Open Letter to BET

Since its inception, BET has prided itself on being the voice and representation of Black people in America; filling the chasms of deniability and invalidation oft created and left by the predominate networks who couldn’t – or wouldn’t – see the value or significance of Black livelihood.

In a time where “blackness” was medially defined through the eyes of white bigotry and subjugation – which unabashedly continues today - BET, then, served as the contrasting counterbalance that provided the positive perspective categorically omitted elsewhere, practically proving itself to be the safe-haven and preserver of “black identity and unity”.

BET had become a place where Black people could learn about themselves holistically – their historical contributions and unlimited future potentialities – without fear of judgment, condemnation, or characterization, in a world where such has become the status quo.

But something went terribly wrong. Falling in the hands of those who obviously don’t have the unifying, progressive best interest of the Black community at hand or at heart, BET has slowly become the very thing it was created to offset: a stereotypical reinforcement that places the Black community’s lowest rungs as its highest achievements. With the sell of BET to Viacom, “selling out” become more of a literalism than a euphemism. In effect, BET lost its “Soul” [no pun intended….but I like it].

Therefore, on this day of February, 21st, on the latter end of Black History Month, I find it rather disturbing that various BHM infomercials and appreciations are obvious contrasts to the stations regular parochial programming; rendering “Black history” an obligatory interruption on a station where it should be an adamant and valuable mainstay throughout the year.

One would think that the programming for Black History Month on BET would run seamlessly and transparently as a part of its regular programming, putting equal importance on history and the future as it does the present. But then I am reminded that BET is an acronym for Black Entertainment Television (my emphasis), and not Black Enlightenment Television or Black Education Television; in which the latter two would only be the concern of an organization who actually cared about the community it is supposed to represent. An assessment of BET’s regular programming alone is a clear indication that this is obviously not the case.

As a result, BET has found itself in a position of redefinition, but not so much in a positive light, unless your “positivity” gauge is calibrated on the number of “eye and ears” that are reached as opposed to “hearts and minds”. But now, equally befitting, are the acronyms: Blacks Embarrassing Themselves, and Buffoonery Every Time, along with the infamous, Black Exploitation Television.

Therefore, in this month of Black History, we should use the last day of the month, February 28th, to recognize and commemorate November 3, 2000 as the death of BET; for this is when the soul left the body.

R.I.P BET.

Tungz

“No Way Forward”


If there ever was a statement that was most befitting for president Bush (consider the little “p” an intentional symbolic reference to his brain) and his “New Way Forward” policy, the following is it:

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” – B. Franklin

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a president that has more than proven to be the proverbial “drain” in a well-meaning “think tank”, would defiantly and tenaciously go against the wishes and recommendations of not only the bipartisan Iraqi Study Group and Congress, but the American people as well; who expressed their discontent with the president’s war strategy in the recent mid-term elections.

The State of the Union address on January 23rd , 2007, was worded in such a way as to serve the purpose that such addresses are designed: To gain support by spewing just enough rhetoric to keep the masses optimistically deluded. But its effectiveness remains to be determined; measurable by the level of continued complacency and incompetent disregard at the hands of organizations put in place to serve as checks and balances against such actions, in which the American people are equally as complicit. Because, if the old adage is true – “If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting." – then, the only thing that we have to look forward to getting, is closer to hell, lead by the Devil himself.

Bush’s initiative – coined “New Way Forward” – seeks to deploy 20,000 more troops to Iraq as a strategy for shifting the tide to one of “victory”; a word he uses copiously, despite the fact that it has been the most illusive thing since the war began. However, if you consider the number of American casualties since the beginning of the war on 3/19/03, which is listed as 22,951 (http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/), then Bush’s initiative does no more than puts us back where we were 4 years ago…..with an added deficit of 2,951 troops! It seems that “No Way Forward” would be a more appropriate title.

Is his strategy logical??? Of course it isn’t! But that is only because this war has absolutely NOTHING to do with what the American public has been led to believe. The war has gone from capturing Bin Laden, to eradicating “Terror”, to removing Weapons of Mass Destruction, to capturing Sadam Hussein, to liberating Iraqi’s, back to eradicating “Terror”, to making Iraqi’s run their own government…….in which the president expects you believe that 1 out of 6 isn’t bad at the cost of $360 billion dollars and climbing.

I’m sure that that last statement will be dismissed as fodder for conspiracy theorist by many, but who can deny the overwhelming number of conspiracies that this administration has been involved in, arrogantly dismissed as incompetence or coincidence???

After so many disappointments at the hands of this administration, maybe it’s time for the public to wake up and realize that there are no coincidences. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that “New Way Forward” sounds a lot like “New World Order”. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that the letters of the president’s name – George Walker Bush, Jr. – equates to the number “666”. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that Nostradamus’ quatrain (Century VI-70) chronicles the “New Way Forward” initiative (i.e. Plus Oultre).

The presidents plan to give more of the same is the reasoning of someone who is either grossly incompetent, grossly iniquitous, or both; all of which suggests that our fate is inevitable lest efforts are made to curtail his initiatives, and begin to repair the bad relationships – domestically and internationally - incurred through intolerable angst and jingoistic politics.

Whether you believe in the conspiracies or not, an intelligent, rational human being can not deny that something is amiss; that the senseless deaths, the elimination of freedoms for the sake of security, religious persecution, and the use of terror to combat terror, are in direct contrast to what most perceive to be the “Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.” But maybe Sinclair Lewis was trying to tell us something when he said, “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”

Don’t make a difference, BE a difference.


