Oh Island In The Sun...

I was born on May 22, 1960 on the island of Jamaica in the West Indies. I grew up in a poor family like many of the people around me and moving to the United States was a blessing. I left Jamiaca when I was 10 years old and before I left I knew a thing or two about Jamaica. First, I knew that the people of Jamaica were a hard working and proud people. Years later, I would laugh at a skit on "In Living Color" about all the jobs that Jamaicans held in New York. Second, my father and mother taught me that family and not drive by friends were most important in life. Third, I knew that taboos existed - one of which was homosexuality.

I knew at a very young age that I was "different" than my siblings but I did not have a word for my "difference." But I knew that a "battyman" was not a good thing and if you were one, God help you. At the age of 10, I knew that a battyman was a man who liked men and he was to be avoided at all costs if not to be pummmeled. I figured I wasn't a battyman so I was ok. But I still didn't have a word for who and what I was.

Years later I know who and what I am and I sure as hell know what a battyman is. Unfortunately, my "homeland" hasn't forgotten either. In 2007, homosexuality is a crime in Jamaica and it's ok to beat, maim and kill battymen. In 2007, in Jamaica, a crowd can gather to chant, "battyman" and feel no remorse. In 2007, police officers can ridicule, beat and cast off "battymen" the way they beat and cast off citizens and non-citizens who don't conform to their way of living. In 2007, "battymen" wish they were never born. This is the "island in the sun" with promises of sun and fun, unless you are a homosexual.

Here, here, and here are just some examples of what has been going on in Jamaica with no end in sight. I contend that most of this has to do with illiteracy and just plain barbaric behavior. But what is truly defining, if one were to believe in the myths about gay people, is the HIV/AIDS rate in Jamaica. If one were to believe that HIV/AIDS was just a gay disease then this report would be suspect.

To say that something must be done is an understatement. Maybe if jamaica lost it's tourism dollars it would awake to the injustice that spreads like wildfire on the island. Only time will tell.

Wacky Florida Judge Rules in Anna Nicole Custody Case

What a piece of garbage. I could hardly get through this video because this "judge" was so offensive. Where the hell did he come from? This is a travesty of all that is real and true and honest. I know this much is true, the law school that this guy graduated from should not be looking for donations from it's alumni. This guy should have stayed a taxi driver. What a sad commentary on our socisty.

I Love Lucy- Does A Commercial 2

Now this is comedy.

What a sad life. And her daughter, five months old, will now be fought over like a piece of furniture. Kind of reminds me of another blond who had more pain, self inflicted or not, than happiness in her life.

Obama Mania This Is Not

This article sheds light on a problem within the black community that many would prefer to sweep under the rug. It is the issue of the light skinned black versus the dark skinned black. This has been an issue for the 46 years that I have been alive and it has intention of going away as it is alive and well in 2007. As such, its a problem among blacks who view Obama as an outsider. The article is offensive on many levels but to suggest that Obama is not a "real" black is stupid if not laughable if it weren't so sad. And to a certain extent it shows the ignorance of those commenting in the article including those working in higher education.

Mr. Lanier;s comment, in particular, emphasises the ignorance of the electorate when he says, "We have been taught that a president should come from right here, born, raised, bred fed in America. To go outside and and bring someone in from another nationality, now that doesn't feel right to some people." And this delicious quote from Debra Dickerson, "I've got nothing but love for the brother (isn't that brotha?) but we have nothing in common. His father was African. His mother was white. He grew up with white grandparents." Well there you go, there is no way Barack Obama can be legitimate because he's got white blood in him. And people are surprised by what Biden had to say about Obama?

First, someone should tell Mr. Lanier that Hawaii is a state within the United States which makes Obama a US citizen. Second, Obama spent more time with his "white" grandparents than he did with his biological father as told in his memoir. His grandparents did more for him than his biological father ever did or will ever do. So his white blood and light skin should be a problem for blacks?

So blacks should be careful when they say things like Obama isn't "authentically black" because by saying that they play into the stereotypes of blacks, i.e. high black, chitlin eating hoodlums. So the bottom line is this, if you didn't march with King, if you don't have two parents who are black, even if he's the "baby daddy," if you have never listened to rap but to the Drifters, if you dare to graduate from a "white" school and speak a language other than ebonics, if you have kids but didn't name them Shaniqua or Mohammed then you are not "down with your people" hence not "really black. Now that's progress.

Black History Month: Part I

For those out there who insist on celebrating Black History Month, here is something worth pondering and executing.

1984 All Over Again?

Ahhh, its Black History Month and what better way to start the celebration than to legislate thoughts. I guess there aren't more important issues in the city for Councilman Leroy Cormie to concentrate on hence this needless resolution. I guess he was tired of chasing after miscreants who use recording devices in movie theaters. I think Councilman Cormie's time would be better spent by encouraging blacks to stay in school.

Someone please explain to me, like I'm a six year old, how stuff like this happens? And instead of apologizing for screwing up Lt. Van Gillock states, "If they did it voluntarily they have the stigma of homosexuality." (emphasis added) Only ignorant people continue to believe that pedophilia is proof of homosexuality or vice versa.

I'm not sure why this is a surprise to anyone. It just shows the sheer stupidity of someone who is constantly running for higher office. Just shut up already Senator Biden.