Back from the Islands!

I have been out of town the past few days. Lounging on a Royal Carribean cruise to the Bahamas. I was enjoying life. Watching CNN Worldwide news. Smiling at the stars! Laying out on the beach! Getting a great tan! Walking around beautiful islands.

Now back to R E A L I T Y!

I came home last night to a flurry of emails over Bill Cosby's remarks. So many liberal discussion groups. Shocked! Dismayed! Outraged! How could The Cos air our "dirty laundry" in public? We don't talk about these things amongst "those folks"!

For those of you that have not seen the latest - article about The Cos. Here is an excerpt.

The Washington Post reported that Cosby unleashed a diatribe against "the lower economic people" who, in his estimation, "are not holding up their end in this deal." He said their transgressions included incompetent parenting, poor financial management and failure to master the basics of English. According to Cos, "Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. ... You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth!"

And, in comments sure to warm the hearts of lawful citizens everywhere, he also aimed his wit at petty criminals: "These are people going around stealing Coca-Cola. People getting shot in the back of the head over a piece of pound cake and then we run out and we are outraged, (saying) 'The cops shouldn't have shot him.' What the hell was he doing with the pound cake in his hand?"

The Post described the audience's response as a mixture of "astonishment, laughter and applause," which was followed by appearances at the podium from NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert and NAACP Legal Defense Fund head Theodore Shaw, none of whom seemed to be amused in the slightest.

Cosby's remarks later made me think of comedian Dick Gregory who, as it turns out, was on hand to present Cosby with his commemorative medal. Unlike his old friend, Gregory's comic style has long been associated with blistering social criticism.

I remember being in the audience when Gregory appeared on campus during my college days. My pals and I guffawed while he mercilessly lampooned the whites in attendance, who laughed good-naturedly in response. But we grew increasingly uncomfortable as Gregory gradually shifted his focus to blacks. He poked fun at African-Americans who constantly complained about white racism while smoking, eating harmful foods and engaging in other forms self-destructive behavior. Later my friends and I were more inclined to express our dismay at Gregory's willingness to "call us out" in front of white folks than to acknowledge an element of truth in his comments.

That same element can be found in Cosby's remarks. It is true that some blacks continue to engage in conduct that contradicts and undermines the aims of the civil rights movement. He has every right to take them to task. It is far less amusing that Cosby, a multimillionaire, chose to criticize "the lower economic people" when evidence of the habits he condemned -- misplaced priorities, negligent child-rearing, deteriorating morality -- can be found at every level of American society. Why single out poor people, who are least able to defend themselves?

I personally support Bill Cosby. What he said was brave, on target and 100% true. We sit back as persons of color and don't want to discuss the issues and problems that plague our people. It is too easy to just blame racism, the man, socio-economic disparities, etc., on lack of moral character.

I hope that the controversy fuels an open honest discussion on this issue. Perhaps we can have a discussion as people and Americans on how we deal with this issue.

Just my post vacation wishful thinking....

Gay Marriage and Black Ministers

Recently at a conference in Washington, DC. a Minister from Louisiana confided in me the following statement. "Ten years ago, I would get a call every 6 - 9 months from a gay couple asking if I would marry them. I just hung up the phone and simply stated no at this church. Now, ten years later, I get on average 10 - 15 calls per week, asking if I marry gay couples."



Black ministers slam gay unions


They want lawmakers to back amendment

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

By Bruce Alpert

Washington bureau

WASHINGTON -- As Massachusetts began issuing marriage licenses to gay
and lesbian couples Monday, a group of African-American ministers called
on the Congressional Black Caucus to support a constitutional amendment
banning same-sex marriages.

The ministers, including Bishop Paul Morton Sr. of the Greater St.
Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, said they are deeply troubled by the
unions, which they consider a violation of God's will.

The issue could cause some discomfort for some Democrats who support
same-sex marriage while also depending on historically strong support
from African-Americans. That is especially true for black elected
officials.

"Election time, they (Black Caucus members) don't go to homosexual
churches, they go to black churches looking for votes, and we want them
to respect our views that we are totally against gay marriage and
totally against civil unions," Morton said.

Morton said he delivered a similar message during his sermon Sunday, and
noticed Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, a Black Caucus member, in
the congregation.

"We'll just have to meet and see what he has to say," Morton said.

Jefferson couldn't be reached for comment Monday. In the Louisiana
delegation, Jefferson is seen as the member most sympathetic to gay
rights issues, but he did vote for the so-called "Defense of Marriage
Act" in 1996 to prohibit federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

David Bositis of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a
think tank that specializes in African-American political issues, said
opposition to gay marriage is probably stronger in the black community
than among white communities, reflecting the importance of the church in
African-American communities. But, he said, it won't be enough to swing
black voters against members of the Black Caucus or to the support of
Republicans like President Bush, who, unlike presumptive Democratic
nominee John Kerry, supports a constitutional amendment.

Black voters, Bositis said, may support Bush on gay marriage, but by and
large remain skeptical about the war in Iraq and the president's
economic policies. Bush got only 9 percent of the black vote in 2000.

