Rev. Al Sharpton Gets His Groove on at Jackson Memorial at the Apollo Theater, Caught in "Risque" Dance Move

The Drudge Report is featuring a "risque" picture of Rev. Al Sharpton getting his groove on at a celebration of the life of Michael Jackson held at the Apollo Theater earlier today. Sharpton seems to be grinding with a woman on the stage. Fans gathered at the historic theater, where the Jackson Five launched its career more than 40 years ago and introduced Michael Jackson to the world. Tuesday's memorial, which began at 2 p.m., featured a eulogy by the Rev. Al Sharpton. A moment of silence was called at 5:26 p.m., the time East Coast fans learned that Jackson had died.

I guess the reverend is allowed, since he's no longer married and he was just having some fun. Michael Jackson was last at the Apollo in 2002 when former President Bill Clinton invited him for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

Click here to see Click here to see Rev. Al Sharpton showing his dance moves at the Jackson Memorial!

US Weekly: Arnold Klein, Longtime Dermatologist, is Father Michael Jackson's Two Oldest Kids

Just when you thought the fallout from Michael Jackson's death couldn't get any worst, Us Weekly is reporting that Arnold Klein, longtime dermatologist, is the father of two of his children. Personally, Michael Jackson took care of all the needs of these kids and was their primary breadwinner. As far as I am concerned, he's the only parent they have ever known and that says a lot, in my opinion. So what if Michael Jackson isn't the biological father? This is much ado about nothing and Us Weekly is just trying to capitalize on this tragedy with sensationalism to sell more magazines. I cannot possibly see any justification in this being aired in the mainstream media. There have been countless people who have wreaked havoc on the lives of their biological children. No-one can make any claims that Michael Jackson did not love and take good care of his kids.

Though Michael Jackson was wed to Prince and Paris' mother, Debbie Rowe, their biological father is Arnold Klein, Jackson's L.A.-based dermatologist and Rowe's former boss, multiple sources confirm to the new issue of Us Weekly.

"He is the dad," says a Jackson insider. "He and Debbie signed an agreement saying they would never reveal the truth."

Though neither Rowe nor Jackson ever confessed to their kids' true lineage, she did admit in 2002 that she carried his children as a personal favor (and would not confirm that the marriage was ever consummated).

"I said, 'Let me do this. You need to be a dad. You have been so good to me,'" Rowe -- who met Jackson when she was a nurse's assistant in the 1980s -- has said. Klein would not give a comment to Us. Source: Us Weekly

This is a sad commentary and unfortunately, there will be more revelations about Michael Jackson in the weeks to come. Brace yourselves, it is about to get ugly. Us Weekly should be ashamed to become a bottom-feeder for salacious and hurtful stories about Michael Jackson or any other public figure.

Burger King's Latest Advertisement for New Sandwich "BK Super Seven Incher" in Singapore, Hints at Oral Sex

Fast food giant Burger King has released a new advertisement for its latest sandwich and it has ruffled many feathers. The advertisement, which hints at oral sex, is distasteful and disgraceful. It should be discontinued immediately. The print ad for the "BK Super Seven Incher" -- a limited time promotion in Singapore — shows the "mind-blowing" sandwich near the open mouth of a wide-eyed, red-lipsticked woman accompanied by the suggestive tagline: "It'll blow your mind away." "Fill your desire for something long, juicy and flame-grilled," the ad continues.

This is misogynistic to women everywhere and cheapens the act of sexual intercourse. I am surprised that this ad was accepted in Singapore, a country which is known globally for its strict government controls of social conduct. It seems that many marketers will continue to push the envelope without regard for personal integrity and decency. The Calvin Klein billboard in New York City's Soho district comes to mind. The billboard, which featured a young woman engaging in what seemed to be an orgy, was pulled after public outcry.

It seems that the woman's face in the advertisement had been retouched to make it look like a doll and that the American cheese on the sandwich seemed a little too white, like semen. A spokeswoman for Burger King said that campaign was produced by a local Singaporean agency, but would not divulge the name. Gee, I wonder why?

Joe Jackson Shamelessly Plugs his New Record Label During Press Conference About Michael Jackson

Joe Jackson is such a hypocrite and I fully understand why Michael Jackson talked about him with such disdain during his interview with Oprah Winfrey a few years ago. During a news conference yesterday, the Jackson patriarch, confirmed that the family was planning an enormous memorial service but he couldn't shed much light on that plan. What Joe Jackson had no problem plugging was his new record label -- Ranch Records, a shameful dig at Neverland Ranch. This was such a self-serving move that I wonder why Rev. Al Sharpton didn't step on his foot to get him to stop talking. Joe Jackson should take a page out of John Travolta's play book and mourn his son's passing with dignity and not shamefully try to exploit his name and his legacy. I have yet to see John Travolta show up on a red carpet since his son Jett Travolta passed away.

Flanked by longtime family friend and adviser Rev. Sharpton, as well as his Ranch Records partner Marshall Thompson(of the classic soul group the Chi-Lites), the elder Jackson said he wished his son were here to appreciate the tributes in the wake of his surprise death last Thursday. Right. I am sure that Joe Jackson is sad his meal ticket died, but he is foaming at the mouth to shamefully exploit his son's legacy.

"The family and I are very proud to see all of you come out here and help us with this whole situation. I wish Michael could be here to see all this. Michael was a superstar. He was loved in every country and the U.S...but one thing Michael didn't know, he didn't know how strong this could be."

In the wake of a court order yesterday granting Katherine temporary custody of Michael's three kids, Joe said the family and the kids were happy because they had similar-aged cousins to play with."We love those kids still," he said. "We're going to take care of them and give them the education they're supposed to have. We can do that. And we have the area enough and the premises large enough to be able to extend to them all the help that they might need."

I made reference to Joe Jackson's shameful comments during his conversation with Don Lemon on the BET Awards red carpet on Sunday, where he dropped hints about his new recording venture. The man was a power-hungry, money-grubbing sleazebag in the early Jackson Five years and he hasn't lost it in his old age.

Yemeni Airbus A310 Crashes in Indian Ocean Off the Island Nation of Comoros, 150 People Onboard

An Airbus 310 like the one pictured has crashed

while on the way to the capital of Comoros.

URGENT: Another Airbus airliner has crashed. This time, an Airbus A310, from the national airline Yemenia, with 153 people aboard, (142 passengers and 11 crew members) has crashed in the Indian Ocean off the island nation of Comoros. It crashed as it tried to land during heavy wind. According to a police investigator, one toddler has been rescued alive from the sea. Three bodies have been recovered from the sea so far.

The aircraft was reportedly en route to Comoros from Yemen's capital Sanaa, when it crashed about an hour from its destination, an airline official said. There was no immediate news of the fate of those on board. Most of the passengers were Comoran, an official at San'a's international airport said. Moroni is about 1,800 miles south of Yemen, off the east coast of Africa.

The majority of the passengers were reportedly from the Comoros islands, returning home from Paris. Those on board included families with children and there were at least three babies on board, according to media reports.

Richard Wayde Hamar, 12, Young Bull Rider, Dies at Boulder County Rodeo After Bull Steps on Him

Richard Wayde Hamar, Dies after Bull Steps on Him

(Denver Channel)

Richard Wayde Hamar, 12, of Yuma, Colorado, died after being injured during a bull ride at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Sunday morning. Boulder sheriff spokesman Sgt. Mike Dimond said Hamar was competing in the Little Britches Rodeo, a two-day event at the fairgrounds. He was a junior bull rider competitor. It seems that 12 years old is awfully too young to become a bull rider, considering the potential injuries that could be sustained.

"He was riding, he was bucked off and stepped on by the bull shortly after being bucked off," said Dimond. "It was just a fluke accident." He said the boy was wearing a helmet and a protective vest at the time but the bull stepped on his stomach. Paramedics began first aid on Hamar, who was then transported to Longmont United Hospital, where he later died. The accident happened about 11 a.m. and the boy's parents were attending.

