They Call Me "Little Man"

A very good friend of mine sent this to me in an email last week:

I meant to post this last week, but I could not have done this at a more perfect time. After reading one of the most powerful posts from one of my blog brothers Brown Man Thinking Hard, I had to bring this today. His post was centered around education and today's youth. His post stemmed from a conversation on another blog where it was suggested that maybe Black kids are failing in school because the curiculum was too 'Eurocentric' -- a pretty stupid asertion if you ask me. That said, I must say that I agree with Brown Man's post entitled: "Keeping It Real" - Being Stupid On Purpose. Do yourself the favor of clicking the title of his post and have a read; I believe it's well worth it.

Now, after looking at the previous video or teaser for CNN's Black in America 2, I was left to ponder these Socratic questions:

How is it that a man who grew up picking cotton as the grandson of slaves was able to raise a family with 13 kids, and was able to put 5 of them through college? Why is it that parents today are having a hard time getting their kids to graduate high school? How is it, that he was able to do that without any education, but yet the high school drop out rate is what it is today? Oh yeah, just in case you didn't know, it's pretty damn low [Read: Losing Our Future: How Minority Youth Are Being Left Behind by the Graduation Rate Crisis.].

Are kids failing in schools and dropping out because, well, the curriculum is too eurocentric? What other excuses can you come up with that explains what's happening? I'm only asking because like Brown Man, I'm not going to accept that one. If all 13 of "Little Man's" kids can graduate high school in rural Mississippi and 5 of them advance to college, what's the problem? Is the problem the lack of uneducated Black men the likes of "Little Man" raising their kids today? Surely this Black man isn't an anomaly is he?

Listen, I know the subject of this post deals with education as the questions have laid out. But I would be remiss if I didn't shed light on the beauty of this story. It just goes to show that though us Black men get a bum rap in the media. There are many of us out here who do not or will not be held to a certain negative stereotype or perception. I'm willing to bet that there are many more Black men out there like "Little Man" but maybe not as old. I could only hope that CNN with their upcoming Black in America 2 documentary do a good job of highlighting this fact. We are all aware of the negative stereotypes and it is stories like this that should be used to inspire us.

If "Little Man" can triumph against all odds, why can't we all?

Check out one of my favorites from Nina Simone:

File This One Under: They Never Shoulda Gave You N*ggas Money! Or: "I'm Broke, N*gga I'm Broke!" - Adam "Pacman" Jones

This is what happens when people who've never had anything before finally become wealthy. We see it all the time; more specifically, with professional athletes. In a recent article for Sports Illustrated - How (And Why) Athletes Go Broke - writer Pablo S. Torre had this to share:

What happens to many athletes and their money is indeed hard to believe. In this month alone Saints alltime leading rusher Deuce McAllister filed for bankruptcy protection for the Jackson, Miss., car dealership he owns; Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad put his mansion in Charlotte up for sale on eBay a month after news broke that his entertainment company was being sued by Wachovia Bank for overdue credit-card payments; and penniless former NFL running back Travis Henry was jailed for nonpayment of child support.

In a less public way, other athletes from the nation's three biggest and most profitable leagues—the NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball—are suffering from a financial pandemic. Although salaries have risen steadily during the last three decades, reports from a host of sources (athletes, players' associations, agents and financial advisers) indicate that:

• By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of joblessness or divorce.

• Within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke.

This type of financial downfall is not exclusive to professional athletes. Ordinary people who by chance and the luck of the draw manage to pick the winning lottery numbers also fall victim to their financial ineptitue [See: 8 Lottery Winners Who Lost Their Millions]. Just like professional athletes, they all wish they had it to do over again. Of course not all lottery winners and professional athletes are daring enough to "make it rain" on women in strip clubs. But never the less, through bad decisions they for the most part wake up one day wondering "what the f*ck?!!"

William "Bud" Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988 but now lives on his Social Security.