Tungz

Hip Hop is "brain" Dead

In regards to the beef (if you can call it that) that Young Jeezy has in regards to the title of Nas' latest album, Hip-Hop is Dead, I offer this commentary.

Hip-Hop is alive!!!! It is still a living and breathing art form. No doubt about that.

However, I think that Nas' statement is addressing the fact that Hip Hop is "brain" dead; particularly, the commercialized form of it. Hip-Hop no longer thinks for itself; exhibiting no forms of intelligence and/or creativity, resulting in a consciousness that focuses and expresses the only thing that it now knows – DEATH – while it’s only vital signs are measured in dollars and cents; which ironically reflect a lack of “scholars with sense”.

Every comment that Jeezy used to defend the life of Hip Hop (i.e. “busting guns”, “Nas’ being on the block”, “does Nas have street credibility”, “is any of Nas’ homies in the Feds”, etc.) are merely reflections of “death”; or more appropriately, a “mindset” of death, that is a far cry from the versatility, creativity, intelligence, and life that once flowed through the veins of Hip Hop. The fact that Jeezy had to question Nas’ street credentials/credibility as opposed to Nas’ contributions to Hip Hop as an emcee is a clear indication that skill, talent, and longevity are no longer qualities that define a Rap artist, but rather, the length of their rap sheet.

In 1990, Eric B & Rakim came with a song called “The Ghetto” which chronicled a man using his mind to escape the confines of his surroundings. Unfortunately, 16 years later, we’ve arrived at an era where a rapper can’t see nor think past the ghetto; much less his block or his “hood”. Even with millions filling his pockets, his mind still spews lamentations of limitations. Hip Hop isn’t living……..it is barely surviving.

Thinking that money is the key to his freedom he ignorantly shoves the bills in the locks that bind him; further securing his own slavery.

Of course, it is possible that many of the rappers today have no clue who Nas is or what he has contributed, much less the Hip Hop artist that preceded him. With that considered, you can’t expect these new cats to do much better. You can’t do any better if you don’t know any better.

Look back 20 years (to the mid ‘80’s) and you’ll find artist like Run-DMC, UTFO, The Beastie Boys, Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, Ice-T, MC Lyte, NWA, Slick Rick, Dougie Fresh, Fat Boys, LA Dream Team, Afrika Bambaataa, Salt-N-Pepa, and 2 Live Crew (just to name a few), and NONE of these groups/rappers were the same; and all of them provided hits that have influenced the music that we listen to today.

All of them were original and creative in their own rite as it relates to style, appearance, delivery, and content. The only thing that they had in common was Hip Hop. But today, everyone is doing, looking, sounding and saying the same; like corpses after the flesh has decayed to dust, revealing its bare bones that are unidentifiable when placed side by side. The Hip Hop necropolis.

What people like Nas and the fans of the Golden Era of Hip Hop are seeking is BALANCE; an intelligent alternative to the thugging, materialism, buffoonery and misogyny that plague the airwaves today. They seek a balance that exhibits the creativity, versatility, skill, talent, and artistry that once defined the genre. Because of this, new artists like Lupe Fiasco are being welcomed with open arms as they serve as a breath of fresh air with a side of food-for-thought.

Yes, Hip Hop is still a breathing body; however, it is animated at the behest of big business, much like Geppetto’s puppet Pinocchio before the Blue Fairy told him that he could be “real” if he learned “courage”, “kindness”, and “honesty”. Hip Hop could learn a lot from Pinocchio.

Personally, I am an individual who was breast-fed by Hip Hop. Some people love H.E.R. like a wife, I love H.E.R. like a mother. I knew H.E.R. before she got lost in the streets. Not only would I not know where I would be without Hip Hop, I wouldn’t know WHO I would be. So, if anyone has a problem with my views on the state of Hip Hop, to quote Jeezy, you can "tell them to get at me”.

Tungz

Sony's Black vs White: Blackout

Some would argue that Sony is merely personifying the racial tension that really exists - albeit vastly ignored - in the greater culture of the major nations; regardless of how tasteless it may or may not be. Simply put, they've commericialized wounds that many claim aren't there, and that others deal with on a daily basis, which is the reason it bothers many of us so.

The ad implies "dominance", "preference", and "better"; which could quite possibly could be the case with their new (white) PSP. All company's claim that their latest product is better and preferred over the former. It's called "marketing". Nothing new there. Seems pretty innocent - right?

However, it seems that Sony chose to use a social ill that many believe to be true - that white believes itself to be "better", "preferred", and "dominant" over black - to personify it's product. Subliminal advertisements of these sorts are intended to convey a subjective message/response other than what's objectively implied. In this case, the dominance of black over white is explicitly implicit (i.e. clothing, skin, lighting, black knot around the neck, etc.); which will probably result in Sony using "artistic integrity" as its scapegoat.

The question is, should we be mad at Sony, or should we be mad at someone else (like ourselves) because these conditions exist in the first place for Sony to exploit? It seems that there is enough blame - and thus "responsibility" - to go around for all.

Because it's an advert, it comes off as if Sony is promoting this mindset (white racial dominance) more so than it's PSP product. Conversely, this ad commercializes racial dominance; virtually minimizing the importance of racial unity, and justifying the bigotry of...well....bigots! It comes off as if to say that racial unity is so insignificant, that they can sell a product by showing a lack thereof.

