pled guilty to stealing campaign funds and lying on their taxes, I find myself having to my man on blast.

Jesse Jackson, Jr. didn't throw away a great political career and a chance to do some real good because he suffered from depression, he did it because he was greedy. I know that it's hard for some of you Negroes to admit it to yourselves, but that's the reality. And now he joins the black polititricksters hall of shame. It is a group who continually brings shame to their communities and families because of their selfish behavior and....greed.

I know that politics is plagued by avarice and a desire for personal gain, but you Negroes just cannot bite.

I just hope that the next group of talented young African Americans who are sitting on the sidelines and waiting to get into the game are taking notes. This is what happens when you put yourself before the people that you are supposed to be serving. And no matter how smart you think you are, in the end you will always get caught.

"In a state where stop-at-nothing political ambition has been well documented  and often rewarded — the seemingly frivolous cause of Jackson's undoing is seen by political observers and former colleagues as both nonsensical and sad.
"When you have a magic name like that, he was in position, waiting for the gun to go off, for mayor, the Senate ... he was playing with the big guys," said Paul Green, a longtime political scientist at Roosevelt University in Chicago who moderated Jackson's first congressional campaign debate. "To go down for this, you just feel sad."

It is sad, but not for Jesse Jackson, Jr.,it is sad for the people of Chicago and the folks who sent him to Washington  to help others and not himself.

Senate seat going once, going twice.....

I had lunch at Maggiano's (a fine Italian restaurant here in my fair city) today, and I stuffed my face with some nice crisp chicken parmesan. Why? Because I got caught up in this Corruptgo hype and all the sleaziness going on in that city. And, for a brief moment, I thought that my Broad Street run would be safe. After all I thought, when the U.S. Attorney stopped digging into all the slime that surrounded Corruptgo politics, they would be sure to find a certain skinny black man with a Muslim name at the bottom of it all. You Negroes would have to start canceling those hotel rooms you booked in D.C. for the inauguration. At least that was the frame of mind I was in.

And can you blame me? I mean there was Jessie Jr. (Forget Donovan McNabb, this is the new #5 from Corruptgo) doing his best Richard Nixon I am not a crook imitation for the press. There was the screaming heads from the right, circling the waters and hoping for some Obama blood (Hell the guy is at a 75% approval rating right now, and he hasn't even taken office yet. You know that these folks are just itching to take him down by any means necessary ).There was the talking heads all over the cable news shows going on and on about the crooked Governor with the bad haircut. So if I had a momentary lapse in sanity please forgive me, for a minute there it just felt like the election season all over again.

But I have said this here before and I will repeat it: Barack Hussein Obama strikes me as an individual that is driven more by a need to be great than to be rich. So that, for now, seems to be his saving grace. Still, the guy is from Corruptgo, and to come through that sewer without even the smell of shit on him would be damn near impossible. I still think Antoin "Tony" Rezko might have some singing to do to the feds. I just don't know if the tune he sings will have some verses with the letter O in it.

"I reject and denounce pay to play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrong doing,... I did not initiate or authorize anyone, at anytime, to promise anything to governor Blagojevich on my behalf. I never sent a message or an emissary to the governor to make an offer, or plea my case, or to propose a deal about a US Senate seat.." ~Jessie Jackson, Jr.~

I repeat: I did not lust after that actress Lark Voorhies.....

White people please just say no to the "N" word.

So now that we know what the FAKE NEWS people have on Jessie (seems he dropped the "N" word while talking about his "O"ness), I want to talk about this issue for a minute. Not Jessie, he is irrelevant as far as black folks are concerned. So the FAKE NEWS folks can go ahead knock themselves out with their tape of Jessie saying "nigger" while talking to another black man, that is a none issue with moi. ---although I do recall the good Rev. condemning the use of the "N" word.-- So Jessie is a hypocrite, tell us something we don't know.

No, tonight I want to ask my white friends who are regulars to the fields to give me a little insight into the white psyche. Here is my question: Why do some white folks get upset because black folks can use the word "nigger" to each other, and they can't? (At least not in public) Honestly, what's up with that shit? Today on the "View" they almost came to blows because the conservative co-host (Elisabeth Hasselbeck) wanted to know what's up with the double standard? "How are we supposed to move forward if we keep using words that bring back that pain?" She wanted to know. Don't worry Elisabeth, we have moved on from the word. So much so that we call each other the word now. We don't have to do shit. You just try not to use it, and we will be cool. And of course I have to give props to the sisters on the view. They were not pleased. Whoppie and girlfriend had the look didn't they? Sisters you know the one. The one that says I am about to take off these earrings and slip off these pumps, and "commence" to start whooping (no pun intended) on that ass any minute now.

