Quote Of The Day

"Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence." -Henri Frederic Amiel

Quote Of The Day

"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." -Gandhi

The Counter Girl At McDonald's Who Spilled One Too Many Sodas Is Disciplined Harder Than This...

The 3 police officers who are responsible for the 50-shot slaying of New York native Sean Bell are currently active NYPD officers on "modified duty." Yesterday, The Daily News reported that Officers Cooper, Isnora, and Oliver were hit with disciplinary charges from their employer. The NYPD officers were each "accused of firing their weapons outside of NYPD departmental guidelines (charges that could result in their being fired)."

These insubordination-like charges were filed approximately a year and a half after the incident that provoked them occurred. This brings a new meaning to the term "the slow wheels of justice" (if you can call departmental disciplinary charges "justice," when there is an unjust and inexplicable lost of life). [SIDEBAR #1: The NYPD brought these administration charges at this particular time because the statue of limitations for them to do so is about to run out in a few days. Most likely, filing these charges may protect the city and the department in any future lawsuits. In a court of law, such paperwork makes them look less guilty of standing idly by. SMH @ all the reluctant, fake olive branches full of thorns.]

[SIDEBAR Part Deux: The unemployment line and more than a few prisons are cluttered with people who have done a lot less! This is not just about "punishment" for the officers involved. New departmental guidelines and training should also be implemented. There are no deterrents in place to prevent this type of situation from consistently occurring.]

Quote Of The Day

"You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity." - Thomas Wolfe

Video Of The Week

I really like Roseanne Barr!...Bill Maher...Eehhh, not so much. However, it's a good interview nonetheless. Anyone else concur that the minimum wage is way too minimal? I've been saying this for a minute now. It's definitely on my list for future blog topics.

Quote Of The Day

"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." - Don Helder Camara

What's Beef?

What's beef? Beef is when the beef industry tried to shut Oprah down over A decade ago for allegedly making disparaging comments about their product, yet they are consistently recalling meat.
In the late 90s, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, was dragged through the Texas Court system by beef industry money makers. A conglomerate of cattlemen sued Ms. Winfrey claiming that statements she made on her show adversely affected the sales of their product.

After an advocate for vegetarianism appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and detailed the feeding habits of livestock before they are packaged and sold to the public, Ms. Winfrey stated that her guest's remarks: "just stopped me cold from eating another burger." The fear of digesting diseased meat products rippled through the audience during the discussion. The result of this dialog on beef was a tedious, months-long lawsuit of a group of cattle ranchers vs. Ms. Winfrey and her beef-shy guest.

During the lengthy trial, Oprah had to go through the expense of relocating her show's production to Texas. This made it feasible for her to do double duty as a defendant and a talk show maven.

Fast forward to 2008. More people are now learning the advantages of shunning beef and embracing more leafy and "natural" foods. Several recalls of contaminated beef is contributing to this dietary change.

Just yesterday, CNN reported that: " A Chicago-based company is recalling beef products distributed in 11 states because of possible E. coli contamination." Situations like this prove that Oprah's decade-old talk show topic and discussion is still relevant. Also, her revelation about beef was on target. I concur; I've also been "stopped cold from eating another burger."

Quote Of The Day

"Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else." -Malcolm X

Celebrate Malcolm X's Birthday Today!

The Ballot Or The Bullet Speech:

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 7, Part 2

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 7, Part 1

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 6

Obliterating a people's history is like taking their hearts out of their chests, and placing them in the wilderness blindfolded...This is the cause of all of the confusion...

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 5

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "Seventh Child: A Family Memoir Of Malcolm X" By: Rodnell P. Collins"Malcolm was led to his position by his vast knowledge of Black history in the United States. He constantly reminded us that the highly praised U.S. Constitution not only did not recognize human rights of Black people; it did not even acknowledge our ancestors as full human beings. To placate southern enslavers concerned about their representation in the House of Representatives, the "freedom loving" Christian founding fathers decided that each African would be counted as three-fifths of a person. Is there any other written constitution in world history that described some of its residents as three-fifths of a person? 'With that as a beginning,' said Ma, 'it's no wonder that the federal government for over two hundred years had no qualms about failing to protect the human rights of our people. To make a strong case at the United Nations, all Malcolm had to do was cite the three-fifths in the Constitution and list all the documented occasions, from enslavement to lynchings to Jim Crow laws, that the federal government failed to protect our human rights. There was no need to distort or magnify that history.'

Traditional civil-rights leaders knew that history as well as Malcolm did. 'However, they also knew the history of what happened to Black leaders who spoke forcefully on foreign affairs,' said Ma. 'Marcus Garvey, whose slogan, 'Africa for Africans,' deeply disturbed the colonialists, was jailed, then deported; Paul Robeson was flagrantly harassed and denied a passport for travel; W.E.B. Du Bois, who attended most of the early Pan-African conferences, was flagrantly harassed and also denied traveling rights. He eventually decided to live permanently in Ghana. Later, five years after Malcolm was assassinated, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated when he spoke the truth about the Vietnam War.'"

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 4

SELF DEFENSE DOES NOT EQUAL VIOLENCE.

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 3, Part 2

FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!

MALCOLM X SAYS: "...To have once been a criminal is no disgrace...to remain a criminal is the disgrace..." [SIDEBAR: Change is possible...You are necessary, needed, and worthy].

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 3, Part 1

MALCOLM X DISCUSSES THE MATRIX OF THE POLICE SYSTEM:

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 2

Malcolm X discusses the hypocrisy of the system, asks "Who taught you to hate yourself?" and discusses protecting the Black Woman:

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 1, Part 2

WATCH A MASTER DEBATER AT WORK:

7 Days Of Malcolm X: Day 1, Part 1

In honor of Malcolm X, I will be posting nothing but Malcolm X posts for the week leading up to his birthday. Regular news postings will resume next week, on May 19th. New features (in terms of blog topics), will also be unveiled on that day.

SIDEBAR: In addition to celebrating the birth of one of the greatest human beings to ever walk the earth, this is also buying me some time to finish a VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT that I am working on (Yes, this project involves you; and yes, I will be revealing the details soon). Therefore, I'm saving a little time from researching and writing blog articles, so I can apply some hours to this necessary upcoming project. This strategy is a win-win because Malcolm's words are still extremely relevant (<- proof that the truth never dies), and they still need to be listened to and studied. I am honored to be able to spread his ideas. Thanks for checking in and enjoy these pertinent messages.

Lots of love always.