Dimond said Hamar wasn't riding a full-grown, 2,000-pound bull. He said there are injuries at the fairgrounds from time to time, but he couldn't remember a child being stepped on by a bull before.

"I'm concerned for this family and their loss, but its inherent to the sport and people go into that knowing it could happen on any given ride," he said. Hamar was the son of Mitch and Angie Hamar, of Yuma. He attended Lone Star School and would have been in the seventh grade this fall. Source: The Denver Channel

The parents said that this was their son's first year in Little Bridges and that he had six years of experience. The family are ranchers in eastern Colorado but "spend time with the kids at rodeos and team roping with his dad, Mitch, and 10-year-old brother, Zach. Zach and Wayde had qualified for the National Little Britches finals in team roping and ribbon roping," the parents said in a newly released statement.

I am pretty sure that this tragedy is a rare occurrence, but what age is too young to get involved with this activity? Quite frankly, I think the boy was way too young to be competing in any sport that could potentially be deadly. This isn't the same as falling off a bicycle or a skateboard. Every sport has some danger attached to it, but this is far more serious.

GLBT Community Protests Raid on "Rainbow Lounge" on the Anniversary of Stonewall Riots 40 Years Ago

More than 100 people rallied outside the Tarrant County Courthouse in Fort Worth to protest a raid by Fort Worth Police and members of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Early yesterday morning, agents of the TABC, along with the Fort Worth police raided the newly-opened "Rainbow Lounge" on South Jennings St. The raid coincided with 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, an event that some believe as the start of the modern U.S. gay rights movement. This is a shame and should not have happened in a country that prides itself on freedom of expression.

The Fort Worth Police Department released a statement that reads "the Rainbow Lounge" was not the only bar targeted by officers. The group first went to the Rosedale Saloon and Cowboy Palace on Rosedale Street. Nine people were arrested at those two clubs, seven were arrested at the Rainbow Lounge.

"Alcohol beverage code inspections are conducted frequently at establishments located within the city limits of Fort Worth. These are conducted in order to ensure a safe environment for all. A thorough internal investigation into the allegations made is being conducted as all allegations against officers are investigated," police reported. Source: 33TV.com

It is very unfortunate that this incident occurred, especially as it coincided on the anniversary of the Stonewall protests. Surely we have grown from such an ignorant and criminal mindset, into a more inclusive one. Times have changed and unlike 40 years ago, people of every community across the United States can hold the government, state and federal, accountable for the actions of their employees, including law enforcement. The rights of all Americans must be protected, whether you agree with their sexual orientation or not. This is shameful and seems like a deliberate act of violating the civil rights of the patrons.

Bernard Madoff Sentenced to 150 Years in Prison for Multi-Billion Dollar Ponzi Scheme

Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff, 71, has been sentenced to 150 years in prison for his multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Denny Chin handed down the sentenced in New York on Monday. The former Nasdaq chairman was arrested late last year after confessing to his sons that his secretive investment advisory business was a "big lie." He pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges in March and has been jailed since. Bernard Madoff has apologized to his family and to the victims of his multibillion-dollar fraud scheme.

He said at his sentencing that he "will live with this pain, this torment, for the rest of my life." Really? Not as much pain as the people who lost their life savings and are now penniless today. This POS will not see freedom again and the government should seek to bring charges against his wife next. She knows way more than she has let on.

Hat tip to Simon Owens of Bloggasm for sending me this hilarious screen shot.

Kristina Higgins, New Miss Georgia Quits One Day After Winning Crown

One day after winning the Miss Georgia title Saturday night at the annual pageant in Columbus, Gwinnett County school teacher Kristina Higgins relinquished the post, which has now been filled by the runner-up, Emily Cook, a Marietta law student. This is not worth the drama and I am glad she bowed out sooner rather than later.

Higgins reportedly said she stepped down because her responsibilities as a middle school teacher would not leave her time she would need to serve as Miss Georgia. Wow. Didn't this occur to her before the signed on to enter the competition.

Cook, 22, is a recent graduate of the University of Miami and had been accepted into University of Georgia’s Law School. Instead she’ll be competing for the Miss America crown in January in Las Vegas.

Well, I guess that maybe this is a blessing in disguise that Ms. Higgins bowed out before anything scandalous came to light. Odd. Really odd.

Supreme Court Rules for New Haven, Ct., White Firefighters over Promotions, Rules Against Nominee Sonia Sotomayor's Appeals Court Endorsement

In a stinging blow to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, the SCOTUS has ruled that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, essentially reversing a decision that Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge. The court said in its 5-4 decision that "New Haven was wrong to scrap a promotion exam because no African-Americans and only two Hispanic firefighters were likely to be made lieutenants or captains based on the results." The city said that it had acted to avoid a lawsuit from minorities. This ruling could singlehandedly alter employment practices nationwide and make it harder to prove discrimination when there is no evidence it was intentional.

"Fear of litigation alone cannot justify an employer's reliance on race to the detriment of individuals who passed the examinations and qualified for promotions," Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion for the court. He was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.

In dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said the white firefighters "understandably attract this court's sympathy. But they had no vested right to promotion. Nor have other persons received promotions in preference to them." Justices Stephen Breyer, David Souter and John Paul Stevens signed onto Ginsburg's dissent, which she read aloud in court Monday.

Monday's decision has its origins in New Haven's need to fill vacancies for lieutenants and captains in its fire department. It hired an outside firm to design a test, which was given to 77 candidates for lieutenant and 41 candidates for captain. Fifty six firefighters passed the exams, including 41 whites, 22 blacks and 18 Hispanics. But of those, only 17 whites and two Hispanics could expect promotion. The city eventually decided not to use the exam to determine promotions. It said it acted because it might have been vulnerable to claims that the exam had a "disparate impact" on minorities in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The white firefighters said the decision violated the same law's prohibition on intentional discrimination. Source: Washington Post

What the city of New Haven did was patently racist and should not have been tolerated one iota. There will be backlash from this latest Supreme Court ruling and it will have an effect on Ms. Sotomayor's confirmation hearings. I don't think it will be enough to derail her chances of serving on the highest court, but it is a stinging reversal and plays right into the hands of her detractors who have made it clear that they believe she harbors a racist ideology.

BET Awards Tribute to King of Pop Michael Jackson Fell Mostly Flat, Too Much Profanity

I must admit, I rarely watch BET, but last night I decided to watch the awards show because it was a tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson. Even before the show started, I was turned off by family patriarch Joe Jackson, who just proved once and for all that his primary motivation in much of this is money. He brought his attorney and a record company executive with him on the red carpet. He made a passing reference, when asked about Michael Jackson's legacy by CNN Don Lemon, to some type of recording deal. I was taken aback, but not surprised by his comments. Jamie Foxx opened the show with a parody of "Beat It," but his constant use of profanity and sexually tinged comments were too much. I'll grade the show along the appearances of some of the performers:

Keri Hilson: "Knock You Down." A hot mess, in my opinion. I was confused as to which song she was singing. It was a tangled mess of off-key notes. C

Jamie Foxx & T-Pain & Travis Barker: "Blame It." Another hot mess, which marked by its artless Auto-Tune vocals, became even more cluttered with Blink-182's Travis Barker arrival to hammer away in the song's final few moments. D

Soulja Boy Tell'em: "Turn My Swag On." Well, I thought this show was retooled to honor Michael Jackson? I thought his pants were going to fall off any second. He was off-key and just a disgrace to real rappers. All I can say is, ain't America great? D

