VAN JONES ON MY MIND, DAMMIT

I triple dog dare 45 to attend a funeral for nine (yes nine) victims of a race-driven mass murder inside a Charleston, South Carolina church. I want him to stand at the pulpit of Mother Emmanuel and speak from his heart to a child or wife or sister wrapped in misery. I dare 45 to speak from his heart about a Mosque being fire-bombed or two innocent Indian people being terrorized for being from another country or a Jewish cemetery being vandalized .... 

Then, after speaking from his heart, I wanna feel 45 so moved to solo on an acapella opening of Amazing Grace. I want a deacon, also moved by the spirit, to get his back and exhort, "take yo' time" ... as the entire congregation stands and sings in unison. Then, and ONLY then, can we can talk about the first two vocabulary letters in the word, "Presidential."

Rather than analyze the content of 45's TelePrompTer lip sync, Van Jones got caught up in theatrics and (of) low expectations. Wrong on so many levels. Reading is NOT an accomplishment and every line is not an applause line. How could one person not shout, "YOU LIE!"? - Mark Lassiter

WHAT THE REPARATIONS ... WTR !!!

It doesn't matter if Obama believes in reparations or not, no President of the United States has and this includes the current candidates running for POTUS; Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. What matters is do Black folk believe in it and the collective actions and work to make it a reality. Jews have done this and are continuing to build their collective wealth with reparations. Those whom have acquired it in the past are working towards expanding access to all avenue of restitution and appeasement for past wrongs. Blacks have yet to build an effective coalition to address reparations within the United States and globally, each Black community is working independently to build its own and unique base of operation on the issues centering on reparations for past wrongs. As for a myopic approach to the subject within the United States,  nothing has effectively been done in a collective to make the demand to make CONGRESS address this. Ultimately it is Congress that approves Reparations and into Law, not the President. Also, we have to be honest with ourselves as a Nation, Black folk NEVER officially asked President Obama to push for reparations. He was personally asked IF he believed in it. In all the 8 years of his term in office, no organization challenged Obama, in debate, in Congress, the Supreme Court, Wall Street or even Church and Religious institutions during the past 8 years and the only candidate that had addressed the question politically of reparations was Bernie Sanders whom Black folk raked across hot coals for his answer and yet gave Hillary a pass.

The fault isn't Obama's on the subject of Reparations, it is the lack of effort or seriousness of the Black Collective. If you are going to complain about it, fine. If you don't follow up with actions (and I have been hearing this complain for years) one would assume you don't really want it that bad. AGAIN ... President Obama isn't the first nor is he or ever will be responsible for making it a reality, especially since he is well out of Office. Reparations is the Peoples' responsibility. This idea that Obama was to sit in office and do all the things that Black peoples wanted and or expected is the

problem with Politics; the Brand Recognition of Politics, Name Support and Group Think Politics. If you go back and examine past complaints and arguments on reparation ineptitude in Congress, Black folk forget that the Congressional Black Caucus should be that one significant group whose sole purpose it to get this issue done. No other purpose should matter until this is resolved in Congress. I made it clear that CONGRESS is responsible for Reparations; The Legislative Branch. Congress is the purse holder and gatekeeper of funds regulated for reparations. Congress controls the Presidents budget. So to ask and or demand that President Obama makes Congress release whatever backing for reparations not only is misdirected but it falters within reality that we have in this country Three Branches of Government meant solely as a Checks and Balance of Powers. Even if Obama agreed with Reparations (and to this day Blacks have collectively not defined what that would be) he couldn't even begin to make Congress address it when he couldn't even pass an effective JOBS BILL for nearly 6 years of his 8 years in the White House.

It doesn't matter WHO is in our corner as President, its the reality that only CONGRESS has to be. If Congress isn't on-aboard on all levels, then we are just talking to air. Also, the Jewish people have systematically infused their Reparations Agenda Internationally. In the US, we don't even have a local branch. So again .... misdirected anger when the problem is ourselves for not creating a Collective to address this towards the right people and placing direct pressure on president Obama to make it so.