Sincerely,

Elsie Law The Rap Starlet AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "The Power Of Now" By: Eckhart Tolle

"Usually the future is a replica of the past. Superficial changes are possible, but real transformation is rare and depends upon whether you can become present enough to dissolve the past by accessing the power of now. What you perceive as future is an intrinsic part of your state of consciousness now. If your mind carries a heavy burden of past, you will experience more of the same. The past perpetuates itself through lack of presence. The quality of your consciousness at this moment is what shapes the future- which of course, can only be experienced as the now.

You may win ten million dollars, but that kind of change is no more than skin deep. You would simply continue to act out the same conditioned patterns in more luxurious surroundings. Humans have learned to split the atom. Instead of killing ten or twenty people with a wooden club, one person can now kill a million just by pushing a button. Is that real change?

If it is the quality of your consciousness at this moment that determines the future, then what is it that determines the quality of your consciousness? Your degree of presence. So the only place where true change can occur and where the past can be dissolved is the now."

Making A Traffic Stop & Arrest, Philly PD Style...

A Philadelphia news camera recorded a vicious beating of 3 men by the Philadelphia Police Department. The approximately 13 minute recording (when viewed in its entirety), was taken via the vantage point of a helicopter. The video clearly shows multiple officers, beating and kicking 3 defenseless men. The PD says that the 3 men are suspects in a shooting. However, reporters are stating that the mens' involvement in a crime prior to the beating is currently unclear and unsubstantiated. Also, there is no justification for this kind of unprofessional excessive use of force.

Neighborhood residents in the area in which this incident took place, have noted that they have felt under siege since an officer was murdered in the city a couple of days ago. While the residents send their condolences to the loved ones of the slain officer, they feel that members of their community have been unjustly targeted by the police since the officer's tragic death.

[SIDEBAR: Police misconduct nationwide is out of control. With police brutalizing citizens, raping citizen, robbing banks, and vandalizing cars; the line between those who take an oath to "protect and serve" and those who are hardened criminals is more than a little blurred. That line is getting close to invisible.]

Quote Of The Day

"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth." -Benjamin Disraeli

Quote Of The Day

"It may well be that our means are fairly limited and our possibilities restricted when it comes to applying pressure on our government. But is this a reason to do nothing? Despair is not an answer. Neither is resignation. Resignation only leads to indifference, which is not merely a sin but a punishment." -Elie Wiesel

Quote Of The Day

"We know the truth, not only by the reason, but by the heart." -Blaise Pascal

In The World In Which We Live, Hip Hop Died Before Racism Did

I'm saddened to report that racism is alive and sickeningly healthy. In the wake of the unjust- but not surprising- Sean Bell verdict, news outlets around the world have been reporting on the community's reaction.

I have been reading a lot of the online articles, and accompanying comments, regarding the Sean Bell travesty. My exploration of the comments sections of some of the New York based news websites has left me disappointed. I am disappointed by the insensitivity and callousness of the biting and cruel online remarks.

I would like to think that statements that label civic-minded protesters as: "nonproductive deadbeats...welfare recipients...thugs...and unemployed Black men and women with 10 different children all by different mothers and fathers," represent the mindset of an ignorant few. However, the comments sections of the New York Daily News website has been flooded with such taunts and defamation of character-like declarations.

Despite the overwhelming negative online postings, I still reserve a modicum of hope that society is not so far gone that people of any race or culture can not empathize with an unjust and unnecessary lost of life.

To My People: May we continue to live with strength & love in our hearts. May we also PROACTIVELY continue to change this world for the better. Lots of love to everybody. R.I.P. to Sean Bell and all of the others who lost their lives as victims to this racist society.

Quote Of The Day

"But suppose God is black? What if we go to Heaven and we, all our lives, have treated the Negro as an inferior, and God is there, and we look up and He is not white? What then is our response?" -Robert F. Kennedy

Quote Of The Day

"The first principal of nonviolent action is that of noncooperation with everything humiliating." -Cesar Chavez

The Gun Industry Is Well Protected

New York City filed a lawsuit against the gun industry. This was done in an effort to force gun manufacturers to take responsibility for creating a cache of firearms that consistently find their way to the underground market.

This morning, a federal appeals court dismissed the case. According to NY1: "The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the arms industry is immune to litigation from cities and violence victims under federal law."

With the gun industry being granted such immunity and protection under the law, we must ask: "Who exactly is behind the gun industry?" Whoever's pockets are being lined with the sales of guns, has far reaching tentacles. It is rare for a manufacturer of any product to be cloaked in such inculpability.

[Pic from ABC News]

Quote Of The Day

"A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves." -Edward R. Murrow

In Case You Were Wondering Why Police Departments Across America Operate The Way They Do...

...the book "Slavery: The African American Psychic Trauma," (Authors: Sultan Latif & Naimah Latif) explains why. An excerpt from the book states:

"America's police patrol actually grew out of the south. Up until that time, justice was administered by local sheriffs and deputies. After the Revolutionary War, most states developed some type of militia, in case armed soldiers were needed for national defense. But the institution of slavery required that some type of organized law enforcement would have to be instituted on a regular basis, to protect white slave owners against massive uprisings and escapes. In "From Slavery To Freedom," Franklin describes how the slave patrols worked: 'One of the devices set up to enforce the slave codes and thereby maintain the institution of slavery was the patrol, which has been aptly described as an adaptation of the militia. counties were usually divided into "beats" or areas of patrol, and free White men were called upon to serve for a stated period of time, 1, 3, or 6 months. These patrols were to apprehend slaves out of place and return them to their masters or commit them to jail; to visit slave quarters and search for various kinds of weapons that might be used in an uprising; and to visit assemblies of slaves where disorder might develop or where conspiracy might be planned.'"

Big Brother Keeps Coming Up With New Ways To Watch

NY1 is reporting that the MTA is launching a pilot program to install surveillance cameras inside subway cars. This program is reportedly likely to be implemented within the next 12 months.

The MTA has already equipped 50% of its Manhattan bus line with high tech cameras.

I must ask: Is there such a thing as privacy anymore?

Quote Of The Day

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived; but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." -Maya Angelou

Quote Of The Day

"There is no short cut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation- veneer isn't worth anything." -George Washington Carver

If We Play To Our Strengths, We Can Stop This

We are a community of spiritual, soulful, and intellectual beings. To conquer this constant police terrorism, we must play to our strengths.

Playing to our strengths = Being consistently involved in our community; attending community groups and holding elected officials present accountable (This must be done on a consistent basis if it is to have a transformative effect); Using our economic power strategically; Educating ourselves on the law; Setting up think tanks; Being active in local elections; Being in constant communication with our elected officials; Having liaisons and checks & balances set up to monitor elected officials and law enforcement.

