To: Democratic Politicians/Candidates
Re: REPARATIONS



To all current Democratic politicians and Candidates for U.S. President, this is an open letter to you all to ask once again respectively to open the discussion of "reparations" for all the damage slavery has visited upon the Black/African American. First let me be clear about how this damage occurred. Our ancestors were content living all around Africa when suddenly the nubile men and young boys were abducted and brought to America to work without pay or any explanations as to what was happening to them. The women of child bearing age were also abducted as they represented an seemingly endless supply of new forced, free labor in the future. Our ancestors were beaten, and raped because to their captors they were not human. It seems easy to forget about all the "People of Color" in this country until an election cycle. That is when we are courted ferociously. Well it's that time again and the conversation about reparations has once again stalled. Right now, I am most enraged about what happened during "Reconstruction" after the Civil War. Black/African Americans had adapted to life in America and were thriving. Then the "movie" "Birth of a Nation" was filmed and even screened in the White House. Caucasians believed that Black/African Americans were the kinds of savages featured in the movie. All of the progress, all of the forward momentum, all of the self sustenance was wiped out. Here we are today still being treated poorly and if for no other reason, we should receive reparations for all the free labor taken from our ancestors. However, there is a very compelling reason for us to receive annuities and or compensation. A newly freed slave known only as “Belinda” presented a petition to the Mass. legislature on Feb 14 1783 asking for an annual pension to be paid to her and her daughter “Prine” out of the proceeds of the plantation estate where she was enslaved. “Belinda” was awarded an annuity (reparations)....”. Finally if we do not have this conversation to completion, that will be evidence that this country would rather see Black/African Americans simply suffer and perish. If you are a Congress Person or Senator, you have the power to push this conversation forward and again, respectfully, we are asking you to do just that.





Regards,

African America

FACEBOOK: THE ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA

Face book, "Social Media" seems to be a straight forward concept. In the beginning it seemed to work as intended. Connections with old forgotten friends and acquaintances were re- established. Families were organizing family reunions and opportunities for employment were discovered. Now today in 2018 it's become a cesspool of hate speech and narcissism. As a result, this blogger hesitates to even log onto what has become 'Anti-Social Media'. More than that a strange phenomena has arisen. The people that I have reconnected with (including family) are mostly opiate addicts. those who do not suffer from addiction to opiates, are addicted to Facebook. It baffles my mind to find so many friends and family on Facebook falling all over themselves to befriend me. After doing so there is no meaningful conversation or there is post after post of the same woe and grief. Lately there have been reports of people deleting Facebook accounts in droves.
The popular online culture site "TheVerge" reports, "The Facebook exodus among young people is real, and disenchantment with the leading social media platform is extending to older users, too. According to new data from Pew Research Center that sampled US Facebook users aged 18 and up, 4 in 10 (42 percent) of those surveyed have taken a break from the social network for “several weeks or more” in the last year; a quarter of respondents said they’ve deleted the mobile app entirely from their smartphones."
I am still, however, noticing that there are some hard core users who are still there posting insipid minute by minute accounts of their day. This blogger does not like to mince words so I'm going to state that the majority of the users clinging to Facebook and other 'anti-social' media are people whom no one wants to talk to in the real world. In the real world where I live, Facebook is a joke and so are the users I spoke of earlier. I am compelled to write this blog post because I actually need to use "Social Media" for that which it was intended. The person on my "friends" list never respond to any of my attempts to reach out and accomplish particular tasks that will benefit the majority. I have been feeling a strong urge to join "Big Brothers" Atlanta Chapter. When it comes to one's "calling" to make a lasting contribution to a minority group in my community (at risk youth) joining Big Brothers is mine. Since I do not own a car and a car is a requirement. As a retired teacher my resources are limited. I initiated a fundraiser on Facebook explaining in detail the purpose. Not one "friend" responded. As a budding comedian, the humor of this phenomena is not lost on me. I do not post pictures of myself taken every minute on social media, others do and not many of them have aged well. For me there is a semi current pic of myself and the rest of the content focuses on social awareness and movements aimed at correcting some of the many wrongs in our society, race relations being #1.
In fine, if I could have my way the people I am connected with on Facebook (or any other platform) would stop with the narcissistic photos and insipid babble. Instead I would rather select a cause to be passionate about making sure that cause is beneficial to the majority.

The case for reparations has been eloquently stated before, yet still the request is not being taken seriously. This is my plea for that discussion to continue. I will appeal to human decency and compassion. I am a 53 year old African American male with no criminal record, no addictions and my work history started at the age of 12. By the time I was 30 yrs. I had 3 jobs. My ancestors never intended for me "us" to work like that. In fact I would wager that my ancestors never intended to provide "free" labor in the midst of extreme conditions. That alone would be grounds for paying my ancestors, which will mean 'African Americans today', what is rightfully and righteously owed to us. I'll mention that African Americans where not the only victims of our oppressors. The treatment of Japanese and Jewish immigrants is yet another stain on our flag. SHOAH Resource Center states "While World War II was still raging, Jews around the world began making plans to demand financial indemnification for Holocaust victims."  99% of the world agrees the Holocaust was horrendous; you have no choice but to say the same for slavery. Therefore without further ado; pay us for all of the free labor, the lynchings, the rape by plantation owners and the cold blooded murder by police in 2018. Many of the police officers in those incidents were given paid leave essentially for killing a Black person. The subjugation of Black people continues today in too many ways. African Americans who are "Dark Like Me" are often allowed to complete the application process all the while Human Resources plans not to hire us. When we are intelligent, we might become too valuable to the company. Incarcerating Black men for 30 years just for possessing 1 marijuana cigarette. There are far too many more to mention here; but stopping this behavior and reparations would be a step in the right direction to our self-sufficiency. Of course when YOU are the oppressor, the last thing you want is for your victims to become self sufficient. So now I appeal to your ferocious Capitalist nature. With African Americans being made whole; a massive influx of consumer dollars will come from African Americans. The only question is who will get paid and how much. Ta-Nehisi Coates was the author of 'The Atlantic's' cover story on this issue. Ta-Nehisi Paul Coates is an American author, journalist, comic book writer [Black Panther], and educator. Coates is a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where he writes about cultural, social and political issues, particularly regarding African Americans. Coates has worked for The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, and Time. Mr. Coates states " that the U.S. has paid ethnically based compensation before, to Japanese-Americans interned during World War II. It will therefore be “radically practical” to pay again, this time to Black Americans