But the shit is frustrating. White folks, I know it seems unfair, but there are just some things some people can say that you can't. Well, you can, but at your own risk; if you know what I mean. I don't care how close you think you are to your black friend, do not fuck up and call him [or her] that word. Look, I have quite a few Italian friends, and I don't for a minute think that I can call them the "G" or the "D" word, I just don't. In fact, the shit never crossed my mind. And contrary to what I have heard people say in the past, other ethnics do use slurs to describe each other, and you don't hear us black folks going around saying; Why is it okay for you people to call each other names but it's wrong if we do it?

Now personally, I have used the word in the past, but it's no longer a part of my vocabulary (unless I am writing something to make a point) . But the word doesn't bother me like it does some people (unless a white person says it), and I laugh my ass off at comedians like Kat Williams when they use it ---So sue me--. I have seen proprietors of some blogs lose their natural minds if someone slips up and uses the word, and I always have to wonder why. Is it because they are afraid that some white folks will say that they read it on their blogs, and now it's open season on the "N" word? Give me a break.

Look, if you don't like the word, or if it offends you, don't use it. But please folks, don't give white folks a pass to use it because other black folks use it to each other. And when certain white folks(present company excluded of course) get mad at black folks for using the word because they can't use it, what does that tell you? I will tell you what it tells me: It tells me that they want to use it on your black ass, but they can't, because it isn't PC. And that's just so frustrating. It's a double standard field, you know it is. No one should be allowed to use the word, black or white. If it's a bad word, it's a bad word when black people use it, and when white people use it, why differentiate. And all that sounds so logical that I almost don't have a come back for it.......almost.

It is a double standard, but folks in the majority created it. They used the word against us for years. Used it to demean belittle, and to humiliate. Now it's not cool for them to use it anymore because society would like to keep such things hidden away. Oh, some of you still say it, but never in public. And now black folks use it too, but to each other. And in most cases as a term of endearment, and for whatever reason, for many black folks, (especially the younger ones) it has become damn near a part of their language. So now you are upset, because you see some of us using it, and you wonder why you can't use it too.

But hey, you can still use the word if you are so inclined. It's a free country. Just be careful, because you never know who might be listening.

See what happens when you lay down with dogs Jessie?

And now comes word that the FAKE NEWS people may have even more on Jessie. Yep, seems they didn't expose all of Jessie's open mic audition for the world to see and hear. They say that they have more. And if they do, please believe that they will be playing it for all it's worth.

But this is what happens to those of us who seek publicity at all cost, we end up seeking it from the wrong people. FOX knows this, they know that there is nothing some of us vainglorious black folks love more that getting some shine on national television. Hey, we can say what we want about the FAKE NEWS people, but they do have their viewers. (They might have the combined IQ of Shaq's shoe size, but that's beside the point)

If you all are like me you are dying to hear what else Jessie said. I am sure it couldn't be too damaging to the "O" man, because if it was, I guarantee you that you would have heard it by now. Jessie should do a preemptive strike and just come clean and tell us all what else he said. But sadly for him, I don't think he is too sure himself just what the hell was or wasn't caught on tape.

To top it off, Jessie had his little slip of the tongue while taping for "FOX & FRIENDS of all programs. FOX & FRIENDS? Come on Jessie, you are better than that. Or, maybe not. Maybe this Obama presidency is bringing out the worst in all of us. Not only the ignorant bigoted folks of red state A-merry-ca, but the ego maniacal black folks who only care about their own self-importance and pushing their own personal agendas. Just reading the blogs and the comments alone is enough to make your head spin. From the "O" man isn't one of us (I read that on this blog), to he is a secret "Manchurian Candidate"planted by Al Qaeda, to he is gay and he has a secret lover stashed away somewhere, to...well, you get the picture.

Look, I have some issues with the "O" man, but it has to do with his politics, and his constant triangulation, not with who he is or who he might be. All the other shit is just distractions. And as A-merry-cans we have gotten used to distractions. We love them. We need them to keep our minds off all the terrible things that is happening to our republic right under our very eyes. It's why we love our entertainment, our sports, and our 24/7 celebrity culture so much. So why should our politics be any different? Jessie, our latest drama king, fits the bill perfectly. A-merry-cans (especially white A-merry-cans) love to talk about and fixate on him. He is a lightening rod for all ages. No one gets white folks as animated and upset on the issue of race more than Jessie. (Well, except maybe Al. the other part of Rev. Inc) Which is why FOX loves to have him on whenever they can. Gotta throw that red meat to the base, and give them something to chew on. Did you see that Jessie? Man what a racist. Boy is he ever a race hustler. He is always playing the victim and blaming it on us white folks..... The funny thing is that black folks have totally moved on from Jessie. He is not even relevant to most of us anymore. But the folks at places like FOX and some of the other main stream media outlets, can't get enough of Jessie, Rev. Al (lately Dr. Eric Dyson too), and all the other black race spokespeople. They have to have someone to speak for us black folks. (Where is the NRB when you need it?) And it can't be just anybody, no, we need someone that white folks will pay attention to. How is that for irony?

