Elderly Grandmother, Ethel Jones, Fires at Would-be Robber Michael Bynum During Attempted Burglary

Alabama grandmother, Ethel Jones, who is black, shot would-be robber, Michael Bynum, during late Monday night. Yeah, Grandma showed him what she was working with -- a .38 snubnosed revolver. According to media reports, Ms. Jones was in the bathroom was more accurate than when she heard someone outside her home in Decatur, Alabama around 3 a.m.

The mother of four generally keeps a .38 snubnosed revolver under her pillow, and carries it around when she is home alone at night. The intruder removed a window air conditioner and started to make his way into the house, Jones told the newspaper. When they saw one another, she fired."I shot three times," Jones said, "and he ran away hollering." Source

Bynum, who lives less than a mile away from Jones, was apprehended by police after he went to the hospital for a gunshot wound to the stomach. Police said he will be charged with second-degree burglary. Yeah, I hope dirtbags like Michael Bynum think twice before barging into someone's home in any neighborhood. We need more people like Ethel Jones around!

SHOCK: Breaking News: Eight Killed in Cancun, Mexico, in Molotov-Cocktail Attack at Popular Bar

Breaking News: Eight Killed in Cancun, Mexico, in Molotov-Cocktail Attack at Popular Bar.

Eight people died early Tuesday after attackers threw several Molotov cocktails into a Cancun, Mexico, bar, the state attorney general said.

The deceased include six women and two men, all Mexican nationals, who were employees of the tavern. They were killed at about 1:30 a.m. No suspects have been arrested yet

St. Lucien Soccer Star Isidore Phillip Tisson Shot & Killed Outside Brooklyn Tropiks Night Club

SHOCK: Isidore Phillip Tisson, 27, a St. Lucien soccer player in New York City for a tournament, was shot and killed early Monday, just hours after scoring the goal that secured a place for his team in the final, according to the NY Daily News.

Isidore Phillip Tisson, 27, was shot in a car outside a Crown Heights cafe around 4:25 a.m. where he’d stopped after leaving a nightclub where the team celebrated.

When Tisson climbed back into the car, an unknown gunman approached from behind, and opened fire. Sources say the bullet passed through Tisson’s head and struck a 24-year-old woman who was seated next to him in the chest. She was taken to Brookdale Hospital in stable condition, police said. Two other women who were in the car were unhurt. Source

This is a sad turn of events and will certainly cast a pall on the final soccer match, if it will go on at all. No suspect has been apprehended in this tragedy. What a senseless loss!

Lynn Turner, Who Murdered Husband Glenn Turner & Later Boyfriend Randy Thompson with Anti-Freeze, Dead at 42

I hate to sound callous, but I am not sorry that Lynn Turner, who was serving a life sentence for killing her husband and her boyfriend with antifreeze, has died at the Metro State Prison in Atlanta. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Turner was found unresponsive in her cell Monday morning and attempts to resuscitate her failed.

Brooks says the cause of Turner's death is undetermined and that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's medical examiner is looking into it. Turner, a former 911 operator, was sentenced to life without parole in 2007 after a jury found her guilty in the 2001 killing of her boyfriend, Randy Thompson, a Forsyth County firefighter. Turner was already serving a life sentence for the 1995 death of her husband, Glenn Turner, a Cobb County police officer. Source

If she believed in God, I hoped she asked God for forgiveness for what she did to two people she must have loved at some point in her life and the heartache she put each man's family through.

Rapper Jasiri X Channel Glenn Beck with "Beck's Dream is Dr. King's Nightmare"

Rapper Jasiri X channels Glenn Beck's so-called new face of the civil rights movement with "Beck’s Dream Is Dr. King’s Nightmare."

Religious Group Says Glenn Beck's Attack of President Obama's Christianity Hypocritical

Christian website calls Glenn Beck a hypocrite for criticizing President Obama's Christianity and ignoring the discrimination of blacks by Mormon church up until 1978.

It seems that more people are starting to realize that Glenn Beck, the self-anointed face of the civil rights movement (I am being sarcastic), is a hypocrite, whose religion is just as questionable as liberation theology. I came across an interesting press release on Christian Wire:

Glenn Beck promotes a false gospel. However, many of his political ideas can help America. The "Restoring Honor" rally was a good idea to promote the values of America. However, when Beck ventured into the realm of "revival", his beliefs are open to scrutiny.

Despite mentioning God, Beck's Mormonism and other false religions promote a false gospel. "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

He accuses President Obama of false theology. Beck is hypocritical as the Mormon church has propagated deception for years. Obama's liberation theology is in equal error. Our country was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Mormonism is not a Christian denomination but a cult of Christianity.

No matter what your religious convictions are, it is quite obvious that Glenn Beck is just as self-righteous as Ted Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Earl Paulk and all the others pastors whose true selves were revealed after scandals.

NAACP Head Ben Jealous Says Glenn Beck Rally Crowd Wouldn't Applaud Dr. King's Speech

NAACP head Ben Jealous says he's not sure Glenn Beck rally-attendees would applaud Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream Speech" if it was read to them.

Alaska Police Officers Matthew Tokuoka & Sgt. Anthony Wallace Shot & Killed by John Marvin Jr.

John Marvin Jr. shoots and kills two Hoonah, AK, police officers Matthew Tokuoka & Sgt. Anthony Wallace in "ambush."

Hoonah, AK, police officers Matthew Tokuoka, 39, and Sgt. Anthony Wallace, 32, were shot and killed by John Marvin Jr., Saturday night, in what law enforcement described as an "ambush."

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of John Marvin Jr., police said. Following the shooting, Marvin barricaded himself inside his home, according to Alaska television station KTUU in Anchorage.

State troopers sent Special Emergency Response Teams, and police from Juneau also deployed a tactical team, troopers said. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in bringing resources into Hoonah, an island about 62 miles north of Sitka, Alaska, and 68 miles west of Juneau by ferry. The Coast Guard also launched a helicopter from Sitka to transport one of the wounded officers to Juneau.
On Sunday, other agencies were assisting, including the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Wildlife Troopers, authorities said.

The shooting leaves Hoonah, a town with about 800 people, with one officer -- the police chief, KTUU said. State troopers said they would be providing staffing for Hoonah police following the resolution of the standoff. Source: CNN

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the officers. It's a sad turn of events when officers are killed by armed thugs.

Urban Strategies Offers $300 Per Student Cash Incentive to Some Parents for School Attendance

Urban Strategies offers $300 per student cash incentive to parents to enroll students at Jefferson Elementary School in St. Louis, Mo.

Is it fair to offer a cash reward for school attendance? A local organization is offering parents a cash incentive to enroll their children at Jefferson Elementary School in St. Louis, Mo. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the money is limited to students who didn't attend school last year. The Urban Strategies, a local nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, is offering the $300 per child incentive to parents.

To get it, the kids must finish this semester with near-perfect attendance and receive no out-of-school suspensions; the parent must attend three PTO meetings. The program is being offered to families in three mixed-income housing complexes surrounding the school, where most of the students live.

Paying families for their children's behavior and attendance is part of an ongoing debate in a half dozen cities. Kids themselves also have been paid for everything from grades on tests to the number of books they read. A Harvard University study in July showed that such incentives improve classroom behavior — but they don't necessarily raise test scores. The study looked at incentive programs offered to 38,000 students at 261 low-performing urban schools in four cities. Source

I don't understand why students and parents who are doing the right things, attending school regularly, have good grades and work hard aren't rewarded. You can't force someone to learn. That's where personal responsibility and a drive to succeed despite all the odds come in. Some say low-income family need the help, but where do you draw the line and how do you determine that a family is truly low-income through no fault of their own or have been living on the public dole instead? Sorry, but these cash prizes ignore the glaring problems in many of these homes that lead to truancy, poor test scores and high drop-out rates. Why don't they institute programs to teach these parents and students the importance of getting an education and staying in schools?

днес... без сълзи

Днес прочетох в Позитивното това:

Ще бъда! Ще обичам! Ще дерзая!

