Sunday, September 10, 2006
Alcohol, The Most Abused Drug And It's Tragic Affects...
Alcohol abuse hurts us all in many ways. How? Moderate drinking causes some changes in everyday behavior such as loss of inhibition, self-destruction and impulse urges, mood changes and psychological disorders. Alcohol also impairs nerve-cell activities and functions of the central nervous system. Damage may include poor vision, memory loss, loss of coordination and sensation I recently served four years with the Department of Defense as an Administrator overseas. During that time, I did an extensive study on alcohol usage and it's affects. I have found that the most common cause of behavioral problems amongst American service people was centrally due to alcohol usage. Unfortunately, during that time I also became closely acquainted with many of those men and women. One of them, could not function in an orderly manner or socially mingle unless he was induced with alcohol. Otherwise, he remained withdrawn and hard to get along with amongst his peers. I also observed this same person do things while under the influence of alcohol that he otherwise wouldn't do when sober. For example, this individual claims to have involved himself sexually with over 42 minor Filipino girls between the ages of 8 10 15 years old - a weekly average for this activity whenever he got off-duty time. And later revealed that during those times, he could not remember once being sober. During my studies, this individual could not verbally communicate normally to anyone directly in a intelligent conversation unless he was under the influence of alcohol. However, the alcohol abuse never prevented him from performing his job well. Therefore, his co-workers never noticed. I have recently been in contact with him after many years of not having any contact with him and he shared with me that his health is now suffering from constant painful stomach ailments due to the years of abusing his body in his youth. Another result of the abuse is that his family must now deal with the withdrawals from them much of the time - quality time that otherwise would allow him to spend quality time with his wife and sons.There are approximately 148 million drivers and about 100 million drinkers. Approximately 55,000 traffic deaths annually are alcohol related as the graphic photos in this article clearly depicts. As a consequence, many innocent lives are wasted on U.S. highways. Statistics show that the overall rate of alcohol related deaths, alone, are 10 percent higher than that of all other drugs combined. What is alcohol and why do we call it a “drug?”
Alcohol is actually a depressant in the same general psychoactive drug family as anesthetics, sedatives such as barbiturates, and narcotics such as morphine, opium and heroin. So you see, alcohol can have devastating affects on your health, but especially the brain and liver. People drink alcohol for many different reasons. These reasons may include relieving tension, but the most common reason is to compensate for stress. For instance, the individual I mentioned earlier in this article showed signs of deep stress relating to the absence of maternal affection in his childhood. Studies showed that he harbored a subconscious intolerance of anyone who reminded him of what he missed as a child. The only avenue of dealing with this inner storm raging inside of him, was turning to alcohol. Whenever vacation time came, he even found excuses to not go home to visit his father for fear that the surroundings would bring back to many memories of his childhood when his mother died unexpectedly of a heart attack when he was only 8-years-old. However, peer pressure also plays a big role in alcohol abuse, especially today when parents are more passive and allow their young children to be more promiscuous.
It is very important to be accepted in society, particularly among those of whom you have daily contact. This seems to be a growing concern and problem among teenagers, people who are seeking friendships and people who are confined to unfamiliar surroundings. Much like the individual mentioned earlier and so many other military people especially over seas, alcohol abuse also puts the user on the defensive whenever anyone approaches them with a comment or action that they conceive as threatening to their lifestyle or anything or anyone that may reminds them of their past. Is there a cure or prevention?
Education is the best medicine. Learn about proper health care. Get involved in programs that are working to solve the problems that lead to alcohol abuse. Be sensible about alcohol. Understand the dangers and damages it eventually causes. Know your limits. Then, set an example for others, especially tomorrows leaders –your children. Most importantly, instead of masking the causes of the problem by abusing alcohol and other destructive drugs, get involved with reputable counseling to understand why the problem is there. Then seek constructive ways to resolve them.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Topic: “What Commonly Held Ideas About The South Seem To You Most
True or Untrue?”
Before making the migration back to my ancestral heritage approximately four years ago from Ohio, the commonly heard phrase that Yankees have often heard for generations and perceived about the south was its “…southern hospitality.” The two-word phrase in actually gave northerners a misconceived notion that southern folk are generally friendly with their arms always opened wide to receive strangers at the dining room table; and when the meal is over, a traditional arm-and-hand flapping-in-the-wind Beverly Hillbilly send-off “…now, yawl com’ back, ya hear” is heard bellowing from the threshold. Contrary to popular belief, mistrust and suspicions are still deeply imbedded in the minds of southern people of northern people.
In fact, when it comes to skin color and appearance, the general consensus is southern blacks are more racists than the whites of yester-decade’s civil rights era. A sad reality is that the huge divide between northern and southern blacks is goliath. For example, after speaking to several grassroots southern African-Americans, the one statement that may have awakened the sleeping giant within my own mind was from an IT professional. He said, “I think northern blacks think that they are good looking or better because they are fair (relatively speaking of course) and tend to associate darker southern people of the same skin tone and appearance, in the same intellectual class - not that there is anything wrong with that.”
However, I felt it essential at that point to defend the general-consensus position of northern blacks. And in order to do that, it was necessary to dig through and re-open the wounds that may be deemed as scars of martyrdom - just to make a point. At that moment, a clear presence of confrontational defiance threatened the common ground of mutual understanding between us. But, no matter how high the risk, I still had to take it. My question to him was, “After all the battles fought to end inequality and segregation, after all of the lives that were savagely lost during the struggle to get the Voter’s Rights Act passed – during which both black and white women were beaten nearly to death; homes and churches were bombed; our nations children were brutally killed; unrestrained police attack-dogs bit out large chunks of flesh from grandmothers as they held peaceful protests on the same southern streets where they paid taxes; black and white leaders at that time were jailed and killed in the peaceful struggle to combat injustice at lunch counters, water fountains, and voting booths. After the huge bloody price paid for southern blacks to own the right to vote, why is it that – still – only about 20-40 percent of all registered grassroots southern African-Americans vote?” Subsequently, he could not argue that the numbers were embarrassing small.
While the Civil War of 1861 is documented to have ended in 1865, civil liberties and equality for southern equality did not really happen until the Civil Rights Act was signed and passed one hundred years later, ironically, in 1964. And, one of the most commonly held ideas about the south that most northern blacks generally deem as true is southern blacks are strong and resilient. However, a general consensus amidst northern transients is that the opposite is true. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. was not needed to free disenfranchised blacks in northern states for the simple reason that northern blacks had already, early on, stood their ground against inequality of any kind. And it is still commonly questioned by northern blacks why, one hundred years after the Civil War supposedly ended, that southern blacks were still accepting all factions’ of century-old racial segregation in all aspects of their daily existence? The answer to that question is yet to receive a response and it’s forty-plus years later.
The position arrogantly presented to my IT professional counterpart was northern blacks did not need a liberator; northern blacks did not need a self-effacing seamstress to start a revolution on a public bus.
However, we did agree that a divide is there. But what strength of that disconnect was never determined. And, I have since concluded that the common believes that I had personally about southern hospitality have long been banished. How do we place a value on how true or untrue those believes are, is better left to be validated from individual experiences. But, the wide-range conflict that stubbornly hovers as a wall between the two, especially after the deadly and brutal uncivil mayhem that resulted in the passing of the Voter’s Rights Act of 1965, most transient northern blacks perceive most grassroots southern blacks as colored and befuddled people.
Contrary to his original argument, my counterpart had no other choice but to set aside the weak and unfounded notion that northern blacks “…think they are good looking or better because they are fair…” And after reviewing the results of the turnout at the voting booths on Tuesday, he had no other option but to grit his teeth and said nothing.
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
True or Untrue?”
Before making the migration back to my ancestral heritage approximately four years ago from Ohio, the commonly heard phrase that Yankees have often heard for generations and perceived about the south was its “…southern hospitality.” The two-word phrase in actually gave northerners a misconceived notion that southern folk are generally friendly with their arms always opened wide to receive strangers at the dining room table; and when the meal is over, a traditional arm-and-hand flapping-in-the-wind Beverly Hillbilly send-off “…now, yawl com’ back, ya hear” is heard bellowing from the threshold. Contrary to popular belief, mistrust and suspicions are still deeply imbedded in the minds of southern people of northern people.
In fact, when it comes to skin color and appearance, the general consensus is southern blacks are more racists than the whites of yester-decade’s civil rights era. A sad reality is that the huge divide between northern and southern blacks is goliath. For example, after speaking to several grassroots southern African-Americans, the one statement that may have awakened the sleeping giant within my own mind was from an IT professional. He said, “I think northern blacks think that they are good looking or better because they are fair (relatively speaking of course) and tend to associate darker southern people of the same skin tone and appearance, in the same intellectual class - not that there is anything wrong with that.”
However, I felt it essential at that point to defend the general-consensus position of northern blacks. And in order to do that, it was necessary to dig through and re-open the wounds that may be deemed as scars of martyrdom - just to make a point. At that moment, a clear presence of confrontational defiance threatened the common ground of mutual understanding between us. But, no matter how high the risk, I still had to take it. My question to him was, “After all the battles fought to end inequality and segregation, after all of the lives that were savagely lost during the struggle to get the Voter’s Rights Act passed – during which both black and white women were beaten nearly to death; homes and churches were bombed; our nations children were brutally killed; unrestrained police attack-dogs bit out large chunks of flesh from grandmothers as they held peaceful protests on the same southern streets where they paid taxes; black and white leaders at that time were jailed and killed in the peaceful struggle to combat injustice at lunch counters, water fountains, and voting booths. After the huge bloody price paid for southern blacks to own the right to vote, why is it that – still – only about 20-40 percent of all registered grassroots southern African-Americans vote?” Subsequently, he could not argue that the numbers were embarrassing small.