Understand too, you need to get all 50 States (or at least 2/3 of them) to agree on reparations (in whatever form agreed upon) before it even gets to a President. And even if 2/3 agree, you still will have a strong contingency of lobbies and organizations, social groups, politicians and activist that will block and fights to prevent it. You will even have a team of "Coon and Cosigning" Black folk that will publicly advocate against it, many being wealthy and converted Black folk to the causes of the Anti-Reperationist. Eventually the decision will end up before the Supreme Court before any President can sign it into law. The best Obama can do it create a dialogue which he pretty much did briefly with his answer of non-support. It was "our" responsibility as Black folk to take him to task ... PUBLICLY for that answer and make him change his mind. Which we didn't.

A WESTSIDER STORY

In between the writing I divert my attention towards Contracting in Computer Networking, which in this day of outsourcing, are as common as positive rating points are for George W. Bush. Well the other day I get a call from one of those Headhunting Agencies looking to fill a job ASAP. I hate them. “HATE”, being a strong aggressive word that civilize people should avoid, ‘I HATE HEADHUNTING AGENCIES”. This particular agency (which I want to name and just might if what I am about to tell you happens again) called me about a “Wonderful Opportunity”. Mind you, I have never worked for these people, nor have met the people who called me. We talk on the phone for a few minutes as I run down my abilities and background. Sell, sell, sell myself, that’s what I did and the end result was a possible long term working gig at the world famous auction house, Sotheby. Now for those that do not know, Sotheby is one of those places where any and everything of worth can be showcased, highlighted and sold for what I like to refer to as STUPID MONEY. So you can correctly assume that the type of people that work and auction there are not your average people next door (especially next to any of the doors I ever lived in).

So I’m on the phone and we are talking when the Headhunter tells me that my appointment will be the next day around 2:00 PM and then goes on to explain to me WHAT a Sotheby is and what they do and how they do things (I remain silent because I already know all of this) then the Headhunter tells me to check my email for the contact person and address. Ten minutes later I get another call, “I want to change those plans. Come into my office so I can meet you and fill out some paperwork.”

This is one of several reasons why I dislike Headhunting Agencies. There is always this need and desperation for bodies at the last minute when they are looking to fill a position for a “cut” and “commission”. Mind you, if I was looking for a position on my own through them, I’d be an annoyance or forgotten for months before some NEW person pulls my resume from the bottom of some file cabinet and starts calling hoping that you are STILL UNEMPLOYED, but for now, I am Golden Boy so I'm going with the flow.

"What time do you want me to see you?", I ask.

"How about 1:00 PM?", the Headhunter responds back.

So now I am thinking, you want me to see you at 1:00 PM, not 11:00 AM or 12:00 Noon and then run to an appointment at 2:00 PM. That is cutting it a bit close. Too close.

"Don’t you think that is too close? Wouldn’t it be best to go to the interview and then swing by you for the paperwork? Or you can email me whatever I need to fill out today and I can fax it back to you. " , I ask.

"No, there are some things you need to fill out in the office. " ,the Headhunter confirms.

"No problem. I’ll see you at 1:00 PM.", I then accept and end the conversation.

The next day I get up early. I get a haircut and shave, a facial and the whole Metrosexual treatment. Knowing that I need to make an impression at Sotheby, I needed to have an above average look on par with that ELITE associations noted to frequent the auction house and it’s patrons. I will have to admit, I was turning few heads. Just as I was walking out of my place, the older woman from upstairs met me in the hallway. As I was leaving she gave me my "Suki Suki" moment. The kids in their SAGGIN ways step to the side of the walk as I proudly marched down towards the subway. Even the Rookie Cops that routinely stand by the Dunkin Donuts didn’t know what to make because it was a Tuesday and here this N____ was stepping out in Sunday Heels; they figure I had lost my mind due to the Heat of Global Warming or just decided to participate in Earth Day by not washing my Ghetto Gear. With all the attention, I still kept thinking in my head that I should have pushed the original plan and met with the people of Sotheby’s first and then the Headhunter. It's that FIRST THOUGHT THEORY.