Obviously, Sony's intent is merely to get their name on the tip of everyone's tongue; with little regard of how inflammatory and/or racially insensitve their methods may be. "Shock value" has proven profitable in many situations; which could easily explain Sony's bold, seemingly unconscionable, effort. Even in Hollywood, there is a saying that states, "There is no such thing as bad publicity." But Sony could have quite possible shattered that adage.

As more and more major corporations take steps in embracing diversity - whether the intent is genuine or not - you would think that a company as large as Sony would have thought twice before releasing an ad that blatantly - to some - implies otherwise. Truthfully speaking, major corporations embrace diversity as a means of remaining "competitive", not necessarilly because they have a genuine concern for equlaity. Ironically, this quite possibly could be Sony's attempt at "keeping-it-real", for a lack of a better term.

From an artistic/metaphorical expression standpoint, this would be a non-issue; mainly because art reflects a state of mind or concept - albeit positive or negative - that exists in the mind of it's creator; purely subjective.

But when your intent is to influence and motivate people to support your product, one should be more socially conscious of it's customer base; which is the reason this ad comes off as socially irresponsible, insensitive, racist, and simply put, a bad idea........unless of course it is Sony's intent to alienate it's minority customers.

If that is this case, then minorities should honor Sony's wish and refuse to purchase any of its products. In fact, even if it was not their intent, Sony should take the steps of admitting its short-sightedness - if they believe it to be so - and replace the add with one that gets their point across without disrespecting ANY social group. If not, maybe Sony should experience the sting of a "black out" boycott. Then we can really see how true that ad is!

TUNGZ

The Creation of Chaos

Has it occurred to anyone that all of the chaos that has been popping up around the world as of late are actually orchestrated events that are being used as a "divisive and divertive" tool to direct our attention away from the Big Picture (i.e. the corruption in government, the move to impeach the president, domestic spying, the permanence of the PATRIOT Act, the plan to attack Iran, etc.)?

From the strife revolving around the characterization of the Prophet Mohammed; to the recent church burnings in Alabama; to the anger facilitated at the plan to rezone schools in Georgia to diversify the classes; to the nuclear program in Iran (to name a few); all of these events are old festering wounds that never fully scabbed over; making it easy to create chaos, allowing for the application of the #1 rule in the art of war: Divide and Conquer.

In the South, racial tension is still VERY real; making it easy to create race-related chaos. Between countries - particularly the U.S. and the Middle East - religious differences are EASY to exploit. All over the U.S., the government labels immigrants as a threat to the economy - creating “race” and “class” chaos - while silently and conveniently ignoring the fact that it is big businesses (and thus government) that have benefited the most from immigration.

Consider last year, when the Mexican President - Vicente Fox - made the comment that "Mexicans take the jobs that black people don't want", or when the Mexican "sambo" stamp of Memin Pinguin had Black Americans fuming at the Mexican population/government. Blacks become infuriated with Mexicans, while much of white American and media took the stance that they couldn't imagine someone doing such a thing in this day and age. Yeah, right!!!! When did you ever stop?!?!?

The LAST thing that the powers-that-be want is for humanity to be of ONE MIND and ONE PURPOSE; minorities in particular. Just the sheer thought of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans being on the same page politically and socially is a GRAVE threat to white America and the powers-that-be; the REAL minorities. And the unification of the Christian and Muslim faiths is a bigger threat because this crosses the racial and socio-economic boundaries. As long as we remain divided by race, class, religion and such, we are easily manageable. Just imagine if Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Christians, Muslims, Rich, and Poor came together in one mind to battle the common enemy of Injustice. The ONLY outcome would be "REVOLUTION". The Powers-That-Be will do whatever they can to insure that that DOES NOT occur.

We need to realize that these chaotic events are not mere happenstance. EVERYTHING is happening for a reason; strategically orchestrated and planned like most wars are, and we need to focus on the Big Picture while connecting the dots of the smaller ones. The “created chaos” will serve as a precursor to and justification for the removal of our personal rights and freedoms which will be presented in the guise of “security”.

The government knows us better than many of us know ourselves in terms of how we react to chaos; precisely exploiting our weaknesses of "fear" and "greed". Don't lose focus. The evil that we “really” need to be concerned about is not on the news.

Tungz

Moved By Death

If there is one condition that could be attributed as the principal “motivator” in the current consciousness of Mankind, it would have to be the condition of “death”. From the establishment of the Christian religion which is founded on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to the recognition of our great world leaders, our move to appreciate, recognize, and value Life is only expressed at the onset of death; and even then, our efforts are in vain as we focus solely on the “celebration” of ceremonies as opposed to the “sanctity” and/or “spirit” behind them.

From the crucifix that dangles around the necks of many, to the stuffed deer heads over the desks of prideful hunters, to the war medals that drape the breast of decorated soldiers, the effigy of death in society has become a trophy of sorts; one that is ironically celebrated just as much as it is feared.

The majority of technological advancements and discoveries are directed at creating weapons for the removal of life, as opposed to creating tools to create and sustain it. Even worse, we use our beliefs, traditions, and religions to justify the promulgation of death, while simultaneously convincing ourselves that we are supporters of Life.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise than many people have condemned a movie about love between two men (Brokeback Mountain) as a sin, while going in droves to see Hostel and Saw II; two movies about death and torture. In essence, we are hypocrites in our own rite that are entertained by the rush of death and destruction. How ironic is it that we refer to ourselves as a “civil-ization”?