[SIDEBAR: It is not what we do just in the heat of the moment, but what we are disciplined to do consistently that will bring about the results that we desire].

Don't Be So Quick To Throw Rice At Your Summer Wedding

According to "The Independent," major food store chains- like Sam's Club and Costco- are rationing their inventory of rice. They are reportedly barring consumers from buying the food stable in large quantities. This maneuver come as the price of rice has reportedly risen by 68% internationally.

Limiting the amount of food that a citizen can buy in an American market is an unprecedented move. This rationing strategy is being implemented even though the leader of the California Rice Commission stated that there are no rice shortages in the U.S.

After reading this statement I was perplexed as to why the high rise in price, and the rationing measures, were taking place. This seems to defy the laws of supply and demand. Why ration something that is available in abundance? Put your thinking caps on to answer that one. The first person to come up with a viable/non-sinister answer, moves to the head of the class.

[SIDEBAR: It is being reported that flour is next].

UPDATE: CNN has weighed in on this story. CLICK HERE to read their take on the subject. Does CNN move to the front of the class? You be the judge.

Quote Of The Day

"Unlike top management at Enron, exemplary leaders reward dissent. They encourage it. They understand that, whatever momentary discomfort they experience as a result of being told they might be wrong, it is more than offset by the fact that the information will help them make better decisions." - Warren Bennis; New York Times (2/17/02)

Quote Of The Day

"We talk a lot about Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but it's time to be like them, as strong as them. They were mortal men like us, and every one of us can be like them." -Tupac Shakur

So You Mean To Tell Me, That With All The "Terror Alerts" & Big Brother Paraphernalia In The City, Someone Failed To Buy A Paper Shredder...???

Many news sources are reporting that a homeless man has come forward to reveal that he has found what should be top-secret documents, in a Manhattan trash can. According to The New York Post, the vigilant Ohio-native turned New Yorker, reportedly found a 150 page document that contains the blueprints for the Freedom Tower- which is to replace the World Trade Center structure.

Despite the recovered document allegedly containing the blueprints "for each floor, the thickness of the concrete-core wall and the location of air ducts, elevators, electrical systems and support columns;" the project's spokeswoman attempted to defend the security lapse by saying that the discovered plans were not detailed. She also gave the obligatory- "we're looking into it...someone will be reprimanded" spiel.

In light of this egregious breach of security, I must ask myself, "How seriously does the government take their own warnings of 'terroristic threats?'" Citizens have been subjected to invasive government snooping all in the name of "terrorism." Yet, blueprints for one of the supposedly most vulnerable locations in the country is left in a street corner garbage can for anyone to discover. [SIDEBAR: I can't speak on how may "heaven points" the man has, but at least Oliver North knew the value of a good shredder].

Many citizens are understandably rattled by the leakage of the Freedom Tower's blueprints. According to the New York Post, a New Yorker whose son died in the 9/11 tragedy stated: "I'd certainly be pretty leery going to work in the building knowing that security on the plans was so lax...The whole thing is kind of frightening, but at the same time totally expected, because we have been failed time and again." The former head of security of the MTA has also voiced his opinion by saying, "Outrageous security breeches like this amplify how vulnerable New Yorkers are."

Who's Up For A Game Of: Pocket The Buck, Pass The Buck?...Apparently Some NYC Council Members Are

According to news sources, like The Gotham Gazette, approximately $4.7 million of NYC taxpayers' money was allocated by city council members to fictitious organizations. Funds were embezzled via fake non-profits like, "The New York Foundation for Community Development" and "The American Association of Concerned Veterans."

This revelation comes amidst a time when the city is already at least 9 figures in the red. With such a deficit in the city's balance sheet, you would think that city officials would be extra vigilant about how every alloted dollar is being spent. However, despite very tough financial times, some elected officials have been playing fast and loose with discretionary funds. Two council staffers have already been indicted on embezzlement charges.

It is bizarre that such a fiasco would unfold under the gaze of a billionaire mayor who specializes in finance. The fact that the administration of a financial wizard would let millions of dollars slip through the cracks (especially during a fiscal crunch), rings of either: gross incompetence and negligence, or a case of "the fox guarding the hen house."

As of yet, no one has taken responsibility for dropping the ball on watchdogging the funds. The buck is being passed as to who is to blame. However, some government officials who are appalled by the theft of funds, are asking that the Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, step down from her position. This request is due to the fact that the "missing" funds were parceled out to various council members and organizations solely at her discretion.

Quote Of The Day

"Wars of nations are fought to change maps. But wars of poverty are fought to map change." -Muhammad Ali

So Much For The Old American Myth That War Boosts The Economy

Almost every American history teacher I ever had spewed the economic theory of how good war is for the American economy. Well in 2008, that myth is being debunked. With the U.S. having occupied Iraq for over half-a-decade, the U.S. economy has entered an extremely perilous time.

Having traditionally based their power on being a leader in industry, the U.S. is seeing its status take a dive. Today, it is being reported that the U.S. dollar has sunk to an all-time low against the Euro. I can only imagine what this forecasts for the future of American economics. American inflation has already spun out of control. According to CNN, "U.S. inflation is coming in three times as high as expected in March- on top of escalating food and energy prices."

[SIDEBAR: You can only sidestep universal law and karma for so long. There are repercussions for every action. Warmongering, greed, and the worship of money, will only cause an equal and opposite reaction. My economic theory says: Extreme materialism, in which the power of money is so over-valued, will eventually create an economic environment where money is rendered powerless.(SIDEBAR within a SIDEBAR: Ben Bernanke should consult me on this...Lol).

Only a change of values and character can fix this. There's no way we can rectify our country's problems with the same mindset that created them. We need a leader cut from the cloth of Gandhi...now more than ever!].

A Strip Search You Can Keep Your Clothes On For

A new type of invasive camera is being installed in public places around the world. The ThruVision T5000 camera, which can see through clothing and walls, is now being touted by security experts as a new way to thwart terrorist attacks.

The T5000, which is already in use in the London financial district and several airports around the world, has sparked many privacy debates. Discussions concerning whether various "terroristic threats" are real or imagined are also brewing.

Citizens' rights to privacy are rapidly being forfeited around the globe in the name of "public safety." This seems to be placing us on a road to the unveiling of the contents of Pandora's box. Who is to say if these new standards of "public spying" are justified? Also, how much power does the average citizen have to say where the lines of surveillance should be drawn. The Patriot Act, legally erased the lines that law enforcement used to be required to color within.