Beyoncé: “Ave Maria” and “Angel.” Looking classy in a thin white dress, but wait? She was basically wearing a slip with a see-through robe to sing a religious song. Isn't that a bit disrespectful? Where was Chaka Khan? Then I thought I was about the see the commercial for abandoned pets flash up on the screen when she switched midway to Sarah McLachlan's "Angel.” Sorry, Beyoncé is overrated and her rendition was not the best. C

Mary Mary: “God in Me.” Foxx introduced Mary Mary as “the new Queens of Gospel,” but I beg to differ. If this is all gospel music has to offer, then that's a major disappointment and a blow to record sales. A midpoint appearance from Queen Latifah picks things up, but even the queen couldn't salvage that hot mess. C

Ne-Yo with Jamie Foxx and Fabulous: “She Got Her Own.” It's quite obvious that Jamie Foxx couldn't handle this song. Again, why couldn't BET have asked Chaka Khan to sing? Or even Queen Latifah? Why did we have to see Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx perform ad nauseaum? That performance was a major disappointment. D+

BET flashback moment: Keith Sweat’s “I Want Her,” Guy’s “I Like” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison.” Nice to see Keith Sweat again, but the profanity from Bell Biv DeVoe was just uncalled for. They didn't seem to serve a purpose in the show. It seemed as though they were thrown in as an afterthought. D

Tevin Campbell, Trey Songz, Tyrese and Johnny Gill: A tribute to the O’Jays with “Forever Mine,” “Back Stabbers,” “Stairway to Heaven.” Introduced by “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, who credited the O’Jays as “the soundtrack of the black experience.” Their performance was mostly good, except for Trey Songz. The guy's vocals were weak. B

Drake, Lil Wayne and Cash Money: “Best I Ever Had” and "Every Girl." Drake was good, but Lil Wayne is a rapper I just cannot like. Much of the “Every Girl” performance was inaudible to the home viewing audiences, with BET censors protecting the world from Lil Wayne’s explicit anti-commitment rap. All that profanity just wasn't called for and was in poor taste. Again, if this was a tribute to Michael Jackson, why the vulgarities? C-

The O’Jays: “Let Me Make Love To You,” “For the Love of Money” and “Used Ta Be My Girl.” Thank God they salvaged the show. The O’Jays were all suave and class. A

Maxwell: “Pretty Wings.” I was happy to see him on the stage again. The silky smooth R&B veteran performed his new single, the elegant, late-night, slow groove of “Pretty Wings.” Feathers draped the crowd, and a sax helped the song reach its swoon. Maxwell surely calmed the nerves of anyone who was getting impatient. A

So, the BET Awards ended on a positive note, but the show was mostly flat and the profanities didn't help and cheapened the show's mission of honoring a musical genius. Sorry, Michael Jackson never used profanity in his act and I am sure those performers who did last night could have gone one night without being so crass. BET had a chance to prove once and for all that they are a viable entertainment outlet, but they blew it. If many of these performers are now the voices and the faces of BET, then they won't be elevated any higher in terms of being taken serious by many. Personally, the show was a hot mess and did very little to honor the legacy of Michael Jackson. Overall, I give the telecast a D.

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya Arrested by Soldiers in Apparent Coup

URGENT: Just when you thought things were quieting down a bit in Iran, another country is on the brink of unrest -- Honduras. More than a dozen soldiers have arrested President Manuel Zelaya and disarmed his security guards after surrounding his residence before dawn this morning, his private secretary, Carlos Enrique Reina, said in an interview. Protesters have called the latest action a coup and have flocked to the presidential residence as the Zelaya was sent into exile. He was reportedly detained shortly before voting was to commence on a constitutional referendum Zelaya insisted on holding even though the country's Supreme Court has ruled it illegal and everyone from the military to Congress and members of his own party opposed it. President Zelaya has reportedly been flown from the country to Costa Rica, where he is seeking asylum.

Reina said Zelaya was taken into military custody at his house outside the capital, Tegucigalpa, and whisked away to an air force base on the outskirts of the city. Tanks rolled through the streets and Army trucks carrying hundreds of soldiers equipped with metal riot shields surrounded the presidential palace in the capital's center. About 100 Zelaya supporters, many wearing "Yes," T-shirts for the referendum, blocked the main street outside the gates to the palace, throwing rocks and insults at soldiers and shouting "Traitors! Traitors!"

It was not immediately clear who was running the government. Soldiers appeared to be in control, but the constitution mandates that the head of Congress is next in line to the presidency, followed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Neither military nor presidential officials have said who's in charge. Source: AOL News

Honduras has a history of military coups, with soldiers overthrowing elected presidents in 1963 and again in 1972. The military did not turn the government over to civilians until 1981, under U.S. pressure. This is another headache the Obama Administration could do without.

Billy Mays, Television Pitchman, Found Unresponsive by Wife in his Tampa Home

UPDATE

The medical examiner in Florida says the 50-year-old Mays suffered a pulmonary embolism over the weekend.


SHOCK: Television pitchman Billy Mays, 50, who built his fame by appearing on commercials and infomercials promoting household products and gadgets, passed away earlier today. It is also being reported that Mr. Mays was on US Airways Flight 1241 which blew its front tires as it landed, forcing the airport to shut down the busy north-south runway. This is another sudden and shocking death in the last few weeks.

According to Tampa Bay Online, Mays was found unresponsive by his wife, Deborah, and the Tampa Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m. There were no signs of forced entry to the residence and no foul play is suspected, police said. The Medical Examiner's Office is expected to complete the autopsy by Monday afternoon.

You will remember Mays from those infomercials in which he rose to prominence pushing OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom and other household products like the Mighty Putty glue.

Some Members of the Congressional Black Caucus Riled Over Slavery Apology Resolution without Support for Reparations

As you will recall, the Senate voted earlier this month to formally apologize for slavery and racial segregation, which, personally, I think is not worth its weight in gold, but a fallout is looming. Though the move appears to be consistent with other nonbinding, symbolic resolutions that lawmakers have passed before, apologizing for such things as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, some black lawmakers, notably members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are upset because a disclaimer in the resolution says that it does not support or authorizes reparations by the United States. The resolution, which was passed by voice vote, said it was important for Americans to apologize for slavery “so they can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all people of the United States.” It was passed on the day before Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves in 1865.

"I would not want to have any language in place that would deny anyone, any citizen, the right to address a grievance," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., head of the Caucus. "I feel that some method other than just an apology should be made," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. "People should be made whole."

But other House Democrats say they don't oppose the disclaimer. "I think it's just legal clarity that this doesn't provide a basis for reparations and the resolution we passed in the House, though it didn't have that provisions, was not passed as a basis for reparations either," said Rep. Steve Cohen who represents a majority black district in Tennessee and sponsored a House version passed last year. Source: Fox News

At this point, we don't need reparations in the form of cash payments to descendants of African Americans who were quite clearly wronged, given the economic climate the country has found itself in. We need better schools, especially in the inner city areas. We need to equip our teachers and students, doctors and nurses, law enforcement, fire men with the best tools possible to compete and do their jobs effectively. We need to provide more jobs for the unemployed and the under-employed. I wish these same lawmakers in the Congressional Black Caucus would turn their attention to the high crime rates in their inner cities and high unemployment and high drop-out rates of students in these districts. I don't see what benefit comes from apologizing for slavery because the pepretrators of the slave trade are dead and racism, though subtle in some circles, is still alive and well in the United States.

There have been many arguments made for and against reparations. From a historical and legal context, one could argue that the statute of limitations for filing such lawsuits has long passed, therefore, courts are prohibited from granting relief of any kind. You will recall that several high profile cases against a number of companies with ties to slavery have been dismissed. I believe that reparations would be counterproductive, in that it would increase racial hostility on many levels. Sometimes one has to live by the creed, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I agree with the comments of former slave, Booker T. Washington written in "Up From Slavery."

I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction... Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution. Then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or racial feeling, and look facts in the face, we must acknowledge that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral wrong of slavery, the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who themselves or whose ancestors went through the school of American slavery, are in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially, intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an equal number of black people in any other portion of the globe. ...