On January 30, 2006, humanity lost a civil rights Matriarch who carried the legacy and “baton of freedom” of a movement that was spearheaded by her late husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. On February 7, 2006, thousands of mourners descended upon New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta to pay their last respects to Coretta Scott King. But we each should take the time to sincerely ask ourselves if we ever truly paid our “first” respects. If Mrs. King were still alive, and an announcement was made stating that she was going to give a speech at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, would the same number of people flock to show their respect? This scenario is arguable; but I’d venture to say that the answer is an emphatic “No”.

So what is it that we’re paying respects too – the life that “is”, or the life that “was”…….or do we merely find comfort in the “appearance” of appreciation? After all, that is why the President was there. Photo Ops come in many shapes sizes and colors. And for the President, this was a good look.

Too many of us feel that merely showing up at a funeral equates to “paying respects”. However, this is about as accurate as surmising that showing up to your job equates to “doing work”. Instead of venturing to pay our “last” respects, we should endeavor to pay a respect that “lasts”; one that embodies the ideals, ideologies and actions that the Kings advocated. The “only” way to honor and respect the Kings in death is to bring their philosophies to life by continuing in the movement to make the world a better place for everyone.

Unless we quickly adopt and exercise a philosophy that displays an appreciation for life and constructiveness, it is our hypocritical values and ideologies – guided by the tyranny of our so-called leaders – that will ultimately usher in our demise; ending an era of a race that embodied infinite possibilities; who unfortunately, were only moved by death.

Tungz

"Thinking" Is Half the Battle

In spite of the apparent predestined demise of humanity at the hands of the current world leaders, it must be understood that this fate is NOT inevitable. Believing so makes it so. We could change everything for the better RIGHT NOW if we just changed our thoughts and took responsibility for our actions……and the lack thereof.

We put more energy into discussing how bad things are getting without putting any thought on how good things could be, and actually taking the steps and initiative to make the good things happen. Collectively, we could removed the tyrants from power and successfully make this world a better place. Consider the French Revolution: The common people "literally" stormed the Basilica and ousted the monarchy and restructured the government. We could do the same on a much broader scale.

Because so many people are already accepting defeat - claiming that our re-slavery is inevitable - many aren't motivated to do anything to change things for the better. Many of us are just waiting to die; in the meantime, finding temporary comfort in our PSP Playstations and paychecks.

The powers-that-be are well aware of the fact that once you get someone to "believe" that they are already defeated, that they lose the will to even try to fight. That is exactly where the vast majority of us are now - mentally defeated. Everyone has the "ability" to create positive change. It's just that most don't want the "responsibility" of doing so. Realize that whatever happens to us is our own fault.

Tungz

Bush Administration: The Image of Truth


As expected – and as stated in the previous blog (“PATRIOTless Act”) – the Bush Administration has begun its’ “fear frenzy” campaign by dangling a tape of its favorite bait and “ace-in-the-hole”, Osama Bin Laden, positing that an impending terrorist attack plot on U.S. soil is near completion. Not unlike the “flashy thing” that Agent K and Agent J used to erase memories in the movie Men In Black, the Bush Administration uses “fear-mongering”; a more obscure means of thought distortion in which the recipients willfully acquiesce under the weight of fear and confusion, effectively directing their attention away from what really matters. Simply put, terror produces blind submission.

This tactic has proven effective on numerous occasions; notably, in the signing of the PATRIOT Act which was passed under the duress of 9/11, and during the London Bombings of 2005 which effectually silenced the British people who were tenaciously pursuing justice and an explanation from the Blair/Bush Administration regarding the “true intent for war” revealed in the Downing Street Memos. An act so abhorrent that even Nostradamus felt compelled to include it in one of his quatrains 450 years prior (click here to read the quatrain and the interpretation).

This is not to insinuate that “real” terrorism (the kind they show you on the news) doesn’t exist. Quite the contrary. Terrorism exists in many forms and in every country. It’s a political tool used to control and dominate with the power of “fear”. And its use is just as prominent in the United States as it is in the Middle East; only differing in overtness and application.

With continuous reports of “multi-level” corruption within the Bush Administration, not to mention the revelations of illegal phone/internet tapping per the request of the president himself; the continuing Hurricane Katrina/Bush/FEMA debacle; illegal torture and detention of prisoners; mounting concerns regarding the “under-equipped” soldiers in Iraq; and growing dissent with the war and the Administration in general, it is imperative that the Bush Administration do something to divert attention away from itself, while simultaneously justifying or downplaying the unjust and unlawful acts that it has committed. They have to make themselves look like the “good guys”.

Not only could an attack on U.S. soil/citizens accomplish this goal, but it will "appear" to justify the existence and need for the PATRIOT Act; placing it in the position to become law, which is ultimately one of the many things that president Bush wants to do – TO CHANGE THE LAWS – and this is not for your safety and protection! For this reason, the Bush Administration is pressing hard to get the ambiguous Judge Alito approved for the Supreme Court, shortly after the withdrawal of the “ill-experienced” Harriet Myers whose nomination wreaked of nothing more than “nepotism”.

Up until recent years, most of us may have believed that one must be reasonably intelligent in order to be President. However, it has been made quite apparent that all one needs is to be "well-connected"; intelligence is an option.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon “the people” to realize and understand that the world of “Politics” is not concerned with Truth, but rather, the “image” of Truth. It matters not “what is”, only how it appears. It is here where major media sources serve their purpose as mere marionettes of the Political Puppet Masters on the stage of democracy. Unlike Pinnochio to Gepetto, major media sources still haven’t learned how to “get a life”; fearing severance of the strings from their source of existence – the Political Right.