Ще бъда искрен,
~ защото хората ми вярват!
Ще бъда чист,
~ защото някои ме обичат!
Ще бъда силен,
~ животът носи изпитания!
Ще бъда храбър,
~ защото подвизи ме чакат!
Ще бъда приятел,
~ на враг и на самотник!
Ще бъда щедър,
~ без да мисля за отплата!
Ще бъда скромен,
~ защото няма съвършени!
Ще гледам все напред,
~ ще се смея!
Ще обичам, ще дерзая!

И ми хареса!
Но ми остана усещане за нещо бодящо... сега разбрах кое е. "Ще" - прекалено много бъдеще...
Затова ми се иска аз да си го кажа:

Аз съм! Обичам! Дерзая!

Аз съм искрена,
~ и някои хора ми вярват!
Аз съм светла,
~ чувствам се обичана!
Аз съм силна,
~ справям се с някои изпитания!
Аз съм храбра,
~ и си върша ежедневните подвизи!
Опитвам да съм щедра,
~ и не очаквам отплата!
Не съм съвършена,
~ опитвам да съм скромна!
Гледам напред,
~ и се усмихвам!
Обичам и дерзая!

Tom Hanks Wife, Rita Wilson's Emmy Awards Outfit is a Flop

Rita Wilson's outfit at the Emmy Awards is a disgrace. Who in their right mind would design this, much less expect someone to wear it. She looks like a chandelier.

Simply unbelievable.

Peter Lenz, Teen Motorcycle Racer, Killed Over Being Run Over By Xavier Zayat's Bike

Peter Lenz, teen motorcycle racer, killed after being run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz, a 13 year old motorcycle racer died Sunday after falling off his bike and being run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. According to the Houston Chronicle, Lenz was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining "traumatic injuries." He crashed on a warmup lap before his race and was reportedly struck by Xavier Zayat, 12, who was uninjured in the accident.

Lenz death is the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003. Some may ask why children are allowed to participate in such races. I guess you can't stop a child from doing what he or she loves, but this must be a terrible blow to his family. His father wrote a message on his Facebook page:

"Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider. He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track. The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. #45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo."

Lenz rode the No. 45 bike and the crash delayed the start of the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event in which Lenz was scheduled to start, but the three races sanctioned by the MotoGP Series all started on time.

Photo credit: Peter Lenz, Facebook

Chris Wallace Asks Glenn Beck "Who Made You the God Squad"

Fox News' Chris Wallace asks Glenn Beck "who made you the God squad" in his criticism of President Barack Obama's Christianity & relationship with Jeremiah Wright.

Fox News' Chris Wallace, during an interview with Glenn Beck, one day after his "Restoring Honor" rally, asked him "who made you the God squad?" This comes from his relentless criticism of President Barack Obama's Christianity or his lack thereof in Beck's eyes. The last time I studied a pastor who was so self-righteous and called out homosexuals as living in sin, he had his own scandal of engaging in inappropriate behavior with a male prostitute. That would be Ted Haggard. It's okay for Glenn Beck to be a part of a church that denied blacks a seat in the pews and frowned on interracial marriages or maintained that blacks would never go to heaven, but President Obama is being raked over the coals for what his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, said years ago. Which I might add, the president repudiated.


Watch the video:

CBC Member Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Faces Ethics Woes for Awarding Scholarships to 4 Relatives

Another Congressional Black Caucus member, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, faces ethics woes over awarding CBC Foundation scholarships to four relatives and top aide's two children.

Ethics woes has hit another member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) has awarded thousands of dollars in college scholarships to four relatives and a top aide's two children since 2005, using foundation funds set aside for black lawmakers' causes, according to the Dallas Morning News. Er, I thought those recipients would be disqualified from such scholarships because of the CBC Foundation's anti-nepotism rules. All of the awards are a clear violation of a foundation requirement that scholarship winners live or study in a caucus member's district.

Johnson, a Democrat, denied any favoritism when asked about the scholarships last week. Two days later, she acknowledged in a statement released by her office that she had violated the rules but said she had done so "unknowingly" and would work with the foundation to "rectify the financial situation."

Initially, she said, "I recognized the names when I saw them. And I knew that they had a need just like any other kid that would apply for one." Had there been more "very worthy applicants in my district," she added, "then I probably wouldn't have given it" to the relatives. Source

If you ask me what Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) is accused of doing pales in comparison to what Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), with 13 ethics violations and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson have allegedly done. Some members of the CBC who faced ethics violations scream racist witch hunt, but no-one told Rep. Johnson to award scholarships to her relatives and the children of her aide.

Glenn Beck Amends "Racist" Charge of President Obama, Questions His Belief in Liberation Theology

Glenn Beck amends "racist" charge of President Obama, says he questions his belief in liberation theology.

I knew Glenn Beck couldn't keep his half-ass retraction of his labeling of President Obama as a "racist" on Joe Madison's radio show out there as an apology. Just one day after his inspirational rally, where he fell short of his mission of reclaiming the civil rights moveement (laughable and hypocritical on his part), he said he  doesn't want to retract his controversial charge last year that President Obama is racist, but does want to amend it since reading more about "liberation theology." Whoa, suddenly Glenn Beck is a theology scholar.

"I have a big fat mouth sometimes and I say things, and that's not the way people should behave," Beck said, adding, "I didn't understand really his theology" when he made the comment a year ago that Obama has a "deep-seated hatred for white people."

"I think that it is much more of a theological question that he is a guy who understands the world through liberation theology, which is oppressor and victim," Beck, a Fox News host, told "Fox News Sunday."Beck described liberation theology, which teaches that salvation for the individual is dependent on salvation for the collective through economic and social justice, as the message that was preached by Obama's ex-pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Source

Last night as I watched Geraldo Rivera's show on Fox News, I heard Geraldo throwing out the possibility of a Glenn Beck-Sarah Palin 2012 ticket. Sarah Palin claimed Barack Obama had no experience as a politician. Gee, I wonder what would make Glenn Beck, a Mormon, a viable presidential candidate? He claims most Christians don't believe in liberation theology. The reality is that Glenn Beck & Co. don't care one iota about the poor in our country and the fact that under President George W. Bush's watch, some parts of our country are becoming Third World. Er, couldn't I question Glenn Beck's Mormonism, particularly on why he would want to be part of a religion that didn't accept blacks for decades and frowned in interracial marriages? There's something to be said of those in our midst who are so self-righteous like the Scribes and Pharisees in the Bible. They always take a mighty tumble.

Parents Sue Roman Catholic Priest, Rev. Luis Bonilla Margarito Over Sexual Relationship with their Then-Teenage Daughter

Roman Catholic priest Rev. Luis Bonilla Margarito sued by couple, who claims he carried on sexual relationship with their then-teenage daughter and impregnated her.

Here's a little reported story in the mainstream media. A Pennsylvania couple has sued a Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Luis A. Bonilla Margarito, after they secretly videotaped him having sex with their 18 year old daughter in the basement of their Berks County home.

According to Philly.com, the lawsuit alleges that Rev. Margarito carried on a sexual relationship with the teenager while he was chaplain of Reading Central Catholic High School and she was a senior there. They also accuse him of impregnating their daughter.

The girl's parents became suspicious and installed a camera in their basement, where Bonilla and the teenager were spending large amounts of time. The camera recorded the couple having sex in November 2009, after she graduated, according to the suit.

Her parents took the video to the Diocese of Allentown, which removed Bonilla from his dual posts as chaplain and pastor of St. Joseph Church in Reading when he acknowledged an "inappropriate relationship" with the teenager, according to a diocesan news release from last November.

Bonilla was sent to a treatment facility but "continued to have intimate contact with [the teenager] during this time period and ultimately impregnated her," the suit said. She recently gave birth to a girl. Source

I remember a similar situation during my high school years at Mt. Alvernia in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There was a priest named Father Pegg who impregnated a student at the all-girls school. He died in a car accident shortly before her pregnancy became obvious, but the news moved like a wildfire at the school. I will continue to maintain that Roman Catholic priests and nuns should be allowed to marry.