This I say, not to justify slavery -- on the other hand, I condemn it as an institution, as we all know that in America it was established for selfish and financial reasons, and not from a missionary motive -- but to call attention to a fact, and to show how Providence so often uses men and institutions to accomplish a purpose. When persons ask me in these days how, in the midst of what sometimes seem hopelessly discouraging conditions, I can have such faith in the future of my race in this country, I remind them of the wilderness through which and out of which, a good Providence has already led us.

To read more about reparations, CLICK HERE.

Battle Looms Over Michael Jackson's Estate, Will, Children, Dr. Murray Lawyers Up

Well, all hell is about to break loose. A lot of news is floating around about the late Michael Jackson and the looming battle over his will, his children, his money and so on. I guess one burning question I have is why Dr. Murray had to lawyer up so fast if he didn't do anything wrong. Here's a compilation of all the latest news:

Second autopsy completed at the request of Jackson's family...
Los Angeles Prepares for Massive Memorial Service...
Doctor Murray hires an attorney...
JACKSON 'WAS UNABLE TO SING'
Jackson was 'working on new climate change song before death'...
Grief turns to anger for fans...
NANNY REVEALS TRAGIC SECRET: 'I had to pump his stomach many times'...
Insider Tells of Drugs, Hangers-On and Skin Grafts

Michael Jackson's 911 Call Released

The 911 call has been disclosed. TMZ has just received a tape of the Michael Jackson 911 call made yesterday at 12:21 PM from Michael's house in Holmby Hills, Ca.

The person who makes the call says Jackson was not breathing and unconscious. Jackson was not responding to CPR. The caller says the doctor on scene -- Dr. Conrad Murray -- was the only witness -- "The doctor has been the only one here." Source: TMZ

This is rather interesting. All hell is going to break loose once the cause of death is revealed. Sorry, this sounds really fishy to me.

CLICK HERE to hear the 911 call.

Los Angeles Police Department Launches Search for Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, Who Allegedly Administered Dose of Demerol to Michael Jackson

UPDATE

Dr. Conrad Robert Murray is reportedly now in Los Angeles. He is preparing to speak with law enforcement officials regarding Michael Jackson's death. Still developing......

DRAMA: Los Angeles police are searching for Michael Jackson's personal physician, identified by KHOU as Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, today to question him after allegations that the star received a potentially fatal dose of the painkiller Demerol before his death. Though the doctor has not been classified the subject of a criminal probe, it is rather suspicious that he has disappeared and left his vehicle on the property.

News of the manhunt broke on the well-connected celebrity gossip website TMZ.com, which was the first to report the star's death, and came as an LA County coroner began an autopsy. Earlier reports suggested that Jackson might have been given a large dose of the drug to help deal with pain after rehearsals for a series of 50 comeback concerts in London. Los Angeles police spokeswoman Karen Rayner says that police had towed a BMW owned by one of the singer's doctors from Jackson’s house.

She said: “We have not been able to interview the doctor yet. His car was impounded because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death.” Ms Rayner added that the doctor was not under criminal investigation but coroner’s investigators wanted to contact him. Source: Times Online

The death of Michael Jackson is eerily reminiscent of Anna Nicole Smith. I hope and pray that they will get to the bottom of this tragedy.

Body of Jada Justice, Missing Toddler, May have Been Found, Prosecutor Reasonably Sure, Two Held in Connection with the Crime

This has to be every parent's worst nightmare. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said that he is quite certain that the body of Jada Justice, 2, has been found. You will recall that she disappeared more than a week ago. I hope the babysitter, who is the first cousin of the child's mother, is not responsible in any way.

Carter said a formal identification still needs to be done. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed Friday on the body. Justice was apparently abducted from a car June 16 while her 18-year-old cousin who was baby sitting her went into a convenience store in Gary. Carter said two people are in custody in connection with the toddler's June 16 disappearance. He said that charges are expected to filed Friday in the case.

This is a tragedy of untold proportions and I hope the scumbags that took her will be punished to the maximum extent of the law. No child deserves this.

Perez Hilton Strikes Again, Says Michael Jackson's Alleges Michael Jackson's Hospital Admission was a "Lie or Making Himself Sick"

Now I see why Perez Hilton got punched in the mouth for his comments about Will.i.am and he deserved every bit of the beat-down he got. It has come to my attention that he badmouthed Michael Jackson once the news started filtering out that he was en route to the hospital. Upon learning of Mr. Jackson's hospital admission, he posted the following, reprehensible piece, alleging that Michael was “lying” or “making himself sick”. The post has now been updated on his site to temper this gross insensitivity.

Meanwhile, a backlash called #unfollowperez is attempting to shame the blogger through Twitter.

Michael Jackson, King of Pop, Dead at 50

This is, indeed, a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Call him whatever you want, Michael Jackson was a trailblazer and a legend in his own rights. He died suddenly today and the music world will never be the same.

Rest in peace Michael. Rest in peace. The Hinterland Gazette will not publish tomorrow out of respect for the passing of Michael Jackon, unless there is breaking news.

Mark Sanford, South Carolina Governor, Apologizes to Wife, Staff, Others, Says He Has Been Cheating on Wife with Woman in Argentina

Major bombshell. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, apologizing to his wife, children, staff, “and anybody who lives in South Carolina,” says he’s been unfaithful to his wife and has been in a relationship with another woman in Argentina. This is a major bombshell and another Republican bites the dust due to infidelity.

Well, he can kiss any chances of being a Republican Party presidential goodbye. These guys are such hypocrites. They are ever so critical of President Obama, yet they can't remain faithful to their wives. That speaks volumes about their integrity and their commitment to their families. He is serving his second straight term as governor, which expires in January 2011. The state constitution prohibits a third straight term. He should resign as governor immediately because this is a disgrace. These cheaters are coming out of the wood work like a colony of ants. I am dying to see how the GOP will spin this latest revelation. The GOP is collapsing like a tower of dominoes. Shameful and hypocritical. An investigation should be launched to see whether he used state funds to go on his South American escapade.

I will just end my post with some of the lyrics to "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" in a shot out to Gov. Sanford for being a hypocrite and a cheat:

Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance

And as for fortune, and as for fame
I never invited them in
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired

They are illusions
They are not the solutions they promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you and hope you love me

Don't cry for me Argentina

Have I said too much?
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you.
But all you have to do is look at me to know
That every word is true

Clarence Thomas: The lone Supreme Court Justice to Vote Against the 1965 Voting Act

Congress approved the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to prevent local officials from disenfranchising minority voters through a variety of tactics. In the past, local officials have located polling places in spots inconvenient to minority groups, or drawn boundaries of voting districts to dilute their strength.

Section 5 requires the Justice Department to "preclear" changes in voting rules in certain states and municipalities, mostly in the Deep South.

The court rightly decided that Congress deserved latitude when lawmakers decided in 2006 to extend Section 5 for 25 years. Congress amassed ample evidence of the need for prolonged federal oversight. Philadelphia Inquirer

Just to state the facts of the vote, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. also noted that the nation today is significantly different from the one that adopted the act 40 years ago and that federal intervention in state election procedures may no longer be justified in an era when thousands of African-Americans hold office across the country and the nation recently elected its first black president.

Yes, times have changed since the voting act was passed; but the more things change, the more they stay the same. As Latinos become the majority minority in this country, although Latino is not a race, statistics point to them eventually becoming the majority. For a change so drastic in this country to take place, the government should continue to play a role in our democracy to guarantee the right for all to vote.

The case may be different for African-Americans since the 1960's and because of the African-American civil rights struggles of the past, other ethnic minority groups do not have to fight the same fight- but old habits die hard for some and there's no need to undue the law if it protects the rights and does not violate the rights of others.