We have become fixated on showmanship at the compromise of substance; valuing credentials over character; resulting in a country run by well-dressed, “pious-pretending” tyrants who we allow to condemn the upright and acquit the guilty. The sooner that the populace realizes that the world of “Politics” is devoid of moralistic and ethical values, the sooner we can collectively do what is necessary to change the government to what it is “pretending” to be - a Democracy.

Tungz

PATRIOTless Act

“Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one”- Thomas Jefferson

These were the words spoken by one of America’s most revered forefathers and Presidents, Thomas Jefferson. Apparently, and unfortunately, these words have but little meaning to George W. Bush; a president who chooses to denigrate civil liberties and freedoms under the guise of “security” in a vainglorious subterfuge that has been misleadingly coined “The U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T Act”. Even worse are those individuals who support it; choosing to relinquish their personal freedoms in exchange for security. The glare of “fear” blinds them to the fact that this is no different than requesting to be cast in prison to insure ones freedom.

Of course comparing the actions of George W. Bush to the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson is hardly a fair contrast seeing that in the realm of intellectualism and integrity Bush ranks as a placebo at best. Not to deliver a ranting banter to the Republican Party – or a rallying cry in support for the Democratic Party – because coincidentally, they’re both merely two sides of the same coin. However, no matter what side of the coin you claim, an honest inquest will conclude that George Bush is not the sharpest crayon in the box.

Even Bush’s predecessor and fellow Republican - Ronald Reagan - conveyed his stance on “freedom for security” when he stated:

“Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism; and regardless of their humanitarian purpose, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have, whether they know it or not, chosen this downward path.”

This statement concisely summarizes the thrust behind the current degenerative state of the U.S. economy; a populace that has been spoon-fed lies and cradled in ignorance who unknowingly cries for it’s own demise when asking to be saved by the very parent who created its’ conditions. It is in these scenarios when the child needs to “grow up” and learn to think and fend for itself; taking accountability for its environment by taking responsibility for its own actions and repercussions.

However, considering the current situation in which Americans have been made aware that their “caregivers” have been spying on them without official authority – awakening them to the fallacies purported by their own government – President Bush has come to a crossroads in which a move in either direction will inevitably result in the suffering of the American people; only differing by severity. The last thing that government wants is for its people to start thinking for themselves; becoming “aware” or “awakened” to the truth behind their actions. Therefore, “fear” will again be their (the governments) weapon of choice; one that has proven repeatedly to be an effective remedy for “slaves who desire to seek freedom”.

The “fear” accumulated as a result of the 9/11 attacks spearheaded the creation of the PATRIOT Act, which has become the “silent whip” that the Bush administration wields to subjugate the people. Per the current revelations regarding “eavesdropping’, this Act has come under extreme scrutiny, resulting in the Senate granting a 6-month extension for the expiring provisions that the House desired to make permanent; a move that has disappointed the Bush administration, citing that the PATRIOT Act is a “vital tool for America in the war on terror”.

Therefore, the chances of another terrorist attack occurring on U.S. soil has heightened. Not because the provisions have not been made permanent, but because the Bush administration needs this level of “fear” to justify these provisions becoming permanent, in addition to making other provisions more stringent. Yes, the government can and has done this to its own people! If the hurricane Katrina catastrophe wasn’t enough to awaken you to the ills of government, you have an even ruder awakening waiting in the balances.

Government orchestrated terrorist attacks proved effective – although unofficial and dismissed as conspiracy theory - in the London bombings earlier this year which quelled the effort to investigate the Downing Street Memos; a document that outlined the true intent behind the supposed “War on Terror”. (click here to view the Downing Street Memos: http://www.28daysmovement.com/know-downing.htm )

Chances are that the attack will occur within 6-months in a major metropolitan area (or areas) in which the “reported facts” will be arranged to indicate that the hardening of the PATRIOT Act would have prevented such an attack. The people will be inebriated on “fear and uncertainty”, and the Republicans will place blame on the Democrats because of the filibusters which delayed the permanence of the Act. Likely, the President will exercise executive order to declare a state of National Emergency which will allow for the suspension of the Constitution; resulting in a state of Martial Law.

Because of such possibilities and/or likelihoods, it is incumbent upon the individual to educate herself/himself on things that are happening in the world, take responsibility in his/her actions, and fight the injustices when and where they occur. To quote Albert Einstein:

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

You are the power!

Tungz

Hip-Hop: From Losing its’ Soul to Losing its’ Mind


“I'm convinced now that more than truth is at stake
Where people create language that pretends to communicate
Euphamisms are misundertood as mistakes
but its a by-product of the ghetto music we make
From an extroverted point of view I think it’s too late
Hip Hop has never been the same since '88
Since it became a lucrative profession it’s been a misconception
that movement in any direction is progression.” – Canibus (Poet Laureate II)

Ponderings of the dismal and decaying state of Hip-Hop have almost become as commonplace as the ignorance that justifies it. However, no comment or rap quotable has ever so accurately articulated this condition as the aforementioned verse by the brutally underrated emcee by the name of Canibus. In fact, his infamy can be largely attributed to that fact that the Hip-Hop industry has come to favor “ignorance” over “intellect” and “sales” over “skills”.

Consider the mid 80’s, when Hip-Hop was at its’ creative apex, dismissed by the masses as a passing trend, yet untainted by the cloning and corruption of corporate “Commercialism”. You had groups/artists like LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Dougie Fresh, Slick Rick, MC Lyte, Afrikka Bambataa, Fat Boys, BDP, Eric B and Rakim, Salt-n-Pepa, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Audio Two, and UTFO (to name a very few). All of which were original in their own rite, bearing no resemblance to one another aside from the fact that they collectively represented the versatility and ingenuity of Hip-Hop.