AMERICA INC.

AMERICA INC.

Every American citizen should read, understand and comprehend this post. It is not for politicians it is about politicians. America should not be run as a company or corporation. 'This is complete insanity' is what politicians will argue. However, I submit that we take a look at how American companies operate. First and foremost in importance is the 'CEO'. the Chief Executive Officer is revered (whether in earnest or feigned). His job is to be the face of the company and to receive the highest compensation of any employee of the company. Obviously the"CEO' of America is the President; what is not obvious is that it is acceptable for the CEO of a company to be nothing more than a figure head and to rake in as much money as he can for himself and the company. Already you can see the potential for disaster if the line between CEO and President are erased or even blurred.

I need to be very clear about the fact that the President of the United States is actively for the people. The citizens of the United States mean more to the President than money or the rush of power the office of President provides. To be President of the United States means to be aware of the true and immediate 'needs' of the American people without regard for their political preference. Of course the President can be expected to consider the needs of his own political party attentively. Here is where I make my point. The president is not a deity or a god of any kind and should never be regarded a such. This is where we are right now with donald trump. He is being worshiped not for any true greatness; but instead for being the best at making already suffering people, suffer more. I realize all of this is falling on deaf ears. I am not the first to express the desire to shake the hell out of all republicans and scream "wake the fuck up, we are in a nose dive." At some point the ignorance will run it's coarse and you all will realize the people you hate so much that you work feverishly to destroy any quality of life; are not going away. We (Black people, poor people, children, women) will be in your face for as long as it takes to get you to see that it's not all about YOU.

I'm sure that if more people understood exactly what 'Capitalism' really means (at least the American definition); more people would seek to tweak that concept a bit. Webster's dictionary defines capitalism as: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market. What is happening in America is 'Honey Boo Boo' and Kim Kardasian "earning" money for doing nothing great at all. They have no goods or services that the American people need to pay money for. Ergo, 'capitalism' as defined today in American society is just get money, sell anything. Search bots trolling the internet for what we search for and then try to sell it to us. I don't have to tell you that this is just a hot mess. Some of us remember when a person with a skill or knowledge; would use that to make money and those skills and credentials actually benefited people...citizens. That was when America was great.

DESPICABLE YOU

At first I was just mad. Then when nothing in Washington made any sense at at all; I got pissed. On my own I started to point out that what we actually have in the White  House is a dumb, wanna be jock who peaked in elementary school. I hope this post will make White racists who support trump and those who simply like money more than Black or poor people; really mad. Despicable You who, for some strange reason, just want to kill the awful truth. After I joined with the facebook group 'IMPEACHTRUMPNOW!' and gasoline hit that fire. I continued to be as critical as needed with trump. I also stated more than once in my trolling of that freak, that I do not wish him any harm. Pence is equally undesirable. My facebook page has been mangled to the point where I can't even delete it. Do I think trump and/or his followers did it? Helluv yeah. Will that make me shut up...what do you think? they are so afraid of 1 little Black Warrior

Despicable You Republican politicians, who would swear your own hurt (and that of your constituents) rather than say what everybody knows..."trump is really fucking up this country and doing it lavishly on tax payer dollars. FYI, just like you did not hear many White people or Republicans say out loud how great President Obama was; you wont hear how Republican constituents are reconsidering being Republican until it's too late. President Obama was elected twice, donald trump was never elected once.

Despicable You 'Republican constituents' who know trump is further destroying your way of life by cutting much needed programs that are designed to assist people and assist people in becoming more financially stable to stand on our own. There are many reasons why Republican constants are not having a change  of heart. Many of them don't even have a heart. Way too many love crystal meth and heroine and the rest just don't know why we don't have insanely active kkk all over the country anymore.

Despicable You donald trump for being 1 of those people who know that they are just the worst at everything ever, but pretending not to know you suck with a capital bites.

You are what people in the 50's called a "Confidence Man" (or Con Man). People like myself see and hear you and ignore you. Others see a righteous man from heaven.

That is why this country has become despicable and will only get worse. I will continue speaking out about atrocities committed by this establishment until  such time as impeachment proceedings begin. Even then someone will have to face justice for what is happening everyday right now. The White House is having some kind of funky secret affair with Russia. Republican politicians are saying out loud "We can not justify helping the disenfranchised Americans". They have squeezed just about all they can and will out of Black Americans. They want to say just get rid of all the Blacks. But you know this country needs us; if you don't know...ask somebody. So they just start shooting all the Black men with no justification. Thinking Black 'Women' can't be much of a threat. If you get a chance say 'Hi' to Maxine Waters for me. There is a fork in the road down which this country is traveling. Stay tuned for a course correction.   