So why did Clarence Thomas vote against the act? I don't know. Maybe he is only taking into consideration the struggle of African-Americans and thinks that the struggle is over because we have made great strides. But as a Supreme Court Justice, he should consider all of the country and acknowledge the fact that this country still has a way to go with its poor and disenfranchised as well as minorities.

Apparent Gay Exorcism in Manifested Glory Ministries Church Causes Outrage

A video which shows an exorcism of a teen to drive out apparent "homosexual demons" has sparked outrage among several gay rights activists and rightly so. The video, which was posted on YouTube, features church elders from the Manifested Glory Ministries Church in Bridgeport performing the exorcism on the 16-year-old boy.

"Right now I command you to leave!" screamed one of the church leaders involved with the exorcism in the video. The teenager is seen rolling around on the ground, moaning and screaming - at one point he even vomits.

Although it was never confirmed to be a gay exorcism, repeated references to the subject's sexual orientation suggests it was. Source: WPIX-TV

The exact date the video was made is unclear, but it is disturbing nonetheless. Several advocacy groups for homosexual teenagers have expressed outrage at this exorcism and want the authorities to get involved. This is reprehensible and should not be tolerated by anyone.

Ed Thomas, Aplington-Parkersburg High School Football Coach, Shot and Killed By Former Student Mark Becker, 24,

Ed Thomas, the Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach was shot and killed inside the school as athletes were lifting weights. According to media reports, no students were injured, although about 50 students were present at the time of the shooting. Mark Becker, 24, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the shooting death. He is a former Aplington-Parkersburg player and student.

Superintendent Jon Thompson of the Aplington-Parkersburg Community Schools said crisis counselors were on scene to assist students who witnessed the shooting. Mr. Thomas had been with the school district for more than 30 years, Thompson said, and was a well-known football coach in the region.

This is a sad turn of events and I hope the cops have the correct person in custody and the motive for such a senseless act will be revealed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Thomas.

To read the Des Moines Register's story, CLICK HERE.

Jive-Talking Twin Transformers Spark Outrage Due to Racial Overtones

Can't toys be just that, toys or on-screen characters be more positively portrayed? "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" has introduced some 40 new mechanized characters of all shapes, sizes and even sexes, but there's one problem --a pair of jive-talking 'bots that critics are singling out as more than just harmless comic relief. They are downright stereotypical and racist. Skids and Mudflap, twin robots disguised as compact Chevys, constantly brawl and bicker in rap-inspired street slang. Get this, they're even forced to acknowledge that they can't read. One has a gold tooth. Why do we have to add racial caricatures to the mix? Seems like we are reverting to the age of black-faced minstrels once again. Hollywood has a record of perpetuating negative stereotypes behind the guise of "art" and the sooner people voice their concerns forcefully and demonstrate against such racism, the sooner this will stop. People continue to get big laughs at the expense of African Americans.

As good guys, they fight alongside the Autobots and are intended to provide comic relief. But the traits they're ascribed raise the specter of stereotypes most notably seen when Jar Jar Binks, the clumsy, broken-English speaking alien from "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" was criticized as a racial caricature.

Wall Street Journal film critic Joe Morgenstern described Binks in 1999 as a "Rastafarian Stepin Fetchit," a reference to a black character from the 1920s and '30s that exploited negative stereotypes for comic effect. Extending that metaphor to the "Transformers" sequel was AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire, who calls Skids and Mudflap "Jar Jar Binks in car form."

And Manohla Dargis, film critic for The New York Times, takes it a step further, writing that the "Transformers" characters were given "conspicuously cartoonish, so-called black voices that indicate that minstrelsy remains as much in fashion in Hollywood as when, well, Jar Jar Binks was set loose by George Lucas."

TV actor Reno Wilson, who is black, voices Mudflap. Tom Kenny, the white actor behind SpongeBob SquarePants, voices Skids. Neither immediately responded to interview requests for this story. Source: San Francisco Chronicle

This persistent dehumanization of the African American culture will not stop because many black actors and actresses feed into the stereotypes and play the parts willingly. Surely we can move beyond the Stepin Fetchit character. I cannot see how these two jive-talking robots are helping children understand their culture and robots? Am I missing the point?

Jeanice McMillian, 42, Operator of the Metro Train that Rear-Ended Another during Rush Hour, Became Train Operator on Dec. 8, 2008

The blame game has begun in the aftermath of rush-hour collision between two crowded trains on Washington D.C.'s subway system. The accident, the tagged as the deadliest in Washington D.C. Metro's history, killed nine and injured countless other passengers, trapping commuters in a stack of twisted rail cars. According to media reports, witnesses said a train near the Fort Totten station on the Red Metro Line was rear-ended by another train, operated by the late Jeanice McMillian, 42, who has been a train operator since December 8, 2008. It was the scene of total mayhem and when the dust settles, there will be a lot of finger-pointing. Experts familiar with Metro's operations focused last night on a failure of the signal system and operator error as likely causes of yesterday's fatal Red Line crash.

District of Columbia Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said rescuers treated 76 patients at the scene in the first two hours, including six who died. Three bodies were located in the wreckage late Monday night. The accident occurred on a curved section of track after a long straightaway, during clear weather, on the subway system's most heavily used line. It was about 5 p.m. local time, among the system's busiest hours. Metro chief John Catoe said the first train was stopped on the tracks, waiting for another train to clear the station ahead, when the trailing train plowed into it.

Metro trains generally are operated by a computer system; operators can override the controls on orders from dispatchers. Metro was designed with a fail-safe computerized signal system that is supposed to prevent trains from colliding. The agency's trains are run by onboard computers that control speed and braking. Another electronic system detects the position of trains to maintain a safe distance between them. If they get too close, the computers automatically apply the brakes, stopping the trains. These systems were supposed to make yesterday's crash impossible. Source: Washington Post

So, let's revisit the train operator, Ms. McMillian. According to media reports, in yesterday's crash, it appeared that the operator of the train that crashed did not apply the emergency brakes, also known as the "mushroom." Experts said the train appeared to be traveling fast before impact because the force pushed the first car of the train on top of the train ahead. Witnesses on the train that crashed also reported that the train did not brake before impact. She should have been able to spot the train ahead of her. The train was not inside a tunnel and skies were clear. The operator could have been incapacitated due to a medical emergency or above all, a catastrophic failure of the braking system could have been the reason for the crash.

The point I am trying to make is, rather than piling onto the train operator, there are a myriad of other reasons why this crash could have occurred. What is horrific is the fact that the transit system has never bothered to replace these older trains. Apparently the southbound train that crashed into the other train was one of the oldest in Metro's fleet. Five years ago, according to the Washington Post, federal regulators said that model car should be strengthen to better protect occupants in case of a collision. Did they bother to institute such changes? No. The excuse was that retrofitting the trains didn't necessarily mean it would work. So, then why not replace those cars? You see, the Metro had decided to phase out the old cars as it purchased newer vehicles, but guess what, all the old cars remain in service and total about one-third of the Metro fleet.

So, whether this is operator error or not, the management of the Metro rail share some blame in this accident, especially if it centers around the age of these cars. What is amazing is that the transit system did not learn from the last accident, in much the same way as the fallout in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was common knowledge that the levees in New Orleans could not withstand a Category 4 hurricane, but nobody bothered to get the funds in place to fortify these levees before something catastrophic occurred. Here we go again, with the Metro, after the accident in 2004, nobody bothered to put corrective measures in place. This is a vicious cycle that plays out constantly in this country.

Jason Douglas, New Principal of Walnut Creek Elementary in Henry County, Ga., Arrested for Probation Violation Stemming from Pending DUI Case

Could someone please tell me how in the world did the Henry county school board miss the fact that Jason Douglas had a pending drunk driving case when they promoted him to become the new principal for Walnut Creek Elementary school? The police arrested him on a probation violation stemming from a pending drunk driving case. He was promoted to principal June 3. The person who cleared him for promotion should be fired because they did not detect his run-ins with the law. This is a low-down dirty shame and heads ought to roll for this blunder.