At this juncture, “skills and originality” were mandatory, effectively positioning each of these artists to deliver songs that could be classified as nothing other than “classic”. You don’t believe me? I challenge you to go back through those names and find one that didn’t drop at least one classic hit. **waiting....waiting....still waiting...** Yeah, that’s what I thought!

Now, 20 years later, a time where Hip-Hop has developed into the top selling musical genre in the world, “talent and originality” have become reluctant afterthoughts, sadly succumbing to the commercial strength of “image and marketability”. You now have acts (emphasis on the word “acts”) like Yin Yang Twins, Mike Jones, 50-Cents, Fabolous, Lloyd Banks, Slim Thug, Masta P, Chingy, and virtually any rapper that has “Li’l” in front of their name (with the exception of maybe 1 or 2) who practically are identical as it relates to image, and even more so in their lackluster imitations of talent that struggles to reach the level of novice.

And once you think that it couldn’t get any worse - defending the absence of lyrical talent by focusing on the presence of hot beats – a group called D4L comes with a song called “Laffy Taffy” that offers the simplest of tracks, surpassed only by the profusely inane dribble that has been flatteringly referred to as “lyrics”.

So what happened??? Where did things go wrong??? The answer is “Commercialization”; the proverbial double-edged sword that now has its’ blade plunged deep into the heart and mind of Hip-Hop. Commercialization was good – on one hand – in that it allowed for Hip-Hop to get exposure to the masses, effectively acquiring a larger fan base - which generates revenue – in turn, allowing artist to successfully live off of their hobby. However, the down-side is that commercialization required for the integrity of the art to be compromised; retrofitted and formatted to accommodate the lagging intellect of the average listener.

Rappers like Jay-Z – one of the few artists who manage to stay true to the art form while simultaneously satisfying the mainstream audience – went from dropping jewels of wisdom (i.e. “Reasonable Doubt”) to dropping rhymes about...uh....well....JEWELS!!!! In fact, on a track called “Moment of Clarity”, Jay-Z spews:

“I dumb down for my audience, and double my dollars
They criticize me for it, yet they all yell “Holla”
If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be
Lyrically.....Talib Kweili
Truthfully, I wanna rhyme like Common Sense (But I did 5 Mil)
I ain’t been rhymin’ like Common since
When your sense got that much in common, and you been hustlin’ since
your inception, f**k perception, go with what makes sense”

And there it is; an assertion from one of Hip-Hop’s finest, pin-pointing the Industry’s thirst for “cents/sales” over “sense/skills”, while simultaneously acknowledging his own “selling out” in order to “out sell” his contemporaries. Even more interesting is that he tells his audience that he had to get “dumb” in order for them to feel him; in which in all sadness, they’re probably to dumb to realize that they just got dissed.

Emcees like Common, Talib Kweili, Mos Def and the like, often fall through the cracks of commercial success because their lyrics are too innovative and intellectual; requiring some thought on the part of the listener, which loses the focus of fans whose attention spans can only translate “bitches”, “Ho’s”, “niggas”, “bling-bling”, and “24’s”.

Ignorance is profitable. The dumber the fans, the more corporations make. The owners of these major record labels and media outlets aren’t even fans of Hip-Hop music themselves. However, they are acutely aware of the potential in its’ popularity, resulting in them “directing” the Hip-Hop trends towards a consciousness of “materialism”, “pretentiousness”, and “objectivity” - all delivered in a package of voyeuristic machismo – but passed off as the “new style” or “the next big thing”; which explains why these corporations target the impressionable, unquestioning youths. It’s easier to shape clay than it is to chisel stone.

Case in point: BET recently refused to air Little Brother’s video entitled “Lovin’ It”, citing that it’s “too intelligent for the BET audience.” In December of 2004, BET also rebuffed De La Soul’s “Shopping Bags” video claiming that it wasn’t “relevant to the BET audience.” Since BET came under the ownership of Viacom, it appears that the acronym went from Black Entertainment Television, to Black’s Embarrassing Themselves; or more accurately, Buffoonery Every Time.

Nevertheless, in all honesty, complete blame cannot be placed on the shoulders of corporations alone. A pimp can’t pimp unless the whore chooses to be a whore. And the whore can’t be a whore unless there are “Joe’s” willing to pay for her services. Ideally, the “Pimps” are the corporations; the “Whores” are the artists; and the “Joe’s” are the fans. Therefore, there is a level of responsibility and awareness to be played on the parts of all.

The arts - music in particular - have always reflected the collective consciousness of society at large; from Picasso’s “Guernica” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, to Sage Francis’ “Makeshift Patriot”. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that illustrations of destruction, death, and greed have become the subject of many expressions.

However, as it currently stands, Hip-Hop long lost its’ Soul when it sold out to mainstream, and has since lost its’ Mind by representing concepts and a consciousness that can be called nothing other than “self-destructive”. All that remains of Hip-Hop is the Body; which threatens to be dismembered and destroyed under the weight of ignorance and regressive thought.

It will be convenient for those who support these degenerative aspects of Hip-Hop to dismiss this writing as “Player Hating”, “Hating”, or “Hateration”, however, it is quite the contrary. This is Love; love for a beautiful art form that has infinite constructive possibilities; a reminiscent plea to get back to the creativity acquired at the hands of intelligence and talent that was motivated by the love of the music itself and not for the love of money. Hip-Hop you're the love of my life!!!!