90 Year Old Detroit Woman Sexually Assaulted by Teens During Home Invasion

Elderly woman sexually assaulted by teens during home invasion, including Maurice Randall & Anthony Hardy, who face criminal sexual conduct charges.

Maurice Randall, 17, and Anthony Hardy, 18, were arrested and face first-degree home invasion and first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. The victim is a 90 year old woman.

According to Detroit News, a 15 year old teen was charged as a juvenile with one count of first-degree home invasion in connection with this unspeakable act of violence against an elderly woman. A juvenile referee ordered the teen held on $75,000 cash bond, according to Detroit News.

Detroit police said the woman's family found her about 1 p.m. on August 13th after the attack. I can see the parents of these teens saying how their children are good boys and never did anything to hurt anyone. Right. They are a bunch of thugs who belong behind bars since they have a propensity to commit crimes.

студ...

Навън е адска жега...
душата ми е свита в студ...
надежди и усмивки
помръкнаха за миг...
Боли ме, че повярвах,
че чакането има край...
и пак проточи се
и пак надеждата...
А аз едва дочаках днес...
но кой ли ми е крив...
оказа се, че има нещо,
което аз не знам...
а колко още има...?
И пак ме заболя,
че аз отдадох се...
и вярвах и очаквах...
Уж всичко си е същото...
и само още някой ден...
И пак кълнила е
надеждата у мен...

.

Nettleton Middle School in Mississippi Says Only White Student Can Run for President Student Govt. President

Nettleton Middle School in Mississippi segregates student government and says only white student can run for president.

There are still racist bigots in our midst. Despite the fact that we have a black president and race relations have improved a great deal from the 1900s, Nettleton Middle School in Mississippi is taking a step back. According to Think Progress, the school's rules state that  children running for certain class officer posts must meet a specific race requirement: to be president, the child must be white. Say what? Here's an excerpt from Think Progress:

A school memo, obtained by MixedandHappy and The Smoking Gun, was passed out to every 6th, 7th, and 8th grader to inform them of the breakdown. The upcoming elections are divided between offices delineated for black and white students. Of the 12 offices for which students can compete, “eight are earmarked for white students, while four are termed ‘black seats.”

The presidency is reserved for white students across each grade, but a black student is permitted to be the 8th grade vice-president or reporter, the 7th grade treasurer, or the 6th grade reporter. So, along with a “B” average and “a good disciplinary status and moral character,” a child hoping to represent his or her class must be the right race:

 So, while you have some blacks bitching about Glenn Beck's Aug. 28th rally on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, we have racist incidents like this occurring under our noses. Here's what I don't understand, why didn't the parents of blacks students at the school complain about this practice? According to Think Progress, the middle school “has about 400 students, and about 72 percent are white, according to a source familiar with the school board’s operation. The majority of the remaining students are black.”Wow, what a way to prepare students to grow up and face the world.

Nicole John, Daughter of U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric John, Dies After Falling from Window in Luxury NYC Hi-Rise

Nicole John, daughter of U.S. ambassador to Thailand, Eric John, dies after falling from 22th floor window of Manhattan luxury high-rise apartment.

I guess there is truth to the saying, when you play, you pay. It is devastating that Nicole John, the 17 year old daughter of Eric John, U.S. ambassador to Thailand, plunged to her death from a Midtown luxury high-rise early Friday morning, according to the NY Daily News.

Nicole John fell out of a 25th story window of the Herald Square Towers on W. 34th St., landing on the building's third-floor overhang, according to police sources. She was killed instantly.

Investigators believe Nicole John was part of a group of young revelers who were partying in the 25th-floor apartment near the Empire State Building in the moments before the 4:15 a.m. tragedy, according to sources.

"They'd been drinking," said Robert Pena, the building engineer at the Herald Square Towers, who saw the pack of partygoers walking through the building's lobby just before 4 a.m. Source

This is a very sad turn of events for Eric John and his family. John, was appointed ambassador to Thailand by the State Department in 2007. Still, could someone tell me why this 17 year old girl was out at 4 a.m. drinking and partying? Where were her parents? I also blame Ilan Nassimi, 25, who rents the apartment, and gave a minor alcohol to drink. Police said he was arrested Friday on charges of giving alcohol to a minor and is awaiting arraignment in Manhattan court.

Black Teacher Aijalon Gomes Released from North Korean Prison after Former Pres. Jimmy Carter Flew on Private Mission

Black teacher, Aijalon Gomes released from North Korean prison, after former President Jimmy Carter visited Pyongyang on private mission on his behalf.

Thanks for former President Jimmy Carter, black teacher Aijalon Gomes is a free man. He and Carter boarded a plane for Boston Friday seven months after his arrest in North Korea.

Carter flew to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, this week on a private mission to secure a pardon for the 31-year-old American, who was detained in January after crossing into the country from China.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il granted Carter’s request to “leniently forgive” Gomes, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, and Carter and Gomes were due back in Boston later Friday for a reunion with his mother, Carter’s spokeswoman Deanna Congileo said in Atlanta. Source

I wish Mr. Gomes all the best and I am thankful that he has been released from one of the worst countries in the world to be incarcerated. Gomes is the fourth American in a year to be held in North Korea.

NC Woman, Carla Robinson, Found Words "N**gger" & "Don't Tip" on Dominos Pizza Delivery Receipt

NC woman, Carla Robinson, found words "n**ger" and "don't tip" on her receipt after ordering pizza from Dominos, delivery driver has been fired.

SHOCK:  According to ABC News, Carla Robinson, an Apex, NC, woman is furious after her niece, Brittany, found the words “N**GER” and “DON’T TIP” on a receipt after ordering pizza from them. After she complained, the driver was fired and she claims she has been receiving threatening phone calls after the incident. If her allegations are true, this isn't the PR Dominos Pizza needs right now. The general manager, Charlie North, said the delivery driver, who put the racial slur on the receipt, has been fired. This is just plain racist and ignorant. Now you have to think twice about ordering pizza in some areas.

Watch the video:

Kane County UT Sheriff's Deputy Brian Harris, Shot & Killed During Foot Chase of Scott Curley

Sheriff's deputy Brian Harris, shot & killed by Scott Curley during foot-chase in desert near Utah-Arizona border.

SHOCK: A Utah sheriff's deputy, Brian Harris, was shot and killed with a high powered scope rifle in a desert area near the Arizona-Utah border Thursday by Scott Curley and a manhunt is now underway for the for his capture.

Deputy Brian Harris was shot during a foot chase with a Fredonia, Ariz. resident known to both Coconino County, AZ and Kane County deputies. Harris was pursuing Scott Curley in connection with a burglary Wednesday and a confrontation with a custodian at a local high school Thursday. The chase began in Utah and ended about three to four miles later in Arizona, just east of Fredonia.

Harris was "following tracks" when he was shot about 2:20 p.m., said Cocoino County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll. How the confrontation unfolded was still being investigated early Friday. Source: Deseret News

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the fallen law enforcement officer. Brian Harris, who lived in Mt. Carmel, leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

Civil Rights Leader Rev. Walter Fauntroy Equates Tea Party with Ku Klux Klan Over Outrage to Glenn Beck's Rally

Civil rights leader Rev. Walter Fauntroy equates Tea Party with Ku Klux Klan to express outrage at Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally same weekend Dr. King delivered "I Have a Dream" speech at Lincoln Memorial

Civil rights activist and former congressman Rev. Walter Fauntroy equated the Tea Party with the Ku Klux Klan Thursday as he blasted Glenn Beck's rally planned for Washington D.C. Saturday. He called on blacks to organize a "new coalition of conscience" to rebut the rally scheduled to be held at the Lincoln Memorial featuring former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and others. This is where I have a big problem. It is so destructive to paint such a wide swath by condemning the entire Tea Party movement as racist. How would he have like the entire Democratic Party to be called racist because it accepted the late Sen. Robert Byrd, a one-time member of the KKK? Glenn Beck has a right to hold his rally at the Lincoln Memorial, even if it was a deliberate attempt to sully the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with an idiot such as Sarah Palin,who clearly shows she isn't for inclusion and looking out for the people on Main Street. I would venture to say she knows very little about what Dr. King stood for. Dr. King's legacy is for all Americans, not just blacks.