According to www.cnn.com, surveillance expert David Wood has weighed in on the quickly loosening standards of the publics' rights to privacy. The Director of the Surveillance Studies Network, stated: "What we should consider is how much we want to lose aspects of our privacy in order to attain a sort of national security...In most cases this isn't real security- it's a sense of safety that has very little real effect."

I am interested in hearing how our current presidential candidates feel about this issue.

Quote Of The Day

"The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking, and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophe." -Albert Einstein

Quote Of The Day

"One man with courage makes a majority." -Andrew Jackson

How Would You Like To Have Two Of Him...?

A new and easier method of cloning has been discovered. Scientists have used a new cloning technique to create a baby mouse from the skin cells of adult animals. This was done so simply and easily, scientists fear the ramifications of this new cloning method. The new cutting-edge procedure proves that technology now exists that allows for the cloning of children. Many feel that this effortless form of cloning may encourage people to start to engineer their babies. This threat is very real.

According to Dr. Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer of American biotechnology company- Advanced Cell Technology, "Cloning isn't here now, but with this new technique we have the technology that can actually produce a child. If this was applied to humans it would be enormously important and troublesome...It's unethical and unsafe, but someone may be doing it today."

Ironically, according to "The Independent," this perilous cloning technique has been endorsed by President George Bush and the Catholic Church, "as a morally acceptable way of producing embryonic stem cells." Dr. Lanza weighs in on this shocking endorsement by stating: "At this point there are no laws or regulations for this kind of thing and the bizarre thing is that the Catholic Church and other traditional stem-cell opponents think this technology is great when in reality, it could in the end become one of their biggest nightmares...It is quite possible that the real legacy of this whole new programming technology is that it will be introducing the era of designer babies."

[Source: The Independent]

Quote Of The Day

"A man without decision of character can never be said to belong to himself...He belongs to whatever can make captive of him." -John Foster; Author

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "Acts Of Faith" By: Iyanla Vanzant

"There is a natural, universal force called the law of correspondence. According to this law, you will attract to you that which you are. The law is activated by your dominant thought patterns. The purpose of this law is to show where you are in your consciousness and to give you an opportunity to lift yourself to where you want to be. You can do any good thing you want to do with the right adjustment of your thoughts and actions. If you want prosperity and success, you must change your thoughts to reflect the things you want. Many people live and die never experiencing anything greater than what is handed down to them. If you are born amidst lack, failure, struggle and limitation, you do not have to stay there. Do not claim inherited limitations. The law of correspondence can and will move you to the heights of your consciousness. You cannot attract better, however, until you can better lift your thoughts. Lift your expectations. Lift yourself. Train yourself to mentally look for the good things you want and the good will respond."

Quote Of The Day

"I know this now. Every man gives his life to what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and so they give their lives to little or nothing." - Joan of Arc

Quote Of The Day

"Is your cucumber bitter? Throw it away. Are there briars in your path? Turn aside. That is enough. Do not go on and ay, 'Why were things of this sort ever brought into the world?'" -Marcus Aurelius

Yes, All The New Technology Is Cool, But...Isn't This How The Matrix Started?

Facebook, the second leading internet social interaction network, is currently launching a new feature. The website, which reportedly trails Myspace in user popularity, is now offering its users an instant messaging feature. This feature is already offered by Myspace; and other companies, like AOL and Google. America Online's instant messenger, AIM, is currently the industry leader. Facebook hopes to solidify its position among the IM giants, with its newly introduced Facebook Chat.

With so many online networks providing "virtual friendships," is face-to-face social interaction becoming passe? While these tools of communication offer people easy access to each other, these IM interfaces may also become the catalyst for a "social dumbing down." Important parts of a conversation are lost when it comes to this type of online communication. Words aren't as emotionally impactful when voice inflection and body language is subtracted. For future generations who are born into a world where E-mail, IM, and text messages are the standard of social outreach, the effects could be dulled intuition and a lack of command for even basic verbiage.

I personally love technology, and new gadgets. However, I think that new technological devices: should be secondary to human interaction, shouldn't dull the senses, and should be a tool- not an all-encompassing distraction.

If Henry David Thoreau was correct in stating, "Lo! Men have become the tools of their tools!"; then, we only have to watch The Matrix and The Terminator trilogies to get a glimpse of our future. We've been forewarned- dependency on machines can not lead to a good outcome.

Quote Of The Day

"Where there is no vision the people perish." -Proverbs 29:18

Quote Of The Day

"He who cannot change the very fabric of his thought will never be able to change reality, and will never, therefore, make any progress." -Anwar El-Sadat

NYC's Proposed Congestion Tax Is Dead!

According To NY1, Mayor Bloomberg's proposed congestion tax is dead in the water. This is reportedly due to him not gaining timely support for the tax in the State Assembly. NY1 is stating that NY's mayor needed to garner support by midnight tonight, in order to get millions in federal funding for his idea. Failing to do so, the plan for the tax has been currently nixed.

However, the shadow that this proposed tax casted, should be a lesson to us all. Look how quickly a maneuver can be made to implement a tax that would be a great economic strain on average citizens. We have to be better prepared for the next go around. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. [SIDEBAR: This might have just been a dry run for that oxygen tax (see the title for the post below)...but for tonight (and maybe just tonight), thanks NYC for letting me breathe in your polluted liters of oxygen for free...SMH].

What's Next, An Oxygen Tax For Breathing?

New York City is in the throes of implementing an European-like congestion tax. New York is looking to charge commuters who drive into the city during peak hours- $14. According to www.TheNewspaper.com, this is the same price as the congestion tax in London. Using London as a frame of reference, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, released a report stating that NYC's economy would be severely injured if they decided to implement the congestion tax.

According to The Queens Chamber of Commerce, a congestion tax would result in 28% of New York's drivers being deterred from coming into the city. The commerce group is predicting that this would result in an annual reduced spending of $1.89 billion. When the lost of jobs, and other economic spending is factored in, New York's economic loss could reach up to $2.7 Billion.

The question that I ask is: Why do New York City's officials seem so insistent on making NYC too expensive for working class citizens to have a residency there? After all, they are planning to implement a tax that has proven to be a money loser for other localities. Between the sharp increases in housing costs, costs for basic living, and taxes; many middle class and working class citizens are being economically pressured to move out of New York.

In my opinion, the congestion tax seems to be another case of New York's strategy to destroy and rebuild. This seems to be a tactic to make New York into the living quarters, and playground for the wealthy. What do you think?