While the Civil War of 1861 is documented to have ended in 1865, civil liberties and equality for southern equality did not really happen until the Civil Rights Act was signed and passed one hundred years later, ironically, in 1964. And, one of the most commonly held ideas about the south that most northern blacks generally deem as true is southern blacks are strong and resilient. However, a general consensus amidst northern transients is that the opposite is true. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr. was not needed to free disenfranchised blacks in northern states for the simple reason that northern blacks had already, early on, stood their ground against inequality of any kind. And it is still commonly questioned by northern blacks why, one hundred years after the Civil War supposedly ended, that southern blacks were still accepting all factions’ of century-old racial segregation in all aspects of their daily existence? The answer to that question is yet to receive a response and it’s forty-plus years later.
The position arrogantly presented to my IT professional counterpart was northern blacks did not need a liberator; northern blacks did not need a self-effacing seamstress to start a revolution on a public bus.
However, we did agree that a divide is there. But what strength of that disconnect was never determined. And, I have since concluded that the common believes that I had personally about southern hospitality have long been banished. How do we place a value on how true or untrue those believes are, is better left to be validated from individual experiences. But, the wide-range conflict that stubbornly hovers as a wall between the two, especially after the deadly and brutal uncivil mayhem that resulted in the passing of the Voter’s Rights Act of 1965, most transient northern blacks perceive most grassroots southern blacks as colored and befuddled people.
Contrary to his original argument, my counterpart had no other choice but to set aside the weak and unfounded notion that northern blacks “…think they are good looking or better because they are fair…” And after reviewing the results of the turnout at the voting booths on Tuesday, he had no other option but to grit his teeth and said nothing.
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Relationships: The Irreversible Curse of Modern Technology...
With all of the many methods of new technology of communication today, America is still listed as one of the most isolated countries and has the highest rate of the loneliest people. Could it be that the yester decades of modern growth have ultimately spiral-spun us into a web of isolation to the point that when we are forced to walk out into the real world, we do not really know how to communicate with unfamiliar faces - people who are not related to us? Can modern technology be the blame for homes being built without front porches where people once sat and spoke to their neighbors and also welcomed strangers as they walked or drove by? Can the curse of modern technology be responsible for people having absent the skills of homegrown courtesy and respect and cordiality?
In the past 10-years, websites for dating and people-matching services have sprung up all over the world and grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry annually. And, more new ones are being invented monthly to accommodate the growth of interested lonely people trying to find that special friend and/or mate. And in the pursuit for someone else to make us happy, people often place their expectations too high by forming a fixated mental image and list with unrealistic qualifications and hopes of finding "Mr. Perfect" or "Miss Right."
And, one may argue – so, what is wrong with that? Many or most are left with nothing but a stomach ulcer or a few more gray hairs or irregular heart rhythms or migraine headaches or even severe depression due to being overwhelmed with anxiety from the fear of spending another Valentine's Day without receiving flowers or a card; or spending another Christmas alone - even though they may be surrounded by family. And what do most do? The answer today seems to be somewhere hidden in the idea that dating services have the secret "bullet" to eradicate loneliness. And every time a person may receive a phone call from an ad that they may have placed, they are usually on the other end of the line holding on for dear life hoping that the caller will be that one special person who will be the answer to all their prays and will ultimately fulfill all of their hopes and dreams forever. But, even though that is sadly true in most cases, the intellect still know in their deep subconscious that no one person can realistically fill such a huge gap in any one person’s life.
Too often, the search for that perfect person is based on both the physical appearance, and sometimes, monetary status rather than what's really important. As a result, our values and compatibility and willingness to give and receive; and reasonable two-way compromise takes a "back seat." Ultimately, physical attraction at first sight produces the rise in sexual hormones, which results in too many one-night soirée’s. Consequently, in the quest to find that special someone, too many emotional and sexual mistakes are made with temporary stand-in's during the search for the real thing; and when that special someone finally emerges from one's stream of one-night stands and lunch-break hook-ups, the cost of the mental and physical damage is to high and must be dealt with first; thus, preventing or prolonging the absence of true love and life-long commitment that much longer. In short, the curse of modern technology has forced too many people to play russian roulette with their bodies – replacing or opting for instant gratification rather than waiting for that special life-long soul mate.
During the critical stages, it was very easy to watch American isolationism set in during the past 10-20 years. The curse of modern technology helped us erect large homes and isolate ourselves in luxurious suburbs. As a result, communication skills have suffered on a personal level and have reduced people to be more comfortable communicating with others thru networks such as emails, chat rooms, instant messaging, web-cams, etc. And, what is wrong with this? These methods of communication still do not remove the need to be touched, to be hugged, to sit across from someone every evening at the dinner table, to tell someone every morning face-to-face "I love you", or to create special memories by cuddling on the sofa and talk a lot about nothing with a soul mate.
I remember when it was impossible get down a neighborhood street without orally speaking to other neighbors as they passed by. And, some of those one-on-one communications would often require a brief stop to chat about the concerns of that day or convey a message about someone else in the community. And, it was also often that those old fashioned methods of communication were the best ways to spread important news within a community. What resulted in such old familiar ways of small-village living was that strong life-lasting friendships were found, marriages and family units within the community thrived, and the barriers of cultural differences were broken down that resulted in building on the common ground of acceptance, respect, sharing and understanding. People learned from infancy to know one another.
However, modern technology has complicated our lives to the point that made us too busy with unimportant things - so much so - that we now have little time to dedicate ourselves to forming true genuine long-lasting rock solid friendships and relationships. I think that author Richard Rodriguez summed it up best during an interview with Bill Moyer recently. He stated that the reason why relationships do not abound today like they did in years past is because society has forgotten about the simple two-letter pronoun "we." And, I must without hesitation agree. Because, any reasonably intelligent person can plainly see that society as a whole has been reduced to a selfish, me, my, all-about-me, do-what-I-want-to-do kind of world - irregardless of who gets hurt or who's shoes or hands gets stepped on. With that attitude, what sort of baggage do people usually bring into a relationship? Usually emotionally damaged goods stained with false hopes, bruised egos, unrealistic ideas and expectations that are dependent on someone else to make them a whole and healed person.
As the noted author suggested, if people can just simply put the "we" back into their lives, everything else would easily fall into it's proper place at the proper time. And once the simple pronoun "we" is set in place, that means being considerate of someone other than one's self, it means one-on-one in-person communication is necessary in order for it to be nurtured and survive, the pronoun "we" makes it necessary to check in on the neighbors at least once a week; it requires friends to get together and invite other people to form new friendships; it causes one to return a phone call message in an expeditious manner. The simple two-letter pronoun "we" requires men to be gentlemen to women and women to be ladies to men. The pronoun "we" most importantly requires people to get involved, stay in touch, be out spoken and be present. You become more informed and aware of your surroundings. And, you become more sensitive to the needs of others and your community. In the process, what ultimately happens? You meet new people. You form new friendships that often result in something more long-term and endearing.
In it's inconspicuous and unassuming existence, the pronoun "we" - in all forms and purposes - eliminates loneliness. Think about it for a moment. If people would just follow that simple concept - as uncomplicated as it is - just think of how many other alternative methods of finding others who might be compatible with us would not be necessary. Or, is it just too simple and easy to be believable? Somehow, I cannot accept the argument that modern technology had pushed us in too far to the point that we may have lost our way too deep into the forest of loneliness and despair to find our way back. Not yet!
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
Articles: What’s News Is News
909 Eagles Landing Parkway
Suite 140; MB-144
Stockbridge, GA 30281
(678) 432-2851
With all of the many methods of new technology of communication today, America is still listed as one of the most isolated countries and has the highest rate of the loneliest people. Could it be that the yester decades of modern growth have ultimately spiral-spun us into a web of isolation to the point that when we are forced to walk out into the real world, we do not really know how to communicate with unfamiliar faces - people who are not related to us? Can modern technology be the blame for homes being built without front porches where people once sat and spoke to their neighbors and also welcomed strangers as they walked or drove by? Can the curse of modern technology be responsible for people having absent the skills of homegrown courtesy and respect and cordiality?
In the past 10-years, websites for dating and people-matching services have sprung up all over the world and grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry annually. And, more new ones are being invented monthly to accommodate the growth of interested lonely people trying to find that special friend and/or mate. And in the pursuit for someone else to make us happy, people often place their expectations too high by forming a fixated mental image and list with unrealistic qualifications and hopes of finding "Mr. Perfect" or "Miss Right."
And, one may argue – so, what is wrong with that? Many or most are left with nothing but a stomach ulcer or a few more gray hairs or irregular heart rhythms or migraine headaches or even severe depression due to being overwhelmed with anxiety from the fear of spending another Valentine's Day without receiving flowers or a card; or spending another Christmas alone - even though they may be surrounded by family. And what do most do? The answer today seems to be somewhere hidden in the idea that dating services have the secret "bullet" to eradicate loneliness. And every time a person may receive a phone call from an ad that they may have placed, they are usually on the other end of the line holding on for dear life hoping that the caller will be that one special person who will be the answer to all their prays and will ultimately fulfill all of their hopes and dreams forever. But, even though that is sadly true in most cases, the intellect still know in their deep subconscious that no one person can realistically fill such a huge gap in any one person’s life.
