before I begin, I want everyone to continue to pray for my family. For those that don't know, my Aunt is in the hospital. I'm actually at the hospital as we speak. She's doing well though.
So on to the subject at hand. for those of you who are still in chicago, you may or may not have realized some of the atrocities that have been plaguing our fair(ly) gothic city. The numerous homocides, the increase in gang related activity, and the overall blatant disregard for authority or, in some cases, discretion.
A guy in my neighborhood was robbed in broad daylight....like 1pm daylight. all he was doing was trying to get to the bus so he could go to work. and even after, he couldnt because they stole his bookbag with his work clothes
Last weekend, there were numerous shootouts in the Uptown neighborhood (my old stomping ground).
earlier this week, there were police and helicopters shining lights over the Lake. everyone knows the only time they do that is when they're looking for a body.
and lets not forget the dozens of REPORTED home invasions, assaults and robberies all over the city.
I was talking to my favorite homie Susie about all of the recent criminal acts all over the city. not to knock her, because I love this girl to death and beyond (lol). but alot of people seem to want there to be something done, but dont want to take the time to do anything about it. We've become a nation of whiners. We want to live this perfect, utopian existence, but aren't willing to help build it if its not directly related to us. here's a new flash for everyone: everything that happens in this city...everywhere really. is effected positively and negatively by everything else.
If something bad happens to one person, it might, psychologically, fuck them the hell up. I'll give a classic example:
for years, hundreds of years even, the media has demonized black society. black women were objects to be used at the discretion of men. black men were powerful, uncontrollable entities that were (are) to be feared. when you reinforce that over generations, it becomes commonplace for a woman to get a death grip on her purse when a black male enters an elevator. Note: if someone wanted to take your purse lady, theyd do it. And we're in an elevator. where the fuck am I going to go?
anyway, that one aspect of media has changed the face of how people viewed one another. It has effected schools, jobs, residences.
So how do we stop things like racism, violence, and toher negative things? we need to act. even the smallest act can change someone's life forever. One thing you will notice about almost everyone that commits a violent crime or is incarcerated is that they have very poor education. low education has been linked to violent crimes for years, so why is it still a factor? it's quite simple -- even if you have/are pursuing an education, go to a school where educational standards arent held as highly as an NBA contract. volunteer to work in an after school program. take a group of friends and read to a bunch of 3rd graders. these things just wont magically go away because you wish them away. people need to stand together and say "This has got to stop."
everyday is a gift. that's why it's called "present" so make the most of it, in light of your self. get out in the communities so someones gift can be changed.
till next time
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Vol. 34: Ignorance is....American.
Yes, it has been quite a long time since I've actually written a note....for that matter, it's been a long time since I've adequately expressed my opinion on various subjects. however, I was watching Real Time with Bill Maher a minute ago and realized the ugly truth....Americans are dumbasses.
For those of you who have HBO or just simply know the humorous yet ugly reality of Maher's wit, you know that often times it's hard to really figure out what's truth, and what's a joke. However, as I was listening to his ending segment, between laughs, i realized that alot of what he was saying probably isn't far from the truth. i'll educate those of you who don't know....just tell me if, given the current condition of american do-diligence, these statements sound about right....
On the Eve (the day before) the Iraq War, 70% of Americans believed Suddam Huissan was personally involved with 9/11....6 years later, 34% still do.
The majority of Americans ( not all, but many) cannot name a single branch of the Government....
...or explain what the Bill of Rights is...
24% of Americans can't recall the country America fought in the Revolutionary War
Over 2/3 of Americans don't know what's in Roe v. Wade....
2/3 of Americans don' know what the FOOD and DRUG administration does
nearly half don't know that every state has TWO Senators and more than half, can't name their congressmen
these are the things that our forefathers fought ENGLAND for. the right to know...just to know. to ask questions; to debate logically when we disagree with something or someone. Now, it seems that Americans have given up on knowledge. if this was a marriage, the government would be the wife that nags her husband (i.e. the citizens) to the point of "yes, dear." "that's a good idea, honey." "you're so smart, dear." it's almost like Americans want to know, but are afraid to stand up and ACT, rather than just speak.