Back to Rev. Fauntroy. According to ABC News, he sought to explain the comparison to white supremacists by saying the organizers behind Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally are the same people who cut audio cables from a sound system the night before the historic March on Washington and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Wow, I hope he has proof to back up those claims.

"We are going to take on the barbarism of war, the decadence of racism, and the scourge of poverty, that the Ku Klux -- I meant to say the Tea Party," Fauntroy told a news conference today at the National Press Club. "You all forgive me, but I -- you have to use them interchangeably." Source

Sorry but Rev. Fauntroy's position is the reason why many blacks don't take the NAACP and other so-called civil rights groups seriously. They don't fight fair and I am sure, given what I have studied about Dr. King, he would be appalled at the state of these organizations in this country today. Rev. Fauntroy's comments were destructive and set the dialogue on race a few steps back. I am surprised that a man, who has been credited with being one of the chief organizers of the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, could come out against the Tea Party movement in such a fashion, to say it is akin to the KKK. I don't like Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin, not because of who they are, but because of the rhetoric they spew that isn't meant to improve the dialogue on race in this country. But they have a right to hold a rally in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial on the same weekend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. The reality is that neither Glenn Beck nor Sarah Palin could ever come close to the stature of Dr. King.

Exclusive Interview: Kendrick Meek Says He's the OnlyTrue Democrat & Pro-Choice Candidate in the Florida Senate Race

Florida Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek says he's the only true Democrat in the race and the only pro-choice candidate, thinks that will resonate with voters.

Listen to audio:

(An edited audio will be uploaded tomorrow)

The Florida Senate race is in full swing and the candidates – Democrat Kendrick Meek, Republican-turned-Independent Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican, Marco Rubio are crisscrossing the Sunshine State in a bid to convince voters why they are the best candidate to head to Washington D.C. Last Thursday I had a chance to speak with African American Kendrick Meek, fresh of his phenomenal win against billionaire Jeff Greene. Meek, who has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2003, after succeeding his mother, Carrie Meek, considers himself the “Only True Democrat” in the race. Meek, who is trailing his opponents in the polls, brushes off any thoughts that he’s fighting an uphill battle to win the Senate seat in November. He is confident he will prevail in the election.

Much has been made by his Republican opponent Marco Rubio, in terms of President Barack Obama's endorsement of Kendrick Meek. Rubio has maintained Meek supports President Obama's agenda, which is seen as largely unpopular by many, as evidenced from his plummeting poll numbers. I was also surprised that Mr. Meek thought some of my questions about how he would address some of the issues facing many people in his state and the country by large, were not applicable as he "isn't running for the White House," but for a Senate seat. I would imagine that many of the issues a senate or congressional candidate campaigns on are basically local, but when he or she gets to Washington D.C. it becomes a national issue. On that basis, the questions were justified. Especially, in light of the fact, that many politicians vote along party lines, no matter how idiotic or divisive it is.

Here are some key statements Kendrick Meek made in response to some of my questions:

Hinterland Gazette: To what do you attribute this win? President Bill Clinton campaigned with you and you had the backing of President Obama, as well as the Democratic establishment. Besides those endorsements, what else contributed to your win against Jeff Greene?

Kendrick Meek: Hard work, commitment and a lot of volunteers, and the fact that we made the case that I had a real plan to support the leaders to create jobs. Great opportunity for our economy to bounce back and that resonated with the voters. I am the only pro-choice candidate in the general election and that resonated with voters. I am a real Democrat and that will be the case in the election. That's why we are going to do well.

Hinterland Gazette:  I went to your website and one of your comments jumped out at me. "Floridians want leaders who will fight for them all the time, not just when it helps their own political career or advances an extreme philosophy." How would you counter any claims that you are typical partisan politician who will side with President Obama on just about everything? That seems to be the problem in Washington D.C. today with politicians on both sides of the aisle.

Kendrick Meek:   By being a leader for Floridians and for the people who sent me there. I didn't agree with the Obama administration on its proposals for NASA. I stood up for Floridians. I didn't totally agree with the administration's energy policy on off-shore drilling. I didn’t leap into the arms to the administration. Now we see what has happened with off-shore drilling. (slightly inaudible) I said I had great concerns with it. It is very important to note that I have always been an elected official stood up on behalf of the people I represent. Class sizes, smaller class. I fought hard to get it on the ballot to make sure we had smaller class sizes & in the state of Florida.

Hinterland Gazette: President Obama seems like a political liability for many Democratic candidates who are up for election in November. You have his support, so will you allow him to campaign with you? Since the wars and the economic woes we are dealing with now as a country have become his and not his predecessor's, how do you feel about being labeled a supporter of President Obama's largely unpopular agenda? With that I mean your opponent Marco Rubio has already referred to you in such a manner.

Kendrick Meek: Yes, absolutely, absolutely. I always say this health care in the long run and short run as it relates to prescription drug benefits seniors have right now should be cut in half. That must be in place to bring about quality health care in this country. I am not satisfied on that. Must improve it and make it better. It will take the next United States senator to make it happen. That’s one.

Two, the issue of the war. The president said he would take the leadership to make sure that we have our combat troops return by mid-September, they’re back in August. Combat troops are back on state side. Afghanistan, I am looking forward as United States senator to push diplomatic solutions to the issue of Afghanistan and Pakistan and using not only drones but others ways in the hunt of Osama bin Laden and high value targets that relate to those that are fighting against us there. I guess the questions you are asking are questions…. I am not running for the President of the United States…

Hinterland Gazette: The reason I bring this us is because Marco Rubio has started putting you in this light with being in agreement with all of President Obama’s positions. I wanted you to clarify your position on that.

Kendrick Meek: Marco Rubio is in the position of raising taxes on small businesses. Marco Rubio is an extremely right candidate who’s out of step with Floridians. He has to respond to that. I have a better track record than Marco Rubio.

Hinterland Gazette: Let me just piggy back off this issue with Marco Rubio. You said you would be running against two Republicans.

Kendrick Meek: Absolutely. He’s a life-long career Republican. Just because Charlie Crist ran down to the Supervisor of Election office saying I am Independent doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s an independent and that he feels that he can run and that he has a lot to point to show that he’s an independent. He doesn’t. He’s a conservative. He wrote a letter saying that I shouldn’t vote for the health care bill. Now he’s saying maybe you should. I like some parts of it, some parts of it should be repealed. Come on.

Hinterland Gazette: The housing crisis has taken a toll an enormous toll on Florida being the state with the third highest foreclosure rate in the country. As I said before the modification program hasn’t lived up to its expectation and people are exiting for different reasons. What would you propose for the people of Florida because the unemployment rate is high there as well, and particularly in the black and Latino community. What would you tell the voters, particularly the people on Main Street?

Kendrick Meek: The bottom-line is that there’s assistance to be able to pull together between homeowners and also banks. I think it is important to head down that track. We will not be able to resolve all the issues that some homeowners have, but I think it is important and in the best interest of not only local communities, but also the country, that we find a way that homeowners and banks can come together. There’s assistance or a low interest loan opportunity, or banks taking the hit on some of what they feel is that they have coming to them to keep that person in that home. Nine times out of 10 it is much cheaper than going through the full foreclosure way……

The interview was cut short due to a loss of reception on Kendrick Meek’s part. Despite the interruption, it is clear that Kendrick Meek believes he is the best candidate to represent the state of Florida in the U.S. Senate. He said he doesn't believe Crist, who has been dubbed as the Florida’s “first black governor,” can derail his plans, though he trails both he and Rubio in the polls. I would venture to say, if Kendrick Meek can get 85% of the Democratic votes, then he could win the election, but that is a long shot, given the popularity of Charlie Crist as a governor and the fact that he is well-liked by many Democratic voters. It is clear Kendrick Meek will gain coming off a phenomenal primary, but one has to wonder if he can convince Florida Democrats to run from Gov. Charlie Crist. Based on Ipsos, Mason-Dixon, PPP & Quinnipiac polls (08/06 – 08/22), Meek is in a dead heat with Crist for Democratic votes – 37 to 43% but he’s being walloped with Independents – 9 to 42% and Republicans – 1 to 20% against Charlie Crist, still I can’t count him out.