Too often, the search for that perfect person is based on both the physical appearance, and sometimes, monetary status rather than what's really important. As a result, our values and compatibility and willingness to give and receive; and reasonable two-way compromise takes a "back seat." Ultimately, physical attraction at first sight produces the rise in sexual hormones, which results in too many one-night soirée’s. Consequently, in the quest to find that special someone, too many emotional and sexual mistakes are made with temporary stand-in's during the search for the real thing; and when that special someone finally emerges from one's stream of one-night stands and lunch-break hook-ups, the cost of the mental and physical damage is to high and must be dealt with first; thus, preventing or prolonging the absence of true love and life-long commitment that much longer. In short, the curse of modern technology has forced too many people to play russian roulette with their bodies – replacing or opting for instant gratification rather than waiting for that special life-long soul mate.
During the critical stages, it was very easy to watch American isolationism set in during the past 10-20 years. The curse of modern technology helped us erect large homes and isolate ourselves in luxurious suburbs. As a result, communication skills have suffered on a personal level and have reduced people to be more comfortable communicating with others thru networks such as emails, chat rooms, instant messaging, web-cams, etc. And, what is wrong with this? These methods of communication still do not remove the need to be touched, to be hugged, to sit across from someone every evening at the dinner table, to tell someone every morning face-to-face "I love you", or to create special memories by cuddling on the sofa and talk a lot about nothing with a soul mate.
I remember when it was impossible get down a neighborhood street without orally speaking to other neighbors as they passed by. And, some of those one-on-one communications would often require a brief stop to chat about the concerns of that day or convey a message about someone else in the community. And, it was also often that those old fashioned methods of communication were the best ways to spread important news within a community. What resulted in such old familiar ways of small-village living was that strong life-lasting friendships were found, marriages and family units within the community thrived, and the barriers of cultural differences were broken down that resulted in building on the common ground of acceptance, respect, sharing and understanding. People learned from infancy to know one another.
However, modern technology has complicated our lives to the point that made us too busy with unimportant things - so much so - that we now have little time to dedicate ourselves to forming true genuine long-lasting rock solid friendships and relationships. I think that author Richard Rodriguez summed it up best during an interview with Bill Moyer recently. He stated that the reason why relationships do not abound today like they did in years past is because society has forgotten about the simple two-letter pronoun "we." And, I must without hesitation agree. Because, any reasonably intelligent person can plainly see that society as a whole has been reduced to a selfish, me, my, all-about-me, do-what-I-want-to-do kind of world - irregardless of who gets hurt or who's shoes or hands gets stepped on. With that attitude, what sort of baggage do people usually bring into a relationship? Usually emotionally damaged goods stained with false hopes, bruised egos, unrealistic ideas and expectations that are dependent on someone else to make them a whole and healed person.
As the noted author suggested, if people can just simply put the "we" back into their lives, everything else would easily fall into it's proper place at the proper time. And once the simple pronoun "we" is set in place, that means being considerate of someone other than one's self, it means one-on-one in-person communication is necessary in order for it to be nurtured and survive, the pronoun "we" makes it necessary to check in on the neighbors at least once a week; it requires friends to get together and invite other people to form new friendships; it causes one to return a phone call message in an expeditious manner. The simple two-letter pronoun "we" requires men to be gentlemen to women and women to be ladies to men. The pronoun "we" most importantly requires people to get involved, stay in touch, be out spoken and be present. You become more informed and aware of your surroundings. And, you become more sensitive to the needs of others and your community. In the process, what ultimately happens? You meet new people. You form new friendships that often result in something more long-term and endearing.
In it's inconspicuous and unassuming existence, the pronoun "we" - in all forms and purposes - eliminates loneliness. Think about it for a moment. If people would just follow that simple concept - as uncomplicated as it is - just think of how many other alternative methods of finding others who might be compatible with us would not be necessary. Or, is it just too simple and easy to be believable? Somehow, I cannot accept the argument that modern technology had pushed us in too far to the point that we may have lost our way too deep into the forest of loneliness and despair to find our way back. Not yet!
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
Articles: What’s News Is News
909 Eagles Landing Parkway
Suite 140; MB-144
Stockbridge, GA 30281
(678) 432-2851
Sunday, January 29, 2006
James Frey; the guy who made a public fool of Oprah...
After reading this article,there will be many suspecting critics who will label me a racist. But, that opinion could not be further from the truth. Because, the fact remains, regardless of what opinions that may derive from this article, I am mixed. I am a proud decendent of Irish, Cherokee and African ancestors. And, with that unique mixture of heritage within my family lineage, I am fortunate to articulate my opinions about people and events with no intent to malign or embarrass anyone due to their race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, political believes, etc.
I am always amazed at African-Americans who have acclaimed fame and fortune in America and how they systematically allow white people to continue to make public fools of them. The James Frey incident is just one example of that. One would think that, after years and years and years of acquiring greatness, Oprah Winfrey would be smart enough to "smell a rat" when she encountered with one. Instead, even after "thesmokinggun.com" came out with the story that exposed James Frey for the odious liar that he really is, Oprah Winfrey made a national fool of herself and called into the Larry King Show and publically defended Mr. Frey. You would think that she would step back just for a moment and rethink her position. But, no! She called in and publically humiliated herself as James Frey, once again, made a public fool of her.
After interviewing many African-Americans and also White Americans about this story, what they found was even more embarrassing to the black community is that there are many great African-American authors who have written credible and great and unique books who Oprah Winfrey has deliberately decided to ignore; just to allow another white man make a national fool of her. Personally, I would be less than an idiot to waste time and gas to go out and purchase James Frey's book, let alone promote it. But, as Oprah and Mrs. Talese (the publisher) sat on her show rationalizing back and forth about the validity of the book, James Frey sat quietly between them sipping water knowing that while these two "stupid" women argued over the lies and deceipt, his book-sells were sky-rocketing. What's even worse, Oprah never publically denounce the book, "A Million Little Pieces", from her book club.
After viewing the show and leaving my own personal comments on the matter, I received replys from people all across the United States. However, the comments were not pleasing to Oprah Winfrey's white female staff members who control her message boards; and my entire message and all the replies were deleted by her white female staff members who supervises her message board. Again, Oprah has surrounded herself with people who control her life, control what she does, control what she thinks, control her website, control the free-speach of her website, etc. The bottom line is that, if a white person close to Oprah don't like what you have to say, they will not allow you to have free expression on her message board. You will be scensored. How shameful! Is this America or Iraq? At this point, I am not sure.
However, the most embarrassing thing about this entire mess is that, in view of the African-American historical abuses and blatant and brutal racist activity against minorities in this nation, Oprah has let her guard down to allow white people to continue to a make a national fool of her (and repeatedly) in anyway that they can. My questions to Ms. Winfrey are simple. If the roles were reversed, does she think a white man in her position would let a black woman make a public fool of him without thoroughly investigating her first? Additionally, if her role in life was reversed with Dr. Phil's, do she really think Dr. Phil would have made it posible for her to have her own television show? And, if her position was reversed with the white women on her staff, do she think for one second that those white women would even give her a job, let alone allow her to control their message board in the same racist manner? The answer to those three questions is obvious - "Not only no, but, HELL NO!!!"
So, why do Oprah Winfrey continue to ignor talented African-Americans only to lend all of her attentions and open opportunities to the odiom of lying white authors and racist white women who really do not have her best interest in mind? Why do rich and famous black Americans continue to lend themselves to open scrutiny? The answer to those questions lays beneath mounds of decades of rubble that hides the mystery why, when African-Americans achieve greatness and acquired fame in America, they suddenly succumb to the idea of embrasing stupidity. Yes, they are rich and they are famous; but, they become stupid rich and famous African-Americans.
If anyone out there dare to dig through the rubble for the answer, please let me know.
By - Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
After reading this article,there will be many suspecting critics who will label me a racist. But, that opinion could not be further from the truth. Because, the fact remains, regardless of what opinions that may derive from this article, I am mixed. I am a proud decendent of Irish, Cherokee and African ancestors. And, with that unique mixture of heritage within my family lineage, I am fortunate to articulate my opinions about people and events with no intent to malign or embarrass anyone due to their race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, political believes, etc.
I am always amazed at African-Americans who have acclaimed fame and fortune in America and how they systematically allow white people to continue to make public fools of them. The James Frey incident is just one example of that. One would think that, after years and years and years of acquiring greatness, Oprah Winfrey would be smart enough to "smell a rat" when she encountered with one. Instead, even after "thesmokinggun.com" came out with the story that exposed James Frey for the odious liar that he really is, Oprah Winfrey made a national fool of herself and called into the Larry King Show and publically defended Mr. Frey. You would think that she would step back just for a moment and rethink her position. But, no! She called in and publically humiliated herself as James Frey, once again, made a public fool of her.