"I wish it never happened. It was totally a nightmare," says Post.

A former girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings. It wasn't his only lawsuit. A brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him, hoping to inherit a share of the winnings. Other siblings pestered him until he agreed to invest in a car business and a restaurant in Sarasota, Fla., -- two ventures that brought no money back and further strained his relationship with his siblings.

Post even spent time in jail for firing a gun over the head of a bill collector. Within a year, he was $1 million in debt.

Post admitted he was both careless and foolish, trying to please his family. He eventually declared bankruptcy.

Now he lives quietly on $450 a month and food stamps.

"I'm tired, I'm over 65 years old, and I just had a serious operation for a heart aneurysm. Lotteries don't mean (anything) to me," says Post.

I often wander off in my mind like everybody does and wish I could hitb the lottery. Like you, I have found myself imagining just what I would do if I were ever in that situation. I often wonder what I would buy, and just how my life would change. Just like you, the thought of hitting the lottery is a welcomed dream. But hey, there's an old saying that says "you gotta pay to play". I can't help but to think that sometimes said price isn't worth it.

I guess in the end we can all say that what happened to these people will never happen to us. But that's easy to say especially when you never had it to begin with. Adam "Pacman" Jones, though unlike other athletes who have lost money and are broke after retirement was a fool. I'm sorry, but I don't think it gets any more silly than going into a stripclub with $100,000 in cash. Especially when you can get women for a lot less by just being a professional athlete in ton on Allstar Weekend. He took forgranted the opportunity he had, and he threw it away. He was given a second chance in the NFL and he has since pissed it away. In my opinion, though a gifted athlete, and as much as I believe in people given a chance for redemption, Adam "Pacman" Jones deserves no more than he was already given.

You can read this article - 25 Rich Athletes Who Went Broke - to get a feel for the who's who of professional athletes who have had their share of financial ruin. Like me, you'll probably be surprised to see the host of White athletes who made the list. Further proving that failures are not always the kid you take out of the ghetto.

Preaching to the choir

I listened to Barack Obama's speech at the NAACP, and I'll be honest, it wasn't one of those come to Jesus moments for me. Unlike the people in attendance the Holy Ghost didn't run through me, nor did I start speaking in tongues. I suppose it's due in part to the fact that I felt like he broke no new ground with his speech; seriously, how many times have we heard the whole dreaded "PR" words - personal responsibility - dished out at us. Of course this "self-accountability" theme or line he delivered is being played out by the media for obvious reasons. Yeah, I know it's the NAACP so it's probably to be expected, but tell me something I don't know. I mean, tell me about how the green jobs are going to create employment in the Black community. Tell me about how those "shovel ready" projects are coming along and it's impact on the crisis of minority unemployment. Tell me if us minorities will ever have to worry about predatory lending ever again.

I don't know, but is it too audacious to think that a person like myself filled with hope and longing for change to ask this of our president? Can we hear some talk about how implemented policy will directly, and specifically impact the Black community? How much longer will we as Black people be the choir that is lectured? When will we be just members of the church who tithe every week and question the progress on the building fund? Look, personal responsibility, and the importance of education is one thing - an important thing. However, haven't we stressed these ideals a time or two? The thing that bothers me, is that if this were George W. Bush giving the very same speech - obviously with less eloquence and passion - a part of me thinks that us Black folks would be offended. Yes, we would and I dare you to tell me I'm wrong; I'll let you marinate on that as I move on.

Speaking of hope, change and social justice:

A good friend of mine, Tracie Powell, who is a weekly contributor to CQpolitics wrote a piece recently that I found interesting and thought provoking. Her piece centers around president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rev. Eric P. Lee. He has come under fire for expressing an opposing view which supports the LGBT movement and their fight for equality and marriage. As a result of his stance or support the organization wants him fired. Her piece is titled: Gay Marriage: What Would King Do?, and after reading it one can only wonder - as I did - what, how or where would Martin Luther King Jr. stand on this issue today were he alive. I'd really like you to take the time to click the aforementioned link to her post and give it a read.