Here's a snapshot of the latest polls: Meek is narrowly trailing Crist for Democratic votes but the gap is far bigger for Independents and Republicans.

Bruce Majors Pushes Visitor Guide Warning Glenn Beck Rallygoers to Stay Out of Certain D.C. Neighborhoods

Openly gay blogger Bruce Majors creates visitor guide for Glenn Beck Washington D.C. rally attendees warning that certain neighborhoods aren't safe.

Openly gay blogger Bruce Majors has created a visitor guide that has sparked controversy. The guide reportedly warns that attendees at Glenn Beck's upcoming rally to stay out of certain neighborhoods. There are some neighborhoods that aren't safe even for a black person to walk alone. Still, the problem I have is whether or not safe predominantly black neighborhoods are on the list. Which would make this a deliberate targeting of black areas of Washington D. C. Of course, Andrew Breitbart pulled out Rev. Jesse Jackson's comments: "I hate to admit it, but I have reached a stage in my life that if I am walking down a dark street late at night and I see that the person behind me is white, I subconsciously feel relieved."

Here's an excerpt from Majors' guide:

Many parts of DC are safe beyond the areas I will list here, but why chance it if you don't know where you are? If you are on the subway stay on the Red line between Union Station and Shady Grove, Maryland. If you are on the Blue or Orange line do not go past Eastern Market (Capitol Hill) toward the Potomac Avenue stop and beyond; stay in NW DC and points in Virginia. Do not use the Green line or the Yellow line. These rules are even more important at night. There is of course nothing wrong with many other areas; but you don't know where you are, so you should not explore them.

If on foot or in a cab or bus, stay in Bethesda, Arlington (preferably north Arlington), Crystal City, Falls Church, Annandale, or Alexandria, or in DC only in northwest DC west (i.e. larger street numbers) of 14th or 16th streets, or if on Capitol Hill only in SE Capitol Hill (zip 20003) between 1st and 8th Streets, not farther out than 8th (e.g. 9th, 10th etc). (Or stay on the Mall and at the various monuments.) Again there are many other lovely places, from the Catholic University of America to Silver Spring, Maryland. But you don't know where you are so you cannot go, especially at night, unless you take me with you.

Of course, he manages to insult people of color in the process:

DC's population includes refugees from every country, as the families of embassy staffs of third world countries tend to stay in DC whenever a revolution in their homeland means that anyone in their family would be in danger if they went back. Most taxi drivers and many waiters/waitresses (especially in local coffee shops like the Bread and Chocolate chain) are immigrants, frequently from east Africa or Arab countries. As a rule, African immigrants do not like for you to assume they are African Americans and especially do not like for you to guess they are from a neighboring country (e.g. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia) with whom they may have political or military tensions. It's rare to meet anyone who gets really offended, but you can still be aware of the issue.

Rocker Ted Nugent Says President Obama is a "Undercover Muslim Operative"

Rocker Ted Nugent says President Barack Obama is an "undercover Muslim operative and is No. 1 deceiver in the history of mankind.

Any blacks who support rocker Ted Nugent ought to think twice. According to Michael Hood at Blatherwatch, during an appearance on a Seattle radio Nugent referred to President Barack Obama as a "Muslim operative."

“The White House he told [host] Dori [Monson] is inhabited by the Mao Tse Tung fan club,” and [the president] is the “No. 1 deceiver in the history of mankind.” He added (rather spectacularly) that Obama “weaseled his way” into power “embracing the Islamic, Muslim, Marxist, Communist and socialist agenda.”

Dori: Do you believe he’s a Muslim?

Nugent: “You’re damn right I do! He says he’s a Christian so he can continue with his jihad of a America-destroying policies.”

Dori: “So you believe he is a Muslim operative who has, through deceit, gotten amazing power in this nation and this world?”

Nugent: You have stated my position exactly.

This is ridiculous and insulting on so many levels. So what if President Obama was a Muslim? All Muslims aren't terrorists as all whites aren't racists. It's amazing that no-one on the right has the guts to repudiate such garbage. Ted Nugent is appealing to the Ku Klux Klan and white supremacist groups.

Rep. Bobby Bright (D-AL) Isn't So "Bright" to Joke About Nancy Pelosi's Death in Coming Months

Rep. Bobby Bright (D-AL) jokes about Nancy Pelosi falling ill and dying in the coming months.

Alabama congressman Bobby Bright isn't living up to his last name. He isn't so "bright" after all. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, he was heard having a little fun at U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's expense during his recent participation in the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce's Eggs and Issues. He joked that Nancy Pelosi might fall ill and die in the coming months. To which some not-so-bright-people yukked it up.

Bright, who is is in his first year in Congress and facing a battle against Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby this fall, joked that Pelosi might lose her own election, decide not to run for the speaker’s job or otherwise not be available.

Though he has a reputation as the second most independent member of Congress, he has been routinely blasted for voting for Pelosi to be speaker. Source: Montgomery Advertiser

Since when is death something to joke about? He owes Nancy Pelosi an apology. Disagree with her on the issues, but don't take despicable potshots at her and her life. Doesn't Rep. Bright realize he could "kick the bucket" before Nancy Pelosi?

The Hinterland Gazette Will Interview Florida Democratic Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek Today

We are pleased to announce that the Hinterland Gazette's editor Janet Shan will interview Florida Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek Thursday. Watch for the article and audio of this interview.

Delco Woman Crystal Davis Charged with Assault, Other Related Offenses, After Punching 9-Year Old Daughter

Crystal Davis, Delco resident, arrested and charged with assault after punching 9 year-old daughter in hospital waiting room.

The town of Chester, Pa., known for its gun violence, is in the news again. Crystal Davis, 36, allegedly punched her 9-year-old daughter in the face while in a hospital waiting room last week left the girl behind when witnesses tried to intervene, police said. According to Philly.com, she has been charged with assault, driving with a suspended license and related offenses, the police said.

It's not clear why Crystal Davis, 36, of Chester, and her daughter were at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park about 9 p.m. last Thursday or what prompted the assault, Ridley Park Police Chief Thomas Byrne said.

When another person in the waiting room saw Davis punch the girl, she tried to intervene, but Davis threatened her and members of hospital staff who tried to come to the girl's aid, police said. Source

Like a true scumbag, when Crystal Davis realized she was outnumbered as she savagely attacked her daughter, she reportedly fled the scene. The child, who was examined by hospital staff, is now in the custody of her grandparents. Sorry, I don't care what a nine year old child does, short of committing murder, he or she does not deserve to be punched by anyone, much less a parent.

Catholics Upset President Obama Will Speak at Xavier University in NOLA

Another new controversy involving President Obama is making the rounds in the media, albeit a repackaged one. It seems that some Catholics are peeved that he will be speaking at Xavier University, a Catholic institution. Why? They are regurgitating an old controversy -- his stance on abortion and stem cell research. He will be in New Orleans Saturday to remember the devastation of Hurricane Katrina five years after the storm roared ashore, but the location the White House has picked for his remarks is stirring an old controversy -- and it has nothing to do with storm or the rebuilding of the Gulf. The disgruntled and misguided Catholics who take offense to his presence say he should not be given the chance to speak so openly at a Catholic university on that basis. Absolutely hypocritical on their part because President Obama was on the university's campus in 2006 and I can't recall hearing any opposition then.

Michael Enright Charged with Attempted Murder in the Stabbing of NY Cab Driver Ahmed Sharif

White man, Michael Enright, charged with attempted murder & assault in stabbing of Ahmed Sharif, NY cab driver, after asking him if he was a Muslim.