After interviewing many African-Americans and also White Americans about this story, what they found was even more embarrassing to the black community is that there are many great African-American authors who have written credible and great and unique books who Oprah Winfrey has deliberately decided to ignore; just to allow another white man make a national fool of her. Personally, I would be less than an idiot to waste time and gas to go out and purchase James Frey's book, let alone promote it. But, as Oprah and Mrs. Talese (the publisher) sat on her show rationalizing back and forth about the validity of the book, James Frey sat quietly between them sipping water knowing that while these two "stupid" women argued over the lies and deceipt, his book-sells were sky-rocketing. What's even worse, Oprah never publically denounce the book, "A Million Little Pieces", from her book club.
After viewing the show and leaving my own personal comments on the matter, I received replys from people all across the United States. However, the comments were not pleasing to Oprah Winfrey's white female staff members who control her message boards; and my entire message and all the replies were deleted by her white female staff members who supervises her message board. Again, Oprah has surrounded herself with people who control her life, control what she does, control what she thinks, control her website, control the free-speach of her website, etc. The bottom line is that, if a white person close to Oprah don't like what you have to say, they will not allow you to have free expression on her message board. You will be scensored. How shameful! Is this America or Iraq? At this point, I am not sure.
However, the most embarrassing thing about this entire mess is that, in view of the African-American historical abuses and blatant and brutal racist activity against minorities in this nation, Oprah has let her guard down to allow white people to continue to a make a national fool of her (and repeatedly) in anyway that they can. My questions to Ms. Winfrey are simple. If the roles were reversed, does she think a white man in her position would let a black woman make a public fool of him without thoroughly investigating her first? Additionally, if her role in life was reversed with Dr. Phil's, do she really think Dr. Phil would have made it posible for her to have her own television show? And, if her position was reversed with the white women on her staff, do she think for one second that those white women would even give her a job, let alone allow her to control their message board in the same racist manner? The answer to those three questions is obvious - "Not only no, but, HELL NO!!!"
So, why do Oprah Winfrey continue to ignor talented African-Americans only to lend all of her attentions and open opportunities to the odiom of lying white authors and racist white women who really do not have her best interest in mind? Why do rich and famous black Americans continue to lend themselves to open scrutiny? The answer to those questions lays beneath mounds of decades of rubble that hides the mystery why, when African-Americans achieve greatness and acquired fame in America, they suddenly succumb to the idea of embrasing stupidity. Yes, they are rich and they are famous; but, they become stupid rich and famous African-Americans.
If anyone out there dare to dig through the rubble for the answer, please let me know.
By - Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Ford Motor Company
Ford Atlanta Assembly Plant Closing; The Truth...
Concerning the Ford Motor Company's restructuring program and the company's recent decision to permanently close the Atlanta Assembly Plant, was a work in progress long before the company made it public on Monday (23 January 2006) and for many different reasons. However, one of the primary reasons why the news was forthcoming is because insiders have always know that the Atlanta Assembly Plant have had a long history of bad management which accumulated in a "mountain" of adverse activities in a domino effect that directly affected the quality of the working environment at the plant. And, the headquarters in Michigan was and always remained acutely aware of what was happening. For example:
1. When I transferred to the Atlanta Assembly Plant in April 2000, there were a group of supervisors walking around in the plant in a posse literally terrorizing employees as employees tried to do their jobs. Those supervisors dressed exactly alike everyday and wore crisp long-sleeve white dress shirts (regardless whether it was summer or winter); and dark glasses. At first, I thought it was a joke; but, when I realized it was not a joke, it reminded me of Hitler's reign over Germany and how he tried to unsuccessfully conquer the world. What those odious acting supervisors were trying to conquer still remains unclear. As a result, over 43 employees filed formal charges against the company and we also consulted personally with the late famous attorney, Johnny Cochran about the matter on three different occasions. At one point, management's actions got so heinous, that the employees decided to boycott a day of work and shut the plant down due to ongoing abuses from supervisors operating within the plant. Regardless of the company's "zero tolerance" policies, employees were systematically cursed (profanity) by management, they were systematically harassed on a daily basis (both sexually and using intimidation tactics), they were systematically placed deliberately in harms way by management which resulted in many, many permanent life-long injuries (some employees even had to have surgery), they were systematically place on jobs that were not ergonomically suited for them to perform, etc. Reporting these abuses to the single female Human Resources Manager did not work, because upon doing so, we quickly discovered that she was too intimate with the male supervisors who were blatantly violating company policy.
2. As a result, the Atlanta Assembly Plant had a high absenteeism rate - much, much higher than that of other plants. Due to the high absenteeism rate, when a regular employee was not present at work to perform his/her job, he or she had to always be replaced with two or more employees - which automatically indicated that the regular employee was doing too much work. And, "replacement" or "substitute" employees could never perform jobs as good as the regular employee because of unfamiliarity. Because, the regular employee was the one who had the long experience and expertise of performing a particular job. As a result, the job was not done as well - potentially sending an inferior product to our consumers.
3. The jobs at the Atlanta Assembly Plant were set up so that, if an employee had time to get a sip of water from a thermos, or blow his/her nose, or take a couple of breaths, then, he/she did not have enough work to do. That idiom was management's criteria of assigning employees the right amount of work to do - a perfect example of modern day slavery.
4. When job openings came up, each time I submitted an application and resume for an interview to fill those various positions within the plant, my resumes and applications ALWAYS mysteriously disappeared (thrown in the trash). This not only happened to me; but, also to other employees who were vocal about issues in the plant that the management team deliberately and successfully ignored. As a result, lesser qualified employees were given those positions instead; and those lesser qualified employees were usually the "buddies" of someone on the management team. And, the Ford Motor Company's management team has an excellent record of retaliating against employees who dare to speak out against adverse issues within the company.
5. The medical office at the Atlanta Assembly Plant always worked overtime an dutifully against the well-being of injured employees and did the company's "dirty-bidding" by keeping injured employees at work, instead of allowing employees, on many occasions, the proper time off to rehabilitate and heal.
6. The management team at the Atlanta Assembly Plant had a long history of turning a deaf ear to employee ideas to make the working environment at the plant safer and more enjoyable. Instead, they systematically walked through the plant in a posse (donned in their long-sleeve white shirts and dark glasses and with the area supervisor) physically intimidating employees and deliberately removing everything that made our working environments more enjoyable in which to work - such as chairs to rest in when the line stopped, hand-made seats that did not interfere with us doing our jobs, containers to store our personal items in to keep them clean, etc. But, if oil was on the floor, or the floor was filthy with trash/dirt (the floor was NEVER cleaned), or our working bins were lacking parts to assemble the engine, the management team systematically did nothing to make it safe for us to maneuver safely with in our work zones and/or was slow about supplying us with parts in order to complete our jobs properly. And, if we were lacking earplugs or work-gloves, we had to almost beg for the management team to accommodate us. And, whenever there was a real safety hazard that needed immediate attention, the management team, instead, waited and waited and waited for weeks (most of the time) to resolve those problems. As a matter of fact, in our group meetings, it was common to discuss the same problems/issues from year-to-year with nothing ever getting resolved.
All of the above resulted in the plant's inability to produce a quality product to sell to our consumers. And, when the employees filed formal charges against Ford and boycotted and shut the plant down, everyone at Ford Headquarters (including Bill Ford) was informed in detail of what was happening at the Atlanta Assembly Plant; but, did very little to help the employees to resolve those issues. The employees also never had any support from the local union officials. Instead, the union officials seemed to be in the same "bed" as the company trying to make our working environment in the plant nearly too unbearable in which to perform. As a matter of fact, neither the local union president nor the union chairman was ever seen out on the plant floor during the entire time they were in office.
In any case, I, personally, have mounds of documentation to corroborate the above.
Now, Bill Ford and his co-conspirators in Dearborn has decided to render a final blow to a group of employees who still, after all of the abuses we suffered and endured at the Atlanta Assembly Plant, plan to shut the plant and place loyal workers on the street.
In closing, the biggest problem that Ford Motor rendered upon it's own "head" was that the company did not believe in the idea that "a happy employee is a productive employee." Ford Motor Company also seemed to never believe in the idea of producing stylish vehicles; and, would never accept it's employees ideas on style changes that would have been extremely beneficial in competing with our competitors such as Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. As a matter of record, I personally went to the female Human Resources Manager and disclosed to her that I had an idea that I was certain would double or triple the sells of Ford's Taurus and Sable vehicles. Instead of listening and taking my ideas up for advisement, she very tactfully told me to get lost on that particular idea; and also on other ideas that I presented to her that would have helped the company. That is the typical treatment the hourly employees received from upper-level management at the Atlanta Assembly Plant. As a result, our productivity suffered, our quality suffered and our competition (especially our foreign competitors) took over in the auto consumer market in the United States.
And, Ford Motor Company's biggest handicap is that the company is and always has been good at promoting bad managers to higher decision-making positions within the company.
I truly believe that Bill Ford wants to do the right thing. After all, the Ford Motor Company is a company that his Great Grandfather founded. But, sometimes "trying" to do the right thing, comes too late. The issues that persisted at the Atlanta Assembly Plant are a perfect example of that claim. They were eventually addressed; however, they were addressed too late for the Atlanta Assembly Plant hourly employees - which could have assured the employees there a long and productive future with the Ford Motor Company.
This is just part of the untold story from the inside.
By - Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Ford Atlanta Assembly Plant Closing; The Truth...