So now they have their wish. The older half of Rev. Inc. has been all over the 24 hour news cycle, and they are eating this shit up. Honestly, at first, like most other pundits, I thought this would help the "O" man. After all, Jessie putting him down could only cause most white folks to say: hey, he can't be that bad Jessie doesn't like him. But now, I am not sure. All this race talk can't be good for the "O" man. Not when he wants to portray himself as a race neutral leader (whatever the hell that means). Not when he wants white A-merry-cans to look at him and not see color.

But sorry "O" man. As long as there is FOX NEWS, and folks like Jessie to go behind their cameras, A-merry-cans will always see your black ass first.

The "audacity" of fake friends.

"Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge".~~ Isaac Friedmann~~

Seems everybody was saying sorry today. First, the White House was sorry for dissing the Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi. Yes folks, the frat boy and his bumbling crew, while over at the G-8 Summit, had some less-than flattering things to say about Mr. Premier in the bio that they distributed about him. The bio describes him as one of the most "controversial leaders in the history of a country known for government corruption and vice." Ouch! Nice touch there frat boy. Wasn't it just last month that you visited the Premier and he called you a "personal friend", and a "friend of Italy"? "You're right. We're good friends." Yeah with friends like these.....

Now speaking of friends you don't need: seems like half of Rev. Inc. got in some shots on the "O" man a few days ago while apparently doing an open microphone routine for the FAKE NEWS people. Now Jessie, I swear your judgment is getting more fucked up as you age. Why in heaven's name (you are preacher I can use "in heaven's name") would you talk shit about the "O" man into a FOX microphone? My goodness man, didn't you see that big ass FOX logo on it? What, you think FOX is going to turn off a microphone when your ass is talking? And when you just might reveal some shit about the "O" man from his days back in the "windy city"? I don't think so.

So now we hear that you made some "crude hateful remarks about Obama on race. Apparently they seemed to disparage the "O" man for appearing to lecture us savage black folks on morality.

Now the FAKE NEWS people are planning a major news story behind this shit, and reich wing bloggers are a buzz with excitement. See, it's not only us reich wingers who hate Obama, his own people hate him too. Now when we start hating your boy we don't want to hear it. Because, after all, your own race icon is hating on him.

And now the other half of Rev. Inc. is doing the whole sorry thing. I caught him on CNN this evening and there he was Mea Culpa-ing his ass off. Of course, I couldn't understand half the shit he was saying because....well, Jessie just can't talk anymore. (Oh field that wasn't necessary, the man is a civil rights icon, show a little respect. Yeah but he still can't talk anymore, so fuck you all. A little respect like the respect he showed Obama?)

Anyway, this too will pass. But it just goes to show you how us black folks can go crab on each other sometimes. For all of us who thought the torch from the old civil rights vanguards to the young bucks coming up was going to be passed without any issues, think again. These egos out here are huge, and they ain't trying to get off the stage for the half and half one.

So now we know how Jessie really feels (as if we didn't know all along), I wonder what the other crabs like my man Tavis is saying under his breath?

Maybe we should put some microphones at the bottom of the barrel.

I am just saying.

Jason vs. Jessie

I read in GQ Magazine recently where some 45 year old guy had Alzheimer's, and you know what I kept thinking while I was reading that article? Why couldn't this have been Jason Whitlock's black ass? I know that was mean, but hey, that's what I was thinking.

"Why field what's your issue with Jason Whitlock?" Well it seems that Jason has a black problem. Or at least a problem with black folks, and as a result, he writes about us in a negative light every chance he gets. If there is a racial issue in America, and blacks and whites see it differently, you can bet your last dollar that old Jason will come down on the side of the majority population.

In his latest hit piece against black folks, Jason lays the smack down with his pen on the Jena 6. To Jason, these boys were out of control athletes who got their just deserts. Jason doesn't see what all the fuss is about, especially given the fact that all these boys weren't Angels to begin with. He goes on to attack the usual suspects, like Jessie, and Al, much to the delight of his white readers, and I am sure, his white employers. Just think of Jason as the LaShawn Barber of the sports world, and you will get an idea of the type of a black person we are dealing with here.