Ashes to Ashes America: The Death of Hope

Since the first settlers arrived in what is now America; they have possessed a sense of entitlement that has yet to wain. African Americans have suffered the result of that hubris that was so intense and concrete I fear there is no hope for real change or progress. This is evident in the simple day to day life of Blacks and White people. When it's time to vote each and every year Black people have to jump through hoops to select politicians that by and large don't even notice us until election day. Far too many Black men were assassinated by White police officers who were continuously given a pass. In South Carolina; the police officer shot a Black man in the back and killed him because he was running away. We all saw the video and we all noticed that the victim really could not out run a snail. I submit that if a police officer is not in good enough shape to chase down a snail; it's time to retire. Intelligent Black people like myself wish to refrain from violence. It is not easy because what angers me the most is for anyone to piss on my leg and tell me it's raining. For as long as we have been on this 'American' soil, we have been demonized and systematically driven into the ground and our backs pressed against the wall. When you need music or other forms of entertainment that only Black people can deliver or you want mulatto babies; you come sniffing around. to my dismay,too many Black men (and women) fall for it and their lives and the lives of any children that might result are ruined and you move on to the next sucker.

Empirical evidence tells us that donald trump was a cocaine user often in the 80's. Once an addict, always an addict. With that; he will never be drug tested for the most powerful job in the world. Many Black people partake in marijuana literally to smooth edges that might otherwise result in the harm of any and every White person we see. That's real talk. But we are tested for drugs for a job as a dish washer. Of course we will not be hired. Then the weaker ones of us will instead switch to crack or some other harmful opiate which leaves the system faster than weed. Now they are hooked on crack and are not interested in working. This is probably the most damming of all the evil traits of the White racist. Build the system so that Blacks suffer first and the most. I remember something that happened to me when I was just out of college seeking a job where I could earn money but also keep my mind sharp as I was preparing for my teacher certification. I called this company and the phone interview went well. It seemed they were offering me the job right there on the phone. The next day, dressed in my finest, I went to this company to fill out the application. That was when I was told they had run out of applications. Being from the south I know the look of disgust from a racist when I see it and I saw it. This type of bait and switch happened to me often.

It's been said that trump's victory was a result of White people feeling disenfranchised. The same was true when Black people and obviously a large number of White persons also rallied around President Obama. The difference is a clear as night and day. President Obama should have been President. donald trump on the other hand is hated by many of his own kind. To be President of the United States means so much more than telling the most effective lies or having the richest friends. It certainly is not about how many ignorant hill dwelling , meth addicts you can rally. That is what this election was about. Ignoring that too many people are addicts and using their diminished capacity to your advantage. After all they will not even notice that you keep not 1 of the promises you made. My instructions to White people going forward is this; first put down that meth pipe (for those who indulge), clean yourself up and open your eyes before it is too late. donald trump will gladly destroy this country because Russia will welcome him with open arms. To my Black people put down that crack pipe, open your eyes and understand I mean really understand that too many of the White people you encounter would love to see you hanging from a tree. Speaking of which; how in hell could you ever fall in love with someone whose ancestors would pick a 'Negro', hang him from a tall tree and then have lunch on a blanket underneath the hanging corpse. That is where the word pic nick came from. I see those images in my mind and I think WTF!!!! those people were no where near civilized. They were beasts of the worst kind.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CHEMICAL ROMANCE

In a previous post; "SURPRISE! SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A DRUG ADDICT",  my trials
I detailed trials and hardships dealing with people suffering with chemical addictions.
"Chemical Romance" is pervasive in our country right now. For some reason I tend to attract
these types of people. Believe me when I tell you that initially I felt much compassion
even sympathy for these people. I have put forth energy and actively tried to be there
for those people in my life because they are blood relatives and long time friends.
I have changed my position on people (friends/family) in my life with addiction
issues. It turns out that the person I considered my friend for 20+ is no longer my
friend. I also recently became re-acquainted with a cousin who engaged in a chemical
romance with crack. Here is my final take on addiction and persons suffering from
addiction. I do not care anymore. I am bankrupt of compassion for these people
as they have made too many trips to the well. The reason is whether they have completed
recovery or not; their reasoning is opposite of mine, a clear headed thinker for sure.


The point I'm trying to make is that if the drugs did not completely fry their brains; they
are just a shell of a person. Nothing motivates them. They are anti-social and are not
interested in doing any of the fun things friends/family do. When I say I'm mad I mean
I'm pissed off at the number of people hooked on narcotics. You can't swing a dead cat
without striking an addict in my experience. Add to this list having an intelligent
conversation with these people can't happen. Do you know what it's like to
be excited about starting the second chapter of your life but embarking on that journey
alone because what was my cheering section is now just a bunch of dis-interested
addicts. I will no longer give one measure to people exhibiting addictive personalities.
I will not waste my time sugar coating the fact that I literally hate these people. They are
worthless to me and society as a whole. I do not care what happens to any of them.

Addicts of America and all over the world are now on notice. Do not attempt to befriend
Bo Hennessey. Also since some have tried and failed to get me hooked on crack. I laugh
in your face. You see I did partake in a marijuana cigarette that was laced with crack. I did
not like the "high". Every fiber of my being was saying to me we don't ever want to feel
"this" again. I can't be addicted to the wrong thing. I love Coke a Cola very much. My mom
used to put a little in my baby bottle as a child. Today I do not consume more Coke a Cola
than is recommended. Right now today I have no real friends and I'm afraid to even try to
talk to anyone in my family because I can't remember who is addicted and who is not; so to
hell with them all.