Concerning the Ford Motor Company's restructuring program and the company's recent decision to permanently close the Atlanta Assembly Plant, was a work in progress long before the company made it public on Monday (23 January 2006) and for many different reasons. However, one of the primary reasons why the news was forthcoming is because insiders have always know that the Atlanta Assembly Plant have had a long history of bad management which accumulated in a "mountain" of adverse activities in a domino effect that directly affected the quality of the working environment at the plant. And, the headquarters in Michigan was and always remained acutely aware of what was happening. For example:
1. When I transferred to the Atlanta Assembly Plant in April 2000, there were a group of supervisors walking around in the plant in a posse literally terrorizing employees as employees tried to do their jobs. Those supervisors dressed exactly alike everyday and wore crisp long-sleeve white dress shirts (regardless whether it was summer or winter); and dark glasses. At first, I thought it was a joke; but, when I realized it was not a joke, it reminded me of Hitler's reign over Germany and how he tried to unsuccessfully conquer the world. What those odious acting supervisors were trying to conquer still remains unclear. As a result, over 43 employees filed formal charges against the company and we also consulted personally with the late famous attorney, Johnny Cochran about the matter on three different occasions. At one point, management's actions got so heinous, that the employees decided to boycott a day of work and shut the plant down due to ongoing abuses from supervisors operating within the plant. Regardless of the company's "zero tolerance" policies, employees were systematically cursed (profanity) by management, they were systematically harassed on a daily basis (both sexually and using intimidation tactics), they were systematically placed deliberately in harms way by management which resulted in many, many permanent life-long injuries (some employees even had to have surgery), they were systematically place on jobs that were not ergonomically suited for them to perform, etc. Reporting these abuses to the single female Human Resources Manager did not work, because upon doing so, we quickly discovered that she was too intimate with the male supervisors who were blatantly violating company policy.
2. As a result, the Atlanta Assembly Plant had a high absenteeism rate - much, much higher than that of other plants. Due to the high absenteeism rate, when a regular employee was not present at work to perform his/her job, he or she had to always be replaced with two or more employees - which automatically indicated that the regular employee was doing too much work. And, "replacement" or "substitute" employees could never perform jobs as good as the regular employee because of unfamiliarity. Because, the regular employee was the one who had the long experience and expertise of performing a particular job. As a result, the job was not done as well - potentially sending an inferior product to our consumers.
3. The jobs at the Atlanta Assembly Plant were set up so that, if an employee had time to get a sip of water from a thermos, or blow his/her nose, or take a couple of breaths, then, he/she did not have enough work to do. That idiom was management's criteria of assigning employees the right amount of work to do - a perfect example of modern day slavery.
4. When job openings came up, each time I submitted an application and resume for an interview to fill those various positions within the plant, my resumes and applications ALWAYS mysteriously disappeared (thrown in the trash). This not only happened to me; but, also to other employees who were vocal about issues in the plant that the management team deliberately and successfully ignored. As a result, lesser qualified employees were given those positions instead; and those lesser qualified employees were usually the "buddies" of someone on the management team. And, the Ford Motor Company's management team has an excellent record of retaliating against employees who dare to speak out against adverse issues within the company.
5. The medical office at the Atlanta Assembly Plant always worked overtime an dutifully against the well-being of injured employees and did the company's "dirty-bidding" by keeping injured employees at work, instead of allowing employees, on many occasions, the proper time off to rehabilitate and heal.
6. The management team at the Atlanta Assembly Plant had a long history of turning a deaf ear to employee ideas to make the working environment at the plant safer and more enjoyable. Instead, they systematically walked through the plant in a posse (donned in their long-sleeve white shirts and dark glasses and with the area supervisor) physically intimidating employees and deliberately removing everything that made our working environments more enjoyable in which to work - such as chairs to rest in when the line stopped, hand-made seats that did not interfere with us doing our jobs, containers to store our personal items in to keep them clean, etc. But, if oil was on the floor, or the floor was filthy with trash/dirt (the floor was NEVER cleaned), or our working bins were lacking parts to assemble the engine, the management team systematically did nothing to make it safe for us to maneuver safely with in our work zones and/or was slow about supplying us with parts in order to complete our jobs properly. And, if we were lacking earplugs or work-gloves, we had to almost beg for the management team to accommodate us. And, whenever there was a real safety hazard that needed immediate attention, the management team, instead, waited and waited and waited for weeks (most of the time) to resolve those problems. As a matter of fact, in our group meetings, it was common to discuss the same problems/issues from year-to-year with nothing ever getting resolved.
All of the above resulted in the plant's inability to produce a quality product to sell to our consumers. And, when the employees filed formal charges against Ford and boycotted and shut the plant down, everyone at Ford Headquarters (including Bill Ford) was informed in detail of what was happening at the Atlanta Assembly Plant; but, did very little to help the employees to resolve those issues. The employees also never had any support from the local union officials. Instead, the union officials seemed to be in the same "bed" as the company trying to make our working environment in the plant nearly too unbearable in which to perform. As a matter of fact, neither the local union president nor the union chairman was ever seen out on the plant floor during the entire time they were in office.
In any case, I, personally, have mounds of documentation to corroborate the above.
Now, Bill Ford and his co-conspirators in Dearborn has decided to render a final blow to a group of employees who still, after all of the abuses we suffered and endured at the Atlanta Assembly Plant, plan to shut the plant and place loyal workers on the street.
In closing, the biggest problem that Ford Motor rendered upon it's own "head" was that the company did not believe in the idea that "a happy employee is a productive employee." Ford Motor Company also seemed to never believe in the idea of producing stylish vehicles; and, would never accept it's employees ideas on style changes that would have been extremely beneficial in competing with our competitors such as Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. As a matter of record, I personally went to the female Human Resources Manager and disclosed to her that I had an idea that I was certain would double or triple the sells of Ford's Taurus and Sable vehicles. Instead of listening and taking my ideas up for advisement, she very tactfully told me to get lost on that particular idea; and also on other ideas that I presented to her that would have helped the company. That is the typical treatment the hourly employees received from upper-level management at the Atlanta Assembly Plant. As a result, our productivity suffered, our quality suffered and our competition (especially our foreign competitors) took over in the auto consumer market in the United States.
And, Ford Motor Company's biggest handicap is that the company is and always has been good at promoting bad managers to higher decision-making positions within the company.
I truly believe that Bill Ford wants to do the right thing. After all, the Ford Motor Company is a company that his Great Grandfather founded. But, sometimes "trying" to do the right thing, comes too late. The issues that persisted at the Atlanta Assembly Plant are a perfect example of that claim. They were eventually addressed; however, they were addressed too late for the Atlanta Assembly Plant hourly employees - which could have assured the employees there a long and productive future with the Ford Motor Company.
This is just part of the untold story from the inside.
By - Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Katrina: Is It Really Needful To Exploit?
Like any other national or international catastrophe, there will be the vulnerable who will be displaced, uprooted, and also socially and economically drained and disconnected from everything and everyone that we too often take for granted in our personal lives. And, it is those victims who are usually always preyed upon by famous ego-gratifying vultures who use the devastation and unbearable pain of others to boost ratings for their television news programs and variety shows.
It sickens me when I see people like Oprah Winfrey and Tim Green rush in with their camera's only to exploit these people and selfishly strip from them - even further - of any dignity that they may have left within while they are trying to cope in their most private moments of grief, pain and despair. What's even more tragic is that Oprah used all or most of her celebrity buddies to help her. Do I think they really care? Hell no! It's just another form of public exhibitionism of celebrities who have nothing better to do in the existence of their over-pampered boring lives by using a national disaster to boost their own miniature egos by getting in the way of those who are really there to help, such as the various police forces, National Guard and Red Cross. Their presence, within it self, is a tragedy. Because, whether the average American wakes up to realize a known fact that, celebrities will always feel, deep within, that they are actually better than the average American. But, of course, they will never admit it - not publically anyway. And, their life-styles testify to that fact, especially when you see the list of outrageous tedious demands they legislate whenever they make an appearance someplace.
As these self-serving celebrities exploit and further diminish the dignity of Katrina's victims on national television for ratings sake, I can't help but be reminded of whom the real heroes are?
Images of "Mother Nature's" wrath keeps taking me back to the man who took a small severely battered fishing boat and waded through waist-deep water while he rescued his neighbors to safer ground. Not knowing what happened to his own family, he still had a heart much bigger than his own desire to find refuge, just so that he can save others. Tired and hungry and soaking wet, he struggled through waist-deep infested water, trudging back and forth, to save also strangers - people he never met before. In too many places where race still matters in America, his passengers crossed all racial and social barriers.
I also cannot forget the image of the wonderful lady in Atlanta who opened up her home to over 20 people, some family members and others, strangers. She did not have a multimillion-dollar estate to claim in Malibu and another lavishly furnished condo in Chicago. Nor did she have a huge private 8000 square-foot mansion in Conneticut filled with a staff of servants to bow at her beckoned call. She only have a small meager over-crowded home with two small bathrooms and loving neighbors who understand the true concept of "neighbor-helping-neighbor" who also pitched in and helped her prepare meals for her unexpected guests.
I still have the image of the two little boys who sold lemonade on the side of the road in their neigborhood and raised over $42.00; and with enthusiasm, gave it all unselfishly to the Red Cross CareForce Center in Atlanta.
