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.

Gay & Republican Is Not an Oxymoron

In 2001 I changed my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and haven't looked back. To say I became disenchanted with the Democratic party is an understatment. I also became disenchanted with many of the gay groups and their partisan rhetoric. Something had changed for me and I knew that I couldn't be a part of any organization that pushed the victim button nor could I be part of any organization that made claims to "saving" the gay community.

During this time, I took a break from "advocacy" work and started reading and researching. One of the books I read at the time was this book by Rich Tafel, former executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans. This book, I know its a cliche, changed my life. I found myself agreeing with everything Rich had to say and I knew at that moment that I had made the right decision in switching parties and his words reinforced my internal debate of several years. Many years later I still think this is an important book and it continues to dispel the myth that gay and Republican is an oxymoron. And it reinforces the notion that HRC is not now or have ever been non-partisian.

Here is some comments on the book including mine. "Tafel rejects the identity politics that lead to such unproductive alliances, favoring instead an emphasis on individual rights and responsibility in which political commitment is based on a desire to personally do the right thing rather than be "accepted" or "loved."

And my review: "Rich Tafel answered many of my questions as I struggled to figure out why I was still commited to the Democratic Party. Tafel makes clear and cogent points about the differences between the Democratic and Republican parties and comes out on top everytime. He gives evidence to the contrary that gay and Republican is an oxymoron. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the political future of gays and especially for those who see morals and values not as buzz words used by the Right but a way of life that should not be anathema to the gay community." I still stand by those words.

Where Is The Outrage?

Where is the outrage? Blacks killing blacks doesn't warrant a march from Al Sharpton and his entourage. Why? Because black life is worth more when taken by whites.

I'm sorry but I think this issue has gone too far.

Casablanca

"Here's looking at you kid."

Booze and Dope

"Broadway doesn't go for booze and dope." They don't? They don't make them like they used to.

Too Much Information

"And I soon realized that having the secret out was liberating." These words are from Oprah Winfrey about her pregnancy as the result of sexual molestation. My reaction to the latest news that Oprah was pregnant because of sexual molestation is one of sympathy. However, while I have a great deal of respect for Oprah I'm tired of the tell all stories from her and others. I realize that her latest revelation came about because of a craven relative's need for quick money I maintain that she need give it more attention.

I have respect for Oprah because she has done a lot for a lot of people and she has brought attention to issues that many would not talk about before now. And I especially like her emphasis on education as in her 40 million dollar creation of a school for girls in South Africa. However, it makes me wonder if her latest revelation is not simply a way to increase ratings. Call me cynical but it makes me stop and wonder about what's really going on. And if it's not about ratings then I would suggest to Oprah to seek out professional help and no I'm not suggesting Dr. Phil. I would ask Oprah to share this information with a therapist in the privacy of his/her office and not on camera or in the mainstream press. To Oprah: continue to do good things for young people but turn off the camera on your personal life.

Something worthwhile to keep in mind as we debate one another.

I think everyone would agree that the fatal shooting of Sean Bell was horrible and should be investigated. However, I don't think it beneficial to the investigation to scream racism. Crying racism does more harm than good to the black community. Two of my favorite writers drives this idea home here and here.

Let The Games Begin

It's official, Hillary Clinton has formed an exploratory committee to run for the presidency. Let the games begin.

Dreams- Performing Dreamgirls

I saw Dreamgirls this past weekend and loved it. All the women were wonderful but Jennifer Hudson stole the show. I would recommend it as a must see. Enjoy!

Obama Mania

Well, well, well, Barak Obama has formed an "exploratory" committee to look into running for the presidency of the United States of America. And we all fall at his feet. Don't get me wrong I like Obama. What's there not to like? He's handsome, he's educated, he's well spoken, he's of African descent, AND (drum roll please) HE's BLACK. I seem to recall another black who has stellar credentials but wait I forget, she's a Republican. Sorry folks I forgot my head there for a moment. It's not just "any" black person with stellar credentials it has to be a black Democrat with stellar credentials.

Well, I have not jumped on the Obama train and I have no intention of doing so and I know many will be disappointed because after all I'm black. And that is exactly why I'm not on that train and why this love for Obama is so sickening and disingenuous. If you listened to the Democrats and most liberals you would think that Obama was the best thing since sliced bread (dark sliced bread). He is the first black man that could string two complete and grammatically correct sentences together and walk at the same time. He is the first black man to look good in rolled up sleeves. And on and on. Whether or not he's qualified is of no concern to the Democrats because what is more important is that he has HOPE. I also find it ironic that he made his announcement the day after Dr. King's birthday. Please Senator Obama, don't even think of putting yourself in the same category as Dr. King.

Here are some worthwhile comments from one of my favorite bloggers.