I know that I am not the only human immune to toxic addiction; so I will make new "clean"
friends. Today "family" is sort of a fluid concept. Meaning family is no longer restricted to
"blood" relatives. I would love to hear your story if you have had issues with persons
suffering from addiction. If you are an addict I do hate you as long as you embody addiction.

BULLYING: BIGOTRY'S UGLY SISTER

Bullying has been around for quite a while. Therefore it will take quite a while
to start to put a meaningful end to bullying especially in our schools. Of course adults are
often times bullied in the work place. My journey through the age of bullying was unique; to
say the least. In grades 1-4 I suffered mild bullying but some how overcame it by being silly.
Crazy I know; but making the others laugh worked. In 5th grade I met my best friend "Michael"
and slightly more severe bullying seemed imminent for both of us. Michael was artistic which
in the late 60's and early 70's meant gay. Michael made the most meticulous action figures
"paper dolls"of Wonder Woman Superman and Batman that were very good and laminated with scotch
tape. One day, "The" bully "Kerry" began to try to fight us. Before I could do anything; Michael grabbed
Kerry and simply beat him down really bad. After this Michael taught me to fight and we became
unstoppable BFF's. Also during this time period here in GA teachers were allowed to literally spank
out of control students. If the infraction was bad enough; when the teacher reported the spanking
you might get another spanking at home.

Every child (every person) is priceless; but children eager to learn can be compared to "The Hope Diamond".Let us all do our part to make sure that victims of bullying have every opportunity to to learn, make friends and become socially adjusted in their journey to adulthood. Please remember that the
children of today will be the adults of tomorrow charged with the care of this country. Children should
 be allowed to be children for as long as they are children.  Parents/guardians, teachers
 and school officials; in that order, have their jobs cut out for them.
 Identify bullish children and deal with them while the other kids peacefully continue their journey.


At the risk of alienating parents and educators and the fantastic groups like "Free2LOVE";
and "CC II EndBullyingNow" I'm going to say that corporal punishment has
it's advantages. Understand that giving a child "bully" medication hoping their behavior will
change is not always effective or necessary. Sometimes bully's need to get their asses whipped
preferably by a parent, but certainly by the teacher who has to juggle teaching with keeping the
peace in the classroom. The fact is children know that no adult can touch them at all without
the threat of authorities being involved. I feel I need to be more specific. If an awful bully terrorizes
students; in today's atmosphere, the bully is protected by law against physical reproach.
My suggestion would be have the child examined by a psychologist. If it is determined that
counseling or medication would be effective. That's the action that should be taken. If the child is
found to be just mean and out of control; that child needs to get his ass whipped. I would not be surprised
if President Obama got his ass whipped by a disciplinarian on the Black side of his family when he
was out of line

As a former teacher I have found that children bully for a number of reasons. The reasons that rise
to the top for me are 1) bully has low self esteem 2) bully is jealous someone has something the bully
doesn't 3) believe it or not sometimes a bully picks on a victim that they "like" and lack the verbal skills
to express it. Whatever the reason for bullying we have to start right away to proactively eradicate it.
My time teaching was between 1987 and 1997. At that time not many video phones were around. Mini
video cams and tape recorders were. I had a tape recorder in my desk drawer ready to document any
miss behavior. I was firm that no bully would return to my class until I meet with the guardian in the presence
of the student. I also encouraged any student who is victimized to tell me or any authoritarian figure at
school. I found that a few children who were being bullied came together on their own to stand up
to bullies. This is safety in numbers. By any means necessary we as a culture will stand up to bullies.
We are "The Civilized" hear us roar.

To summarize; brutish children who victimize other children should be assessed by a professional
and treated if necessary. Otherwise bad children should get spanked. Obviously this post is for parents
overall because you are the one's responsible for your minor. If you can't discipline them then allow a trusted
school official the honor of putting the bad child back in line. You just can't ignore what actually works.
from 1965 -1983 an ass kicking worked on me, my siblings and most every child in the neighborhood
very well. The reality is the kids that are being bullied usually want to learn and make friends and are most
important because they are a teachers' target audience. Bullies get all the attention because their
behavior requires it for so many reasons. Let's concentrate on the "good" kids and set them up
to make a difference in another child's life as they get older.

I would be remiss if I did not end with a poignant true story about a fellow elementary school student.
Her last name was "Moody" and she was the only Caucasian child at our school. Tired of others saying
"_________ Moody got the cooties"; I started greeting her every morning and proactively defending her
from the taunters or "Bullies". This was ME in elementary school. I'm no better than anyone else as an adult
or a child. What sets me apart is that I care.

CUSTOMER SERVICE OR CUSTOMERS WE DON'T CARE

Have you ever gone into or called a business and were so frustrated
by the way you were treated that you wanted to call the police?
 In many cases you are spending your hard earned money
and not getting that "American Customer Service" mystique from
days gone by. In this blog post I will expose some
businesses that do not practice good customer service.
First; my credentials. I have worked in a Customer Service capacity
for AT&T (aka AS&S), Bell South, WACHOVIA (aka watchova ya), The Ritz
Carlton Atlanta, Weston Peachtree Plaza, The Double Tree Hotel and Guest
Quarters Suite Hotel where I was the PBX operator, relief for front desk agents
and reservations agents as well as the gift shoppe manager for $7.50/hr
and this was with a college degree.