The images are still fresh of the many people who stayed up all night and all day on their feet toiling arduously and tiredlessly working in kitchens, administering first aid, handing out clothing, supplying transportation, and setting up cots and bedding. And, they still continue to serve charitably standing on their feet for days now with very little rest.
And, what about the ones who were there with just a hug, or a word of encouragement, a touch on the arm or hand - doing all of these and many more acts of human kindness without any camera's rolling. They are the real heroes. They are the "unsung" heroes who had no time to worry about who was watching or what they might gain from it all. They didn't wait for cameramen to come. Their only thoughts were simply that something had to be done. And like soldiers armed for battle, they immediately went into action with the little bit of "amunition" that they had - unconditional brotherly/sisterly love and human kindness.
Their bountiful benevolence reminds me of the religious principle in the Bible that tells the story of the time when the people came and gave alms. Many of the rich of that day gave millions, as well. But, there was one old and very poor widow who gave only one penny. And, while she was belittled and mocked by those who were financially more fortunate to give more, Jesus stepped up the plate and reprimanded all who mocked her and informed them that she gave more than all of the rest. They looked at Jesus in disgust and amazement and wondered, how can that be? Huh! After all, that poor old widow-woman only gave a penny. But, Jesus - in His infinite Wisdom - told them, "... even though you gave of your riches and gold, she gave me all that she had."
The massive display of hypocrisy continues every night on the Larry King Show on CNN which included Sean Penn, who flew into New Orleans with a camera crew, allegedly, so that he could be seen on film wading through hip-deep water pulling a boat of about 2 or 3 people; while the real rescue hero's followed behind out of the camera's view. Can't you just see it? Hollywood coming out, in about 3 or 4 months from now, with a major motion picture about the tragedy. I wonder who will play Sean Penn? Oh, I forgot - his ego is much too large to leave that opportunity to anyone else. He would most certainly play himself. And, who do you think would capture the role of Oprah Winfrey? Now, let me think. Oh, maybe that would be Eddie Murphy in drag. And, who do you think would be the best character to play Chris Rock shaking hands with people who he really don't give a rat's behind about? Now, that's an easy one. That, of course, would be Ted Danson in black-face.
I almost forgot about the website that these celebrities set up for people to go to and register to offer their homes up for shelter for the victims of Katrina. What about them - our do-gooder celebrities? How many of our well-intentioned celebrities do you think opened up their luxurous well manicured estated homes to any of the victims? Let me guess. None! Because, they expect the poor and the middle class to do that. After all, for a celebrity to open up their private homes to another human being in need, is totally beneath them and against everything they represent.
And, allow me slap myself on the forehead. How stupid of me to think that they would allow any of the victims of Katrina grace the grounds of their multimillion dollar lavish estates - while the blatant exploitation and hypocracy continues.
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author/Columnist
909 Eagles Landing Parkway
Suite 140; MB-144
Stockbridge, GA 30281
1-(678)-432-2851
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Like any other national or international catastrophe, there will be the vulnerable who will be displaced, uprooted, and also socially and economically drained and disconnected from everything and everyone that we too often take for granted in our personal lives. And, it is those victims who are usually always preyed upon by famous ego-gratifying vultures who use the devastation and unbearable pain of others to boost ratings for their television news programs and variety shows.
It sickens me when I see people like Oprah Winfrey and Tim Green rush in with their camera's only to exploit these people and selfishly strip from them - even further - of any dignity that they may have left within while they are trying to cope in their most private moments of grief, pain and despair. What's even more tragic is that Oprah used all or most of her celebrity buddies to help her. Do I think they really care? Hell no! It's just another form of public exhibitionism of celebrities who have nothing better to do in the existence of their over-pampered boring lives by using a national disaster to boost their own miniature egos by getting in the way of those who are really there to help, such as the various police forces, National Guard and Red Cross. Their presence, within it self, is a tragedy. Because, whether the average American wakes up to realize a known fact that, celebrities will always feel, deep within, that they are actually better than the average American. But, of course, they will never admit it - not publically anyway. And, their life-styles testify to that fact, especially when you see the list of outrageous tedious demands they legislate whenever they make an appearance someplace.
As these self-serving celebrities exploit and further diminish the dignity of Katrina's victims on national television for ratings sake, I can't help but be reminded of whom the real heroes are?
Images of "Mother Nature's" wrath keeps taking me back to the man who took a small severely battered fishing boat and waded through waist-deep water while he rescued his neighbors to safer ground. Not knowing what happened to his own family, he still had a heart much bigger than his own desire to find refuge, just so that he can save others. Tired and hungry and soaking wet, he struggled through waist-deep infested water, trudging back and forth, to save also strangers - people he never met before. In too many places where race still matters in America, his passengers crossed all racial and social barriers.
I also cannot forget the image of the wonderful lady in Atlanta who opened up her home to over 20 people, some family members and others, strangers. She did not have a multimillion-dollar estate to claim in Malibu and another lavishly furnished condo in Chicago. Nor did she have a huge private 8000 square-foot mansion in Conneticut filled with a staff of servants to bow at her beckoned call. She only have a small meager over-crowded home with two small bathrooms and loving neighbors who understand the true concept of "neighbor-helping-neighbor" who also pitched in and helped her prepare meals for her unexpected guests.
I still have the image of the two little boys who sold lemonade on the side of the road in their neigborhood and raised over $42.00; and with enthusiasm, gave it all unselfishly to the Red Cross CareForce Center in Atlanta.
The images are still fresh of the many people who stayed up all night and all day on their feet toiling arduously and tiredlessly working in kitchens, administering first aid, handing out clothing, supplying transportation, and setting up cots and bedding. And, they still continue to serve charitably standing on their feet for days now with very little rest.
And, what about the ones who were there with just a hug, or a word of encouragement, a touch on the arm or hand - doing all of these and many more acts of human kindness without any camera's rolling. They are the real heroes. They are the "unsung" heroes who had no time to worry about who was watching or what they might gain from it all. They didn't wait for cameramen to come. Their only thoughts were simply that something had to be done. And like soldiers armed for battle, they immediately went into action with the little bit of "amunition" that they had - unconditional brotherly/sisterly love and human kindness.
Their bountiful benevolence reminds me of the religious principle in the Bible that tells the story of the time when the people came and gave alms. Many of the rich of that day gave millions, as well. But, there was one old and very poor widow who gave only one penny. And, while she was belittled and mocked by those who were financially more fortunate to give more, Jesus stepped up the plate and reprimanded all who mocked her and informed them that she gave more than all of the rest. They looked at Jesus in disgust and amazement and wondered, how can that be? Huh! After all, that poor old widow-woman only gave a penny. But, Jesus - in His infinite Wisdom - told them, "... even though you gave of your riches and gold, she gave me all that she had."
The massive display of hypocrisy continues every night on the Larry King Show on CNN which included Sean Penn, who flew into New Orleans with a camera crew, allegedly, so that he could be seen on film wading through hip-deep water pulling a boat of about 2 or 3 people; while the real rescue hero's followed behind out of the camera's view. Can't you just see it? Hollywood coming out, in about 3 or 4 months from now, with a major motion picture about the tragedy. I wonder who will play Sean Penn? Oh, I forgot - his ego is much too large to leave that opportunity to anyone else. He would most certainly play himself. And, who do you think would capture the role of Oprah Winfrey? Now, let me think. Oh, maybe that would be Eddie Murphy in drag. And, who do you think would be the best character to play Chris Rock shaking hands with people who he really don't give a rat's behind about? Now, that's an easy one. That, of course, would be Ted Danson in black-face.
I almost forgot about the website that these celebrities set up for people to go to and register to offer their homes up for shelter for the victims of Katrina. What about them - our do-gooder celebrities? How many of our well-intentioned celebrities do you think opened up their luxurous well manicured estated homes to any of the victims? Let me guess. None! Because, they expect the poor and the middle class to do that. After all, for a celebrity to open up their private homes to another human being in need, is totally beneath them and against everything they represent.
And, allow me slap myself on the forehead. How stupid of me to think that they would allow any of the victims of Katrina grace the grounds of their multimillion dollar lavish estates - while the blatant exploitation and hypocracy continues.
Stan-Joseph Jennings, Author/Columnist
909 Eagles Landing Parkway
Suite 140; MB-144
Stockbridge, GA 30281
1-(678)-432-2851
"Articles: What's News Is News"
Saturday, January 24, 2004
A TIME OF QUIET CONTENTION: A MEMORY...
As a child growing up, I remember Black identity as a confused mixture of boundaries of acceptances and unfeigned expression. Perms for Black women, for example, were vogue unless she wanted to make a bold statement of black-pride by wearing an Afro or "corn-rows." And shark-skinned suits for Black men were trendy unless he felt compelled to release his black pride by sporting a dashiki accessorized with a large medallion.
The irony of it all was that Black young people who came from the northwest side of town where predominately White folk lived, were the ones who emerged with dashikis and raised fists. But, the south side's more disadavantaged Black youth were the ones who tried harder to look like their White counterparts.
This was during the climax fo the Civil Rights Movement. White people never interfered with our need to express black pride; and the church was the main venue of expression especially through gospel music. White people did not seem to mind our cultural awareness, however, until we showed up at the office with ornamental braid, superfly shirts and platform shoes.
Still, our outlook on the future seemed brighter then. the Negro National Anthem was extremely popular. And, in sync with all other ethnic groups, Blacks finally had their own African-American Flag.