I get to the Headhunter's and of course, I am asked to wait in the lobby for 20 minutes. The receptionist (a HOTTIE) kept telling me that the representative would arrive in a minute. When he finally arrives, we shook hands and I returned it back with equal Professional Formalities. He places the papers in my hands where the whole process took 10 minutes. The Headhunter then gives me the directions and a contact number and as I read the directions to gauge the quickest way to get to Sotheby’s from where I was I ask, “Is this interview still scheduled for 2:00 PM? "

"Oh no, I moved it back to 3:00 PM you have plenty of time to get there. Enough time to even walk if you like." the Headhunter assures me.

Yeah I could but I DIDN’T. With the weather being PERFECT, upper 70 degrees and nothing but sun and a light breeze, it was too perfect and I did not want to be affected by Murphy’s Law. I looked at my watch and saw that I had just a little more than 40 minutes to get to Sotheby. So I was safe. I shake hands once again and departed. I’ll skip the whole hustle and bustle though the streets of Manhattan and get to the door of Sotheby.

I get to my place and it is everything it was suppose to be. Sotheby’s, being on the Eastside of New York City, it is one of the Crown Jewels of OLD MONEY. We say that of the Eastside because east of Central Park is known for Wealthy New York residents or what is known as generational family wealth. The Westside is NEW MONEY. This is where traditionally the RICH people live, those whom have generated wealth within one to two decades. One side can trace its historical wealth back to and beyond the turn of the 20th Century or back to family within Europe, Africa, Asia and South America while the others can look to Entertainment, Technology, Banking , Medical and Service. The Westside is also the place where the newer and more frequent high-rises are located and built so anyone looking to move to New York City with a few coins in the pocket and wants to live Midtown or the Upper sides would more likely find themselves living there than the Eastside. Central Park being the line between the two sides, it is more than just a few acres of green dividing the differences, it also separates the attitude.

People usually ask me if the people of New York City, specifically those living in Manhattan, are racist or prejudice? In all things human nature, there will always be racism and degrees of prejudice BUT in Manhattan the divisions have more to do with CLASS as oppose to Race. Based upon your socio-economic situation, you can pretty much live anywhere in Manhattan. Depending on where you live, one can almost predict what your financial portfolio is. Those living in a particular area (and this is where prejudice and racism factors in) that would seem a bit questionable you would then ask, “So what do you do for a living?”. There is a theory behind this that at some point I’ll go into detail but for now let’s get back to Sotheby.

I walk into the building and pretty much get directed to my meeting place. Exiting the elevator I see a Brotha at the greeting desk where he then gives me slight attitude and directs me to sit and wait for my interviewer. I take out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from my brow. Between the weather and my hustle, I gave myself a pretty good workout. While sitting, I observe all the fine art and paintings hanging. The furniture was very comfortable for being art deco and I say to myself, “Self, this leather chair I know cost more than $3000.00 easy." The wait wasn’t that long when the Gentleman comes from a back office. I had to admit, immaculately dressed, he did look good in his clothes (Not as good as ME, in the words of Jill Scott). First impressions being everything, I stand up to greet my host and find that I am a Giant to his slight frame. As I am standing I can see how his neck is just arching to a locked position so I step back just a little so that I don’t give the “little” man a cramp. He, an amalgamation of Beverley Leslie (from Will and Grace) and Niles Crane (from Frasier) and giving off pure Evana Trump in Diva-tude looks me up and down but I don’t pay it any mind.

“How are you, it’s a pleasure to ...”, I greet the Interviewer

Very dismissive the Interviewer interrupts, “I’m sorry but I’m NOT meeting with you?”

YOU WHAT? NOT WHAT? OH HELL NO YOU DIDN’T!

“You aren't going to meet with me? Why not?”, I ask.

“I take being on time very seriously. This position that I am offering is not something to take lightly and you standing here now just don’t represent that.”, the Interviewer says patronizingly.

