Dear Mr. Pitts:
I did look into the incident of the Manifested Glory Ministries in Bridgeport, CT exorcising [driving out] the homosexual(??) demon out of a teenage boy that was broadcast over the Internet. As a believing Christian, I am disturbed by the Church's actions but along with that I am also offended by the way you took a very good point and twisted it into something which bordered on the ridiculous; perhaps that was your intention all along. Although the Scriptures do not specifically point to homosexuality and other behaviors as influenced by demons, it does suggest that there are instances in which demonic influence is real.
In I Samuel 16: 15, 23 King Saul suffered some mental instability or irratio-nality as a result of suffering from what was called an "evil spirit." In Mark 5: 2 and onward, there is the account of a madman who was insane, very strong, could not be chained, and lived among the tombs not wearing any clothes. After the man was healed by Jesus in verse 15, it states that the man put on some clothing and what is most instructive, that he was now 'in his right mind.' In Luke 9: 37-42 is the account of a boy whose epileptic seizures were induced by a demon (in this particular case). Finally, there was a woman in Luke 13: 11, 16 who was afflicted by Satan where she could not straighten herself for eighteen years until Jesus unbound her from that infirmity.
Now that you are no longer demon-illiterate and perhaps you got some demonowledge from this response of mine. Yes, you are right, there is no excuse for fear, stupidity, and intolerance; but the remedy to this troubling incident is not more ridicule, insults, cynicism, narrow-mindedness, and being judgmental. You may not agree with the Manifested Glory Church but it doesn't give you the right to demean their beliefs in print; no matter how much their faith practices offends your own moral or spiritual values of what is good, decent, right, and just.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 29, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Rebuttal of Tacoma News Tribune's article: Michael Jackson toxic celebrity
The 'OPINION' section on page 6 in Sunday's "Tacoma News Tribune," June 28, 2009, was demeaning, insensitive, and insulting for the following reasons: Firstly, you displayed the most bizarre-looking, eerie and unearthly picture of Michael Jackson; surely a better looking picture of Mr. Jackson exists but I guess you wanted to substantiate your description of him as "freakish-looking, like a ghostly villain from a 'Batman' movie. Are you sure that you didn't mean ghoulish-looking villain . . .? Then you go on to state that Michael Jackson died as a "pathetic" figure, in debt, isolated, and overshadowed by persistent allegations of child molestations.
The journalistic standard for being objective and not allowing personal feelings to find its way into print just got thrown out the window. Calling Mr. Jackson a 'pathetic' figure without any factual evidence to back up this assertion is just your opinion; and could be pursued in a lawsuit for 'libel.' As far as Michael Jackson being in "debt," everyone has debt. There is a difference between one's personal assets and those as an entertainment commodity; besides, has Michael Jackson filed for bankruptcy? Lastly, as far as the allegations about criminal charges for Child Molestation, Mr. Jackson was acquitted on all charges in 2005, and he settled an out-of-Court civil suit on Molestation charges about ten years earlier. So, in the future, as the former star of the NBC 1952-1959 series "DRAGNET," Jack Webb, as Sgt. Joe Friday badge 714, would say, "Just the facts, Maam." And in the future, the TNT editorial board of Patrick O'Callahan, Cheryl Tucker, and Kim Bradford need to keep your opinions to yourself and not in print!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 29, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
The journalistic standard for being objective and not allowing personal feelings to find its way into print just got thrown out the window. Calling Mr. Jackson a 'pathetic' figure without any factual evidence to back up this assertion is just your opinion; and could be pursued in a lawsuit for 'libel.' As far as Michael Jackson being in "debt," everyone has debt. There is a difference between one's personal assets and those as an entertainment commodity; besides, has Michael Jackson filed for bankruptcy? Lastly, as far as the allegations about criminal charges for Child Molestation, Mr. Jackson was acquitted on all charges in 2005, and he settled an out-of-Court civil suit on Molestation charges about ten years earlier. So, in the future, as the former star of the NBC 1952-1959 series "DRAGNET," Jack Webb, as Sgt. Joe Friday badge 714, would say, "Just the facts, Maam." And in the future, the TNT editorial board of Patrick O'Callahan, Cheryl Tucker, and Kim Bradford need to keep your opinions to yourself and not in print!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 29, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Boy Prince of Never Never Land
There will doubtless be thousands of articles, stories, a few books, and another movie on the life of the famous Jackson family; and Michael in particular. Michael, like those few humans blessed with an extraordinary gift or talent, became larger than “LIFE;” an almost iconic, mythical figure, who transcended the normal boundaries of moral and spiritual requirements, although he was very much a frail, broken, flawed, and damaged human being. Of Michael’s enormous talent, he stood alone on his pedestal, towering far above the rest because he had no equal. Just think about it: The seventh of nine children, born in Gary, Indiana who was taught musical routines along with his older brothers at the tender age of 7 by his hard-driving, demanding father, Joe Jackson. At age 11, Michael becomes the featured lead singer and performer with his siblings known as “The Jackson Five.” Two years later, though still part of the group, Michael goes for a solo career. Both Michael and his brothers are very popular during the decade of the 1970’s. There was a period where they received some criticism for playing “Bubble gum” music, meaning that they needed to grow up more lyrically, professionally, and in the public perception of their personalities as well.