Morton doesn't disagree, saying that black voters have "to choose
between the lesser of two evils," and that Kerry and Democrats generally
advocate more help for the poor than Republicans. "The issue of gay
marriage is one that we won't compromise on, but we have to weigh
everything when we vote," said Morton, who said he generally backs
Democratic candidates.

But Bishop Charles E. Brown, pastor of the Full Gospel Church of God in
New Orleans, said that for members of some denominations, including his
own, the issue of gay marriage may turn some traditional Democratic
voters to the GOP and Bush.

"I think they may well take the position that same-sex marriage is one
of moral turpitude and that it even outweighs the economy," Brown said
in a telephone interview from New Orleans.

At an emotional news conference Monday on Capitol Hill, Morton was
joined by more than 25 other ministers from black churches. He said it
is a sad irony that Massachusetts began issuing marriage licenses on the
same day "one of the most important civil rights cases in our country's
history," striking down segregated schools, was decided in Brown v.
Board of Education 50 years ago.

Morton said he is personally outraged that some gay leaders would liken
efforts to win equal rights, including the right to marry, to the civil
rights movement for African-Americans and other minorities."

"African-Americans have to be who we are," Morton said. "This is the way
we're going to heaven. They (gays and lesbians) don't have to go heaven
that way."

Asked how he responded to some scientists who say that sexual
orientation is decided by biology and not by personal choice, Morton
said: "Scientists have been wrong before, but God has never been wrong."


There are other views among African-American clergy on same-sex
marriage. During his run for the Democratic presidential nomination, the
Rev. Al Sharpton, a New York City African-American minister, said, "All
human beings should have equal access to civil rights and institutions,
including the right to marry."

. . . . . . .

Bruce Alpert can be reached at bruce.alpert@newhouse.com or (202)
383-7861.

Fundraiser

Black Republican Women International - Fundraiser

Tuesday May 18th 2004

Ella's Fine Art Gallery
1506 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington, DC
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Make checks payable to Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign
Include your name, address and occupation to meet campaign requirements.


RSVP (202) 898-9621


2004 Strategies for Black Republican Women


o Assist with the re-election of President George W. Bush by working in our local campaigns and at the Re-election Committee.
o Anyone interested in working at the Re-election Committee should e-mail me their resume and a cover sheet indicating your areas of expertise.
o Ensure that Black Republican women and men running for office receive our support.
o Continue to be a resource to the Republican leadership and White House.
o Coordinate a nationwide effort to raise funds among state Black Republican organizations.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

Are African Americans Realizing Their Full Political Power by voting overwhelmingly 90% Democratic?

Many people are shocked, dismayed and surprised when they find out that I am a registered, card carrying Republican.

I proudly list my Bush/Cheney yard sign in my front yard. I am not ashamed to describe myself as a Republican.

My shock is with the many African Americans who vehemently oppose Republicans. Whom believe that Republicans are evil and only interested in moving African American's back to "Jim Crow" days.

As an African American Republican, I am saddened to see and hear the vilifying and negative comments geared towards us.

Many of us work diligently to affect change in the urban/inner city community.

Many notable DC Democrats speak to me privately and state that "the black community needs an effective two party system" in order to do more for African Americans.

I got the following letter this morning at a meeting. I am going to share it here for all of you to read and discuss. This letter is addressed to African Americans. (Note: I am not typing the entire letter, just passages.)

Do you believe that politicians and their political parties really care about you? We are writing to inform you of a well-kept secret. Politicians do the least for straight ticket voters. Your loyalty is not rewarded. Any why should it? If you don't hold your elected officials accountable by making them earn your vote, then they will take you for granted. So what can you do about this?

Isn't it time that your vote does more to benefit you the a politician or a political party? Isn't it time that the election is about you and your needs, and not the needs of a politician or a party?

Both republicans and democrats are fighting over the Hispanic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Catholic vote because these groups have show that they will vote for both republican and democratic candidates. You deserve no less.

War! What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing


Warning - Angry Blogger Ahead!

For those of you that don't know those are the lyrics of a very famous 1970's song.

After hearing of the horrific death of a US contractor, by thugs, theives and murderers. I am forced to ask myself. How did we get here? Why are we here?

What will happen next?

I am horrified, saddened, angry and fearful that our nation, our world has spun out of control.

When taking life is sport? Where killing is rampant? Sex, drugs, violence and others are just the norm.

Why has our world turned into such a bad place? With so much hate?

This was an innocent man. Working to feed his family, provide a better life for himself, earn a living.

If I sound angry, forgive me, for I am angry.

There are articles on the internet today claiming that CBS killed this contractor.

I know many of us want to blame the media. However, that blame is not well placed. Our blame has to lay with the purpotrators and those that spew such hatred of innocent civilians. Those that kill in the name of God and feel vindication for their behavior.

"Friends" is Over
Well some are saying, "it is the end of an era".
Others are saying, "Finally..It is about time"

No matter your opinion on Friends, it is over.

Personally, when it first came on, I never watched it because it was in the same time slot as Living Single and the Thursday night Fox line up in the early 90's. Remember NY Undercover???? I am still in love with Malik Yoba!