New York police arrested Michael Enright, a white film student, for stabbing a cab driver, Ahmed Sharif, asking asking him if he was a Muslim. According to the NY Daily News, Sharif said he pleaded for his life as knife-wielding suspect Michael Enright launched a bloody attack Tuesday after hailing the yellow cab in Kips Bay.

Sharif said the blond-haired Enright told him, "As-salaam alaikum" - which means "peace be unto you" in Arabic - before committing the crazed assault.

"I begged him, 'Please don't kill me,'" Sharif, 43, told the Daily News. "I was thinking about my four kids. If I'm gone, there is no one to care for them."

Enright, 21, a film student from upstate Brewster, was arraigned yesterday on charges of attempted murder and assault, both as hate crimes. He was ordered held without bail pending another hearing Monday. Source

Enright had reportedly recently returned from Afghanistan in May after 35 days of filming a documentary about front-line troops. What's even more disturbing is the fact that in his journal he equated Muslims with "killers, ungrateful for the help they were being offered, filthy murderers without a conscience," the Daily News says. I am amazed at how silent people like Sarah Palin, John Boehner, Rush Limbaugh and Mike Savage are on the attack on an innocent man by a white man.I guess my parting question is if Muslim is the new N-word? It is a shame that someone could engage in such hateful acts against an innocent person. This isn't what America is all about.

Black Student Kelvin Dooley Helps to Develop Car that Gets 400 Miles Per Gallon

Black De Laselle County High student, Kelvin Dooley, helps to develop a car that gets 400 miles per gallon.

Black student, Kelvin Dooley, of De Laselle County High School in Kansas, along with a group of students and mentors have developed a car that can get more than 400 miles per gallon. Dooley said the experience he gained being on the team had made him change his dreams from being a basketball player to being an engineer. That's very encouraging to hear because so many black kids aspire to be athletes and not an engineer or a doctor, for example. I must state that my own children, though they play youth club soccer, aspire to become an architect and an anesthesiologist, respectively, not just becoming professional soccer players.

Watch the video:

Historian Robert Perkinson's New Book Traces Texas Prison System from Roots in Plantation Slavery System

Historian Robert Perkinson's new book traces Texas prison system from its roots in plantation slavery in the South.

I came across and interesting article in the Austin Chronicle about a new book written by Robert Perkinson, "Texas Tough: The Rise of America’s Prison Empire," that traces the for-profit prison system in Texas to the plantation slavery system of the south. Here's an excerpt from the Austin Chronicle:

Earlier this year, historian Robert Perkinson published Texas Tough: The Rise of America's Prison Empire (Henry Holt and Company, 496 pp., $35), in which he traces the history of American prisons through the prism of the "retributive mode" of the Texas system. Perkinson, an associate professor of American studies at the Uni­ver­sity of Hawaii at Manoa, has been studying Texas prisons since the late 1990s, when he wrote his doctoral dissertation on "convict leasing," the privatized, for-profit system that replaced plantation slavery after the Civil War and survived into the 20th century. The book's title is a quote from Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst – "There's tough. And then there's Texas tough." – advocating broader application of the death penalty. Perkinson's thesis is that harsh Texas prisons, perfecting punishment trends established throughout the South, have become a model for much of the country. Texas Tough is a broad historical survey, a detailed history of Texas prisons, and in the end a scholarly polemic about the state of American prisons in general.

Here is an excerpt from Mr. Perkinson's interview with the Austin Chronicle:

Austin Chronicle: How did you come to the conclusion that the Texas system became the model for U.S. imprisonment?

Robert Perkinson: If you look at almost any book on prison history, they start in the Northeast with these reform-oriented institutions, around the period of the Revolution, that were meant to rehabilitate criminals. They never worked out so well, but the standard story that's told is this "narrative of halting progress": They try one thing to rehabilitate criminals, and that might not work, it degenerates into scandal, and then they try another. But there's always been this counter-tradition of criminal punishment that just hasn't received as much attention from historians but is just as prominent in the records. And that's a hard-fisted retributionist model, tied up with racial stratification, and that's always been more powerful in the South.

This is riveting and everyone should pick up a copy of this book. Some people may ask why he is digging up the past. The reality is to understand your future, you must understand your past. To echo the lyrics of late great Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry," "In this great future, you can't forget your past."  To read the entire article, CLICK HERE

Atlanta Black Gay Pride Organizer, Durand Robinson, Shot & Killed in Southwest Atlanta

Durand Robinson, an organizer of Atlanta's annual Black Gay Pride, shot and killed early Wednesday morning in southwest Atlanta, no suspect named.

Durand Robinson, 50, one of the organizers of Atlanta's annual Black Gay Pride was shot and killed early Wednesday morning, Atlanta police said. Robinson had reportedly gotten into an argument with someone just before he was shot and killed. Family and friends believe he was the victim of an attempted carjacking, but police haven't released a motive or named a possible suspect.

Robinson was co-owner of the popular gay nightclub Traxx. According to WSB-TV, his body was found lying in the middle of Hadlock Street in southwest Atlanta just after 1 a.m., police said. Investigators told Channel 2 that Robinson had been shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

ела...

Пак си във съня ми,
нежен, мил и страстен,
пак целувах те в забрава,
горяха устните в жарава...
Ръцете ти прегръщаха
и любеха в захлас,
и най-щастливата съм аз,
че до мен си ти сега...

Но защо... как... нима...?
Таз луна огрява като страж
и ми напомня, че си ти мираж
за моята душа - пустиня
жадна за любов дори в съня...
Изведнъж нощта осиротява,
лишена от оазис във съня ми.
Сърцето, пак притихва във гърдите,
разсънено от студа на реалностите...

Ела... ела... ела...
Този вик не е на сън...
Всяка клетка моя,
вика те и те желае,
иска с теб да оживее...
и душата пак да полети...
нагоре, с общите мечти...

Ела... ела... ела...
не само във съня...

.

Michael Savage Says $578 Million School in LA is Being Built for "Drug Addicts & Sex Maniacs"

Michael Savage says of the $578 million school set to open September in Los Angeles: "The costliest school in the world" for the "artsy-fartsy" is being built for "drug addicts and sex maniacs." That's how little regard Mike Savage has for black and Latino children in this country.

Watch the video:

NYC Cab Driver Stabbed After Passenger Allegedly Asks "Are You Muslim"

NYC cab driver stabbed after passenger allegedly asks "Are you Muslim?" and he responded yes.

So, driving while Muslim in New York City is bad, to some people at least. A cab driver is in the hospital after being stabbed by a passenger who allegedly asked if he was Muslim, according to NY1.

Investigators with the New York City Police Department say it all began Monday night when a 21-year-old man hailed a cab at 24th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan.

Police say the passenger asked the driver, "Are you Muslim?" When the driver said yes the passenger pulled a knife and slashed him in the throat, arm and lip. The 43-year-old driver was able to lock the passenger in the back of the cab and call 911.

Both the driver and the passenger were taken to Bellevue Hospital. As of late Tuesday, no charges had been filed. Source

What is the delay in filing charges against the attacker? It is clear that this was a hate crime and should be treated as such by law enforcement. Unless, of course, they have misgivings about the allegations. We will see how this transpires because it is not out of the realm for this to be a deliberate act by a racist.

UPDATE #1: Politico reports today that the man who attacks a Muslim cab driver in NYC apparently as an anti-Muslim act, works for a group supporting the building of the mosque at ground zero. (American Thinker)

Arteesha Holt, 14, Attempted Robbery & Fatal Shooting of Hispanic Man, Allegedly Part of a Gang Initiation

Arteesha Holt, charged with first-degree murder in death of Hispanic man, Jose Gonzales, during alleged gang initiation.

Last week we blogged about the disturbing attacks against Hispanics in Baltimore and one incident in which a 13 year old girl allegedly shot two Hispanic men, killing one. Well, it turns out the girl isn't 13. She's 14 and her name is Arteesha Holt. According to the Baltimore Sun, Arteesha is being charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jose Gonzales in East Baltimore. Police suspects her criminal actions were part of a gang initiation.