Now let me put this out there right now: I am no big fan of Jessie or Al, and lord knows I have come down pretty hard on them at times myself, especially when they do dumb shit like jump into the middle of the Terry Schiavo fray. They both love the camera a little too much for my taste, and I am still not sure about that story floating around where Jessie was supposed to have put MLK's blood on his shirt the day he (King) was shot. (I always wondered why King's widow never really spoke to Jessie all these years) But I digress. Still, given all of that, there is no denying that Jessie has done some good things to advance the civil rights struggle in this country. And any black person in America who says otherwise is a damn fool. Which is why when I see folks like Jason making a living on tearing down Jackson, it pisses me off. I see other black writers, commentators, and bloggers doing it too. The first person they rip when there is a racial issue front and center in this country, is good ole Jessie. And before you give me the, "but field you do it too" speech, save it. I know that shit, and I acknowledge it. But it doesn't make it right. Hell, one of the reasons I blog is to provide therapy for myself, and writing about shit that I am guilty of myself, helps me to work through that particular problem.

So back to Jason. Mr one trick pony himself. He rips Vivian Stringer, the Rutgers women's basketball coach. He rips America for not giving Don Imus another chance. And every fucking day he rips another black athlete or person who happens to be in the news, for not playing by America's rules. Like who the fuck died and made him the Martha Stewart of race? On a certain level I almost respect Jason's hustle. Because you and I both know that he can't believe all the shit that he writes. But it's working, Jason is getting more popular by the day, because he is just the latest in a long line of black folks who "Charlie" props up to say what he wants to say, but can't, because it would be too politically incorrect. Jason can say it, because he is one of them.

So anyway,I am making a pledge right here and now: I am not going to rip Jessie anymore. He is way too easy. And besides, is it really his fault that he is the first black person "Charlie" goes looking for when there is a racial problem in this country? I don't think so. Yeah Jessie might love the camera too much, but can you just stop sticking it in his damn face please? Is that too much to ask "Charlie"? And the same goes for the other reverend as well. Although lately, Jason has been popping up a lot too. I would dare say even more than Jessie and Al. So go on with your bad self Jason, the hustle is working.

Can a field Negro just get some lunch?

I wanted to follow my man Wayne over at Electronic Villages' lead, and post on some shit that's seriously relevant to black folks tonight. My man is asking the Afrospear to focus on this lamentable and deplorable shit that's going on in our neighborhoods. The same shit that is wiping out our young men in a genocidal fashion. It's called black on black violence.

In truth, I felt like Jessie Jackson today. I remembered his feeling apprehensive at the ATM comment while I was driving into West Philly to get some eats at my favorite Jamaican spot. There I was at 52nd and Market, a fucking sea of humanity around me; everyone hustling and bustling while they get their day to day grind on. And then, I did the Jessie move. I noticed my door wasn't locked and I locked it. Someone standing on the corner peeped me do it, and I was ashamed for about two seconds. I mean I wouldn't have done that shit in Chestnut Hill, or in Somerton would I? But fuck that, my feelings along those lines were fleeting. These little knuckle heads out here don't care who they are jacking. "Yeah field Negro, why don't you give me that nice field Negro ass whip you are pushing? Don't mind this cannon in your face, this is just what I use for protection around here. And every now and then, to convince some fucking field Negro, that he will be a dead Negro, if he doesn't comply with my wishes." So click! The field is down with his people, but he ain't stupid.

Damn I hated feeling that shit. But this is what people live with every day out here. And it ain't white folks living with it, it's us. Shit, over 250 murders and counting don't lie. Unless you are the mail man, the po po, or a bill collector; if you are white, you ain't seeing 52nd and Market anytime soon. When you pass that shit on the El., you don't even want to look down , because you are afraid of what you might see. And you know what; I can't blame you white people, this is our problem. When you want to eat some authentic Jamaican food, you just pack up the family for a vacation, and go down to Jamaica. I shouldn't have to do that, I should be able to go and eat some authentic Jamaican among my peeps without worrying about getting jacked.

But I have an immediate solution for all this shit. (Notice I said, immediate solution, the long terms solutions are too complex and involved. That's another post) More cameras, more cameras, and more cameras. Swamp the city with cameras like they do in London, and some other European cities. (And make sure the shit works) Cops, get out of your squad cars and start walking the beat again. Learn more about the people in the neighborhood you are patrolling. Know which one of Mrs. Johnson's grandsons is good and which one is bad. Use discretion when you pop these kids out here. Not every street crime is a major felony. Please, please, please, go after these straw purchasers of guns who buy hundreds of guns legitimately, and then sell them illegally on the streets. (I swear Pennsylvania is a backwards ass state) And finally, clamp down on suburban, and college kids who come into the hood to buy drugs. If you take away the demand for it, I guarantee you the money on these corners will dry up, and you want have knuckle heads killing to protect their turf.

Hey, just a few suggestions from the field. So that the next time I want some Jamaican Patti and co co bread; I won't have to feel like I am driving through a war zone to get it.