Quote Of The Day

"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." — Niccolo Machiavelli

Quote Of The Day

"It is not enough to have great qualities; we should also have the management of them." -La Rochefoucauld

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "Acts Of Faith" By: Iyanla Vanzant

"We come together in relationships to grow, not to live in misery. Our relationships should be sustaining, energizing, and growth-supporting. When they are not, our growth is stunted, our energy is depleted, and our personality is distorted. A solid, loving, supportive relationship is like a shot of life. It is a source of inspiration, it provides a spark of motivation to encourage you onto the highest evolution of your selfhood."

Quote Of The Day

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." — Abraham Lincoln

Gentrification In New York = Marion Jones, Rebuilding In New Orleans = A 3-Legged Horse

The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the breaking of New Orleans' levees, has yet to be rectified. Three years after one of America's most tragic disasters in history, thousands upon thousands of families are still displaced. Reuters' reports that the U.S. top disaster official has stated: "nearly 40,000 families are still living in vulnerable mobile homes and trailers across the U.S. Gulf Coast- with another hurricane season just two months away." [Please note that this statistic does not account for the numerous other families, scattered across the U.S. landscape. The statistics are even more stirring when we consider the total number of people who still have not regained their economic, social, and psychological footing after experiencing the wrath of Katrina and the broken levees].

A Katrina survivor and New Orleans resident, poignantly tells of the ineffective way in which officials have been handling New Orleans' reconstruction. In a New York Times article, Mrs. White states: "They come up with these plans that look great and sound great. They give people hope. Then, they fall into the background. Promises are made, and they are not kept."

I find the delays in rebuilding New Orleans appalling. American citizens who have endured such enormous adversities due to trauma and displacement should be treated with urgency, kindness, and consideration. There is no excuse for delays in construction when you consider the recent rapidity in which expensive real estate has been popping up in major cities. If the American economy and real estate industry can bear building swanky residential properties by the millions of square-footage, in New York alone; surely New Orleans' residents can be expeditiously relived of their squalid-to-nonexistent living conditions.

Maybe we should send the cast of "Extreme Home Makeover" down to The Big Easy. I bet you Ty and the crew would have this mess cleaned up in no time. SMH.

Quote Of The Day

"Never go to the second thing first." - German Saying

Castro Might Want To Re-Think This Whole Cellphone Thing

Raul Castro, Fidel Castro's brother and successor, has recently decided to lift the ban on cellphones for civilians on the island.

Ironically, this comes in the wake of an unrelated study recently done to determine the danger of cellphone use. The study was done by Dr. Vini Khurana, a noteworthy award-winning neurosurgeon.

According to the doctor, using cellphone handsets consistently for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer. Countries like Germany and France have already reportedly advised their citizens to minimize cellphone use.

According to the news source, "The Independent", Dr. Khurana has concluded from his study that in the future, " Mobile phones could kill far more people than smoking or asbestos." He also says that, "people should avoid using [cellphones] wherever possible...governments and the mobile phone industry must take 'immediate steps' to reduce exposure to their radiation." If this does not occur, doctors like cancer-expert, Dr. Vini Khurana are predicting a sharp rise in cancer deaths in the near future.

Personally, between all of the portable electronic devices that I use on a daily basis; I'll probably be able to glow in the dark by the year 2020. I'm no medical expert; however, I agree that people should try to abide by the minimal cellphone use theory as much as possible. I also recommend using a non-bluetooth, wired earplug when talking on a cellphone. I addition to this, I think that cellphones should be distanced from the body while it is on and/or in use...maybe this can help minimize the radiation exposure??? I would love for a study to be done on this as well.

New Yorkers (And Everybody Else) Be Prepared To Tighten Your Belts

Given New York City's status as an international financial center, the current credit crisis could have an especially deleterious impact on the New York State economy. Though the Division of the Budget is not forecasting a recession at this time, the risk of a recession is substantial.

THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

* The national economic slowdown is expected to continue through the first half of 2008. Real U.S. GDP is projected to grow 2.2 percent for 2008, following growth of about the same magnitude for 2007. This forecast is consistent with major professional forecast vendors.

* The subprime mortgage debacle is still unfolding and the housing market is still searching for a bottom. Corporate profits are soft; financial sector profits are falling. Growth in U.S. corporate profits is projected to slow further to 3.1 percent in 2008, following growth of 3.7 percent in 2007. These growth rates represent a significant decline from average growth of more than 15 percent over the five preceding years. Equity markets have responded accordingly: the S&P 500 has experienced a correction of more than ten percent since its most recent October peak.

* The national labor market has continued to lose momentum, underscored by the December increase in the unemployment rate to 5.0 percent. The Division of the Budget projects nonfarm job growth to slow to 1.0 percent for 2008, following growth of 1.3 percent for 2007. The unemployment rate is projected to rise from 4.6 percent in 2007 to 5.0 percent in 2008.

* Although there has been some improvement in credit market liquidity in recent weeks, markets remain tight, generating a significant drag on both household and business spending. Real household spending is projected to grow only 1.5 percent in the current quarter and 1.9 percent for all of 2008, well below its long-term trend of about 3.0 percent.

* The Division of the Budget projects inflation of 2.7 percent for 2008, roughly equal to its 2007 level of 2.8 percent; however, excessive energy price volatility could push overall price growth still higher, putting downward pressure on household spending and tying the Federal Reserve's hand as it tries to stimulate the economy with lower interest rates.

* Cushioning the current slowdown are solid growth in the global economy and an activist stance on the part of the Federal Reserve, which has already cut its policy target rate by 100 basis points with a further reduction likely, and is taking other action to inject liquidity into credit markets. The Federal government is also likely to take stimulative action.


THE NEW YORK STATE ECONOMY

* Consistent with the slowing of both the national and New York economies, the Division of the Budget projects a decline in State employment growth from 1.1 percent for 2007 to 0.6 percent for 2008.

* As a result of the mortgage-backed security debacle, the Division of the Budget projects a 5.5 percent decline in financial services and insurance sector bonuses for the first quarter of 2008, representing a loss of about $2.1 billion in wages relative to the same period in 2007.

* Wage growth is similarly projected to fall from 7.6 percent in 2007 to 3.3 percent in 2008. Slower growth in both the wage and nonwage components of income will result in total personal income growth of 4.3 percent for 2008, following 7.4 percent growth for 2007.

* The State's housing and commercial real estate markets are in better shape than the nation's but significant risks exist. The dollar volume of New York City commercial real estate transactions appears to have peaked in the first quarter of 2007.