When I am spending money for anything; I expect the seller to treat me like they
are pleased that I chose to shop with them. We all know that in many instances
that is not the case.
Last year (2014) I purchased a desk top from a "company" in Texas DBA Computer
Refurb and K-Tech. What they do is send an immaculate looking pc filled to the brim
with all kinds of viruses. Customer Service (a kid named "Chris") says send it back,
we'll pay the return and charge you $10 to reformat the hardrive and I would pay
return shipping. I ended up paying to ship the pc back, $10 for the reformatting
and paid for the return shipping witch occurred a month later. When the "reformatted"
pc arrived it was not the original pc. The reformatted pc was in worse condition.
I paid $187 for this p.o.s. and bad customer service
The BBB (Better Business Bureau) at the time had numerous complaints under both
DBA's.

I sometimes ride MARTA (aka Moving Africans Rapidly Throughout Atlant). One
day I forgot my "Breeze" card. When I boarded the bus I started searching for the card.
The bus driver (a short, fat, Black lady with a bad attitude) launched into a verbal assault
on me. She said "Git your Black ass off my bus; I'm on this rout all day. You're not stealing
a ride on my bus. At the time I had 3 $20 bills in my pocket but of course I could get no
change if I put one of them in the slot. As the bus stops at Star Bucks at Peachtree Battle
Shop. Ctr.; I tell the bus driver to kiss my ass and showed her the 3 $20 bills. I went into
the Star Bucks to get change and decided to buy a cinnamon bun to get change to get back
on the bus. The Black lady behind the counter corrects me and insists that I ask for a
"morning bun". At this time of course I tell the cashier you can call it a cinnamon shit ball
for all I care I just want change. I got change and left the cinnamon shit ball.
Budget Car Rental has recently been the very worst in Customer Service. On their website;
they boast about their "Pre-pay" car rental option is the best in town. None of their locations
honor their "Pre-pay" at all on any day. When I called them on this; the representative
disconnected the call. I rent from Hertz now. With Budget; if you use a debit card, they will hold
over $200 at time of pick-up. When the car is returned; in 2 days the hold drops off.  4 days later
the hold is back and 5 days later the rental fee appears sans the remainder of the hold.
AT&T is scamming their customers like the mafia. My family has been loyal customers of
AT&T/Bell South all my life. When I moved into a new apartment after having their home phone
service at the previous address; AT&T charges me 2 months in advance. I'm not sure I want to
be your customer in 2 months; let's play it by ear. Burger King's slogan used to be "Have it
your way." I went into the BK on Old National Hwy. and asked for a whopper with ONLY lettuce,
tomato, ketchup and mustard. I received 2 all beef patties special sauce, mayo, snot and spit on
a sesame seed bun. I'm not kidding right now because there was snot and spit and mayo on that
burger. Believe it or not, that wasn't even the worst part. When I walked in the
door of the BK the kitchen personnel erupted in noises that actually sounded like zoo noises.
I should have turned around and left but I had errands and I was hungry until I ate the dirty
sandwich.

So what recourse do we have when businesses want us to pay our hard earned money for
awful service. First make your case clear to the agent you are dealing with tell them what
you expect. if you still get no results; everybody has a supervisor. That is to say everyone has
to answer to someone for their job performance. The situation with customer service has
become so dire that I ask for a supervisor often and I get results often. State the words
"You have a job because I am your customer." Whatever it takes let Customer Service
Agents everywhere know we as consumers will get the type of service we deserve and pay
for. You may have noticed that businesses like Hertz and Humana send surveys. Capitalize
on that opportunity to say exactly what went wrong and what you expect the next time to
call or come into the establishment. Some companies really do want to hear from it's customers.
With that; in ALL companies there is a supervisor looking for a reason to terminate the very
employee you are having trouble with. Also performance surveys are like "currency" to employees.
Often times, raises and promotions are determined by the content of performance surveys.
Finally, beware; as a former restaurant waiter I need
you to know not to send the food back in an angry manner. Unless you can stand and watch
your meal being prepared be kind to your servers.

BLACK MEN+WHITE WOMEN: A FAD OR THE NEW ORDER

This blog post took a long time even to start because of the sensitive nature of the content.
I should start by saying I'm sorry if any person or race is offended by the content of this
post. For more than 10 years I have witnessed the slow methodical migration of White
women to the arms of Black men. In the early 80's my older brother married a White
lady and fathered 3 children. I tried to remain open minded even though it didn't feel
right. At the time I spent much of time in North Carolina where I attended college. While
back home on a break; my mother recounted an altercation between my mother and
my brother's wife. My brother, his wife and their first born were living with my parents
and not contributing to household expenses in any way. My mother handled the altercation
in the way you might expect an African American mother to handle it.

I filed this information away and tried not to make much of it. Soon after an African American
icon of pop music Michael Jackson courted and married not 1 but 2 White women. I sat up
and paid attention at that point. Because another brother of mine was about to wed a woman of
Asian descent [Chinese]. My head was starting to spin out of control as one Black man
after another started to couple with White women. I'll be the first to admit that Black women
have their own set of "issues". As Black men we are conditioned to not only be tolerant of
these issues but to also coax, encourage, convince whatever word you like; Black women
and men to be better African Americans for each other. If for no other reason but to keep the
African American race alive.

I'm reminded of a time right after I graduated college; one of the first jobs I was allowed to
work was at a women's apparel shop in the stock room. One day a sales associate (a White woman)
approached me and uttered these words "Bo, do you like sex? I was thinking of having
you over to the house if that sounds good to you." I was mortified. I started looking for
another job and the sales associate was arrested a week later for stealing money from the store.
 She was probably looking for a scape goat. O.J. Simpson married a White woman and that did not end well nor did it discourage any of the Kardasian women from grabbing their own "Black raging
bull". I say that because to me it seems those Black men are just being objectified.

