THE PITt - Politics, Religion, Sports and other stuff!

Christopher First Piano Recital!

2008-12-14T18:45:00.005-05:00

My son, Christopher, had his first piano recital. Andrea and my Mom and Dad and I were beaming the whole time.

The songs as you can see on the clip are:

Away in A Manger
O Come All Ye Faithful
Jolly Saint Nick

The person introducing him is his teacher, Ms. Lacy. Christopher turned 6 years old in October and is one of the youngest (if not the youngest) piano students at his music school. He just started playing this year and did an outstanding job!!

Yes We Did!..... Now What?

2008-11-06T08:08:00.001-05:00

My last posting on my forsaken blog was to introduce Senator Barack Obama to those who had not heard of him. It spoke about a speech that he gave in 2002 regarding his opposition to the Iraq war at a time when such opposition was not popular. He demonstrated his wisdom and forsight at that time and gave us an early look at the person we would all see in the time leading up to November 4, 2008.

Today, many of us sit in a euphoric state with the realization that this man with the “funny name” is now the President-Elect of the United States of America (Wow, I almost teared up just typing it!). Who would have thought just two years ago or even one year ago that such a thing was possible in America.

It is truly amazing how one event can change history and with it change people’s outlook on life. There are people at my office who I see everyday, whether they be construction workers, guards, secretaries, managers who have rarely noticed me and who I have admittedly not spoken to as well. However, yesterday we were all brothers and sisters, we were all proud Americans. A young black construction worker came up to me yesterday with a mouth full of gold teeth (two fangs) and told me how he never understood the big deal over “saggy” pants until yesterday. He said he wanted to represent what President-Elect Obama represented yesterday. He said that for the first time in his life he felt that anything is possible. He said he already has plans to go back to school next year. Today, I saw the young man again today and he was just as excited.

All of us need to realize that this joy, this motivation, this excitement, will mean nothing if it does not turn into action. Prior to Tuesday, November 4, 2008, the mantra of the Obama campaign was “Yes, We Can”. Yesterday, for many of us it was “Yes, We Did!”. But I would suggest that it continue to be “Yes, We Can” and here’s why.

President-Elect Obama will face some of the most daunting challenges that any President in recent history has had to face. A declining economy, two wars and a world that has looked at us with skepticism and disdain. I believe that his election has in some ways immediately assisted at least our global reputation. But it cannot stop there. If Obama has shown anything, it is that despite Governor Palin’s view of “community organizers”, such work is the backbone and foundation of this great nation. Such work and workers are what made it possible for black men and for all women to vote. Such work and workers are what produced a man who over forty years ago had a dream and who told us that “We shall overcome”.

So today, I ask that we not look upon President-Elect Obama to do the heavy lifting from the top of mountain and nation upon which he now sits. But that we take to heart the words that he has instilled in all of us. That is that change does not come from the top down, but from the bottom up. If you haven’t done so, and I’ll be the first to raise my hand, get involved in your local community. Don’t just go to your church, but get involved in the community which surrounds it. Don’t just complain about your Government, do something to change it. Next time you see that man, woman, boy or girl on the street, don’t just look down at them and walk by. Say an encouraging word and if you can, help them. Instead of constantly criticizing our youth, talk to them, encourage them and most importantly pray for them.

The Change We Need was not just President-Elect Obama, the Change We Need is still to come and it starts not with Obama but with all of us.

Barack Obama- 2002 Speech

2007-02-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

I was watching Meet the Press Sunday morning and Tim Russert was grilling John Edwards on his initial support of the war. He mentioned that both Hillary and Edwards had initially supported the war, while Obama had not. I had heard that before, but had never seen Obama's statements regarding the same. Below is a speech that Obama gave on October 26, 2002, almost 6 months before the war began and almost 2 years before his speech at the Democrat National Convention.

It just struck me how on point this man was in his thinking and foresight. It is too early to tell if he can or will win, but he definitely has my attention.

_____________________________________

"Good afternoon. Let begin by saying that although this has been billed as an anti-war rally, I stand before you as someone who is not opposed to war in all circumstances.

The Civil War was one of the bloodiest in history, and yet it was only through the crucible of the sword, the sacrifice of multitudes, that we could begin to perfect this union, and drive the scourge of slavery from our soil.

I don’t oppose all wars.

My grandfather signed up for a war the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, fought in Patton’s army. He saw the dead and dying across the fields of Europe; he heard the stories of fellow troops who first entered Auschwitz and Treblinka. He fought in the name of a larger freedom, part of that arsenal of democracy that triumphed over evil, and he did not fight in vain.

I don’t oppose all wars.

After September 11th, after witnessing the carnage and destruction, the dust and the tears, I supported this Administration’s pledge to hunt down and root out those who would slaughter innocents in the name of intolerance, and I would willingly take up arms myself to prevent such tragedy from happening again.

I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism.What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perles and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Roves to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income – to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression.

That’s what I’m opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.

Now let me be clear – I suffer no illusions about Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal man. A ruthless man. A man who butchers his own people to secure his own power. He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity.

He’s a bad guy. The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better off without him.

But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history.

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the middle east, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.

So for those of us who seek a more just and secure world for our children, let us send a clear message to the president today. You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s finish the fight with Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure that the UN inspectors can do their work, and that we vigorously enforce a non-proliferation treaty, and that former enemies and current allies like Russia safeguard and ultimately eliminate their stores of nuclear material, and that nations like Pakistan and India never use the terrible weapons already in their possession, and that the arms merchants in our own country stop feeding the countless wars that rage across the globe.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to make sure our so-called allies in the Middle East, the Saudis and the Egyptians, stop oppressing their own people, and suppressing dissent, and tolerating corruption and inequality, and mismanaging their economies so that their youth grow up without education, without prospects, without hope, the ready recruits of terrorist cells.

You want a fight, President Bush? Let’s fight to wean ourselves off Middle East oil, through an energy policy that doesn’t simply serve the interests of Exxon and Mobil.

Those are the battles that we need to fight. Those are the battles that we willingly join. The battles against ignorance and intolerance. Corruption and greed. Poverty and despair.

The consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable. We may have occasion in our lifetime to once again rise up in defense of our freedom, and pay the wages of war. But we ought not – we will not – travel down that hellish path blindly. Nor should we allow those who would march off and pay the ultimate sacrifice, who would prove the full measure of devotion with their blood, to make such an awful sacrifice in vain."

Wii-tastic!!!!!!!

2007-01-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

Who said video games were just for couch potatoes? My family picked up a Nintendo Wii just before Christmas and it has been a blast so far. How did we get it, you ask? Well, I have to give all the credit to my lovely wife, Andrea. I heard through the grapevine that at least 20 would be at our local Circuit City and Andrea (on her way to get her hair done) graciously stopped by and was fortunate to be number 18 in line and the store actually got 21 Wiis (and hasn’t had anymore readily available since).

This thing is great. The best game so far is Wii Sports which simulates different sports with the “Wiimote”. Basically, to swing a bat, you swing the Wiimote, to throw a punch you motion like you’re fighting, to golf, you swing like you’re golfing. The most exciting thing is this has actually helped my son hit a baseball!!!!! Before we purchased the Wii my four year old son, Christopher, could not hit a baseball. Not even once. Initially on the Wii, he also would swing and miss, but he kept trying and eventually got the timing down. The other day, I decided to go out to the yard to see if any of this had transferred to the real thing….guess what, out of about 12 pitches I threw to him, he hit EIGHT!!!!!! As you could imagine, I was ecstatic!

It also seems to appeal to everyone. My brother-in-law, who is about 50 never played video games before. I brought the Wii over for Christmas and was playing golf and he asked to try. After a few matches, he really got into it and now is searching for one for himself!

It also is a great workout, especially boxing. Once, I figure out how to post a video, I’ll do so, so you can see how crazy but fun this thing is. I’ll also post some Miis (little characters that you make that play the games). Some really look like their counterparts (particularly the one of my brother, Ricky and brother-in-law Roy). Adult and child alike….Wii for the Win!!!!!

Don't Vote

2006-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday, I had a conversation with my two brothers-in-law regarding the upcoming elections. One of the sad truths that I think came from our conversation is our collective feeling that regardless of political affiliation, the Dems and Pubs seemingly could care less about what you and I think (and when I say “you and I”, I mean Americans regardless of race,
gender, ect).

Some of the crazies have taken over the Democratic Party (Howard Dean anyone) though at least (and I am definitely and happily surprised) Nancy Pelosi is pledging to reign them (and herself) in a bit at least for the time being, only time will tell. Hollywood has even shut theircollective mouths for now. The Republicans in most cases seem to just be “yes” men and
women for the current President, offering almost no barrier to some of his clearly failing and flawed policies, even when many of his policies seem to fly in the face of historical Republican beliefs (fiscal responsibility seems to come to mind...) .

While I have gotten really down lately over our current political system (and the Eagles losses…another story…), the best thing that I can do as an American is make sure that I vote smartly. For far too long, black Americans and other minorities as well as white Americans (particularly in the south) have just reflexively pulled the lever of their forefathers having no clue why or whom they are voting for. I’m guilty myself of doing that early on.

The fact is, that after primaries in most states, you can vote for whomever you want, Democrat, Republican, Independant, Libertarian, Green Party, whatever. There is a reason why we are stuck with this failing two party system and it is because too many people vote based on family history and not on facts.

I found a great website that will save you a lot of time in researching your candidates. It’s www.dontvote.com . I agree totally with its premise which is don’t vote for a handsome face, cute slogan, because “I’m black and should vote Democrat”, or from the south and should vote Republican…ect. Look at the issues and vote for the person or people that represent your way
of thinking and your view of the issues. It has links to each candidate's web site and other helpful info.

This 2006 election is every bit as important as the 2008 Presidential Election as President Bush has a full 2 years remaining in his term. Congress is essentially up for grabs. The decision you make now will not only impact our policies for the next two years, but will have a definite impact on what is likely to happen in our next (and maybe most important) Presidential Election. Remember, you are not a Republican or a Democrat….you are an American. Make your decision accordingly.

Basket Buckle

2006-04-25T12:48:00.000-04:00

Children never cease to amaze me. My wife was recently reading the story of Moses to our son from his children’s Bible. When she arrived at the part where Moses is found by the Egyptian Princess, she stated that the Princess was going to take him home with her…..Our 3-year old son’s response….. “But, mommy, where is baby Moses’ car seat?” …. “Is the basket his car seat?” Now if a 3-year old knows the importance of a seat belt, why don’t we all? Be safe this summer and make sure you’re buckled in to your basket!

The Blame Game (AKA: The White Guy made me do it)

2006-04-04T15:33:00.000-04:00

Blame it on the White Guy….

This Cynthia McKinney thing has me thinking of how often, black Americans (myself included), often fail to correct our flaws because WE are blinded by race. Many of us have either been victims of racism or have heard gross stories of racism and perceive many things that are not race related as being racist.

I’ll give a personal example. When I was in law school, I had an interview at a law firm in Seattle, Washington. I went to school in New Orleans, LA and was the only person selected to interview in person out of many applicants both white and black. I interviewed in Seattle and thought the interview went ok, however, I did not get the job. My first thoughts……”I didn’t get the job because I’m black”. This despite the fact that they flew me all the way 900 miles away to interview, whined and dined me, and put me up in a lush hotel. But it is so much easier to blame your failures on others by claiming racism then by looking at yourself to see why you did not succeed.

Looking back, I realized several things. I never wrote any thank you notes to any of my interviewers (big no no). I told the hiring partner (using bad advice from a book) that I was interested in something I really wasn’t and that was all I ever wanted to do (thus demonstrating my inflexibility as a new associate) I was not myself but what I thought I should be (again bad advice from a book). I had no real reason for why I wanted to live or work in Seattle being from Philly and having no family or friends on the west coast. Finally, I just didn’t interview well.

Had I based that failure on my shortcomings, I could have quickly corrected them. However, I made it a racial issue, placed the blame on others and continued those same mistakes in future interviews. Fortunately, wisdom came with time and I looked at the real reasons for my shortcomings and have tried to correct them.

Racism does exist. But everything, every failure, every shortcoming, cannot be explained away by racism. To do so not only harms those legitimate cries of racism, but it also causes us not to really examine the real problem which in many cases is within. Cynthia McKinney is another example of blame shifting. Instead of apologizing for her clearly inappropriate behaviour, she is calling racism and the NAACP and Black Clergy are foolish enough to support her. But let Bill Cosby criticize his own people for things that we should be criticized for (bad English, profanity, degrading women, black on black violence, ect). Then he’s criticized for airing our “dirty laundry”. Well, if you ask me, the stench of Cynthia McKinney and her “race blaming” is enough dirty laundry for us all.

Congresswomen Gone Wild

2006-03-30T11:39:00.000-05:00

I don’t know if she’s fighting for us, but she certainly is fighting…. Yesterday, she decked a Capitol Hill Security guard. Her reasoning….she was rushing to a meeting and he should have recognized her. I’m sure very shortly (if it hasn’t happened already) this will deteriorate into a race issue since the guard was white.

Here are the facts. Congress members do not go through the metal detectors. However, since there are approximately 535 congress and senate members, they are required to wear a pin or badge identifying themselves. Apparently, the Honorable (term loosely used) McKinney rarely wears her pin and recently changed her hairstyle. When she bypassed security, the guard asked her to stop several times and was continuously ignored. Finally, he grabbed her shoulder to speak to her and she (with cell phone in hand) punched him in the stomach.

To be fair, she has allegedly made several complaints about black members of Congress being subjected to searches or not recognized, but even if that were the case, I’d think that a member of Congress, white, black or purple would be above slugging a police officer in the stomach for apparently doing his job.

Maybe if she followed protocol and wore her pin or badge or ID this would not have happened. It really grates on my nerves when our black folks (Oprah anyone) don’t follow the rules and then cry racism when someone tries to apply the rules. Maybe it was racist, maybe not, but you cannot be credible when you were the one not following the rules.

Apparently, the whole thing was caught on video and Congresswomen McKinney is running for re-election this year. Can’t wait for those ads: Cynthia McKinney on national security (insert video clip)

The Kee Spot

2006-03-27T15:01:00.000-05:00

Check out The Kee Spot , for great movie reviews and discussion on the hottest topics.

Disclaimer of course....all commentary in The Kee Spot is attributed to The Kee Spot and though I may or may not agree are not attributable to me or the PITt.

Immigration 101

2006-03-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

I know this may not be popular to some, but this is my view in light of Congress’ push for a bill making status as an illegal alien a felony. I have heard and read of illegal aliens, primarily Mexicans, comparing their plight to that of Blacks and Women by saying that this is their revolution. I see a few very large and overriding differences.

Black and female citizens of the United States of America were denied the right to vote or to buy land or to marry freely or many other freedoms that other citizens shared. These same blacks and females had to pay taxes, had to have insurance, were subject to our criminal laws, could be sued, and could generally be held accountable for their actions both positive and negative. Can the same argument be made for illegal aliens?

Remember, this argument is not about closing the borders to LEGAL immigrants, the argument is for enforcing our current laws. They are called illegal aliens for a reason……they are breaking our nation’s laws. Blacks and women are legal citizens who were systematically denied rights without breaking any laws. The same cannot be said for illegal aliens.

But what about the fact that these immigrants build our houses and places of work, worship, and dining? What about the fact that they, as Mr. Bush stated, “Do jobs that Americans wont’ do?” Look at how much money they save Americans in housing costs….the argument goes.

How much of your tax money is paying to subsidize medical costs for uninsured and illegal immigrants? How much of your property tax is subsidizing education for illegal children? How much has your insurance costs risen due to the fact that there are illegal drivers driving around with no driver’s license, insurance, or social security information.

In addition, illegal immigrants often get away with offenses for which citizens would be liable. For example, when I served as a Special Assistant US Attorney in Georgia there were several times when I had illegal aliens come in on violations ranging from falsified IDs, traffic violation (no drivers license/insurance), assault or even theft. In most of those cases I had to contact INS and the response was usually the same….just let them go. We couldn’t fine them or put them in the system because they had no information and apparently it would be too much of a strain on the system to prosecute these individuals for non felony violations….of course there is no such strain when it comes to prosecuting me and you.

Finally, what is the end game of allowing illegal immigrants to stay. Bush proposes (in order to benefit business) that we give illegals that are already here work permits that will expire and they can apply for citizenship then. I doubt that is his aim is liberty and justice for all. He wants to encourage a working underclass in this country to the benefit of (once again) the RICH. Who suffers as a result? The poor who don’t benefit by low housing cost because they often cannot afford to buy houses anyway. The middle class by increased taxation and health and auto insurance premiums.

In closing, if illegal aliens were not building houses, would houses not be built? Of course they would, and lower to middle class Americans would be building them. We are a nation of immigrants but we are also a nation of laws. All I ask is that we actually start enforcing them.

BREAKING NEWS: Bonds used steroids...

2006-03-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

Have you had enough yet? I sure have. Now we have a new book that conveniently drops right before the baseball season and right before Mr. Bonds is set to pass Babe Ruth. I am so annoyed with all of these people acting so outraged about this Barry Bonds steroid thing. Where were these people when Mark McGuire was hitting 1000 homeruns in a season??? Why were there no federal investigations then??? The truth is that baseball was in danger of falling off the face of the earth after their strike and STEROIDS brought them back.

I’ll be the first to admit it. I am not nor have I ever been a big baseball fan (never had much to root for being from Philly). However, when Big Mac and Sosa were going at it, I paid rapt attention. Same goes for when Barry hit 73 homeruns. Those three steroid using “cheaters” brought our alleged national pastime back. I always chuckle when people bring up Barry’s amazing muscle gain. Again, where were these people when McGuire hit his homeruns looking like the Incredible Hulk in St. Louis after looking like Bruce Banner for most of his years in Oakland. And don't get me started on Roger Clemens. How is it that this bulked up 40 year old, who is achieving more now than he did in his 30's is receiving NO scrutiny? This despite the fact that surprisingly the majority of caught steroid users have been Pitchers and despite the fact that Jose Canseco says in his book that he and Clemens discussed steroids and despite the fact that he has undergone the same change of body (muscle gain) late in his career as all of these other guys........

Now, Bud Selig has launch an investigation, focusing on Mr. Bonds. Well, be careful what you ask for. Do you really think the Giants didn’t know about Bonds? Do you really think that Bud Selig and the baseball establishment didn’t know or at least strongly suspect all of these guys??? My guess is they secretly encouraged or at least looked the other way making billions in the process and resurrecting a dying sport. And now they have a perfect fall guy, the man we all love to hate….Bonds.

Pimps everywhere Rejoice!

2006-03-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

Three 6 Mafia wins the Oscar for Best Song. Times are changing. In a shocker, the rap group pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Oscar history with the song “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp” from the movie Hustle & Flow.

Having actually seen the movie, I think they deserved the Oscar. Many were outraged including the usual suspects on the right….and some on the left such as Al Sharpton who is increasingly moving some of his rhetoric to the center (2008 run anyone??). I think that many of the outraged people did not see the film. If they did, they would know that the song fit this movie just as much as “Eye of the Tiger” fit Rocky.

By the way, I have never understood why Music (particularly Hip-Hop) is so dangerous to our youth, but these violent, sex-filled, curse word laden movies and tv shows are not. Sopranos, Desperate House Wives, Godfather, ect, ect.....Why are these movies/TV shows praised, while a hip-hop song about the same thing is vilified? For that matter, why was this song villified, but the movie that it was about was not?

Personnally, I enjoyed the movie and the song as I enjoy Sopranos, Scarface, Godfather, and yes even Desperate House Wives (you know you watch it too fellas...).
I really don't think this hatred of hip-hop is a racial thing but more of a generational/cultural thing. People hate what they don't understand. But let look at it this way, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have played more thugs, murderers, womanizers than anyone, but noone would ever say they were what they portray. Why do you think rappers make such good ACTORS (Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Eve, Ludacris, Ice Cube, Ice T, Snoop Dogg...ok maybe not Snoop, but you get the point). Maybe because it takes a bit of acting to pull their job off, just as it does for our honorable members of SAG. So let's just get a grip and remember its all business.......SHOWBUSINESS.

I'm BACK

2006-03-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

My Brother recently reminded me that I have not updated my long forgotten blog since September. Well, I’m back and boy do I have a lot to vent about…. Bonds, Baseball, Prez Bush, Democrats and more tune in!

Catch me I'm Falling

2006-03-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

I thought the Democrats were supposed to be the one’s fighting against racism, sexism, and every other “ism”. The more I hear from these people the more I really believe that all they stand for is whatever Bush stands against and vice-versa. In the case of the Dubai deal, I partially agree with President Bush (I know, I'm so ashamed...). If President Bush went with the rest of his party and sought to disapprove of the deal, then the Democrats would label him and the Republican Party racist, prejudice, anti-Semitic (Arabs are Semites you know) and every other bad name that Webster knows. But of course, Bush actually backed the deal so instead of it being a racial issue it’s a national security issue. This despite the fact that the United Arab Emirates are one of our few allies over there and despite the fact that they host our Army, Navy, and Air Force in this war.

They also fail to mention that many of our ports, particularly in Los Angeles, are run by foreign countries including CHINA. Last time I checked, China was communist and arguably the greatest real foreign threat from a nation that we have.

I understand the concern for national security, but if anything we should be concerned about all of our ports not just the ones that could fall into (God forbid) an Arab/muslims hands...While we're at it why don't we just break out those concentration camps from WWII that we used on the Japanese. That would really make us all safer.... (sarcasm, no letters please...)

Bottom line, I wonder if this is really their concern or is it all about Bush?

Kerry didn’t win for President, but his wishy washy ways have certainly taken over the Democratic Party. I have always heard that “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”. Please wake me, when the Democrats stop falling.

Proud of my General! HOOAH

2005-09-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

HELP IS FINALLY ON THE WAY!

LTG Russel Honore', my current boss out of Atlanta, is now in charge of the on the ground troops in New Orleans and is finally making things happen.

Here are quotes from NO Mayor Nagin, regarding the General...

MAYOR NAGIN: I said, "I need everything."
Now, I will tell you this -- and I give the president some credit on this -- he sent one John Wayne dude down here that can get some stuff done, and his name is [Lt.] Gen. [Russel] Honore.
And he came off the doggone chopper, and he started cussing and people started moving. And he's getting some stuff done.
They ought to give that guy -- if they don't want to give it to me, give him full authority to get the job done, and we can save some people.

LTG Honore' is also a black three star general (despite the comments of Jesse Jackson) who happens to be from Louisiana.

FIRST IN DEED! HOOAH!!

When is "stealing" OK???

2005-09-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

I have become increasingly fed up with some of the news coverage of this horrific event in New Orleans. On the surface, it appears that there are no peaceful black people in the whole city and they are all lawless looters stealing items for their own pleasure.

Common sense tells us that when one is without water, food, diapers, formula, clothes, shoes, people will do what they must to survive. Of course there are some thugs who are stealing XBoxes, Plasma TVs, ects....but I think they are in the minority.

Hidden on CNN, FOX, USATODAY (but still present) are stories of people who are HEROIC in every sense of the word. Many of these looters are grabbing items to distribute to others in need since the Gov't took its own time to get there. One report stated that a man spray painted "AID" on his car after loading it up with "stolen" items on the way to helping those in need. How come this isn't all over the news??

I was disgusted yesterday when I saw two pictures. One showed a white man and his daughter wading through water with bread and water that he had "stolen" from a grocery store. The caption appropriately said "Man grabs bread and water for his family". Another picture showed a black man coming out of a store with water and other food products, the caption stated, "Looting rampant in New Orleans"....

JDDCP

Now T.O. is comparing himself to JESUS!!

2005-07-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

I am officially through with T.O. Not only does he want a new contract after playing only 1 year of a 7 year contract, but now he is comparing his "suffering" to that of JESUS!!! This is the same idiot who says that he needs to feed his family (by the way last time I checked he is single with no kids. Who is he feeding anyway, the population of NY???

I am sometimes sympathetic to some of these athletes knowing that in the NFL, the team can cut you at any time. But this idiot has berated beloved quarterback Donovan McNabb for no reason, basically calling him a yes man and an Uncle Tom. This despite the fact that the classy McNabb has refused to exchange barbs and said that the negotiations are between T.O. and the team and none of his business. Also, unlike Brett Favre (who has a similar situation with his WR Jevon Walker), McNabb isn't acting holier than thou and speaking down on players who feel the need to hold out.

I am SO glad I was one of the few who refrained from getting a T.O. jersey last year. I hope the Eagles stay strong on this one and if necessary let T.O. sit out the whole season. At 31 (soon to be 32) he will only be hurting himself....and oh yeah.. his family.

Life in the Fast Lane

2005-06-29T15:38:00.000-04:00

Can we slow down a bit? What is the hurry anyway? Years ago the speed limit was 50, then it went to 55, then 60 and well you know. Everyone is speeding! I drive to Winston Salem, North Carolina every week on Interstate 85 and I am pushing 70-75 and people are zipping by me so fast I feel like I am standing still! Where are we all trying to get to so fast? When we were kids, we'd always say "I can't wait until next year". Well, we don't have to wait anymore, next year gets here before the old year is gone! Remember Y2K with all of the panic and then September 11 2001 came and everything was a blur after that? Can we slow down a bit and have a little life while we are zipping by in the fast lane? This past Sunday, my husband and I brought ice cream and cones to share with our congregation after church just so everyone could stand around a while and just chat before zipping home to dinners of fried chicken, collard greens and potato salad. It was great! Everyone stayed and actually sat down while eating the ice cream. Imagine that! No one was in a big hurry to leave services as they usually do. Ice Cream Cones anyone?Oh... Hurry up and eat your ice cream before it melts!

NBA Draft 2005

2005-06-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

This year's draft was the year of the Tarheel with 4 UNC players being drafted in the lottery. It was also the last year of High Schoolers being drafted into the NBA. Suprisingly, one of the first high schoolers taken was a 7 foot tall, 17 year old from NJ who was taken by the LA Lakers....well, at least Kobe should have someone to boss around this time.

The dreadful Atlanta Hawks may have gotten the best player in the draft by getting UNC SF/PF Marvin Williams. Only time will tell. I hope so, because as much as I love seeing mascots flying through the air, it would be nice to see the Hawks be the draw to Phillips Arena rather than the peripheral entertainment.

Introducing- THE PITt

2005-06-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to THE PITt, where our motto is "and the truth shall set you free".

SPORTS, POLITICS, MUSIC, BOOKS, GAMES - You name it, it's all here.