It is my hope that you would be brave enough to leave your honest opinion on her post as you would here. Personally I would hope that if Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, he would lend his support to the LGBT movement. After all, he he did champion for equality economically and socially, did he not? However, even in knowing that as well all do. A part of me wants to think that he too would have back pedaled and become hypocritical and lend no support to this cause. Him being a Black preacher, I think he would have folded under the pressure of the Black church, and organizations like the SCLC, and I think that would have been tragic. Tragic because for most of us, it's probably hard to see Martin Luther King Jr. as a hypocrite. Even more tragic, is that there are some of us who believe that organizations like the SCLC and the NAACP are no longer relevant. Well, if they aren't where would Barack Obama go to preach to the choir?

QUESTION(S):

What did you think of Barack Obama's speech in front of the NAACP gathering?

Do you think Martin Luther King Jr. would be supportive of the LGBT w/ gay marriage?

Do you think as an organization, that the NAACP or the SCLC are still relevent today?

Don't Ask Don't Tell: If You Do, Either You Get Killed or Lose Your Job While Obama Does Nothing - And Yes He Can, Remember?

So if I told you that "Porky Pig" was gay would you believe me? Probably not. You'd probably think I was trippin’ like usual. Well, the truth is, I don't know whether he's gay or not nor can I even prove it. But, if I could prove that he was gay, and of course if you believe me, would it make a difference in how you looked at Porky? It probably wouldn't make a difference to you; it wouldn't because he's just a cartoon, right? Exactly! He's just a stupid cartoon that we grew up watching as kids and he’s not real. Now if Porky was a real person, things would be different. We'd all look at him differently. He'd be Porky the gay pig instead of Porky Pig.

I think its vapid how we judge and label people because of the sexual orientation of their partners with whom they engage sexually. I mean, I personally love eating p*ssy, but now that you know that, do you look at me any differently? No you won't, because I'd still be RiPPa instead of RiPPa the guy who likes to eat p*ssy. I think it’s stupid to get hung up on someone’s sexuality or sexual preferences. But here in America, it’s a big deal. I'd like to think that in other countries things are different and people are more liberal. But the hell if I know; maybe you can tell me if it is.

Unlike most people, I'm not paranoid about gay people. Hell, when was the last time you heard of a gay rapist in the news? (No seriously, I’d like you to think about that last question) You see, in my younger years I could have been considered a homophobe. Like many people in today's society, I'd throw a middle finger up at gay man all the while embracing lesbians or some girl on girl action. I mean, that’s what men do. That’s what men insecure about THEIR sexuality do. But as I've gotten older I've come to realize just how closed minded and juvenile it is to have such a mindset.

[Read the story of August Provost III here]

I mean hell, heterosexuals engage in sexual activities that are somewhat out of the "norm"; but do we judge them like we do homosexuals? Sure we don't! Do we run around persecuting people who choose to engage in shittin’ on each other while having sex? No we don't. There is no protest if two would be "shitters" wanna get married. Instead, there's outrage about gay marriages and their ability to openly serve in the military. Look, gay people live in this country and pay taxes just like everybody else. They're not forced into a higher or lower tax bracket just because they're gay. So why prevent them from being able to serve their country in the military? I mean, how come there isn’t a special “no shitters” clause in the military? Shittin’ on your partner while having sex is a dirty habit but yet I don’t see anyone trying to ban it.

Of course some people say that it’s not morally right because God didn't intend it to be that way. Newsflash people: nobody voted for God to run this country; God doesn’t put his hand on a bible to be sworn in. And besides, if God didn’t intend for it to be this way, doesn’t that show that even he isn’t perfect? Whatever happened to separation of church and state here? The churches or religious groups have that much power to influence policy or their own moral agenda? Hell, why don't they use that power to stop the f*ckin war in Afghanistan?!! Oh I forgot, in Afghanistan those people are Muslim and not Christian so it’s cool with God to kill them just as long as the person pulling the trigger isn’t gay?