As a Black man who has spent a lot of time with other Black men; I feel that most Black
men do not mind being objectified. That is where I am stuck. It's a choice that these
men make for themselves and there is nothing I can say about that. Sure every
adult should make their own decisions about their mate; but at what cost to their own race.
Webster's defines  Ethnocentrism as having or based on the idea that your own group or culture
 is better or more important than others. This rings true for me but I must add that the African
American race should be more important to African Americans.

FAMILY MATTERS?

I, like so many others have come to the realization that "family" now means the poeple
that treat you better than those related to you by blood. It is difficult for me to pin point
when this phenomena began. For me after a series of family tragedies; I suddenly
realized that my blood relatives in total hate each other. Understand this realization
came in the midst of family tragedies. Arguably, a time when family comes together
for mutual support and compassion.

Born the youngest of 5 children in Atlanta GA, life was a dream.
We had many of the same ups and downs as any other family.
The only way in which we differed from others in our community is
we (I) was raised in a 2 parent home. My parents stayed married until they
both passed away in 1998. In retrospect; the dysfunction that that began years
before could be seen as an omen.

One of my brothers (2nd oldest) began drinking around the age of 16. By the time he was
18 he was hooked on crack. I don't need to detail the residual attrocities that came from him.
soon after; I discovered that several of my first cousins were addicts as well. By 1986, I
could only stand the company of persons not related to me by blood accept of course my
Mom  and Dad. I think back on that time and try to consider what I could have done
different. I draw a blank because I was close to perfect as a child. I gave my parents very
little grief. In fact I did not visit very much grief on any of my family members.

You may wonder why in 2014 I'm still stressing over Family Matters. The simple answer is
I WANT to have a congenial relationship with my family but I can't do it by myself.
Though too many of my cousins are addicts;  the one's who aren't have
carved out a nice life for themselves. There is where the disconnect is really visible.
If you are without substantial resources or do not posses a high earning potential; you
are not invited to holiday functions, weddings, birthdays etc. But you will be provided with
the details of the event after the fact. To the point; you are great with my family if you
have a lot of money but treated like a leper if you don't.

Today, my best friend is like a "real" brother to me and he, like my real brother is a recovering
addict. You can understand why I'm still in therapy. Maybe you've heard the phrase
"analysis paralysis". It means I'm not doing anything because there is too much going on
in my family and in this country for me to effectively execute a plan of action. Perhaps you
could join me @BoHennessy on twitter and maybe a beneficial dicussion will begin

RETURN OF THE BLOG: AN OPEN LETTER OF WHAT TICKS ME OFF

First and fore most isis is a bunch of female monkeys. What

else would you call group of idiots maximizing on the strife

of unsuspecting Middle_Eastern citizens? I have had it up to here

with all this terrorism bullshit. It is not difficult to see that

that terrorism in it's entirety does nothing but destroy life,

homes and families. I challenge each and every member of isis and

all other terrorist groups (you know who you are) to take inventory. That means take a moment and think about what you are doing. Are more people dying for no reason at all except they are of a different religion. Exactly what have you gained from you sinister

efforts? Nothing at all because every year like clock work you have "Arab Spring" But now you do have target on your back and America is

gunning for you. Bad luck in all your endeavors.

This one will make enemies for me; but corporal punishment is sometimes necessary.

Of course if you have a troubled child the scientific approach is step one. Once the

child is determined to be free of mental or neurological affliction; a time out is not

going to work. As a child my dear father spanked each and every one of his (5) kids

when we committed a major screw-up. He used a black leather belt. In my senior year

of high school, I took a new Buick Electra for a test drive and in the process caused

damaged to one of the rear wheels. I was 17 and was spanked with that leather belt.

I would never dane to tell a parent how to raise their child. However, as a former

teacher I saw first hand what the lack of discipline can do to a classroom.

We all know teacher's are not paid enough to educate your children and be correctional officers. Some kind of happy medium must be met.

Microsoft is becoming my #1 mortal enemy. Every time I upgrade my operating system,

I find that I either purchase another upgrade or spend too much money installing

components that were for some reason removed. For example; support for windows xp

was discontinued so I decided to upgrade to windows vista. I have (5) web cams (2 of them new) and none of them work on windows vista because the video capture feature in vista

was disabled. No person on this earth will ever be able to explain to me why I can't record

web cam video on my computer after paying $70 for windows vista.

Google chrome is a fucking joke. Do you remember Internet Explorer? You could block pop-ups easily and they would not cause a problem. The geniuses at Google forced us to use chrome because now Internet Explorer simply does not work and pop-ups are destroying my computer and my online experience even though pop-up blocker is activated.

Last but not least, spousal abuse, the NFL and Rihanna is becoming an unnecessary distraction for a nation in turmoil. We have entire families going to bed hungry every night.

We have parents locking their babies in stiflingly hot cars and we as a nation are being stalked by terrorists; but we are expected to care that Rihanna's song is not featured at a football game? I must be crazy because I still love this country, but we need to fix this.

Some Mistakes Were Built to Last

This country-wide racism we are experiencing has gotten out of control. Maybe

you've heard the phrase “Crazy is defined as doing the same thing over and over

and expecting different results.” That's were we are with racism because it will never

go away; it will continue to ruin lives, families and relationships. This is true because

“Some mistakes were built to last.”

I can see no way to undo all the oppression and abuse of Black (African American) persons

starting before the birth of this nation. Generation after generation of White (Caucasian) persons

were taught that Blacks were the worst possible example of a creature along with our

Jewish friends.