[Source: The New York State Budget website (Click Here For New York State Budget's Website's Home Page). Italics added.

Quote Of The Day

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her." -David Brinkley; Newscaster

Circular Logic- This Doesn't Fly!

The new American Passport is comprised of an electronic chip and a wireless antennae. The American Government has reasoned that in the shadow of the 9/11 tragedy, tracking devices should be inserted into all passports in order to avoid counterfeiting by terrorists who hail from overseas. The irony is that the American Government Printing Office (The GPO), has hired foreign companies to manufacture these sensitive devices and place them into passport sleeves. The sleeves are then shipped to America where data is added. Some deem this to be a threat to national security.

Certain members of congress are opposed to this outsourcing, stating that it makes America extremely vulnerable to terrorists abroad (the very problem that the passport chips are supposed to alleviate). The Government's rebuttal is that the companies they have hired, have all been inspected. The GPO feels that these companies are safe. However, the Washington Times reports that one of the contracted companies has already fell victim to Chinese espionage. Still, the GPO further justifies its position by saying that America doesn't have the technology to produce the new passports on their homeland.

In conjunction with the safety risks, outsourcing such a lucrative job during an economic downturn seems to be perilous to American Citizens. The easy solution to this simmering debate, would be to train American workers to manufacture these passports. This would increase safety, and infuse revenue into the American economy- a simple win-win.

Quote Of The Day

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." -Anonymous

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and The Fall of New York" By: Robert A. Caro

"Robert Moses was America's greatest builder. He was the shaper of the greatest city in the New World.

But what did he build? What was the shape into which he pounded the city?

To build the highways, Moses threw out of their homes 250,000 persons- more people than lived in Albany or Chattanooga, or in Spokane, Tacoma, Duluth, Akron, Baton Rouge, Mobile, Nashville, or Sacramento. He tore out the hearts of a score of neighborhoods, communities the size of small cities themselves, communities that had been lively, friendly places to live, the vital parts of the city that made New York a home to its people.

By building his highways, Moses flooded the city with cars. By systematically starving the subways and the suburban commuter railroads, he swelled that flood to city-destroying dimensions. By making sure that the vast suburbs, rural and empty when he came to power, were filled on a sprawling, low-density development pattern relying primarily on roads instead of mass transportation, he insured that that flood would continue for generations if not centuries, that the New York metropolitan area would be- perhaps forever- an area in which transportation- getting from one place to another- would be an irritating, life-consuming concern for its 14,000,000 residents.

For highways, Moses dispossessed 250,000 persons. For his other projects- Lincoln Center, the United Nations, the Fordham, Pratt and Long Island University campuses, a dozen mammoth urban renewal projects- he dispossessed tens of thousands more; there are available no accurate figures on the total number of people evicted from their homes for all Robert Moses public works, but the figure is almost certainly close to half a million; the one detailed study by an outside agency shows that in a ten-year period, 1946 to 1956, the number was 320,000. More significant even than the number of the dispossessed were their characteristics: a disproportionate share of them were Black, Puerto Rican- and poor. He evicted tens of thousands of poor, nonwhite persons for urban renewal projects, and the housing he built to replace the housing he tore down was, to an overwhelming extent, not housing for the poor, but for the rich. The dispossessed, barred from many areas of the city by their color and their poverty, had no place to go but into the already overcrowded slums- or into 'soft' borderline areas that then became slums, so that his 'slum clearance programs' created new slums as fast as they were clearing the old.

When he built housing for poor people, he built housing bleak, sterile, cheap- expressive of patronizing condescension in every line. And he built it in locations that contributed to the ghettoization of the city, dividing up the city by color and income. And by skewing city expenditures toward revenue-producing services, he prevented the city from reaching out toward its poor and assimilating them, and teaching them how to live in such housing- and the very people for whom he built it reacted with rage and bitterness and ignorance, and defaced it.

He built parks and playgrounds with a lavish hand, but they were parks and playgrounds for the rich and the comfortable. Recreational facilities for the poor he doled out like a miser.

For decades, to advance his own purposes, he systematically defeated every attempt to create the master plan that might have enabled the city to develop on a rational, logical, unified pattern- defeated it until, when it was finally adopted, it was too late for it to do much good."


[SIDEBAR: The Legal Eagles Community Newsletter on Gentrification coming...as soon as possible.]

Riddle Me This: How Far Can An Apple Fall From Its Family Tree?

A curious group of genealogists have traced the lineage of the current U.S. Presidential hopefuls. Headlines blared that Barack Obama is a distant cousin to Brad Pitt, and Hillary Clinton is distant kin to actress Angelina Jolie. Many journalists and bloggers chuckled at the irony. However, the irony doesn't stop there.

According to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Barack Obama is related to current President George W. Bush, and 5 former U.S. Presidents. How's that for irony?

Barack Obama and current Vice President Dick Cheney, have also previously publicly discussed the alleged lineage that they share. [PLEASE SEE THE VIDEOS POSTED BELOW.]







NOTE TO MR. OBAMA: If you do happen to get an invite to The Cheney Family Reunion, and after everyone's bellies are filled and the dishes are done- if Cousin Dick happens to invite you to a post-dinner hunting round-up in the wooded backyard area- emphatically say, "No!"

Quote Of The Day

“It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.” -Francis Bacon

Duck Down...Maybe She Had To Tie Her Shoe?!

Hillary Clinton is coming under fire...but not in the way that she previously claimed she had.

Footage of Clinton arriving in Bosnia during her tenure as first lady, shows a pleasant and peaceful welcoming. However, Clinton's recollection of that event initially bordered on a tale woven with wartime heroics, where she had to duck and dodge bullets.

According to the BBC website, Senator Clinton first spoke of said arrival at an airport in Bosnia by saying: "I remember landing under sniper fire...But it was a moment of great pride for me." Hillary Clinton recently made these false statements in an attempt to bolster her image as a future commander-in-chief who has first-hand knowledge of the perils of war. However, her posturing has backfired (no pun intended).

Mrs. Clinton's statements about her "courageous" 1996 trip to Bosnia, has since been dispelled. The dichotomy of her statements and what actually happened has been exposed courtesy of video footage taken during the then first lady's travels.

When confronted with the inaccuracies of her Bosnian recollections, Clinton responded by saying: "I did mis-speak the other day. You know this has been a very long campaign, so occasionally I am a human being like everybody else."

[SIDEBAR: Note To All Future Political Candidates: Campaigning can cause memory lapses and delirium which can cause you to confuse red carpet treatment, hugs from children, well-wishes, and hospitality with rapid automatic gunfire.]