So much complaining is being done about the economic crises, and the fact that the C.E.O.s are STILL taking vacations to resorts using tax payer dollars. Why have none of them been indicted? Why, after contributing trillions of dollars in taxes and deficit spending, are there no new jobs being created? That is the purpose of deficit spending! look at WWII America. FDR used deficit spending to resurrect the country out of something far worse than what we're in now. So why can't we, a more technologically, and (supposedly) educated America, get it together? the unemployment rate in The United States in 2009 should not be teetering towards the 10% edge. it should not be easier to get weed than to get affordable healthcare, or get federal funding for college (I just found out that even if you don't live with your parents and even if you are financially indepedent, their income still effects your FAFSA). We all think it, but no one wants to ask "where the Hell is my money going?"
Actually. Hold that thought. people shouldn't be asking where their money is going. people should ask "what is my money DOING?"
the avg voter believes 24% of government spending is in foreign Aid. WRONG! less than 1% goes to foreign aid.
instead of worrying about bailing out the real evil-doers (a la George Dubya Bush), we should consider educating ourselves so our government will become OUR bitch....not the other way around. until we learn to fight for ourselves, we will never be truly United....unable to live freely and speak openly as so many of us claim to.
...F.Y.I. Freedom of Speech is in the Bill of Rights.
till next time.
For those of you who have HBO or just simply know the humorous yet ugly reality of Maher's wit, you know that often times it's hard to really figure out what's truth, and what's a joke. However, as I was listening to his ending segment, between laughs, i realized that alot of what he was saying probably isn't far from the truth. i'll educate those of you who don't know....just tell me if, given the current condition of american do-diligence, these statements sound about right....
On the Eve (the day before) the Iraq War, 70% of Americans believed Suddam Huissan was personally involved with 9/11....6 years later, 34% still do.
The majority of Americans ( not all, but many) cannot name a single branch of the Government....
...or explain what the Bill of Rights is...
24% of Americans can't recall the country America fought in the Revolutionary War
Over 2/3 of Americans don't know what's in Roe v. Wade....
2/3 of Americans don' know what the FOOD and DRUG administration does
nearly half don't know that every state has TWO Senators and more than half, can't name their congressmen
these are the things that our forefathers fought ENGLAND for. the right to know...just to know. to ask questions; to debate logically when we disagree with something or someone. Now, it seems that Americans have given up on knowledge. if this was a marriage, the government would be the wife that nags her husband (i.e. the citizens) to the point of "yes, dear." "that's a good idea, honey." "you're so smart, dear." it's almost like Americans want to know, but are afraid to stand up and ACT, rather than just speak.
So much complaining is being done about the economic crises, and the fact that the C.E.O.s are STILL taking vacations to resorts using tax payer dollars. Why have none of them been indicted? Why, after contributing trillions of dollars in taxes and deficit spending, are there no new jobs being created? That is the purpose of deficit spending! look at WWII America. FDR used deficit spending to resurrect the country out of something far worse than what we're in now. So why can't we, a more technologically, and (supposedly) educated America, get it together? the unemployment rate in The United States in 2009 should not be teetering towards the 10% edge. it should not be easier to get weed than to get affordable healthcare, or get federal funding for college (I just found out that even if you don't live with your parents and even if you are financially indepedent, their income still effects your FAFSA). We all think it, but no one wants to ask "where the Hell is my money going?"
Actually. Hold that thought. people shouldn't be asking where their money is going. people should ask "what is my money DOING?"
the avg voter believes 24% of government spending is in foreign Aid. WRONG! less than 1% goes to foreign aid.
instead of worrying about bailing out the real evil-doers (a la George Dubya Bush), we should consider educating ourselves so our government will become OUR bitch....not the other way around. until we learn to fight for ourselves, we will never be truly United....unable to live freely and speak openly as so many of us claim to.
...F.Y.I. Freedom of Speech is in the Bill of Rights.
till next time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)