Then, when Fox switched to "mainstream" shows, I decided to start watching Friends a few times over the season. Yes, I loved the gang. Though I knew their reality did not match anyone I knew in NYC. I got caught up in the hype.

Just in case their are any network folks reading this blog. Now of course I only have a few channels in heavy rotation. Sorry NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX. I don't watch very much network television.

Law & Order (Best Show on TV)
The Apprentice
The Today Show

That sums up my network television.

I am a MTV, HGTV, HBO, Fox News and MSNBC junkie!

Well, I was sad to see Friends go. I will miss Joey and Chandler, Ross and Rachel. I was really hoping to Aisha Tyler again, but oh well!!

Friends was an advertisers dream. A mainstream cast of beautiful people, that did nothing but sit in a coffee house all day, have an endless supply of money, lived near each other, had some of the best apartments in all of NYC, and basically did nothing but entertain us for 10 years.

Goodbye Friends!

Let the era of "reality shows" commence?

Anyone want to pitch a blog Survivor???

Counting Down to Brown
Taking a look at my friend La Shawn Barber's post today www.barbersview.com

I could not help but ponder the question. How far have African American's come as a race since Brown. V. Board of Education.

For a great majority of us the answer is very far. We have African American political leaders i.e. Colin Powell, Dr. Condaleeza Rice, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and others.

In business, we are CEO's of Fortune 500 companies i.e Merrill Lynch, Time Warner, and others.

In entertainment, we are Oscar winners, top the chart recording artists, and so much more.

For many of us the door swung open and we stepped into the middle class, and upper class of the United States.

Yet, the for as many of us that have moved into the middle and upper class, there is an equal amount of us still at the poverty level.

We have a large amount of African American men, that are unemployed, incarcerated, mentally dead, and unattached from society.

We have too many unwed mothers, raising children on their own. Fathers that are out of touch with their children and view them as pawns in a game.

Too many news stories of crime, rape, drugs and murder.

A culture where Snoop Dog, Tupac, P. Diddy, .50 cent, are role models and surrogate fathers for our young men.

A culture that goes around the work, that teaches the world that black women are ho's, video chicks, and dying to sleep with men for money.

A culture that teaches other black children that to get good grades is acting "white" or elitist.


How far have we come?

8 Year Old - African American Girl Dies in Gun Shoot Out in Washington, DC
Here is the story........

An 8-year-old girl was killed last night as she watched television in her aunt's living room in Northeast Washington when a gunshot tore through the front window and struck her in the head, police said. The aunt also was shot.

The shots apparently were fired during a chase about 9 p.m. in the 800 block of 52nd Street NE. Those involved in the chase were not identified, but police said they doubted that the girl or her aunt was an intended target.

The killing of the girl, whom a relative identified as Chelsea Cromartie, and the wounding of her aunt evoked condemnation from Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey, who went last night to the scene, a tree-lined block of single-family houses.

"It's absolutely incredible that this kind of violence takes place on our streets," Ramsey said. He described the shootings as "the kind of tragedy that no one should stand for."

The girl, he said, was on a couch in front of the TV when a bullet struck her in the back of the head. Neighbors said that the girl apparently was visiting her aunt. They said the aunt had moved to the block less than one year ago.

The killing and the wounding came less than half an hour after three other people were hit by gunshots about three miles away, in the 2200 block of H Street NE.

No arrest had been reported in the 8-year-old's killing as of early this morning.

Police said they believe the gunshots on 52nd Street were fired by at least one teenager at one or more people in the same age range. The reason for the chase was unclear.

Investigators said they were looking into the possibility that the shooting might have been prompted by a dispute at a Northeast Washington carryout. Other explanations also were being checked.

A bullet hit the aunt in the shoulder, Ramsey said. The 38-year-old woman was taken to a hospital, and police said her condition was not believed to be life-threatening. She was not identified because she is a witness.

Police said as many as seven or eight shots were fired, at least some of them breaking a front window.

One neighbor said he was dozing in front of his television set when he heard as many as four shots. But he said he did not look out. If you do, he said, you "see the wrong thing."

The girl was taken to Children's Hospital. A spokeswoman for the hospital said she was pronounced dead at 9:42 p.m.

Investigators said a vehicle had been observed driving from the scene and that it might have been a large, older model Buick or Crown Victoria. Police said the shots might have been fired from a car.



Let's start a discussion...

This child was sitting in her aunt's home. Probably laughing, watching television, doing homework. Having fun enjoying her life as an 8 year old.


She had committed no crime.

Her only issue, was that she was born African American, in the inner city, in a neighborhood plagued with drugs, hopelessness, lack of opportunity, and a hosts of other social issues.

As a community we have a serious problem. One that should be solved by our leaders. Issues that have to be addressed. How many young bright children do we have to lose, until we realize that we as African Americans need to solve this issue?

I know all the arguements, "the man" brings drugs into our communities. "The man" doesn't invest in our neighborhoods, etc., etc., etc., etc.

Well, with our without the man, we are using young people everyday. When will we as African Americans wake up and realize we must do something!

Today I am saddened to see another life shattered. Another mother who mourns. Another family that has to grieve and bury a child.