Here is what I would really like my White countrymen to understand;

it is now in our (African American's) DNA to react a certain way when we encounter

a White person we don't know. This reaction will not always be visible, but it's akin to a

chemical reaction in the brain especially when the White person is a Police Officer.

Imagine not knowing what to expect from a person who's job is to “protect and serve”.

Then imagine a relative, loved one or yourself; being beaten, shot and or killed by this person.

How would you react? The question is not rhetorical.

Dig this; a neighbor of mine who is wheelchair bound and Caucasian; started a conversation

with me outside our building. I had seen her in the building but I did not “know” her. I

was naturally cautious for the reason I explained earlier. The conversation ended

without incident. A week later at Publix ( the most racist supermarket I have ever had

the displeasure of shopping in). I saw my neighbor lady across the store about 40 feet

from me. We saw each other at the same time and before I could wave or anything,

she sped away from me in her chair at about 50mph. I didn't know electric wheelchairs

could go so fast. It was because she did not want any upstanding, white people to see

me with her. Furthermore, at this particular Publix which is just 2 blocks from our building

the employees must recognize me; but I am followed around the store every time; to be

sure I don't shoplift just to make it plain.

My point and the moral to this story is that I'm surprised there are not riots everyday in

every city where Black people are treated like Michael Brown or Treyvon Martin. At this

point in my op ed piece I'm sick to my stomach. It does not feel good to dislike a person

or people simply because they are White or “different”; but this happens to me and mine

everyday!!!!

I'm at the point where unless there is a real ground shaking true dialogue about racism

in this country; no one should exhibit any surprise about anything that is a result of this

ignorance we call racism or prejudice.

AMERICA THE SUCKER

America the Sucker

America no longer belongs to Americans. I'll explain; White supremacists say America

belongs to the White race. Mexican citizens say since Mexico is not safe that America is now their

new home. We now give billions of dollars in financial aid to more than 1 country. At the end of the day how much of America is left for people born here such as myself.

Think of America in terms of a “pie” chart ; every country in distress first looks to America for money, armaments, personnel and anything else they can strong arm out of us. At the end of the day how much of the pie is left. It's not rocket science; there is nothing left for Americans. The worst irony is that we are by and large envied and hated by much of the world. I can not speak for anyone else but this makes me feel like a sucker. It seems ridiculously simplistic; but I think ALL assistance to other countries should be put on hold. I need you to really hear this; assistance should be put on hold until:

• Our veterans have their diverse needs addressed
• People who want to work but can't because they have bad teeth they can't afford to fix,

have resources to travel to interviews, access to reorientation for today’s job market

• We address our deteriorating “get rich by any means necessary” culture fueled by

people in power giving too much credit to young Americans simply because they are young.

• Revisit what “The American Dream” truly should mean to Americans who were born in America.

I am not naive; the points listed above will be impossible to enact. We owe it to ourselves to ask

“Why can we not accomplish what America needs to accomplish?” We are also owed an answer to that question.

I have been a part of the work force since the age of 11 (child labor laws be damned), I excelled in school and earned a BA degree. I don't mind working I'm not afraid of working; but to be brutally honest I currently live below the poverty line. To borrow from the UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

slogan “We're not asking for a handout...just a hand”

Sadly, I have had to resign myself to just knowing that I have great and awesome abilities that will go untapped. Since I know I'm not the only American that feels this way; I welcome any comments pro or con. The dialogue that could be sparked is key. We have to start somewhere or soon we will all be a bunch of suckers speaking Chinese or Farsi.  

America, Israel and Palestine: The Axis of Insanity

It is difficult chosing a side when it comes to Israel or Palestine. They are each sovreign citizenships and constiuencies. However, lately self preservation has become, to me, more important. When I say "self preservation" I'm speaking about our beloved country The United States of America.

The evidence that proves that the intentions of hamas are not innocent;
is readily available in this age of information. In the online post "Hamas History & Ideology" we find that
"Hamas was founded in 1987 by Sheik Ahmed Yassin and Mahmoud Zahar during the First Intifada as a wing of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. However, firstly, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood calls for the establishment of an Islamic legal system in the Muslim world and only afterwards it turns its attention to the issue of Palestine. On the other hand, Hamas views jihad as the only way of solving the Palestinian issue. Sheik Ahmed Yassin stated in 1987 through the Hamas Charter, that Hamas was founded to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and to establish an Islamic state in the area that is now Israel, Judea & Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. The very first quote of the Hamas Charter defines its Islamic supremacist character". At what point do you stop telling someone not to place their hand on an open flame. When that person becomes an adult. So in the name of self preservation the United States should first revisit over $8 million dollars in aid to Israel. for the simple reason that there are American citizens who can't get hired because of serious dental issues among other serious homeland concerns.

Next why not , once again, bring leaders of the Israely government and the Palistinian government together; confront them with the truth about hamas and make it clear they they each have a choice. Either recognize that neither Palistine nor Isreal should be villanized in today's reality; or allow the true villains-hamas to destroy them both from within.

It may sound calloused or cold but long live America at any cost

SURPRISE! SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A DRUG ADDICT

The Foundation For A Drug Free World reports: "Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. For years I have been baffled by the number of people I have encountered and befriended, who turn out to be addicted to narcotics. My best friend of over 20 years finally was compelled to tell me he too suffered from an addiction illness. Finding out after 20 years of being very close friends; I was faced with a dilemma. Do I cut all ties and run for the hills or do I stand by my friend in such a troubling time and risk the fallout that is sure to come from such a situation.