Yeah, the United States military makes bullets and guns that only work for heterosexuals. Yep, that’s why they have to kick gay people out of the military if they’re exposed. Uh huh, that’s why there’s that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. You see once a gay person is found out it causes major malfunctions with the nuclear defense systems that are strategically placed all over the world. And well, you know as a country we cannot afford to become so vulnerable since we’ve pissed off so many people around the world, right? Yeah, if they find out that you're gay, you're gone. Is that fair? Gay people are not qualified to promote democracy and freedom? I guess being gay is anti-American? Isn’t it time that they update their weapons capability so as to prevent them from malfunctioning in the hands or presence of gay personnel?

But hey, this is America, the land of the free, home of the brave, and the hypocrites. F*ck, R. Kelly gets to pee on a 14yr old girl and still make millions from fan support, but a gay person can't exercise his or her right to serve the country in the military and protect our freedom as the military often espouses? I know it’s pretty Utopian of me to expect people to be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin and all. But it’s a damn shame that, I'm considered a better person because I'm heterosexual. Sometimes I swear I wish I lived in a cartoon world. Maybe life would be better for us all if we did. I don’t know about you, but I think Barack Obama is and has pussyfooted enough with this issue, and it’s time for him to deliver. But then again, should they bring back the draft I think it would be kinda cool if all of a sudden everybody decides to be gay so as to skip going to war. Yeah, because war sucks anyway.

Hey Soulja Boy, that's not swag, that's gay!

Ok, so yeah there have been rumors. Rumors that I have yet to give any thought. But seeing how the pic above was posted on Twitter, I can't help but to think Mr. Boytellum is trying to tell us something. First off all, did he actually hop up out the bed, turn his swag on and took a look in the mirror and said wassup when he took this picture? Did he really trun his swag on or was he trying to turn on a guy named Swag. I'm just sayin folks: famous or not, why would I wake up in the morning and take a picture of myself with morning wood? Answer: because I'm gay and I plan to post the pic on Twitter to turn on my gay male fans which would mean...I'm gay!

Nothing wrong with being gay mind you; this post isn't a shot at homosexuals. What's wrong however is being a supposed role model to kids and putting this out there yourself. Even worse than that is giving gay people a bad name by being the walking advertisement for White Supremacist groups (thanks Elon). I'm seriously having a hard time accepting that he sought female attention from this picture. It's too bad that the females drooling over this pic on Twitter and everywhere else have no clue. And what's sad is that some of them are old enough to be his mother; nasty ass heffas.

I'm sorry, but if you're a sex symbol, the ladies will let you know and there would be no need for this type of self-promotion. Yes, and this is why I'm convinced that Soulja Boy is gay, and Swag is the nickname of one of his lovers. I mean, he is from Atlanta, right? No disrespect to the ATL...but you folks need to pass legislation banning this type of swag; or any alleged "swag" coming from Zoboomafoo posing in the picture above. Yes, I need one of you to tell this clown to hop his ass back in the bed and never wake up.

Yep, Soulja Boy is Tellin'em alright.

So, how long has Boss Hog been a Senator?

Watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings has reminded me of just how much I hated The Dukes of Hazard show on television. It's as though Lindsey Graham and Jeff Sessions managed to channel their inner Boss Hog. No offense to my white southern readers who happen to be republicans. But it's almost like I can see them asking her what was life like back in Mexico.

Michael Jackson was murdered? Maybe he would still be alive today if he smoked weed

I don't even know if Michael Jackson has been buried yet; has he? That's how much I've paid attention since the day of his memorial. Seriously, for all I know his casket may still be sitting in the Staple Center as much as I've watched the news since that day. However, I caught the headline online that said that he was murdered. Sounded like one of those Enquirer headlines you see at the grocery store checkout isle. You know the one you'd laugh at last year had you read that? But then it hits you that he is in fact dead.