While James Brown crooned the air waves with "It's yo' thang, do whatja' wanta' do", Blacks emerged jubilantly with raise fists. And, the praise of "O Happy Day" reverberated from the lips of Black choirs in every pulpit.
Even middle-class neighborhoods were more intergrated. For example, Granny - my mother's Mom - lived in the house at the end of the road. A White family lived next to her, we lived next to them, then another Black family, then a Romanian family, a Hungarian family, another Black family and so on. The neighbors across the street were of the same diverse flavor. That is not to say that boundaries did not exist, because they did.
For example, the Black kids were not allowed to go swimming with White kids. And, although White kids played frequently on Black fold property, Black kids were not allowed on the White neighbor's lawns. Instead, the adults infrequently communicated over poorly constructed fences that often needed mending. And, even in the event of a neighbor's death, the races remained segregated. It was an unspoken rule which everyone followed religiously and never questioned.
It was also rare to see neighborhood people drive off to eat in restaurants. Family units were more cohesive then. The aroma of "soul food" that filtered through the unlocked tattered screen doors of Black homes filled the air harmoniously with the mouth-watering smells of Romanian and Hungarian women baking fresh breads and meats. We never worried about locking doors and windows because there was a greater respect for authority then and community, not necessarily for police or governmental influences; instead, the respect was for adults, especially the elderly, in our immediate community. It was a time when adults were addressed always as "Sir" or "Mam" and porches were humbly furnished with rocking chairs where old women sat adorned in flowered patterned dresses and granny tie-up shoes and aprons always tied tied around their wastes. Old men were often seen sitting on porches relaxing under the canopy of the porch roof protected from the afternoon hot sun puffing on a pipe and wearing suspender straps. Their hands were always impressive to me, however. I remember them being big, knarly with thick callus' formed from years of back-breaking work.
No, most things were not equal then and a lot of things are still unequal today. However, atleast, then, Blacks had unity, we had strong thriving churches and we had healthy family support. I am not suggesting that raised fists and segregation were ideal either, because they weren't. But, I believe that the heart and soul of this country is about the preservation of the simple dignity and way of living of average hard working Americans of all ethnic groups - the kind who attend town meetings. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get along as well as the aromatic blening together of diverse foods filling the air?
As a child growing up, I remember Black identity as a confused mixture of boundaries of acceptances and unfeigned expression. Perms for Black women, for example, were vogue unless she wanted to make a bold statement of black-pride by wearing an Afro or "corn-rows." And shark-skinned suits for Black men were trendy unless he felt compelled to release his black pride by sporting a dashiki accessorized with a large medallion.
The irony of it all was that Black young people who came from the northwest side of town where predominately White folk lived, were the ones who emerged with dashikis and raised fists. But, the south side's more disadavantaged Black youth were the ones who tried harder to look like their White counterparts.
This was during the climax fo the Civil Rights Movement. White people never interfered with our need to express black pride; and the church was the main venue of expression especially through gospel music. White people did not seem to mind our cultural awareness, however, until we showed up at the office with ornamental braid, superfly shirts and platform shoes.
Still, our outlook on the future seemed brighter then. the Negro National Anthem was extremely popular. And, in sync with all other ethnic groups, Blacks finally had their own African-American Flag.
While James Brown crooned the air waves with "It's yo' thang, do whatja' wanta' do", Blacks emerged jubilantly with raise fists. And, the praise of "O Happy Day" reverberated from the lips of Black choirs in every pulpit.
Even middle-class neighborhoods were more intergrated. For example, Granny - my mother's Mom - lived in the house at the end of the road. A White family lived next to her, we lived next to them, then another Black family, then a Romanian family, a Hungarian family, another Black family and so on. The neighbors across the street were of the same diverse flavor. That is not to say that boundaries did not exist, because they did.
For example, the Black kids were not allowed to go swimming with White kids. And, although White kids played frequently on Black fold property, Black kids were not allowed on the White neighbor's lawns. Instead, the adults infrequently communicated over poorly constructed fences that often needed mending. And, even in the event of a neighbor's death, the races remained segregated. It was an unspoken rule which everyone followed religiously and never questioned.
It was also rare to see neighborhood people drive off to eat in restaurants. Family units were more cohesive then. The aroma of "soul food" that filtered through the unlocked tattered screen doors of Black homes filled the air harmoniously with the mouth-watering smells of Romanian and Hungarian women baking fresh breads and meats. We never worried about locking doors and windows because there was a greater respect for authority then and community, not necessarily for police or governmental influences; instead, the respect was for adults, especially the elderly, in our immediate community. It was a time when adults were addressed always as "Sir" or "Mam" and porches were humbly furnished with rocking chairs where old women sat adorned in flowered patterned dresses and granny tie-up shoes and aprons always tied tied around their wastes. Old men were often seen sitting on porches relaxing under the canopy of the porch roof protected from the afternoon hot sun puffing on a pipe and wearing suspender straps. Their hands were always impressive to me, however. I remember them being big, knarly with thick callus' formed from years of back-breaking work.
No, most things were not equal then and a lot of things are still unequal today. However, atleast, then, Blacks had unity, we had strong thriving churches and we had healthy family support. I am not suggesting that raised fists and segregation were ideal either, because they weren't. But, I believe that the heart and soul of this country is about the preservation of the simple dignity and way of living of average hard working Americans of all ethnic groups - the kind who attend town meetings. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get along as well as the aromatic blening together of diverse foods filling the air?
LORD, LORD, WHY DID YOU MAKE ME BLACK?
Lord, Lord - why did You make me Black?
Why did You make someone, The world want to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes, And grimy hand and feet,
Black is the color of darkness, And tire-beaten streets.
Why give me thick lips, A broad nose and kinky hairs?
Why did You create me, To receive folks hateful stares?
Black is the color of bruised eyes, When someone gets hurt,
Black is the color of darkness, Black is the color of mirk.
Hows come my bone's so thick, My hips wide anc cheeks so high?
Hows come my eyes are black, And not the color of the sky?
Why do people think I'm useless; Yet, I feel so used?
And when they see my skin, Think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don't understand it; What is it about my skin?
Why do some want to hate me, Not knowing the person within?
Black is what people are "listed", When they stand up for what is right,
Black is the color of shadows, The absence of the light.
Even my own people mistreat me, You knows what I mean?
Whenever I need a brother, He's no wheres to be seen.
Lord, don't You think it's time, For You to make a change?
Why don't You undo creation, And make everyone the same?
GOD'S ANSWER:
Why did I make you Black?
Get up off your knees, And tell Me what you see?
I made you to look like Solomon, I made you the image of Me.
I made you the color the coal, From which beautiful diamonds are formed,
I made you the color of oil, The black gold that keeps you warm.
I made you from the rich, dark earth, Which yields the food you need,
I made you the color of black Stallions; Majestic, fast and free.
All colors of the rainbow are found, Throughout every nation,
But, when they were blended, You became my greatest creation.
Your hair - the texture of sheeps wool, The sacrifice lamb,
Curly - as if always kneeling, Before the Great, I am.
Your bones - I made are thick, To withstand the burdens of time,
The strength fo ra firm foundation, The hills that you must climb.
You are the color of midnight, I put the star's glitter in your eyes,
There's a smile hidden behind your smile, That's why your cheeks are high.
Your lips made full and firm, So when that one you kiss,
They will forever remember, With love and splendid bliss.
I made you the color of dark clouds, Your voice of thunder - the liberty bell did crack,
You shook the earth's foundation, That's why I made you black.
Lord, Lord - why did You make me Black?
Why did You make someone, The world want to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes, And grimy hand and feet,
Black is the color of darkness, And tire-beaten streets.
Why give me thick lips, A broad nose and kinky hairs?
Why did You create me, To receive folks hateful stares?
Black is the color of bruised eyes, When someone gets hurt,
Black is the color of darkness, Black is the color of mirk.
Hows come my bone's so thick, My hips wide anc cheeks so high?
Hows come my eyes are black, And not the color of the sky?
Why do people think I'm useless; Yet, I feel so used?
And when they see my skin, Think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don't understand it; What is it about my skin?
Why do some want to hate me, Not knowing the person within?
Black is what people are "listed", When they stand up for what is right,
Black is the color of shadows, The absence of the light.
Even my own people mistreat me, You knows what I mean?
Whenever I need a brother, He's no wheres to be seen.
Lord, don't You think it's time, For You to make a change?
Why don't You undo creation, And make everyone the same?
GOD'S ANSWER:
Why did I make you Black?
Get up off your knees, And tell Me what you see?
I made you to look like Solomon, I made you the image of Me.
I made you the color the coal, From which beautiful diamonds are formed,
I made you the color of oil, The black gold that keeps you warm.
I made you from the rich, dark earth, Which yields the food you need,
I made you the color of black Stallions; Majestic, fast and free.
All colors of the rainbow are found, Throughout every nation,
But, when they were blended, You became my greatest creation.
Your hair - the texture of sheeps wool, The sacrifice lamb,
Curly - as if always kneeling, Before the Great, I am.
Your bones - I made are thick, To withstand the burdens of time,
The strength fo ra firm foundation, The hills that you must climb.
You are the color of midnight, I put the star's glitter in your eyes,
There's a smile hidden behind your smile, That's why your cheeks are high.
Your lips made full and firm, So when that one you kiss,
They will forever remember, With love and splendid bliss.