According to an arrest report from two years ago, Henry County police arrested Douglas for drunk driving. The report said he blew a .149 – nearly twice the legal limit – at 2 a.m. June 30, 2007.

The officer also reported finding a small bag of marijuana in Douglas’ car. Police charge that the arrest in 2007 was a violation of Douglas’ probation. Douglas was on probation for a 2004 domestic dispute incident.

A Henry County Schools spokesperson said the district hired Douglas as a teacher in July 2003. They did a criminal background check then. The spokesperson also said the district does background checks every five years – which means the district would have done another in 2008. Source: WSBTV

So, once again, we have criminals in high positions in our schools and around our children. It's amazing that the "powers that be" missed the fact that he was on probation for a 2004 incident and was arrested in 2007 for violating his probation.

Republicans Chime in as Turmoil Continues in Iran Over Election Outcome

As the turmoil over the election outcome in Iran continues, Republicans begin to chime in on President Obama's so called lack of words. The Sunday political news shows were full of Republicans who feel that President Obama has not taken a strong enough stand or has not spoken out directly about the unrest occurring in Iran.

"The president of the United States is supposed to lead the free world, not follow it," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday. "He's been timid and passive more than I would like."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and others noted that Western leaders, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have demanded a recount or more forcefully condemned the government crackdown.

"I'd like to see the president be stronger than he has been, although I appreciate the comments that he made yesterday," McCain said. "I think we ought to have America lead."

To put the whole controversy in a nutshell, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are not fighting two wars on two separate fronts. They can sell "wolf tickets" and comment all they want. Commenting and meddling in other country's affairs is what has caused much of this in the first place.

We need to let Democracy run its course in Iran and leave it be. The United States interfering with comments does not help at all. We commented and interfered in 1979 and we all know the outcome of that. If this country believes in democracy, let the people of Iran liberate themselves. We are still liberating the people of Iraq. Our comments will serve no purpose other than to make matters worst for the demonstrators that are trying to exercise their democracy rights. The Iranian government will only use US comments to fuel the fire and to use more force against the protectors.

Iranian State Police Sniper Shoots Neda Soltan in the Chest, She was not Silenced, Her Voice and Face Live On

Watch with caution, video is extremely graphic.

I am deeply saddened and troubled by the Iranian government's actions in the aftermath of what was clearly a fraudulent election. To think that people there really have no freedom of speech or expression is unconscionable and we must all stand up for the thousands of faceless voices screaming for change. Neda Soltan, 27, whose name means “voice” in Farsi, has quite literally become the voice and face of change in Iran. According to numerous online accounts picked up by media outlets worldwide, she was shot in the streets by Iranian state police while protesting today. This is what repression looks like.

A copy of the video was also emailed to The Times. It seems to show a woman lying in the street with blood spurting from her chest. A man leans over, trying to stop the bleeding with his hands.

The footage, which can be viewed on YouTube, is extremely graphic. The identity of the woman could not be independently confirmed. But she is referred to on Twitter as Neda.

“#Neda: You are the VOICE of the people. You are a call to FREEDOM…..rip,” readd one of the many tweets about her apparent slaying.

CNN reports that pictures of the woman are appearing on posters in Tehran and she is being hailed as a martyr. The network broadcast an excerpt of the video with the face of the woman blurred out.

Iranian Americans also downloaded the video and used it to make posters, which were held up at a demonstration today outside the Federal Building in Westwood. Source: LA Times

Allahpundit has the latest on Neda — her full name, new video apparently taken just before she was shot, and news of her funeral, which was canceled by the Iranian thug-ocracy.

I am surprised that the United Nations has not voiced its concern about what is going on in Iran. Shameful and reprehensible.

Chris Smith, PGA Tour player, Loses Wife, Beth Smith in Fatal Car Crash, his Two Children Abigail and Cameron Listed in Critical Condition

PGA Tour player Chris Smith lost his wife, Beth Smith, in a car accident yesterday. She was reportedly killed yesterday when the sport utility vehicle she was traveling in collided with a Greyhound bus transporting a Canadian semipro football team, The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne reported.

Abigail and Cameron Smith, who the newspaper identified as Smith's children, were listed in critical condition Monday morning at Fort Wayne's Lutheran Hospital.

Angola Fire Department spokesman T.R. Hagerty said the crash killed an occupant of the SUV. The Stueben County Sheriff's Department would not immediately confirm who was killed in the crash along Interstate 69 near Angola, in which 12 others suffered minor injuries.

Police: Janesia Williams Left Twin Infants In Car As She Shopped At Wal-Mart

Once again, another mother has landed on the wrong side of the law. Janesia Williams, 26, has been arrested and charged with child cruelty for leaving her 4-month-old infant twins in a car while she shopped at a local Wal-Mart. Police said it happened Saturday at the Wal-Mart on Anvil Block Road in Ellenwood, Ga. The temperatures in the Atlanta metropolitan area hovered around 90 degrees, so you can just imagine how hot that car was. You would think this woman would use better judgment. There's nothing that pressing going on in Wal-Mart or any store for that matter for one to leave their children in the sweltering heat in one's automobile. This is unconscionable and she should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

According to media reports, a passer-by noticed the kids alone in the car and called police. The police said she left a crack in the car windows and that’s how authorities were able to remove the children, who were believed to have been inside the vehicle for about 30 minutes.

Police said the children’s father picked them up from the hospital, but Williams was taken to jail. She remained at the Clayton County jail Sunday morning on child cruelty charges,No bond has been set. How stupid can one be? I know she didn't think that she would have gotten away with such cruelty to her kids. This leads me to believe that this isn't the first time she did this.

As part of her punishment, she should be taken to Death Valley and left in her car, with the windows up, for 30 minutes. For those of you who don't know this, Death Valley, Ca., is a desert located in the southwestern United States. It is the lowest, dryest, and hottest location in North America.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) Endorses Birther Bill, Maintains President Obama Isn't Natural Born American Citizen

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has now signed up with the Birther cause -- the people who think Barack Obama isn't a natural-born citizen and should be required to produce a birth certificate. Didn't President Obama already present a birth certificate? What's the big deal? It seems that the Republicans have forgotten that there were a few suggestions made that the Constitution be amended so that California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger could run for the presidency. Funny, it's a do as I say not but as I do movement afoot in the GOP. I didn't hear them make the same argument about Sen. John McCain when he ran, though it was a documented fact that he was not born on U.S. soil.

Coburn has now voiced his support for a bill offered by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and five House co-sponsors so far. "The bill requires any federal candidates' campaign committee filing with the Federal Election Commission to produce a copy of the candidate's birth certificate," wrote Coburn. "If the bill makes it to the Senate, I will likely support it."

Coburn also endorsed a similar bill in the Oklahoma legislature: "I hope the Oklahoma State Legislature will give serious consideration to this bill and I hope more states will reform their ballot access laws to ensure federal candidates must affirmatively prove their eligibility." This man has nothing better to do with his time than to join the right wing in smearing the veracity of the president's birth place.

James Berry, Former Principal, Assistant Principal, Doretha Alexander, Arrested In Cheating Investigation in Atlanta

It is really a disturbing turn of events to learn that former Atherton Elementary School principal James Berry and his assistant principal Doretha Alexander have been arrested in connection with an investigation into whether student test scores were altered to improve school performance. They have been accused of the very thing you would have hoped they would try to instill in the students and that is not to cheat, no matter what. This "dynamic duo" face charges of altering public documents. The arrests come on the heels of an audit last week that found a high number of eraser marks on tests from four Georgia schools, including Atherton. State officials have said the higher scores helped the schools meet federal standards. One has to wonder how many more times they committed these crimes and how many other school principals and their cohorts are guilty of the same thing.