My friend is not the first person I have been close to who finds himself gripped by addiction illness. My brother and several 1st cousins are addicted to crack. I don't know if you have ever lived with a crack addict; but my brother was the worst example of a Black man on crack during my childhood. I have tried to forget about all the misery he caused our family; but now it seems every other person I meet is a narcotics addict. I don't have to tell you that I do not warm up to strangers very easily.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice as likely to use alcohol, five times more likely to use marijuana, and twelve to twenty times more likely to use illegal street drugs such as heroin, Ecstasy and cocaine than teens who do not abuse prescription drugs.

While in college in the 80's I took a class called "Drugs and Behavior". Our professor brought a "crack rock" to class so that we can get an upclose look and yes smell of crack burning. Please note that the professor did not smoke the crack in class; he simply burned it so we would know what it smells like. While at home on break I smelled that same metallic chemical smell coming from my brothers room. I burst in and his bedroom floor was littered with empty beer cans and he was smoking crack. I could not wait to tell my parents who already knew about it and did not know what to do.

Since addiction is an illness of course sufferers need help; but what about the collateral damage to innocent bystanders like myself. We at first want to be compassionate but to people who don't have an addictive personality trait; we don't know where the line is between compassion and enabling. I know we will never wipe out narcotic drug use is this country; but what do we do with our "friends" in the meantime. My friend of 20 yrs is on his 3rd recovery attempt.

IS YOUTH WASTED ON THE YOUNG?

I'm sure I'm not the only person born around 1965 who is confused about what is
happening in pop culture and media. Older more established "stars" bring it even after 50. This has been proven by the likes of Robert Deniro, Danny Devito, Mel Brooks and even Dan Akroid has a new project; the list goes on. Why then are all auditions for everything for people under 30. Could you be serious? It's the older more settled performers who embody discipline and...wait for it...TALENT!

I'm going to fight kicking and screaming because I am 49 next month and have been vocally trained professionally  and my acting chops areon point. In the near future I will upload a series of videos on youtube showcasing my talents as no auditions
are open for a fossile like me.

Maybe some of you realize how our society looks at older people as only useful when they were young. Yes that is ludicrous because if you navigate life successfully for 40+
years you are the type I really want to see more of in pop culture. Here i'll state the obvious if you live long enough you too will be "old".
I'm open to any comments, critisizms and of course AUDITIONS!!!

SLAVERY VS. IMMIGRATION

I have said it many times before and I'll say it again;
I really do like our Latino brothers and sisters. I have
dated at least (2) in my lifetime and will again I'd imagine.
With that said; it does not make sense for illegal (undocumented)
immigrants to hold our cities and city halls hostage because
they want everyone to look the other way while they break the law.
Let's be real; the second an illegal person sets foot on American
soil without documentation, they have broken the law.
That's not even what makes me so angry.
On a very personal note; I remind everyone that my ancestors
were brought to this country against their will. That was bad enough;
add to that having to work from sun up to sun down with no compensation
in extremely unsafe working conditions. Then they were beaten,raped and lyched.
How about we get this countries affars in order as it relates to the African American.
Why can't Mexicans fight to make Mexico better. I would support SOME
American assistance in that endeavor
Next; The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy or (ITEP)
boasts that illegal immigrants pay approximately 11B
in sales tax and the like. That's fine. However, when our government
is on the verge of shutting down over the national debt/budget; all the
Income tax revenues that should come from our undocumented guests
would at least ease the pressure. I can't afford vital dental care. Can you say "sepsis"?

An article found at the ITEP website confirmed what I suspected to be true. A wife explains:
"Here is a funny example of how illegal aliens get better medical attention than a U.S. citizen might. Recently my husband had neck surgery, and we were told that he was only allowed to stay
in the hospital for one night due to our insurance. It would only cover the expenses for one night. Next to my husband was an illegal alien who had been there for 3 months already, and guess what? He did not have to pay any expenses". When I read craziness like this I am mortified.
 I think President Obama is on the right track by making our undocumented guests follow the proper path to citizenship by uncomplicating the now outdated immigration laws

Celebrities: Friend or Foe

Webster's defines "celebrity" as " a famous or celebrated person". If you have

ever encountered your favorite celebrity on twitter (or facebook) you may have discovered that many "celebrities" should not be celbrated but chastised.

I'll name names later but my first experience with twitter was dissapointing

because I thought if you see a celebrity that you like and want you to say "hi"

and say how much you like their body of work; I also thought the celebrity would 

respond with a thank you.Only (2) Nick Cannon and Boris Kodjo responded.

I wonder what would happen if we (the fans) would turn our resources

and attention to actually TALENTED performers or "celebrities".

I'll tell you what would happen; untalented fops would have a lot less $ to

buy expensive toys and trips with which to make us "the fans" jealous to

the point that we "the fans" begin trying to find the most outrageous way to

become famous and the circle is never ending.

Here is the thing that really sticks in my craw; when we patronize a 

celebrity in any way we contribute to THEIR well being. I wonder how we the fans

are acutally being plussed by "celebrities" like; J. Beiber, Rhianna, L. Gaga, C Sheen

and the like? We are not. Logic dictates if someone with influence is ruining your

society you address that situation by boycotting them letting them know it

is not o.k. to piss on police officers or walk around nude in public or film sexual encounters for the world to see; instead of actually having talent.

A celebrity should be able to stand on talent alone like Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjo,G. Knight, L. Vandeross,

A Franklin, A Baker, D. Washington etc.

I welcome comments from readers who think differently and of course I NEED to hear from readers who do feel the same. Either way this discussion is not over