WHAT THE FUQ. NO THIS LITTLE PENCIL NECK DID NOT TURN ME OUT.

Stepping forward two steps, “Excuse me but I don’t think I'm late.”

“Excuse me BUT you are. You were to be here at 2:00 PM and I don’t have the time to ENTERTAIN you.”, spoken dismissively.

SHYT, DID HE JUST SAY THE WORD ENTERTAIN? HE WENT THERE.

“In defense of myself, I just left the agency no more than a hour ago where I filled out the proper paperwork. It was my understanding that the interview was to be at 3:00 PM and not 2:00 PM. I have the appointment schedule with me.”, cold and monotone I responded back.

“I don’t care, your agent should have contacted me. I’m sorry but you WON’T work.”, he said with finality.

YOU KNOW, FUQ YOU FREAK

“It is not an issue. I understand your decision and thank you for your time.”, I say in finality.

So a gathered my things as well as my thoughts (because they were becoming a bit Gemini by the second) and left. As I leave the decadence that littered what is a Sotheby, I looked around the building before exiting into the street and I say to myself, ‘Self, honestly, did you really see yourself working here? I mean coming from the Upper West, not coming from much and building yourself up through struggle into living a decent life, traveling the country and the World, passing the homeless and sickly on the streets just to get here, knowing there is a War going on, knowing that much of the wealth in this place was collected, gathered and or created off the backs of People without means or conscious, my attitude for doing the Right thing, personal views, personal values, your politics and temperament, lack of tolerance with people whom get off on the belittlement , dismissing of others and or condescending to just anyone and everyone, I mean you are a humanist at your core and yet you can be Bold and Acknowledging of your own prejudice, is this REALLY what you want? Does this place fit into your PEACE OF MIND?”

I then change the direction of my thoughts and ask myself again, “Even with all the miscommunication and shady attitude from "Shorty Pants", is some part of you just twisted over not being able to get the opportunity to interview for this position?"

NOPE.

So I get outside, in the sun and I exhale. I look down the street as I watch the White folk in their diamonds and pearls, their Caribbean, South American and African nannies bring children home from the prep-schools, people on their way to their late afternoon Catholic and Jewish services, the sounds of Arab and other Middle Eastern dialogue eating outside cafes, European shoppers looking for expensive bargains, elderly men and women being pushed down the street in wheelchairs and or assisted in walkers, giving silent greetings and acknowledgements to Black and Brown door men as I past by and before I knew it I was by Central Park; the dividing point between what is real and what is tolerably real.

Not for nothing, I broke out the camera and decided, for my PEACE OF MIND I will do something that comes directly from me and capture the spirit of the day, the celebration of life, and a few snapshots of my SEXY. As I walked and took pictures, a group of young women stopped me and asked me why I was taking pictures. They were full of energy and girlfriend giggles. Most of all they were sight seeing and fame searchers. One of the young ladies asked if I knew anyone famous and as I rarely do, I name dropped a few people, which they loved. Then they asked if I could take their picture and vice versa. I promised that I would post the meeting on my Blog and I will (I hope they come check it out). I eventually started to tire. Being on my feet in “show shoes” and running out of space on the digital camera, I needed to be home because I couldn’t wait to get that damn Monkey Suit off and into a pair of jeans and a tee-shit ON THE WESTSIDE.

MAN I LOVE BEING ON THE WESTSIDE.

NOTE TO POLITICIANS: STOP HAVING SEX

It was only a matter to time. What? Less than 24 Hours before the digging into the background of NEW Governor David Peterson and already we know that he has had Sex. Not only with his wife, Michelle Peterson (the first Black First Lady of the State of New York) but BE DAMNED with another woman.