Although aloofness and strangeness is not uncommon with genius, Michael’s particular eccentricities and interest in some of the bizarre, like bones of “The Elephant Man,” may be deeply rooted in psychology rather than anything else. In 1984, Michael seemed to be just your typical, talented, rising Super-Star performer until his hair caught on fire from doing the Ad for “Pepsi.” There was news footage of Michael being bandaged around his head and hands, and interesting enough, those bandages still remained; in an emotional and mental sense. Michael had repressed or suppressed a lot of childhood pain and this physical sensation from the ‘burn’ was like the internal hell-like torment that he must have carried within himself of the abuse at the hands of his father all these years. It is possible that the uniforms, gloves, masks, and handkerchiefs Michael wore on his body were symbolic to protect his vulnerability and hurt. Sometimes, when one experienced a traumatic, life-threatening event, it can change your entire approach to the way you do things. Remember comedian Richard Pryor’s ‘change’ after he caught on fire from free-basing, and stopped using the “N” word in his routines; and what about soulful crooner Al Green who also saw the “Light” after some hot grits was tossed on his chest by an angry girlfriend while he was in the bathtub?
Not to drift too far from the point, the person who sang, “Man in the Mirror,” seemed to live at times as though he were the “Boy in the Bubble” by his aversion to coming into contact with germs and sleeping in a hypobaric oxygen chamber. And like former billionaire industrialist Howard Hughes, Michael got to the point where he didn’t want to pick up and handle anything with his hands. Mr. Hughes’ condition can be explained medically because he was diagnosed as suffering from ‘Syphilis;’ which had affected his brain. It is unfortunate that Michael has been accused of Child Molestation because the one thing that he seems to stand out for is his great ‘Love’ for children. It is almost as though he was an ebon ‘Pied piper’ who could capture the hearts of the youth with his magical flute.
There will continue to be the debate as to whether Michael Jackson should be called “The King of Pop” as opposed to the title going to “Elvis” or the “Beatles.” Well, with the latter, classification would be impractical because it would be comparing an individual to a group. Even when Paul McCartney formed the group “Wings,” it still wouldn’t make sense because how well has Sir Paul done as a solo artist? Now, regarding Elvis Pressley; Michael has sold more albums; and “Thriller” has more Number 1 hits than Elvis had from any of his albums. Although Ed Sullivan didn’t want the cameras to show the gyrating legs of Elvis when he performed on his stage, how does that compare to Michael’s patented “Moonwalk” and other irreproducible, unduplicatable, gravity-defying dance moves; let alone his eye-catching, jaw-dropping, crotch-grabbing dance number in the “BAD” music video. One thing though, are the similarities to his death and Elvis; which is: a personal medical physician has once again prescribed medication or “pain killers” [‘ironic label’] which proves to be fatal to his famous client.