[SIDEBAR: THE SEQUEL: Now you can officially stop strictly blaming "gangster rappers" for imaginary, scripted tall tales of gunplay...Congress, shady politicians, and the 9/11 Commission stand up!]

[SIDEBAR: THE FINALE: No word on how the Bosnians feel about being lied on like this...SMH.]

Quote Of The Day

"It is the fool whose own tomatoes are sold to him." - Akan Proverb

It Was All Good Just A Week Ago

You can come up with your own caption for this travesty right here. All I can say is: What a difference a handful-and-a-half of days makes. SMH.

Is This What All Of The Smoke & Mirrors Is Camouflaging?...

Since David Paterson was inducted into office on Monday and publicly confessed to his private-life sins, his visage has covered the front page of almost every New York news periodical. His picture has been captioned with a variety of witticisms and puns alluding to his indiscretions.

However tucked away in the New York Post, in an article that took up less than an eighth of a page, is one if the most stirring official acts that David Paterson has committed during his brief tenure as governor thus far. The headline of this article states that "Paterson Rejects Tax On Wealthy."

In an effort to close the $5 Billion gap in the New York State budget, the democrats suggested a .85% income tax increase for residents who make more than $1 Million a year. David Paterson rejected this proposal made by his party members. Instead, he has opted to side with republican Mayor Bloomberg, and is declining a tax increase on his wealthier constituents.

According To The New York Post, in lieu of the less than 1% income tax increase for the affluent citizens of New York, David Paterson is requesting $800 Million in cuts. Where exactly these cuts will be applied has remained to be seen. Without the specific details, I am unsure of what the resulting damage of Governor Paterson's plan will be. However, $800 Million of cuts seems like a frightening proposition. I venture to guess that most of those cuts are likely to adversely affect those who are most in need. After all, isn't that how it usually works? We will soon find out since the state's constitution mandates that the state's budget must be finalized by April 1st. [Sidebar: April fool's day...how apropos.]

Quote Of The Day

"When brains are needed, brawn won't help." -Yiddish Proverb

BOOK EXCERPT OF THE WEEK: From, "Callus On My Soul" By: Dick Gregory w/ Shelia P. Moses

"Nineteen sixty-four was really a sad year of murders, church bombings, and the beating of children. I was doing as much marching as entertaining. I no longer wanted to be called; I did my own research and made sure I went where I was needed, when I was needed.

The first protest I did alone was to challenge the fact we didn't even have our public accommodation bill passed here in the United States. I flew to St. Louis where the AAU was holding national track and field championships and selecting a team to compete in Moscow. I was asking the Black athletes there not to go. They didn't understand that they were representing a country overseas and they were not free at home. The press was there from all over the world. I stood there alone, but not afraid. Everyone walked by me and ignored me, even the Black folks. One coach even spat at me. I got on the plane and went back to San Francisco...I left feeling defeated, alone and hurt. It took four years for that hurt to dissipate.

At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, two Black track and field athletes, Tommy Smith and John Carlos, came in first and second for the United States in the 200-meter dash. As they were presented with their medals, they each raised a Black-gloved fist in the air in front of the whole world in solidarity with the Black Power Movement. The world was never the same. A year later when I was in Thailand, the number one selling souvenir was a Black fist attached to a key chain. When a reporter asked Harry Edwards, the professor at San Jose University who had engineered Smith and Carlos' demonstration, where he got the idea, his response shocked me: 'I saw Dick Gregory protest the try-outs of the Olympics in St. Louis.'

When I read that, I felt more humiliated than I had in St. Louis. I felt humiliated because I realized that all God had been doing at those Olympic tryouts was planting a seed, like the farmer planting his crop. He didn't need me; He just chose me. He was saying to me: 'This is my crop, this is my sun, this is my rain, this is my cool evening, this is my morning dew. You don't determine when it is harvest time. Only I determine that.' I was trying to make harvest time come and I had no right to do that. All I was doing was planting God's seed." -From, "Callus On My Soul" By: Dick Gregory w/ Shelia P. Moses

CLICK HERE for the full book review.

Quote Of The Day

"A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming." -Ralph Waldo Emerson


[Sidebar: Thanks to my my space who had this quote on her page. I had to post it here after I saw it on her page. Thanks again!]

Et Tu? Isn't Anyone Faithful Anymore?

It's been less than 72 hours, since Governor David Paterson and his wife admitted to having affairs in the past when their marriage hit a "rough patch." Since this confession, the details of the Governor's infidelities has been quickly expanding. What was first thought to be a single affair that commenced over half-a-decade ago, has now increased into multiple affairs- including one with a state government employee in the not-so-distant past.

Being human beings, we can all site our own personal sins of omission and/or commission (in varying degrees of severity- of course). However, I as a citizen, am becoming nonplussed with all of the sordid personal decisions that many of our government leaders are making. This is especially so when personal decisions cast a deep shadow on what should be the task-at-hand- making complex decisions that affect the lives of millions.

David Paterson, separates himself from other recent politicians caught up in extramarital affairs, by stating that he never used his governmental position to advance or facilitate his liaisons. However, the debate is still open on whether politicians who are unfaithful in their personal lives are qualified to hold positions that necessitate integrity and honesty. I personally feel that certain decisions and life patterns are indicators of an individual's character. However, the jury is also still out on the competency vs. character factor; and which weighs more in the minds of the constituents.

As for David Paterson, his political peers and the press seem to be on his side. They are mostly stating that the Governor's dalliances are a personal issue that he has handled well publicly.

[Sidebar/Note-To-Self: When it comes to future prospects: Politicians who party like rockstars < Actual rockstars. SMH]

The Right Person In The Right Position..."Let Me Re-Introduce Myself..."

This afternoon, history was made when New York inducted it's first African American Governor. David Paterson is also the first physically visually impaired Governor.

It is rare to see a politician with such a positive glow surrounding him. It is also rare to see a politician emphasize their role as one of being a servant "in the interest of the people."

Governor Paterson has already won over so many of his political peers and constituents with his competence, wit, and good-natured persona. I'm wishing him a successful tenure in office; may his leadership set a positive example for future government officials.

Quote Of The Day

Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom. -From, "The Republic" By: Plato

Quote Of The Day

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Seuss

Being #2 Is Never Any Fun

Hillary Clinton announced that she would be happy to have Barack Obama run on her ticket with her as a Vice President. How gracious of her. The only glitch in her plan is that Mr. Obama is the forerunner in their current competition for the democratic nomination. This ploy may be a tactic to try to confuse voters into thinking that they can get a 2 for 1 democratic deal.