Tungz

NBA Dress Code: "No Gangstas"


David Stern, the NBA Commissioner, is making moves to supposedly “clean up” the NBA’s image by restricting styles and trends that can be construed as being “gangsta” (i.e. wave caps, jerseys, dangling necklaces, etc.). This look is the latest panache that has been embraced largely by the Hip-Hop community. But is Mr. Stern really trying to insure that the NBA’s image remains unsullied, or is this merely an attack on a sub-culture that happens to express itself – at this time - through a style called “gangsta”?

If Mr. Stern were really concerned about dissolving the gangster image, he would need to look past the Reeboks, Nikes, and Adidas, and look towards the Boss’, Armani’s, and Gucci’s; because last I recalled, gangsters wore suits; some of which have become the role models for the so-called “gangstas” (i.e. Scarface, Gotti, etc.). Now who’s a bigger threat, G-Unit or Enron Execs??? One may steal your wallet, but the other will steal your 401K! Now THAT’S gangsta!!! And what’s worse; Dead Prez talking about Bush, or a deadly president name Bush? And Halle Berry in BAP’s is not nearly as threatening as Haliburton in Iraq!!!! I think that you get the picture.

While the likelihood of an NBA dress code seems imminent, a question that ironically looms in the distance is, “What difference will it – or does it - make?” Your average 76ers fan isn’t a fan because of Allen Iverson’s impeccable ability to coordinate his high-tops with his doo-rags. Nor are Lebron James fans astounded by his fashion suave faire. And even if they were, fashion trends change almost as often as the gas prices. What Mr. Stern is recommending as the “accepted styles of dress” could quite easily become the “new gangsta” flair; trading fitted caps for fedoras, throwbacks for ascots, shell-toes for wing-tips, and handcuffs for cuff links. At the end of the day, it’s not the suit that makes the man, but rather, the man that makes the suit.

While I champion the implementation of “some” standards as it relates to dress, none should be so stringent as to quell the personal expression of the individual; particularly if it doesn’t interfere with their ability to perform their skill/job well. Some companies enforce dress codes so strict that a “9 to 5” job feels like a “5 to 9” sentence; complete with pin-striped suits and number badges. Anything too strict forces rebellion; which is counter-productive. A policy too relaxed invites carelessness; which is also counter-productive. However, we are talking about a career that is based on a game in which, in some cases, over 50% of the player’s income is garnered through endorsements of athletic gear. You can’t get more casual than that aside from bath robes and flip-flops.

So why the need to change the look of the players – particularly if it’s not effecting their stats or the sport itself – unless one just happens to have a personal disliking towards the look they choose, which I think is the case with David Stern and his posse. Most major corporations that have plants and/or people that work in the field don’t force their employees to don suits and/or sports coats; particularly because it’s non-productive and pointless. But David Stern’s efforts seem purely cosmetic; lacking any real substantive motivations aside from making his fellow golfing buddies feel warm and fuzzy.

Tungz

Message from the Minister


A week after the culmination of the Millions More Movement, mixed reviews on the effectiveness and impact of the assembly continues to raise astute debate. Whereas some found the gathering to be insightful, enlightening, powerful, and historic, others left feeling that the meeting was incomplete; lacking a definitive plan of execution.

The following are a few highlights of the Million More Movement made by Minister Louis Farrakhan and other speakers.

Victims of Hurricane Katrina should ban together to bring a class-action suite against FEMA and Homeland Security

Black Americans need to MAKE government respond properly to their concerns. The government will not do what’s right unless we MAKE them

America has made it painfully clear how they really feel about Black people (i.e. aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, police beating of 64 yr. old New Orleans man)

American Indians, Hispanic Americans, and African Americans should come together to form their own political party and representation. Together, these cultures equal a population of 66 million people.

Farrakhan used the Hurricane Katrina incident as a metaphor; signifying that minorities need to come together in numbers – which will increase their strength and power – to create a devastating change on the landscape of government and it’s policies

The rich are supported by the poor. U.S. government has created slave labor in America and other countries (i.e. Mexico, Middle East, Africa)

Minorities should consider creating: a Ministry of Health & Human Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Defense, and a Ministry of Art and Culture

Education in America has run its course. Time for Black children to start learning the Truth. They have learned enough of “his-story”.

We need to learn how to grow our own food (feed ourselves) so that we are no longer dependent upon government and food manufacturers

Pharmaceutical companies and Food companies have the same owners.

We need to “restore, repair, and rebuild” ourselves. Stop waiting on – and depending on – the government to do it.

Everyone needs to do “something”. Don’t wait on someone to give you permission to be free.



“We cannot and should not slacken in our efforts to make the nations of the world, and especially their governments, aware of the unspeakable disaster they are certain to provoke unless they change their attitude toward each other and toward the task of shaping the future.” -- Albert Einstein


Tungz

Misconception of the March of Millions


On the day of the Millions More Movement, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, nay-sayers, disparagers, and cynics have chimed in once again to discredit the effectiveness and mission of an attempt that is founded upon good will. Major media outlets have even chosen not to acknowledge - or to downplay in their acknowledgement - the event in the arguable hopes of quelling its outcome.

Interestingly enough, it appears that the most vocal of the detractors are those who never attended the Million Man March - in person or in spirit - nor its subsequent marches. Most common of the comments is that the meeting served no purpose; lacking a cohesive agenda/plan for the African American community to follow, while others contend that Minister Louis Farrakhan exploited the event for self-gratification and to promote and progress the Muslim faith.