The legendary Fred Astaire made a comment about Michael Jackson’s form as that of ‘an angry dancer,’ and perhaps there was some truth in his assessment. For Michael, since he couldn’t go back and relive his childhood all over again and recapture all the fun, imagination, and fantasy of youth; he will just try and create it by his Walt Disney-themed Never Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara, CA. Michael once remarked that he was “Peter Pan” or the boy who never grew up; perhaps that explains his surgically-altered appearance as opposed to suffering from ‘Vitiligo’ (skin depigmentation). Although it would seem that Michael was someone who may have had the genetic material which appeared to be a combination of ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Benjamin Button.’ As old Blues legend B.B. King used to say, “THE THRILL(ER) IS GONE.” Be that as it may, perhaps Michael finally has found peace and may truly walk through the pearly gates of the true “NEVER NEVER LAND!”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Although aloofness and strangeness is not uncommon with genius, Michael’s particular eccentricities and interest in some of the bizarre, like bones of “The Elephant Man,” may be deeply rooted in psychology rather than anything else. In 1984, Michael seemed to be just your typical, talented, rising Super-Star performer until his hair caught on fire from doing the Ad for “Pepsi.” There was news footage of Michael being bandaged around his head and hands, and interesting enough, those bandages still remained; in an emotional and mental sense. Michael had repressed or suppressed a lot of childhood pain and this physical sensation from the ‘burn’ was like the internal hell-like torment that he must have carried within himself of the abuse at the hands of his father all these years. It is possible that the uniforms, gloves, masks, and handkerchiefs Michael wore on his body were symbolic to protect his vulnerability and hurt. Sometimes, when one experienced a traumatic, life-threatening event, it can change your entire approach to the way you do things. Remember comedian Richard Pryor’s ‘change’ after he caught on fire from free-basing, and stopped using the “N” word in his routines; and what about soulful crooner Al Green who also saw the “Light” after some hot grits was tossed on his chest by an angry girlfriend while he was in the bathtub?
Not to drift too far from the point, the person who sang, “Man in the Mirror,” seemed to live at times as though he were the “Boy in the Bubble” by his aversion to coming into contact with germs and sleeping in a hypobaric oxygen chamber. And like former billionaire industrialist Howard Hughes, Michael got to the point where he didn’t want to pick up and handle anything with his hands. Mr. Hughes’ condition can be explained medically because he was diagnosed as suffering from ‘Syphilis;’ which had affected his brain. It is unfortunate that Michael has been accused of Child Molestation because the one thing that he seems to stand out for is his great ‘Love’ for children. It is almost as though he was an ebon ‘Pied piper’ who could capture the hearts of the youth with his magical flute.
There will continue to be the debate as to whether Michael Jackson should be called “The King of Pop” as opposed to the title going to “Elvis” or the “Beatles.” Well, with the latter, classification would be impractical because it would be comparing an individual to a group. Even when Paul McCartney formed the group “Wings,” it still wouldn’t make sense because how well has Sir Paul done as a solo artist? Now, regarding Elvis Pressley; Michael has sold more albums; and “Thriller” has more Number 1 hits than Elvis had from any of his albums. Although Ed Sullivan didn’t want the cameras to show the gyrating legs of Elvis when he performed on his stage, how does that compare to Michael’s patented “Moonwalk” and other irreproducible, unduplicatable, gravity-defying dance moves; let alone his eye-catching, jaw-dropping, crotch-grabbing dance number in the “BAD” music video. One thing though, are the similarities to his death and Elvis; which is: a personal medical physician has once again prescribed medication or “pain killers” [‘ironic label’] which proves to be fatal to his famous client.
The legendary Fred Astaire made a comment about Michael Jackson’s form as that of ‘an angry dancer,’ and perhaps there was some truth in his assessment. For Michael, since he couldn’t go back and relive his childhood all over again and recapture all the fun, imagination, and fantasy of youth; he will just try and create it by his Walt Disney-themed Never Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara, CA. Michael once remarked that he was “Peter Pan” or the boy who never grew up; perhaps that explains his surgically-altered appearance as opposed to suffering from ‘Vitiligo’ (skin depigmentation). Although it would seem that Michael was someone who may have had the genetic material which appeared to be a combination of ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Benjamin Button.’ As old Blues legend B.B. King used to say, “THE THRILL(ER) IS GONE.” Be that as it may, perhaps Michael finally has found peace and may truly walk through the pearly gates of the true “NEVER NEVER LAND!”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Farrah Fawcett: The 'Angel' with the golden smile
The actress with the long golden hair and beautiful smile, who was one of the ‘original’ angels on the hit ABC TV show of the 1970’s, “Charlie’s Angels,” can finally get her wings for real. Ms Fawcett succumbed to cancer at the age of 62. The native of Corpus Christi, TX was an accomplished actress on both television and the Big Screen. Farrah was undoubtedly one of the first actresses to portray the abuses of a battered woman [‘wife’] in the riveting movie, “The Burning Bed,” in 1984. This was followed by other such victimization movies as “The Color Purple,” in 1985, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover. Julia Roberts played an abused wife in the 1991 thriller, “Sleeping with the Enemy.” Angela Bassett portrayed Superstar performer, the legendary Tina Turner in “What’s Love got to do with it,” in 1993; and Jennifer Lopez starred in the movie “Enough” in 2002.