Supposedly Latoya Jackson and her dad Joe are of the opinion that there's some f*ckery afoot concerning his death. From the looks of it they're suspicious of his private physician (as well as others) who he himself resided at the Jackson home. I don't know how true this may be as an official cause of death has yet to be released. Amid this allegation the stories of drug use has ran rampant. Which is pretty sad because it paints the picture of Michael Jackson as an understudy for Pookie from the movie New Jack City, and damn near worse than my man Gator from Jungle Fever.

Look, I don't know what killed the man, and yes I can say the media had a hand in his death as I have before. However, I've been thinking about this for some time now, and I have to say that: Michael Jackson would probably still be alive today had he started smoking weed. Yes, Michael Jackson would be alive today if marijuana were legal in this country. Supposedly he became addicted to pain medication, and was an insomniac who cried for nothing but sleep. If Michael Jackson smoked a blunt, his ass would not have been up all night in pain. Had Mike smoked weed -- I'm talking that Grade-A shit you see on the cover of High Times magazine -- he would be alive.

I mean think about it: Willie Nelson smokes hella weed and he's still kicking up dust. You think Willie Nelson has trouble sleeping at night? Willie Nelson is 120yrs old and still going strong and everybody knows why. Have you looked at him recently? He doesn't quite look like a stressed out kinda guy now does he? See? That could have been Michael Jackson. With the money Mike had, he would have never left the country pissed off and stressed after his trial amid all the accusations of child molestation. Nope, Mike would have been in California probably blowin' that Piff with Snoop Dogg and George Clinton. Yes, he would have probably bought Humboldt County California, sold Neverland Ranch, and reopened a new spot called Never Comedown Ranch. When you consider that California cannot even balance their budget and Los Angeles had to beg for donations to pay for his memorial, weed being legal sorta makes sense.

People say marijuana is a gateway drug, but that's bullshit. I have yet to meet people hooked on pain pills (and I know a few) who got there after smoking a joint. Jokes aside, prescription drug abuse in this country is far worse than perceived in this country all while authorities criminalized marijuana. Maybe what LaToya Jackson said is true. Maybe what she said is just emotional speculation in the wake of the death of her brother. However, there were in fact people around Mike that were enabling him in more ways than one.

In a recent press release by ABC news right here, one can see never before released pictures of Mike from 2002 which shows just how his body was ravaged by intravenous drug use. Now that he's dead it's sad that these pics are released. Personally I wish they had pics of him taking a toke on a bong or smoking a joint. If they did, I think it would have been easier to stomach than what the current pictures show. Michael Jackson was in pain, and just like a cancer patient I wish he was able to use weed legally. I say legally because it would be kinda hard for him to don a surgical mask as he did and ride up to one of the spots in the hood trynna cop a sack. Yes, the cops would have loved to have someone like him doing the perp walk.

If someone calls your phone and starts that heavy breathing, it just might be Sarah Palin

No seriously, it's not like she has a job anymore in politics or a future career even. So everybody is wondering, after her last day on the job, what's next. Here's what I got out of her farewell speech the other week. Of course people are all talking about how incoherent her speech was (as if she's ever been coherent) and the ambiguity of her reason for stepping down. But what they missed was her audition for life after politics as a phone sex operator. Either that, or what this next clip shows is a secret Alaskan moose call used while hunting.

I'm going with the phone sex thing; it's a fast money maker and I'm sure those horny republicans within the base won't mind giving her a call or two. I mean you know how they love their porn. At any rate, if you saw her speech or not, the following clip pretty much sums it up. It's a lot shorter which is a good thing, but not that much different as far as substance is concerned than the entire speech. Watch this and tell me: do you disagree with me on the phone sex thing?

Roll clip: