Rappers and Rioting

Far be it from me to question the wisdom of political scientist and former pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Young Jeezy, but for those of you currently occupying areas of your local city in response to the gross and growing economic inequality I have a bit of advice: Don’t listen to this dude, you will get your ass killed.

To be fair to Jeezy, I’ve heard far more dangerous political opinions than his. I imagine anyone that has seen any of the zillion Republican presidential debates that have taken thus far shares a similar sentiment. Be that as it may, if college students are being pepper sprayed while using non-violent forms of protest, what do you think the military-like police officers of the nation will do to them if they decide to get buck? I mean, go ‘head and try to shut the city down if you want to. I did read one comment on 2 Dope Boyz that was somewhat true: “Actually, that would probably get the 1%’s attention. Extremism. Because now, they really don’t care about some people stopping MTA … as if they ride MTA.”

Middle classers gone wild surely would get a lot of attention, but it would also result in Phaedra Parks having a booming start to her soon to be launched funeral parlor. Moreover, while one could make a case for how selling drugs and stealing is somewhat of a display of political defiance in response to inequality, let’s not get carried away and equate tree smoking and selling with tree hugging, okay? There’s Jeezy the Snowman and Barack Obama the community organizer from 20 years ago. I’m pretty sure the only thing the two had in common was a shared interest in MC Hammer.

The rest of what Jeezy said wasn’t so bad and if I had to choose between voting for him and the court jesters from the party of Dumbo, I’d roll to the voting booth (okay, mailing in absentee ballot) blasting “Bang.” I think that pretty much confirms my political persuasion. Speaking of voting, vote in mid term elections and let’s get rid of all couple hundred politicians kissing Grover Norquist’s feet. Now if that doesn’t work, permission to revisit the clip is granted.

The High Cost of Mrs. Obama’s Popularity

As I mentioned in the essay, I was a little worried when I heard Michelle Obama refer to then Senator-elect Obama as her baby daddy — only because I knew chump conservatives would take that line and go the distance with it. And they tried (it) but over time Lady O toned it done (to my dismay) and became hugely popular as a result. Yet no matter how non-threatening her causes are these days many on the right continue to hammer at her. Was reading a piece in the Washington Post that said the First Lady will be a political asset in the looming election though the key to that is being essentially apolitical. I find that slightly irritating so I wrote a piece about it. Wanna read it? Here it go: “The High Cost of Mrs. Obama’s Popularity.”

The Idiocy Impediment

I’m not one of those people who actually thinks President Obama will lose reelection, but a weak economy always leaves that an open possibility. So when Rick Perry decided to enter the race for the Republican presidential nomination, I was worried for a millisecond. Not because I find him especially capable of anything other than pissing non-rich people off with his policies. I just wondered would Americans be dumb and/or angry enough to fall for yet another cowboy yokel who promises to send this country soaring though ultimately proves to let corporations take a big piss on all of us.

I can now confidentially say that Rick Perry won’t be president. Ever. I knew this slimmer Fred Flintstone as a Latino looking sum’bitch was simple, but even I didn’t realize he would make me appreciate the intellect of not so curious George W. Bush. Consider yourselves lucky, America, ’cause even one quick glance at how much of a waste Ricky has been as governor of Texas (for ten damn years, blame the hillbillies) will convince you that his fuck ups throughout his presidential bid is each of our collective come up. Unfortunately, that means in the meantime the press will still be pretending that pizza man who allegedly thinks too much with his penis actually has a chance before ultimately subjecting us to Mitt Romney’s losing battles with amnesia. Still, just be grateful you won’t have  to deal with this walking speech impediment for much longer. Some of us haven’t been as lucky.

Sad But Encouraged

I turned in an assignment this morning about Troy Davis, but it was more about analyzing the differences in attitudes between the families of Troy Davis and the other man executed last night, Lawrence Russell Brewer, than my opinion on the matter.

That might have been for the best, because I’ve still yet to really process my feelings beyond sadness. Obviously, this is another example of how much race and class factor into the way the justice system unjustly handles the death penalty. If the Supreme Court’s refusal to issue a stay of execution for Davis last night but willingness to do the same without issuing reason for a man convicted of rape and murder isn’t a reminder of such, the Georgia parole board doing the same in 2008 for a man who admittedly murdered someone (versus the dubious at best case against Davis) being spared from death in favor of a life sentence certainly is.

Why was his life spared? Because he behaved himself.

Via Reuters:

At Thursday’s hearing, his lawyers presented a dossier of evidence attesting to his remorse and good behavior in jail, according to local media reports. The lawyers also said he was suffering from withdrawal symptoms from a cocaine addiction at the time of the crime.

It’s as disheartening as it is infuriating. If nothing else, I take comfort in the fact that all of this attention has caused people to revisit their stances on the death penalty — including mine. Though I typically viewed the matter on a case by case basis, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to not be against that form of punishment altogether. It just seems more and more barbaric and antiquated — not to mention mercilessly unfair (something I did acknowledge all along, hence the lingering conflict).

In the midst of sadness, I’m encouraged by the people who actually used their voices for a cause bigger than themselves. Doesn’t matter how small or large they did so, the fact is that they did. In the future, though, I hope some people will learn when to shut up and just let people participate. There is no sense in belaboring the point about the bandwagon effect. That is the entire point of bringing about awareness — to get more people to join a particular cause.

I also would love it if people would bite their tongues when compelled to play the roles of Debbie Downer and Captain Obvious. To do so is selfish and self-centered. If there’s anything we can learn from yesterday beyond the fact that legal grievances continue to ugly this country is this: It will take an even greater of amount of selflessness to help end them.

We Regret Rick, Too

If you haven’t heard by now, Gov. Rick Perry has announced his presidential bid. I long worried that this day would soon come and now that it has I have a message for each of you on behalf of every non-idiotic Texan: We’re sorry. No really, we are. When you think recent Texas’ recent contributions to the nation, we prefer you think of Beyoncé versus this idiot. Rick Perry might look like the guy political opponents use as a plant in to disassemble a Latino rights group, but trust me, he wants to screw everyone.

I’d like to think that he is too stupid to be elected president, but then I quickly remembered what country he wants to become president of. Mother Jones writers can cite his stupidity, his lunacy-inspired political beliefs, and his George Bush squared Texan accent as reasons why he is unelectable. In reality those are all pretty much good reasons to put fear into your heart that he could win. That is, should the economy continue to sour and President Obama fails to motivate people to the polls.

I actually don’t think President Obama will lose in the end, but if he did it would be to someone more like Mitt Romney. I say like Mitt Romney because Rick Perry’s addition to the race makes it harder for him to get the nod. For those unaware, Romney is a Mormon. See, Joseph Smith is one of the few names that could attract the same level of vitriol as the name Barack Obama. The God-happy on paper peons who have held the GOP by the balls for last few decades like Mormons the way Assata Shakur likes David Duke. I’m not sure it will even matter to the religious right that the pro-Christian messages Rick Perry has been espousing in political ads are reportedly the brainchild of an Atheist. That’s just how much that side cannot stand Mormons. Shoot, a lot of them barely tolerate Catholics.

If I were Rick I’d get to the point and make this my slogan to Republican primary voters: “Rick Perry: For people who hate Mormons, flip floppers, and critical thinking.”

Better cut my check.

Then again, knowing Rick Perry’s track record  I’m pretty sure he might have already planned that, hence my concern. He’s going to annoy anyone paying attention for at least the next year. Should he win the Republican nomination – a very plausible scenario -  it will get even worse. And dear God, if he actually became President Captain Planet, Nancy Pelosi, 90% of Los Angeles and New York, and too many people with a permanent tan might want to forge a suicide pact. Yes, it will be that bad. Worse even.

So really, before everyone damns the state of Texas for giving the world yet another bubbling idiot to fuck things up for everyone else, let me say again: I’m sorry. Oh, and since I have the floor, let me remind you all that my mama is from Louisiana and my dad is only the first generation out the swamp. I don’t care to claim anyone outside of Houston’s city limits. I’m definitely not claiming Rick Perry.

Let It Flow

Those of you who follow me on Twitter (no subtly today, y’all) you may have noticed that in recent months I’ve been doing a lot more political writing. I’m pretty sure for some that invites the same level of excitement Evelyn Lozada would have rocking a chastity belt. Be that as it may, for those that are interested I wrote a piece yesterday for The Grio aimed at the ghost of Hillary Clinton’s political past. Folks are salty at Obama and want Hillary to take him out in 2012.

Ashanti’s little sister has a better chance of becoming the next Lady GaGa before such a scenario happens, but dare to dream I guess. After dismissing them, I opined on what that means about President Obama’s political reality. You can check out the piece here.

And just as a throwback, here’s an old post: Help Me, Hillary Clinton.

I actually need to bring that section back on the site. I can’t think of any people off the top of my head, but if you have suggestions feel free to share. That’s all for now. I’ll be working on another piece about Obama for another site tomorrow. I imagine some of your cousins might want to curse me out over it, but they will be alright.

Talking Out The Side of Your Neck

In the latest edition of my series, “Shut Up, Michele Bachmann,” I highlight how she can’t demand people lay off your husband because he’s not the one running for office when she makes a habit out of swinging from Michelle Obama.

And you know, other stuff, too. Click here to check it out.

Shut Up, Tim Gunn

I haven’t said anything about Hillary Rodham Clinton on this site since the presidential primary. She irritated the hell out of me with her false senses of entitlement and embracement of race-baiting politics largely spurred by her own desperation. However, while I did criticize her politics I didn’t give a single damn to her affinity for pantsuits. Even as a child I felt that sort of criticism was stupid and shallow. Over time I realize how ridiculously sexist it was to boot.

Frankly, it’s not surprising to see a bunch of tragic straight men act like Hillary Clinton wanted to single handily rip every man’s dick off because she wasn’t your cookie baking spouse. I suppose it’s not surprising to see an older gay man fall in line with that patriarchal view, too, but it’s no less disappointing.

As Jezebel pointed out, he paid lip service to Secretary of State Clinton’s long list of accomplishments before going into some trivial rant about the way she dressed. He hissed, “Why must she dress that way? All these big, baggy, menswear tailored pantsuits.  I think she’s confused about her gender!”

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Try Again, Ma’am

I know the idea that President Obama has had it so much worse than previous presidents because of his race is a popular one, but is it necessarily true? Not until someone says the current president is running a drug and money laundering ring and has fathered a half-black baby. Don’t remember? That’s what I’m here for.

Check out my latest piece for The Grio on race and President Obama here.

The Trouble With Lupe Is…

When I saw the headline “Lupe Fiasco calls President Obama ‘The Biggest Terrorist,’” I didn’t even bother to give Lupe the benefit of the doubt. He’s made a habit of criticizing President Obama so I naturally assumed the worst. That’s not to say I’m above anyone criticizing the President. I do it whenever I feel compelled to. I’m not one for blind allegiance to anyone much less to a politician. However, it’s been hard for me to take Lupe seriously given all of his political commentary tends to tie into some greater nihilistic point about the American voting system and why he forgoes participation in it.

People who say they don’t vote irk the living hell out of me. Especially when they cite reasons similar to Lupe’s. As in: “The American federal government, the American system, the American foreign policy is something I can’t…’cause when you vote for that person, you vote for that.” This sounds like something you say after you watch Rachel Maddow while high off a weed brownie.

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