I made you the color of dark clouds, Your voice of thunder - the liberty bell did crack,
You shook the earth's foundation, That's why I made you black.
Monday, December 29, 2003
Predictions/Forecasts Made in the 1980's
The following are forecasts made in the late 1980's from some of the best astrologers and psychics in the world at that time. I felt that, now that we are living well into the 21st Century, it would be interesting to go back and read what those forecasts were and just how accurate or inaccurate they actually were or are. In any case, the following may either increase or diminish your belief in the idea whether mere mortal man have the power to forecast our future.
Forecast #1: Due to the increasing rate of extinction, zoos will serve as "Noah's Archives," collecting not only species, but cataloging genetic materials to save plant and animal species for possible reestablishment or use in medicine.
Forecast #2: As the demand for transplantable organs exceeds the supply, the stealing of kidneys, hearts and other organs may become a major issue. "Organ legging" may become as lucrative for criminals as bootlegging was in the 1920's.
Forecast #3: Mind-reading computers will be able to pick up your thoughts and place them before you on a computer screen--the ultimate in data entry.
Forecast #4: The burgeoning health-insurance crisis will lead to "health wars" in which activities for one disease (such as breast cancer) will challenge the emphasis placed on another (such as AIDS).
Forecast #5: Shoppers of the future will carry personal-preference cards - smart cards that carry dimensions of your living room so you can order drapes, your exact measurements for your next suit, even the color of the last tie you purchased to allow for color coordination.
Forecast #6: The produce section of your grocery store may soon be a hydroponic greenhouse where you'll pick your own produce right off the vine - at the peak of ripeness and free of pesticides.
Forecast #7: As much as 60% of the world's coral reefs could be lost in the next 20 to 40 years. Like rain forests, reefs are home to a broad diveristy of species that offer the potential for new medicines as well as food.
Forecast #8: By the year 2000, the average car will be mostly plastic and will last an average of 22 years.
Forecast #9: The economy of Japan, envied worldwide today, is in for a period of turmoil and decline during the 1990's. Subsequently, Japan will not regain its current overpowering presence in world trade in the foreseeable future.
Forecast #10: "Electronic immigrants" could become a hot international trade issue by the late 1990's. These new service workers who "telecommute" across borders via computers will perform a variety of services electronically and compete against workers in affluent countries.
Forecast #11: By the year 2000, 52% of the world's people will reside in urban centers. That number may leap to 90% by the end of the twenty-first century.
Forecast #12: A worldwide economic collapse is extremely likely in the next few years (in the 1990's). Those unprepared my stand naked before a crisis unseen in the U.S. since the Civil War.
Forecast #13: NASA plans the first flight of the National Aero-Space Plane during the 1990's. A short ten years from now, NASA scientists believe, civilian aerospace vehicles will travel at Mach 12 and carry travelers half-way around the world in two hours.
Forecast #14: In the mid-1990's, the Roman Catholic Church will be exposed as the "whore" of all pagan religions due to a scandal that will rock the churches foundation world-wide. Religious scholars are basing this prediction of what is better known as "end-time" revelations from the actual Bible - "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. Who opposeth and exalteth himself (the Pope) above all that is called God, or that is worshipped...And then shall that wicked be revealed..." 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4,8.
Forecast #15: The State of California will suffer a major earthquake, one so major and catastrophic that scientists will not have time to warn of it's occurence. It will shake the earth away from the Orgeon and California borders and will cause the Alaska pipe line to burst with such power and intensity, that huge tital waves will rise so high into the sky, that the State of Kentucky will feel the mist from the Pacific Ocean and people will stand in water knee-deep downtown Los Angeles. It will also cause a nation-wide power outage that will result in the sky being darkened for atleast 30-40 days; and the lawlessness of looters, murders and damages from the quake will result in atleast a 3rd of the U.S. population to either be listed as missing or dead.
Forecast #17: By year 2000, money will have become a secondary source of purchasing goods. Many nations will have adopted a method of identification by inserting computer chips in the finger or by using computer cards that will automatically deduct money from checking accounts in banks. There will also be a serge of a unified dollar system that many countries will adopt which will play a major role in ushering in the concept of a one-world government and will most likely start in Europe.
In closing, whether we are on the threshold of a Golden Age or on the brink of a global cataclysm that will extinguish out what civilization is, I believe, not only unknowable, but is also undecided. The decision, however, will emerge through what we do in the years ahead, for each of us will create a piece of the common future of all mankind. We can do nothing to change the past, but we have enormous power to shape the future. And, once we grasp that essential insight, we recognize our responsibility and capability for building our dreams for a tomorrow and avoiding our nightmares. But, religious scholars, who know much better than I, will argue that point and rest their beliefs on the simple idea that God's Word - the Revelations of John the Divine in the New Testament - will ultimately determine our future and/or fate no matter what we do. THE END.
The following are forecasts made in the late 1980's from some of the best astrologers and psychics in the world at that time. I felt that, now that we are living well into the 21st Century, it would be interesting to go back and read what those forecasts were and just how accurate or inaccurate they actually were or are. In any case, the following may either increase or diminish your belief in the idea whether mere mortal man have the power to forecast our future.
Forecast #1: Due to the increasing rate of extinction, zoos will serve as "Noah's Archives," collecting not only species, but cataloging genetic materials to save plant and animal species for possible reestablishment or use in medicine.
Forecast #2: As the demand for transplantable organs exceeds the supply, the stealing of kidneys, hearts and other organs may become a major issue. "Organ legging" may become as lucrative for criminals as bootlegging was in the 1920's.
Forecast #3: Mind-reading computers will be able to pick up your thoughts and place them before you on a computer screen--the ultimate in data entry.
Forecast #4: The burgeoning health-insurance crisis will lead to "health wars" in which activities for one disease (such as breast cancer) will challenge the emphasis placed on another (such as AIDS).
Forecast #5: Shoppers of the future will carry personal-preference cards - smart cards that carry dimensions of your living room so you can order drapes, your exact measurements for your next suit, even the color of the last tie you purchased to allow for color coordination.
Forecast #6: The produce section of your grocery store may soon be a hydroponic greenhouse where you'll pick your own produce right off the vine - at the peak of ripeness and free of pesticides.
Forecast #7: As much as 60% of the world's coral reefs could be lost in the next 20 to 40 years. Like rain forests, reefs are home to a broad diveristy of species that offer the potential for new medicines as well as food.
Forecast #8: By the year 2000, the average car will be mostly plastic and will last an average of 22 years.
Forecast #9: The economy of Japan, envied worldwide today, is in for a period of turmoil and decline during the 1990's. Subsequently, Japan will not regain its current overpowering presence in world trade in the foreseeable future.
Forecast #10: "Electronic immigrants" could become a hot international trade issue by the late 1990's. These new service workers who "telecommute" across borders via computers will perform a variety of services electronically and compete against workers in affluent countries.
Forecast #11: By the year 2000, 52% of the world's people will reside in urban centers. That number may leap to 90% by the end of the twenty-first century.
Forecast #12: A worldwide economic collapse is extremely likely in the next few years (in the 1990's). Those unprepared my stand naked before a crisis unseen in the U.S. since the Civil War.
Forecast #13: NASA plans the first flight of the National Aero-Space Plane during the 1990's. A short ten years from now, NASA scientists believe, civilian aerospace vehicles will travel at Mach 12 and carry travelers half-way around the world in two hours.
Forecast #14: In the mid-1990's, the Roman Catholic Church will be exposed as the "whore" of all pagan religions due to a scandal that will rock the churches foundation world-wide. Religious scholars are basing this prediction of what is better known as "end-time" revelations from the actual Bible - "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. Who opposeth and exalteth himself (the Pope) above all that is called God, or that is worshipped...And then shall that wicked be revealed..." 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4,8.
Forecast #15: The State of California will suffer a major earthquake, one so major and catastrophic that scientists will not have time to warn of it's occurence. It will shake the earth away from the Orgeon and California borders and will cause the Alaska pipe line to burst with such power and intensity, that huge tital waves will rise so high into the sky, that the State of Kentucky will feel the mist from the Pacific Ocean and people will stand in water knee-deep downtown Los Angeles. It will also cause a nation-wide power outage that will result in the sky being darkened for atleast 30-40 days; and the lawlessness of looters, murders and damages from the quake will result in atleast a 3rd of the U.S. population to either be listed as missing or dead.
Forecast #17: By year 2000, money will have become a secondary source of purchasing goods. Many nations will have adopted a method of identification by inserting computer chips in the finger or by using computer cards that will automatically deduct money from checking accounts in banks. There will also be a serge of a unified dollar system that many countries will adopt which will play a major role in ushering in the concept of a one-world government and will most likely start in Europe.
In closing, whether we are on the threshold of a Golden Age or on the brink of a global cataclysm that will extinguish out what civilization is, I believe, not only unknowable, but is also undecided. The decision, however, will emerge through what we do in the years ahead, for each of us will create a piece of the common future of all mankind. We can do nothing to change the past, but we have enormous power to shape the future. And, once we grasp that essential insight, we recognize our responsibility and capability for building our dreams for a tomorrow and avoiding our nightmares. But, religious scholars, who know much better than I, will argue that point and rest their beliefs on the simple idea that God's Word - the Revelations of John the Divine in the New Testament - will ultimately determine our future and/or fate no matter what we do. THE END.