According to the BBC website, Barack Obama rebuffed Mrs. Clinton's assertions by stating: "I don't know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to somebody who is first place...I don't want anybody thinking that somehow 'well, you know know, maybe I can get both.' Don't think that way. You have to make a choice in this election...I'm not running for vice president. I am running for president of the United States of America."

[SIDEBAR: Mrs. Clinton might have tried a more potent trick by resurrecting Bill Clinton; suggesting him as her possible 2nd in command...just an idea...after all turnabout is fair play...lol. Then again, maybe he's holding steady for a possible cabinet position. I guess we'll have to wait and see.]

BREAKING NEWS...New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Caught Patronizing Prostitutes

Just a few moments ago, the married governor of New York held a press conference to apologize for his alleged ties to a prostitution ring. His teary-eyed wife appeared by his side. The governor did not give a detailed account of his exact sins. However, according to reports being released by The New York Times, it is alleged that Gov. Spitzer was caught on a federal wiretap arranging a liaison with a prostitute. This is ironic, since Eliot Spitzer was himself involved with prosecuting members of prostitution rings during his tenure as attorney general. This brings up all kinds of imagery of: pots, kettles, and blackness- let the conclusion drawing begin.

Governor Spitzer has not yet responded to the questions of whether he will resign due to this moral debacle.

[SIDEBAR: This is the same government official who last month proposed to close the state's budget gap by taxing drug dealers on their stashes of illegal drugs...SMH]

Does Barack Obama = David Palmer?

I'm not an avid TV watcher (In fact I don't even currently own one), so I'm about 7 years late on this whole 24 Series featuring Kiefer Sutherland. My friend from high school constantly raves about this show, so I finally picked up the first two seasons on DVD.

[MY CAVEAT: Because I'm only two seasons in, my analysis may be a little premature, but...here it goes...]

David Palmer, the U.S. Presidential character on the show is my idea of a perfect president. He has unwavering integrity, he is decisive, he exhibits grace under fire, he's knowledgeable and intellectual, and he's an independent thinker who considers all the options. Bottom line: This character has character. Even though he's fictionalized, I would like to have a commander-in-chief this great. [SIDEBAR: Don't spoil it for me if this character somehow takes a wayward turn- like I said, I'm only 2 seasons in].

Watching the 24 DVDs this weekend, led me to ponder: "Can the popular, likely democratic candidate (He won Wyoming this weekend) Barack Obama be as great a president as the fictionalized David Palmer? If the answer is affirmative, I really look forward to the next four years.

We're Going To Pay For This In More Ways Than One

According to a new book written by a Nobel Prize winning economist, a conservative estimate of the cost of America's war for 2008 will be $12 Billion (yes that's billion with a "B") per month (multiply that by 12 for all you math fanatics). Once again, this is a conservative estimate.

As an American citizen, I fear the repercussions of such treachery and waste. This doesn't even count the lives lost and the families affected.

[Source: www.cnn.com. Click here for full article.]

I Thought Water Was Supposed To Be Synonymous With Purity

CNN's website is reporting that U.S. drinking water contains some surprising elements. Water sources in many major U.S. cities is made up of more than just your average H2O.

An associated press study found a diverse group of pharmaceuticals in the American water system. Drugs and medicines including: antibiotics, mood stabilizers, codeine, and caffeine were found. Also, various types of hormones were proven to be present.

In Philadelphia, 56 different types of drugs and pharmaceuticals were discovered in the city's drinking water.

Scientists claim that the traces of the cocktails of drugs that are being found in the American water supply are small. However, the long term effects of drinking, and being exposed, to such contamination has yet to be reported.

According to www.cnn.com, "The federal government doesn't require testing, and hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water." Just a thought, maybe the government should take a small fraction of their war budget to ensure that our "8 glasses a day" isn't killing us softly.

Quote Of The Day

"By attack is understanding lost." -From, "A Course In Miracles"

Presidential Race '08 Update

It is being reported that with 99% of the votes counted, Hillary Clinton has prevailed in the primary polls in Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Barack Obama has secured the state of Vermont. The tally for the democratic delegate race is as follows:

Barack Obama: 1,477 Delegates and 24 States won
Hillary Clinton: 1,391 Delegates and 16 States won

The amount of delegates needed to secure the democratic nomination is 2,025.

On the Republican side of things, John McCain has secured the spot as the rival to whoever will secure the democratic ticket.

Quote Of The Day

"The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power; because they control the minds of the masses." -Malcolm X

NYC MTA Fare Hiked Up- Once Again

NYC transit commuters started their week digging deeper into their pockets in order to make their commutes. The fare increases are as follows:

• The One Day Fun Pass increased from $7 to $7.50
• The 7 Day Unlimited Ride Metrocard has increased to $25
• The 30 Day Unlimited Ride Metrocard has increased to $81
  

The increases were enacted despite a large public outcry. They also come in the face of a Daily News article printed yesterday stating that the MTA's CEO is receiving unprecedented privileges on the taxpayers' dime.

The MTA's CEO reportedly has a driver/bodyguard who is paid an annual salary of approximately $160,000. I guess with that salary at least someone can afford to ride the MTA.

BREAKING NEWS...NY Metro North Service Suspended Due To Building Collapse

All service on the Metro North (NY) has been suspended due to a building collapse on 124th Street and Park Avenue.

It has been reported that luckily, there were no injuries.

Quote Of The Day

"Never confuse motion with action." -Benjamin Franklin

Lockdown America Part 1

Last week, the Pew Foundation released a report regarding their findings on the rate of incarceration in America. According to the report, the U.S. incarceration rate is at an all time high. The numbers are staggering. The statistics are as follows:

• At the start of 2008, 2.32 million adults were in prison.
• 1 out of every 99 adults are currently incarcerated.
• 1 out of 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 are in prison.
• 1 out of 9 Black men between the ages of 20 and 34 are incarcerated.
• 1 out of 15 Hispanic men between the ages of 20 and 34 are incarcerated.

So The Press Can Keep A Secret

The press recently broke a story that Prince Harry was on the frontlines in Afghanistan as a soldier, for about 10 weeks. This information was kept from the general public via a media blackout. Various sources in the UK media who were privy to this classified information, were asked by the Ministry of Defense to keep silent about it. They readily agreed. In today's times of media & technology, it is nothing short of amazing that this story wasn't leaked, and reported internationally as it was unfolding. Who would ever think that the headline thirsty press could be so tight lipped.