Berry resigned last week, while Alexander was reassigned by district officials. These two will not work again in the field of education and rightly so. What I find equally puzzling is the relative ease with which these two seemed to have carried out this scheme. Shouldn't the system be a little bit more tamper proof?

The Governor's Office of Student Achievements preliminary audit results revealed that someone deliberately changed students' answers on the 5th grade CRCT math re-test. ast week, DeKalb County school superintendent, Dr. Crawford Lewis, said, “The evidence presented was both compelling and troubling to me as superintendent of the DeKalb County School System. I assure you I am moving with great speed to address this matter internally.”

The state said the scores improved significantly by the changes. At Atherton, the state found on average, answers were altered 21 times per student, the majority of the changes making them correct. Other metro Atlanta schools being investigated are Deerwood Academy in Atlanta, and Parklane Elementary in Fulton County. Source: WSBTV

So much for teaching your students the value of hard work and honesty. We all know that besides the loss of their positions, the sentences won't be severe, but the loss of one's integrity will undoubtedly be a costly one for these two idiots.

William Cornelius, 79, Reportedly Dies After Altercation with Verizon Employee who Came to do Repairs at his Virginia Home

Well, Verizon's customer service may have literally caused the death of William Cornelius. Apparently, the 79-year old man, fed up with the level of service he received from Verizon, died after trying to stop a technician's van from pulling out of his driveway. Police said Mr. Cornelius fell after grabbing the steering wheel of the van late Wednesday afternoon and died hours later at a hospital. According to Vienna police, the Verizon technician told Cornelius that he had finished working on Cornelius's service and began to leave the home, in the 500 block of Ayr Hill Avenue NE. This certainly isn't the sort of public relations nightmare that Verizon wants at this time.

Cornelius was upset and followed the technician to his van. Police spokesman Bill Murray said in an interview that Cornelius "continued to express his dissatisfaction and tried to block the technician's van from leaving his driveway."

The technician got inside his van. Cornelius moved out of the way, and the technician began to drive away, according to police. Murray said that was when Cornelius, "reached in through the van window and grabbed the steering wheel," Murray said. Cornelius fell to the ground. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Murray said police are waiting for the medical examiner to determine whether the fall or something else killed Cornelius.

Verizon spokesman Harry Mitchell called the incident "a tragic accident" and said the company is cooperating with police. Source: The Washington Post

Here's another problem, the Verizon worker is the only person who will tell his side of the story. There won't be a version from Mr. Cornelius, so if the worker was wrong, we will never know. This is a sad turn of events and from what I have heard, except for their wireless division, Verizon sucks terribly. If they gave this made bad customer service, the family should sue the company. We will just have to wait and see how this tragedy plays out.

Thomas Theo Brown Being Sought by Jacksonville, Fla., Police in the Shooting of Co-Worker Juanese Miller, 22, to Death at Wendy's Restaurant

Have you seen this scumbag, Thomas Theo Brown? If you do, you need to call the cops immediately. Thomas Brown is accused of shooting his Wendy's co-worker yesterday afternoon, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. They have identified him as a suspect in the murder. According to investigators, Brown was working at the fast-food restaurant when he got upset about something and left work. According to JSO Sgt. Derrick Lewis, in an interview with News 4, "He went home and he said in a rage, 'I'm tired of this. I'm going to kill whomever." This heartless killer didn't care that there were patrons inside the restaurant eating when he decided to shoot 22-year-old Juanese Miller.

A neighbor of Miller told Channel 4 that two days ago he gave Miller a ride to Wendy's because she had an ongoing feud with Brown and the two were having a sit-down meeting with their manager to discuss the problem.

Miller's family said it had not heard about any problems between Miller and Brown. JSO said Brown is considered armed and dangerous. Officers said before Brown left the restaurant he announced that he was going to "make cops shoot him."

Brown is thought to have fled in a green four-door Honda Accord with Florida license plate number 391-JIV. Police said he was last seen wearing his Wendy's uniform. Source: Jacksonville News 4

This is a reprehensible act and I am tired of hearing about all this gun violence in America. We have to do something drastic about the escalating gun violence in this country. There should be zero tolerance to anyone who commits such heinous acts. I won't make generalizations, but I am pretty sure this isn't the first time Thomas Theo Brown has had a run-in with the law, but this time around he committed murder. Florida is a death penalty state and it is my hope that once he has been arrested and charged, the prosecutor will seek it. I don't care what type of altercation he had with this woman, his certainly was never elevated to the position of the keeper of her life or anyone else's for that matter.

Lowell Litten, Principal of Private Christian School, Charged with Sexual Abuse of 14 Year Old Teenager

Lowell Litten, principal of Eastern Shore Junior Academy in Queen Anne's County, Md., has been charged with sexual abuse of a teenager. Police said the victim is a ninth grader at the "religious" school where he works. He reportedly admitted to the police during questioning that "he had driven the girl to a housing complex where he pulled up to a vacant house in the driveway, where she performed a sexual act on him." This man is married and is the father of four young children. What an example to set for his family and the school. I cannot believe that his bail was only $25,000. This is an outrage. This man should be treated like any other dirtbag charged with sexual crimes against children. It is my hope that he was released with an ankle bracelet, since he has joined the ranks of sex offenders.

The state police are now investigating to see if others were also victims. State police say there were several sexual encounters between the 39-year-old and the 14-year-old in Maryland and Delaware. They have seized Litten's computer and some other papers.

The academy is run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and a spokeswoman told Eyewitness News by phone, "Of course we fingerprint and do a background check on any employee who will be working with children, so that was done. We're cooperating fully with authorities on this." The church says Litten has been at the Eastern Shore school for four years but served at a school in Takoma Park before that. Source: WJZ-13

People fail to realize that these dirtbags are living in our communities and we must be very vigilant. This man deliberately engaged in a criminal behavior with a minor and expected to get away with it. They should run him out of town. His bond is an outrage. People have done lesser crimes and have had higher bonds. Where's the logic in that?

Allen Stanford, Disgraced Billionaire, Arrested by FBI on Fraud Related Charges, Owes IRS $226.5 Million in Back Taxes, Interest and Penalties

It looks like disgraced billionaire Allen Stanford has been arrested by the FBI. He was arrested for on fraud related charges, which FBI Supervisor Special Agent M. A. Myers would not discuss in detail. Stanford is accused of a $9.2 billion fraud by U.S. regulators and denied all wrongdoing in a interview, fraught with tears, during which he threatened to punch his questioner in the mouth. Of course, couldn't have been considered an act of guilt?

Well, he has bigger worries than that interview. It seems the "tax-man cometh." Yes, he and his wife owe the Internal Revenue Service at least $226.5 million -- $110 million in back taxes, $55.8 million in penalties and $60.7 million in interest for the 1999 through 2003 tax years. That alone will send this shyster up the river for years to come. I will never understand why rich people won't pay their taxes.

He has more money woes. According to media reports, the assets of Stanford and his financial groups, based in Antigua and the Caribbean, are frozen while the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigates allegations he ran "a massive Ponzi scheme," a pyramid scheme in which new investors' money is stolen to pay profits to existing clients.

More to come on this story.....

Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Ca., Chides Brigadier Gen. Michael Walsh for Calling Her 'Ma'am' During Senate Hearing, Says She Worked Hard for the Title

Just so we are all on the same page, California lawmaker Barbara Boxer is a senator, okay? Well, this seems rather trivial to me, but she obviously holds her title with such esteem that she wants the whole world to remember that. She reminded Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who was testifying at a hearing before her Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, of her position. She rather rudely interrupted his response to a question, with apparent gall, when he referred to her as "ma'am." I am guessing right off the bat that the general was only being polite and respectful. Ma'am carries more deference than the word senator, especially in these tough economic times.

Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh was testifying on the Louisiana coastal restoration process in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Here's the exchange. Try not to laugh. "You know, do me a favor," an irritated Boxer said. "Could say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?'" "Yes, ma'am," Walsh interjected. "It's just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title, so I'd appreciate it, yes, thank you," she said. "Yes, senator," he responded.

Isn't it military protocol that officers may use "sir" or "ma'am" when addressing anybody higher than them on the chain of command? Well, Ms. Boxer certainly has an ox to grind being called that. This seems petty and childish, to say the least. It is absolutely amazing that we are once again seeing the nitpicking of our elected officials, who have much more pressing matters on their plate than to be tangled up is such mess.

Click here to watch the Boxer-Walsh exchange.

Paul Lewis, Jamaican-Born American Evangelist, Arrested on Jamaica on Charges of Sexual Assault of Two Teenage Girls Ages 14 and 15

If you are looking for Jamaican-born American evangelist Paul Lewis, he won't be home in the United States any time soon. You see, he has just found himself on the wrong side of the law in the wrong place. Apparently, he has been arrested for sexual assault on two teenage girls in Negril and has been ordered remanded until July 7th. Lewis, the head of Paul Lewis Ministries was charged Wednesday with carnal abuse and indecent assault of two teenagers. He was reportedly on the island at the invitation of a local church, which I am sure wants to have nothing to do with him at this point. The bottom line is that he would be charged with child crimes in the United States and one has to wonder how many more young girls he has preyed upon, all behind the guise of being an evangelist.

He reportedly took two girls aged 14 and 15 to a hotel in the Negril on the weekend. He allegedly made sexual advances to the 14-year-old which were refused before he turned his attention to the 15-year old.He allegedly had sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old and then gave her money. Pastor Lewis was nabbed Sunday night just minutes before he was scheduled to begin delivering his message at a crusade.

Where were their parents? asks Bennett In the meantime, Government Senator and Head of the Hydel Group of Schools Hyacinth Bennett has chided the parents of the two girls involved in the incident. She is questioning why the girls were allowed to accompany the Pastor."Whether the man is a pastor or not, whether the man is an evangelist or not the answer is no, your bodies are valuable parts. Parents need to know where their children are ... how could I have my teenage daughters sporting and sitting in cars with an evangelist in the country. I must know where they are ... who gave them permission to go with the pastor. Source: Radio Jamaica.

First of all, I have to echo the sentiments of Ms. Bennett, where are the parents who allowed their two girls to go out with this man? They are just as complicit in what this man did. He would have been labelled as a sex offender here in the United States. What he did was rape those two girls and he should be meted the same punishment as someone in Jamaica. This man is a disgrace to any ministry and people should stop donating to his. Another snake in the pulpit and another false preacher.

According to the NY Daily News, in February, a 19-year-old Brooklyn woman filed a complaint claiming that Lewis, her former pastor, had raped her in a parking lot nearly a year before. She later returned to the police and recanted the allegation, saying that they had a consensual sexual relationship. The case was closed and no charges filed. So, it would seem that this pervert has a history of fornicating with young girls. I am sure if we start digging, more instances of this behavior will be uncovered.

Lewis moved to the United States as a child. His Web site identifies him as pastor for The Messengers for Christ World Healing Center in Brooklyn, New York. His Web site says he has preached in Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica, Europe and Africa. In infomercials and on his Web site he has pitched a "miracle olive oil soap" that he claims can cure diseases including AIDS and cancer and bring prosperity. In reality, the man is a fraud, who just got caught for being a sex predator and a rapist.

The Hinterland Gazette wants to talk to anyone who has a child that Pastor Lewis has fathered or any teenage girls with whom he has had a sexual relationship. Please contact us at blackpoliticalthought@gmail.com.

Police Draw Guns on Two Black Men Opening Bank Account at Skokie, Ill., Bank of America Branch

In a stunningly brazen case of racial profiling, Skokie police drew their guns and surrounded a Bank of America branch Monday morning because two black men tried to open bank accounts. The men said that they were profiled by employees and the police because of how they looked. The men were apparently trying to open an account, but employees thought they appeared suspicious and called police. A bank employee said there is no security at the branch, which is across from the Old Orchard Mall. I am always amazed at people who try to make the argument that there is no racial profiling. What do you call this? What is the "right look" that black men must assume? This is totally reprehensible and disturbing on so many levels.

According to media reports, after police surrounded the bank, both men surrendered. One man left the bank with his arms up, while the other sat on the sidewalk with two officers pointing machine guns at him. The men had no weapons. After checking out the men’s story, with egg on their faces, the Skokie police reportedly shook hands with the men and let them go on their way.

Skokie police defended their actions, issuing the following statement about what happened: On Monday, June 8, 2009, at approximately 10:00 a.m., at 10000 Skokie Blvd., the Bank of America manager contacted the Skokie Police Department regarding two suspicious males walking around inside the bank. The manager stated that upon entry, one male told the other male to tap him three times when he was ready; one male also had what appeared to be an object in his waistband.

Skokie police officers responded and established a perimeter around the bank.
The suspicious persons exited the bank without incident. They were identified and released without charges. It was determined that no crime had been committed.

About six weeks ago there was a robbery at a nail salon across the street from the bank, where the robbers literally stole ladies’ wallets while they were getting manicures. That may have added to the bank employees’ nervousness. Chicagoland has seen over 200 bank robberies in each of the past four years. Source: NBC Chicago

Okay, I understand vigilance, but newsflash, not all black men are criminals and the treatment of these two men was just unconscionable. Personally, that would have been the last time a Bank of America branch would have seen me. There is absolutely no excuse for what occurred at this bank.

Monica Conyers, Detroit Council Woman, Wife of Rep. John Conyers, Offered Plea Deal in Ongoing Federal Corruption Probe, Indictment May Come Soon

File photo by ROMAIN BLANQUART\Detroit Free Press

I heard rumblings about Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, wife of Rep. John Conyers, for a while, but it seemed to have largely flown under the mainstream media's radar. It would seem as though Mrs. Conyers has been offered a plea deal, which means they have enough goods on her to seek an indictment. Another Detroit politician about to crash and burn. She was offered a plea deal, in addition to her former top aide, political operative Sam Riddle. She probably has no choice but to accept a plea deal because she would avoid risking indictment "on more severe criminal charges in the bribery scandal, would allow the scandal-weary city to avoid a messy court case after a lengthy mayoral drama, and would allow federal prosecutors to avoid another potential loss in a high-profile case," according to the Detroit Free Press. Never mind the fact that it would have a spill-over effect on her husband's congressional seat.

Accepting a plea would allow Conyers to get credit at sentencing for accepting responsibility, if in fact she committed wrongdoing. Of course, like former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Mrs. Conyers may feel that she is above the law, until she hits a brick wall and realizes that she won't be the one calling the shots, nor will her husband be able to throw his weight around. Actually, her indictment would pretty much seal his fate -- his congressional seat would be up for grabs.

The plea bargain development comes a day after the U.S. Attorney’s Office disclosed that two key figures in a sludge-disposal deal admitted paying Conyers thousands of dollars in bribes to secure her support for a $1.2-billion city contract with Synagro Technologies. Conyers, who initially opposed the 2007 deal, switched her position as the council voted 5-4 to let Synagro dispose of wastewater sludge. A source familiar with the inquiry said federal investigators also are talking to Conyers about investments by Detroit’s public pension funds. Conyers is a former trustee for the city’s general retirement fund. Source: Detroit Free Press

I won't sentence Mrs. Conyers before she is convicted, but it does seem that her hands may be dirtier than she has let on. I am amazed that this has not made the MSM, especially in light of her husband's position in the Congress. If she's a ruthless scumbag, then people need to call her out and talk about her husband's hypocrisy. I have to wonder what his role in this is or how much he knows?