There are some events were I can be swept up into the wave of excitement and then there are others that are just too good to be true. David Peterson was one of them and for the most part, the People in Harlem gave off that same energy. Black folk were patiently waiting for that other shoe to drop. Call it a deeply rooted suspicion, call it a tie to Black History, maybe a residual effect of a Conspiracy Theory that the downfall of Eliot Spitzer was an inside job from his Republican rivals but regardless the source of the communities foreboding, there was a time period on calm before the storm and in record time it reared its NASTY HEAD, the next day. After David Peterson received a stand ovation from his acceptance speech, a gracious introduction of both sides of the aisle, his call for working together, his focus in fixing the economy of the State of New York, his inclusion of Black, Latino, Asian, White, Men, Women, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Northern New York, Southern New York, the Wealthy and the Homeless, his message was clear and direct, as a Republic, as a State within the Union, New York’s States challenges can no longer be about ego but solutions because if it is not NOW, it will be NEVER. Peterson’s healing song were the words, "There's trust that needs to be restored." In all relationships, this is the last and binding step for healing and moving forward.

What Peterson forgot to do with let the people know that he is having Sex. Although he alluded to it when he introduced his WIFE and CHILDREN to the State Congress. He let the entire State know this because he had a variety of guests such as three past New York City Mayors (Ed Kotch, David Dinkins and Michael Bloomberg), two State Senators (Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer) and ex-Governor Pataki. His State representative list was a Who’s Who of delegates and Super delegates. A party that Obama’s teams would loose sends over and yet with all the players at the PARTY, they all were witnesses that at some point, their REPLACEMENT Governor was having Sex in some shape or form.

So now that we know he’s having it in his immediate family structure, it up to the media’s to have a purposeful intention to look for any hookers, prostitutes, girlfriends on the side, past affairs, gay, bisexual, sex toys, porn, nude or semi-nude pictures, Internet memberships, rapes, blowjobs, STD’s, illegitimate children, aborted children, previous husbands, previous wives, past groups sex offers, tattoos, medicines to improve Sex and or breast enlargements for that the PEOPLE should know. You figure, if you can get one New York Governor why not try and get TWO for the price of ONE.

I posted in just the past few days Blog entries on the issues of how SEX takes too much of the forefront in our conscious thought on matters that are not important (American Dirty Girl, Spitzer's Shame Blame and a Woman's Fame). How sex and the United States puritan views for pretending the actions does not exist, how in our actions to make it hidden, SEX actually becomes the very nature of American's obsession, especially in Politics. I am not diminishing the bizarre aspects of what some have done, like playing footsy in Public bathrooms, but the private matters of sex in modern families should not be exploited as a weakness in one's political character here or in the World.

The positive fallout about this story is, most New Yorkers don’t even care. If anything, they are frustrated that it is even an ISSUE so soon after the Peterson’s Inauguration. I mean it was less than 24 hours ago. Looking at written reactions to this hit on the public, I read the following responses from The New York Times, March 18, 2008:

“What is the problem in New York that there should be such a shortage of saints available for public office?” – Posted by Nat

“WHO CARES?” – posted by Jennifer

“Do we really need to know this? I sure don’t. What’s next? A "mia culpa" of impure thoughts? Spitzer didn’t have an affair - he broke the law by buying sex and laundering money to cover up his illegal transaction. An old affair in the ancient history of a long marriage is no one’s business but theirs.” – Posted by Amanda, New York

“Well THAT was a short honeymoon . . . .” – Posted by Bettye Underwood

Then again, the "Affair" happened years prior to David and Michelle Peterson being part of State Government, which like many Married Couples, they decided to work in their resources, a way into a solution, which made the Peterson Family stronger.

“This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point, but I went to counseling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on.

We have a marriage like many Americans, maybe even many of you. And the fact is that we work through our marriage and want our children to see that we could make a difficult situation work. We’re very much in love with each other when we got married, we’re very much in love with each other now. I was in love with Michelle even when I knew the marriage was in grave danger. The fact is, for my own actions, I was angry, I was jealous and I exercised poor judgment. One day I realized it and I just decided I would go to counseling and have tried to work through these problems with Michelle and …you are seeing the real relationship, the day when we got married, the one we have now, maybe, maybe even a little bit enhanced by much better communication.” -David Peterson

Only those addicted to finding scandal or just have issues with Peterson will enjoy this titillation for Political Dirt. Some would even see this release of information as a positive PR event. Much like an Obama, we get all the dirt out in the open first and then exhaust any possible conflicts for the future. I just might agree with this tactic but HONESTLY, I rather not have known at all. That was and still is a private matter for David Peterson and his family.