Holt tried to rob two men Aug. 13 in the 100 block of N. Linwood Ave, about a block north of Patterson Park, police said. When the men resisted, police say the girl shot them both. One man survived, but Gonzales died Saturday from a gunshot wound to his head. The survivor's name has not been released. Source

Where are the parents of this girl? It is a crying shame that she has so little self-esteem that she has allegedly sought to join a gang. It is also a shame that she is now a statistic in the penal system in this country. We cannot continue to lose our young people to the streets. Surely her parents should have seen the road to destruction she was heading down. Some people just shouldn't be parents.

UPDATE#1(08/26/10): According to the Baltimore Sun, Holt allegedly fired her gun when one of the victims laughed at her because she was so young, according to police charging documents filed this morning. The newspaper further states that prosecutors, in seeking the young suspect be held without bail, described Arteesha Holt (left) in court papers as a "flight risk and a danger to the citizens of Baltimore." Another young thug who was failed first and foremost by her parents and then the system. Her mother, Raichelle Johnson, 39, said Arteesha Holt was prone to violent outbursts and she tried repeatedly to get her help through the juvenile system to no avail. They should lock her up and try her as an adult.

UPDATE#2 (08/26/2010):  It also seems that Arteesha Holt isn't the only one in her immediate family with issues. Her brother, Shawn Palmer, 18, has been charged with being an accomplice to murder. Police say that he helped her escape from the neighborhood and took the silver .32-caliber revolver off her hands, toting it around in a black bag and showing it to people, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Photo credit: Arteesha Holt, Baltimore Sun

Elin Nordegren, Newly Divorced from Tiger Woods, Says "I've Been Through Hell...But It Didn't Kill Me"

Elin Nordegren, newly divorced from Tiger Woods has finally spoken. She told People Magazine she and Woods tried to reconcile the relationship, but in the end, a marriage "without trust and love" wasn't good for anyone she said. "I've been through hell," she said. "It's hard to think you have this life, and then all of a sudden – was it a lie? You're struggling because it wasn't real. But I survived. It was hard, but it didn't kill me." What she said is powerful -- "I've been through hell....but it' didn't kill me." There are so many women in marriages that have been broken on so many levels. It is important to realize that you will come through this struggle and be a better person as a result. I respect Elin Nordegren because she held her head high and went about her business like a lady.

Daily Mail: Madman Adolf Hitler May Have African & Jewish Roots

DNA tests show Adolf Hitler may have Jewish and African descendants.

Adolf Hitler may have descended from both Jews and Africans. Well, that's according to the U.K. Daily Mail. The newspaper said journalist Jean-Paul Mulders and historian Marc Vermeeren used DNA to trace 39 of the Nazi leader’s relatives earlier this year.

A chromosome called "Haplogroup E1b1b," or Y-DNA, in the relatives’ saliva samples is rare in Germany, as well as Western Europe, the newspaper said. "It is most commonly found in the Berbers of Morocco, in Algeria, Libya and Tunisia as well as among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews," Vermeeren said. Mulders told Belgian magazine Knack that "[o]ne can from this postulate that Hitler was related to people whom he despised," the Daily Mail reported. Source

Here's my question, so what if Hitler had Jewish and African blood? Does that somehow justify what he did to the Jews? No it doesn't and it will not change the course of history or explain what he did. It should be noted that humankind originated in Africa, so we all have African blood running through our veins, no matter how weak the strain.

страх...

Страхувам се... да полетя...

В миналото не всичко черно е било,
защо сега показва тъмнината си?
Лепкав мрак и студ като от лед...
Защо не виждам светлинка напред?
Защо страхувам се да полетя?
Напред към светлината и дъгата...
там където ще е топло, цветно,
с надежда да е мирно и свободно...
Душата в клетка е сега,
някога била е златна,
днес се рони на ръжда
и до самота нагарча...
Какво ли ще е там напред?
Надежда е едно сега,
а реалността е друга.
Кой ли може да я знае?

Страхувам се... да полетя...
А може би... не трябва...

.

African American Rep. Kendrick Meek Defeats Real Estate Billionaire Jeff Greene in Florida Primary

African American candidate Rep. Kendrick Meek defeats real estate billionaire Jeff Greene in Florida Democratic Senate primary.

Great news! Rep. Kendrick Meek defeats real estate billionaire Jeff Greene in Florida's Democratic Senate race. Meek will now challenge independent Charlie Crist and Republican Marco Rubio in November's general election.

Iowa Republican Kim Lehman Tweets President Obama Actually a Muslim, not a Christian

Kim Lehman, one of two Iowans on the Republican National Committee, says President Obama is actually a Muslim, not a Christian.

Some members of the Republican Party continue to wallow in the muck. Kim Lehman, on of two Iowans on the Republican National Committee said she suspects President Barack Obama is actually a Muslim and not a Christian. She wrote this on her Twitter page. President Obama has repeatedly said he is a Christian, but no, members of the Republican Party continue to try to divide their party and insult American voters like me, by trying to pin the Muslim label on him.

Here's my question, so what if he's a Muslim? Does that mean that automatically makes him a bad president or a terrorist? It is clear to me that the silence of the leaders of the Republican Party such as John Boehner, Eric Cantor and Michael Steele speaks volumes. They want this to continue to divide and scare the American people. Kim Lehman, Sen. Mitch McConnell and all those people who have a problem with his religion are hypocrites. Where was the outrage towards the Roman Catholic Church over the myriad of sexual abuse of little boys by some of their priests? News flash, not every Muslim is a terrorist, as not every Christian during the Civil Rights struggle was a racist and a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Back to this idiot, Ms. Lehman. She posted the Twitter message last week in response to a news article on Politico's website. According to the Des Moines Register, the article said that Obama - whose father was raised as a Muslim - has repeatedly found his faith questioned and has confronted the rumors head-on. On Thursday, she said on her Twitter page, "@politico you're funny. They must pay you a lot to protect Obama. BTW he personally told the muslims that he IS a muslim. Read his lips."

This is a dirty tactic by the Republicans and I hope it backfires. Surely the party's leaders recognize that this is a very divisive issue and could alienate voters like me.

Police Probe Attacks Outside Iowa Fairgrounds After "Beat Whitey Night" Comments Heard

Des Moines police launch investigation into series of attacks outside fairgrounds after "beat whitey night" comments heard.

Des Moines police are investigating a series of attacks outside the Iowa State Fairgrounds last weekend that included the assault of two police officers, the Des Moines Register said. Three people were arrested Friday through early Monday morning, officials said. The attacks have a racial undertone, as Sgt. David Murillo said in a report Friday night, "on-duty officers at the fairgrounds advise there was a group of 30 to 40 individuals roaming the fairgrounds openly calling it beat whitey night." The fight reportedly involved mainly teenagers and young adults.

Florida Deputy Accidentally Tased 3 Year Old Boy as Suspect, Sylvester Hill, Arrested

Florida deputy accidentally tasered three year old boy as wanted man, Sylvester Hill, was arrested.

Volusia County police accidentally tased a three year old boy after a deputy tried to use his taser on Sylvester Hill, who was riding in a car with the child. This occurred in the middle of the day with lots of shoppers witnessing the incident, according to My Fox Orlando. The car was reportedly pulled over because the window tint appeared too dark. The deputy reportedly realized Hill was wanted on an outstanding warrant for allegedly beating up a pregnant woman, the deputy tried to arrest Hill and the child was tased in the process.

The deputy says Hill got out of the vehicle halfway through the window and had the deputy pinned against the car through the window in a head lock. The deputy got out his taser and tried to shock Hill. That’s when the deputy says Hill grabbed the taser and, as they fought with it, it went off. Hill fell to the ground, then took off running. The incident caused most of downtown Deland, including some schools, to be put on lockdown for several hours. Deputies and Deland police caught up with Hill a few hours later hiding in a home nearby. The boy was checked out at the scene, and was sent home with his mom, who was driving the vehicle. Source

Though what happened to the child was unfortunate, it was clearly an accident. If Mr. Hill was on the right side of the law then I could join in and cry outrage, but he was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Seems to me that he didn't care for the child one bit.