This brings an interesting statement to mind made by the eloquent Mahatma Gandhi which states: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." In "political warfare", the first step is always to discredit your opponent; or at a minimum, to skew and distort their comments and what they stand for. It's arguable whether or not this has been successful in curbing the Minister's attempts - although the misconceptions are quite evident - however, judging by the efforts at large committed at the hands of the government and media, it's safe to assume that the Movement is clearly in the "fight" stage; only to conclude in a "win".

The main misconception is of what the initial effort - the Million Man March - stood for. Before any grouping of people can go forth in any movement or cause, the participants must first be motivated as "individuals". You can't have an army without first having a soldier. Thus, the Million Man March was a move to arm, prepare, and motivate the soldier - as an individual - to do what is necessary to be effective in an army. The weapons are "character", "consciousness", "information" and "faith" in a war of "Injustice" promulgated in the guise of Democracy. Therefore, to justly gauge the effectiveness of this event would require one to query how the event "personally" inspired and/or motivated each individual; realizing that not everyone is a soldier in this fight; particularly, if the fight is not in the soldier.

The other misconception is a result of the division that is often inherent in religions. Some Black Muslims refuse to support Minister Farrakhan's efforts because they feel that he has strayed from the true teachings of Islam, while some Black Christians won't support him because he's a Muslim; feeling that his efforts are in direct contradiction to their Christian beliefs. The haze created as a result of their misunderstanding of these beliefs has obscured their view of the fundamental principle and commonality that exists regardless of their chosen form of worship: They're all Black people living in America; subject to the same atrocities set forth through racism and classism.

The Bush Administration's reaction (or lack thereof) to the Hurricane Katrina disaster was NOT determined by whose Muslim or Christian; no more that police brutality is; no more than racial profiling is; no more than injustice is; no more than AIDS is; no more than drugs are; and no more than Slavery and the Tuskegee Experiment were. The deciding factor is "who's Black" and "who's poor"; conditions that apply to both Muslims and Christians alike. Vain sighs of relief from affluent Blacks fall on deaf ears as their pretentious drunkenness is slapped sober with the realization that no matter how much money they may have.....they're still "Black".

Religious intolerances need to fall to the wayside if this movement is to reach it's fullest potential. This will allow the soldiers who have accepted the call to duty to fully function as an united army in the efforts set forth in the forthcoming Million More Movement. This isn't a battle of "Black vs White", but more so a battle of "Wrong vs Right; which spans the superficialities of "color" and "creed" only to reveal the quality of "character". It has been stated that ones "actions" are direct correlations to ones "beliefs". You don't measure one by what one says, but rather, by what one does. Therefore, one who does nothing, believes nothing.

What do you belief???

rEvolution,

Tungz

Boycott Bill Bigot (Bennett)

The blatant disregard and disdain for minorities as exhibited by the U.S. government - as it relates to their abandonment of the Hurricane Katrina victims and continued down-playing of Bill Bennett’s extrapolation to abort all African-American babies to reduce crime - have been defended by the perpetrators alleging that the public didn’t hear/see what they thought they heard/saw.

In regards to Bill Bennett, he retorts that his statement was “taken out of context”; that he didn’t say what he said; which is always a convenient and implausible pretext (i.e. Pat Robertson of the 700 Club). Whilst it is a “no-brainer” that abortion reduces crime – considering that abortion reduces “people” (as does “death” in general) and crimes are committed by “people” – the fact that Mr. Bennett singled out “African-American babies” is the point of contention. Even more disconcerting is the public’s numbness to it; being acutely aware that if the same statement were made by a minority about Caucasian babies, that accusations of “terrorism”, “racism”, and “genocide” would fling off of the lips of dissidents - with the full attention of government and media - resulting in a severe reprimand of the accused.

So why does this happen??? Why is racism so prevalent in the 21st century??? The answer to that question is also a “no-brainer”….Because we let it! There is an old adage that states, “You teach people how to treat you”, which alludes to the responsibility of the victim in conjunction with the victimizer. These atrocities exist because minorities have failed to “demand” the equality and respect afforded to them; as it is afforded to every human being. Notice that I didn’t say “ask”. To “ask” for any thing implies that it does not yet belong to you; and “Respect” and “Equality” are no such things. They belong to everyone.

It has been made perfectly clear: The only thing that the “White” care about the “Brown” is how much “Green” that they spend to keep them out of the “Red” and into the “Black” no matter how “Blue” it makes them. Therefore, the “Brown” should respond in kind by monitoring where they distribute their “Green”. Minorities need to be vigilant in NOT supporting (financially) individuals, businesses, and/or organizations that do not show them mutual respect, equal treatment, and dignity that they themselves expect. Nor should people support those who condone, support, or allow these actions without reprimand or recourse.

Therefore, minorities - as well as those who believe in equality - should boycott the organizations that support or profit from “Bill Bennett’s Morning In America” show. The following is a partial list of sponsors and/or advertisers on the Bill Bennett’s Morning In America show. More to come.

Aqua Guard
Andy Willoughly’s 3 Step Plan: Home Business Building System
GoToMeeting
Select Comfort (creator of the Sleep Number Bed)
HeightMax
Kevis
Lincoln/Mercury
Dividend America Mortgage
HomeMLS.com
Debit Relief of America
Grove City College
Reliable Heating and Air

Tungz