What is in our best interest? Well, I guess there should be a check list of things a Politician can and can not do or have done before running for any position, call it an honor code if you like. The interesting thing about it is that to do this, would eliminate practically all the World Leaders all over. American’s need for the perfect Politician has never existed. Including American’s first President, George Washington. Sex isn’t an illegal act. Affairs are moral issues which depending on the circumstances (like a Spitzer/Prostitution felony inquiry case), aren’t areas the PEOPLE need to be involved in or need to regulate a person or a person political. I read in a Blog entry where someone asking if the People in Harlem were dancing in the streets knowing that one of its own, David Peterson, was going to be Governor of New York. Well, I can actually answer that question now. NO we weren’t. We are watching from the sidelines for any illegal plays from the aisles, the referees, the rules committees, the coaches, advertisers, cheerleaders and the media covering the GAME. It would appear, the MEDIA has made it's first move.

DEBATE BURN OUT

I watched, I yawned and I didn't learn anything more than I did the day before. No one talked about the DEEPER ISSUES that people are concerned about. No urban and rural policy conversations and what about FOOD RECALLS? We can forget about either one getting into the issues that will help people sleep well at night so no more debates for me. The most we got was a Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam SCARE (cause you know how White Folk and Jews fear him) and possibly how to pronouce the name of the NEW leader of Russia. My predictions after this debate; Obama 63% and Clinton 37% in OHIO and Clinton 54% and Obama 46% in Texas. the issue we all will be pulled through the MUD with is the N.O.I. and Farrakhan endorsement, SO PEOPLE, PLEASE TAKE THAT RED PILL, THE MEDIA IS ABOUT TO MIND FUQ YOU ALL WITHOUT LUBE ALL THE WAY INTO INSANITY.

Now that that is out of the way, found this LOCAL Internet Radio Show called THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICAL PUNDIT. I took a while to check it out and found that this was a really good resource for a variety of opinions. The show is scheduled and the host allows for people to call in and participate. The most recent show was very good and drop some interesting behind the scenes from a Black American point of view.

Check it out and add him to your blogsphere or blogroll.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/africanamericanpoliticalpundit

http://AApoliticalpundit.blogspot.com

What I Learn By Being Silent

THIS IS A RE-POST FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR

NEW YORK, Manhattan On Broadway, after Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's lecture/debate at Columbia University I walked around outside to observe the chaos. Jewish and Christian anti-support on one side, community supporters, Middle-Eastern and students on the other. The line was clearly defined. Mixed in were the curious and the event chasers; those whom wanted to be part of the energy of the moment. They were all there playing out a script written by a Power no one truly understood, considered or even wanted to acknowledge. They were the seeds that will grow the madness that will effect the world around them. An infectious passion that will ripple in waves around the world with voices, radio and microwaves, print and paper, it will be the true Monster unleashed on an empty consciousness.

The amount of police security was typical for an event of this caliber. New York is very good with this type of circus. Not long ago I attended a rally against Police Brutality in Midtown just outside of Madison Square Garden and the riot police stood on the sides as if they represented the "defenders of truth" in war gear and bullet proof jackets. As a protester against Police Brutality, I felt very safe.

Streets were cut off and blocked, Secret Service (not so secret when you can clearly see who they are) were floating through the crowds like linebackers through pre-schoolers. Helicopters beat blades camping sky-side keeping watch as media deities should. Billboards and handwritten signs, fliers and invitations littered the grounds. Words in bold, words in bright, words that proclaimed we all should. "Free Iran", "Christians United for Israel", "Hitler Lives", "Stop War", "Stop Iran From Going Nuclear", "Honk If Bush Is A Terrorist", "Judaism Rejects Zionist" and so many more. My digital camera ate up the captured moments for long term storage and I constantly flipped through the assorted images burning the reality of passion meeting chaos head on and hard in my mind.