Ousted Black USDA Director, Shirley Sherrod, Declines New Job Offered by Tom Vilsack

Ousted black USDA director Shirley Sherrod, declines new job offered by Secretary Tom Vilsack, saying she couldn't say yes to the job after what happened.

Shirley Sherrod, the USDA director who was thrown under a bus by the Obama Administration and Fox News, after a snippet of a video was disclosed by right wing blogger Andrew Breitbart, declined Tuesday to accept an offer to return full-time to the agency. According to CBS Atlanta, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that Sherrod did agree to work with the agency in a consulting capacity in the future to help it improve its civil rights performance. I don't blame her one bit. The thrill is gone.

She told reporters she did not think she could say yes to a job "at this point, with all that has happened."There had been indications that Vilsack, who apologized to Sherrod for pushing her out, had offered her a position in the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, which works in the civil rights area."It is a new position," she said. "I look at what happened ow. I know he has apologized and I accept that. A new process is in place and I hope that it works. ... I think I can be helpful to him and the department if I just take a little break and look at how I can be more helpful in the future," Sherrod said.

Vilsack said that "Shirley has unique opportunities here." Vilsack said he had tried in vain to get Sherwood to return to the department.The veteran department employee was forced out earlier this year when an excerpt of a speech she gave several years ago was posted by a conservative blogger on the Internet, remarks that seemed to show Sherrod giving short shrift attention as a local agriculture to a poor white farmer's plea for financial assistance. Source

I believe she has better options available than to go back to the USDA after she was unceremoniously dumped without due process.

Tax-Guru Roni Deutch Facing $34M State Suit from Ca. AG Jerry Brown Over "Exaggerated Claims"

Roni Deutch, so-called tax guru to Americans in tax hell, facing $34 million state suit from California AG Jerry Brown.

If you take advice on tax issues from Roni Deutch, then you'd better think twice. The self-proclaimed Tax Lady is facing legal troubles of her own. Ms. Deutch promises to ferret out "hidden deductions" for American facing heat from the IRS. Seems that in the eyes of California attorney general Jerry Brown, that's just not cool. According to Time Magazine's News Feed, she faces a state suit from Jerry Brown for $34 million, alleging that Deutch exaggerates her abilities to top the IRS in tax messes.

Watch the video:

Cannabis Cars Could be Coming to A Showroom Near You as Canada Explores New Electric Car

Canada exploring a new electric car, Kestrel, with the body made entirely out of hemp mats.

A vehicle that runs on cannabis -- also known as weed, reefer, ganja -- could be coming to a show room near you in the near future. According to Time Magazine's News Feed, a prototype is in the works that could change car commercials on your television to "buy now from your tri-state pot dealer."

The CBC delivers an introduction to an advanced form of auto-making, crafted with the help of controlled substances. A group of Alberta-based companies are putting their heads together to design the Kestrel, an electric car with a body constructed out of hemp mats. (See a special on the history of the electric car). The car is expected to hold up to three people, with a top speed of 90 kilometers (55.9 miles) per hour. Unfortunately for American competitors, importing processed hemp is a crime in the United States, leaving Canadians ahead of the curve on this cannabis-powered endeavor. Source

Marijuana is undergoing a make-over. First legalization for medicinal purposes, now using it to make cars. Wow! That's a big jump.

Embattled Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) Says Obama Can't Make Determination on His "Dignity"

Rep. Charlie Rangel says President Obama hasn't "been around long enough to determine what my dignity is" over the end of his political career due to ethics violations.

Charlie Rangel (D-NY) recently commented on President Obama's statement that he should "end his career with dignity," in response to the ethics violations he was slapped with. Well, Rangel shot back by saying the president hasn’t "been around long enough to determine what my dignity is." According to CBS NY, he also said it was more likely that he would protect Obama’s dignity over the next two years.This is funny and Rangel is technically right. Notwithstanding his avarice, he worked hard for the people of his district and though I think he should step down, he should have a hearing to address these violations.

President Obama seems to have a lot of free time on his hands because he manages to get involved in trivial controversies. He should have left this matter of Charlie Rangel's ethics violations to Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner or even to Rahm Emmanuel. You will recall that Rangel, the former House Ways and Means Committee chairman, was accused of using official stationary to raise money for a college center bearing his name; delaying tax payments on income on a rental unit in the Dominican Republic; failing to file his financial disclosure statements on time; and operating four rent-stabilized apartments in New York, including one he used as a campaign office, put quite succinctly by CBS NY.

As much as I wish Charlie Rangel would resign, he should have a chance to explain what happened, though we know he will come up with total BS. So, the best we can all hope for is that the voters in his district recall him from Washington by voting for his opponent, Adam Clayton Powell IV.

Alveda King Says Her Uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Would Attend Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" Rally

Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., says her uncle would attend Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally instead of NAACP & Rev. Al Sharpton's "Reclaim the Dream" rally.

Here's a slap in the so-called civil rights leaders of today -- Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will speak at Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally. She won't attend the NAACP/National Action Network's "Reclaim the Dream" rally slated to be held on Aug. 28. Ms. King told the Daily Caller, if her uncle were alive today, he’d choose to attend the Aug. 28 rally that “demonstrates the spirit of love and unity and peace.” That would be Glenn Beck's rally. NAACP President Ben Jealous said if Dr. King were alive he would attend their rally. As crazy as this may sound, I am inclined to believe Alveda King would know more about what her uncle would do. As much as I can't stand Glenn Beck, didn't Dr. King march for blacks, whites, Jews and others to get along? Isn't Dr. King's legacy open to all Americans to be embraced and not just blacks?

Alveda King is the only member of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family to commit to speak at either rally – but the Hilary Shelton of the NAACP said the NAACP and NAN have reached out to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Bernice King, to speak at their rally. Shelton said Bernice King hasn’t responded to them and she did not return voicemails to The Daily Caller seeking comment on her position.

I’m speaking at the Glenn Beck rally because Glenn and I have had many conversations about faith, hope and love,” Alveda King said in a phone interview with TheDC. “Glenn asked me about the philosophy and the strength to love that my uncle Martin had. I’ve been sharing that with Glenn and I’m hearing and seeing Glenn embrace those principles. Where those principles are bound, and they’re not just rooted in the American Dream, but in the faith of our Father.”

Alveda King said she think Beck embraces the meaning of her late uncle’s “I have a dream,” speech, and aims for trying to reach a better tomorrow, better than the NAACP. Source

Alveda King has said some off-the-wall things, like her buddy Glenn Beck, but as I said before, both she and Bernice King would be in a better position than Ben Jealous to say what Dr. King would have done. Though some can make the argument that it depends on how old both ladies were when Dr. King was assassinated. Still, this makes for fascinating discussion. Let's not get lost about what the true essence of Dr. King's message was -- that we all can get along.

Justice Department Seeking 9 Ebonics Linguists to "Monitor, Translate & Transcribe American Street Slang"

Justice Department seeking nine linguists who can monitor, translate & transcribe American street slang or Ebonics.

For all those people who embrace Ebonics, the Justice Department is looking for nine linguists with knowledge of American street slang to "monitor, translate and transcribe" DEA recordings of drug dealers, according to Time Magazine Newsfeed.

These recordings will include “telephonic monitoring of court ordered nonconsensual intercepts, consensual listening devices, and other media,” which means wiretaps, we think. Applicants with a knowledge of the ATL scene will have a leg up; the investigations will be run out the DEA's Atlanta office.

The move is part of a DEA request for more than two thousand linguists to fill translation duties. Spanish is the highest-priority, but Ebonics is one of more than 100 other languages the agency needs help translating. Source

This is laughable on so many levels, but the Justice Department seems to be serious about this one. Rev. Jesse Jackson should be smiling over this new career niche. Too funny.