I watched the yelling and screaming of Jews vs Non-Jews as the term "Anti-Semite" rang throughout the air. Reporters dancing throughout the crowds hurrying for quotes like bees buzzing through barren fields for pollen near the end of summer. The "Boos" and jeers of people when debates were won and the losers caught with their passions in their throats. Then there were the ones who only wanted knowledge. Eyes like saucers they searched from speaker to speaker for a morsel of truth, a faint piece of "between the line" evidence lost by editors. They hurried from one group to the next, eyes and minds stretching thin to absorb whatever they can to build an opinion in a sea of ignorance, hate and fear.

There were the Jews vs. Jews, or in this case, Jews against Zionist and Christians for Jews, Patriots against Liberals, Yeshiva University against Columbia University and then there were Jews and Muslims side by side against Jew and Christians in mass. People laughed and people cried and some I feared would have heart attacks for hearts were attacked, beaten and broken. By dusk, more helicopter blades cut into air above us as they danced perfect circles in a clear sky. And it was loud.

An American Muslim from Harlem gathered a small group of on watchers as he preached the history of Prussia; politically referred to today as Iran and Iraq. An Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn read from the Torah and people sat on the pavement and listened. I watched several off-side debates between several Columbia Professors and a single pro-Bush Patriot from the Upper Westside; he lost the debate and stomped off into the distance cursing, "Liberals are destroying this Country!"

Fox, CNN, C-Span, BBC, The Associated Press, MTV, MSNBC, NY1, Bloggers and student reporters claimed their spots to tell Americans their perspectives on "The Monster" that came to America and then the police came afterwards to keep us "more" safe, they made sure the onlookers kept it moving. And they did move.

Fathers brought their Sons, Mothers brought their Daughters and I thought what will their experiences bring to their dreams tonight. What images will burn indelibly on the mind. What passions will they inherit and what logic will be lost after all is said and done. I know as a child seeing Black people demonstrating in the streets, police beating back protesters, fires and shattered store windows all painted clear and brightly on my conscious as men in uniform carried off my family who were simple standing on the sidelines for my protection.

I kept my mouth closed and my mind open.

When it was over, I came home, ate dinner, and thanked God that I am a Man of logic and not a man of passion -- at least for that today.

Body Searched

shot and stabbed in the back
execution style
strapped and handcuffed
rolled and locked within a house of illusion
i was told I had violated the limits of evolution.
for that I am punished.
born Black and Jewish,
female and gay
i contradicted and contrasted
the American Dream
when I decided to stay awake and act in my world
as it moved by.
like fruit and vegetables in the eyes of a hungry crowd
i was prepared for a succulent feast
in my night gown without a back
and told to bend over for tenderizing.
and at my juiciest
i was told to take off my clothes
to be photographed for future cook books
and quick recipes.

touched and pulled
my privates exposed,
violated,
contaminated,
and interjected by deep voices
pushing for answers
behind two-way mirrors and tinted glass doors,
bobbed wired fences and stone cold walls
i shed not one tear.
a virgin from the start
i spat on the spots on my body
to hide the shame
of imprisonment.
the charge,
evolving too fast
in a slow world
flat like yesterday
nowhere near circular.
they told me this
over and over
until it rang like church bells
on the day of the saints.

rotting from the inside out
i spoke sweet words to calm the stench
that stuck to my body like semen from unwanted sex.
the pain building in waves
at every turn
contorting my face with lines
that intersected with three distant points.
a point of freedom to hope to despair.
heart filled
joy lost within me,
i clutch my breasts
to slow the pumping of my blood
as it overflowed wine glasses toasted to a victory well met
and honored,
because all in all,
the day was not a waste
but a job well done.
for in the end
i now sleep
complacently and passively
waiting for the Sandman to come
to bring me that American Dream.

Body Searched by Shazza Nakim
Copyright © by Peace of Mind Publishings and with permission by Shazza Nakim