Besides her failed marriage to actor Lee Majors, she continued in a relationship with actor Ryan O’Neil until the end. Farrah was the epitome of a sexy, pinup girl with the photo of her on that unforgettable poster wearing a red, one-piece bathing suit. Farrah’s surviving cast members include Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, and this trio became an International success. Although “Charlie’s Angels” ran from 1976 to 1981, Farrah wanted out of her contract and became a lightning rod of controversy because of it. After leaving her television role behind her, Farrah went on to do Broadway, cinematic movies and she received an Emmy nomination as well as six Golden Globe nominations. There were of course, rumors that Farrah was feuding with her former co-stars since she had left the show but that has since been repudiated by Kate Jackson. Farrah lived a full life and one which she probably felt was filled with happiness for the most part, and of which she probably had little or no regrets.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 25, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Besides her failed marriage to actor Lee Majors, she continued in a relationship with actor Ryan O’Neil until the end. Farrah was the epitome of a sexy, pinup girl with the photo of her on that unforgettable poster wearing a red, one-piece bathing suit. Farrah’s surviving cast members include Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, and this trio became an International success. Although “Charlie’s Angels” ran from 1976 to 1981, Farrah wanted out of her contract and became a lightning rod of controversy because of it. After leaving her television role behind her, Farrah went on to do Broadway, cinematic movies and she received an Emmy nomination as well as six Golden Globe nominations. There were of course, rumors that Farrah was feuding with her former co-stars since she had left the show but that has since been repudiated by Kate Jackson. Farrah lived a full life and one which she probably felt was filled with happiness for the most part, and of which she probably had little or no regrets.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 25, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Message to Governor Mark Sanford: Some people never seem to learn from the mistakes of others
The moral authority of the GOP seems to be unraveling among those whose mouths drip with sweet platitudes of devotion, loyalty, patriotism, fidelity, honesty, and family values are falling like a house of cards. The latest embarrassment is Governor Mark Sanford (R-NC), who has admitted to an affair with a woman named “Maria” from Buenos Aires, Argentina. If it is any consolation, the Governor is just the latest inductee into the dishonorable “Hall of Shame.” Former tarnished members include: Former Mayor Eliot Spitzer (R-NY), alias “Client Number 9” had affairs with prostitutes, including, Ashley “Kristen” Dupree. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) had an affair with Judith Nathan, who later became his second wife.
Former Senator John Ensign (R-NV) had an affair with a campaign staffer. Newt Gingrich had an affair with a young Congressional Aide named Anne Manning; although she said it was only “oral sex.” That one sounds vaguely familiar, and it is about as logical as former Senator Larry Craig (R-OH), saying that he wasn’t ‘gay.’ Even the ‘pit-bull’ of the Republican Party, Bill O’Reilly had to settle an out-of-court sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by the former producer of "THE O’REILLY FACTOR,” Andrea Mackris. Even the “Mouth,” Rush Limbaugh has an ongoing affair with the sound of his own voice; not to mention those occasional encounters with ‘oxycontin.’
In order not to appear biased or one-sided, the Democrats have their roll call members, too: NY Governor David Paterson had an affair with several women; including one who was a State employee. Now, saving the best for last: poster boy for Infidelity, former Senator John Edwards who had an affair with Reille Hunter; while his wife Elizabeth was undergoing painfully debilitating cancer treatments, and who was in remission. One thing is becoming increasing clear in these instances, especially among Republicans, which is, the Party that preaches such ‘virtuosity’ ends up practicing the most ‘hypocrisy.’
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 24, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Former Senator John Ensign (R-NV) had an affair with a campaign staffer. Newt Gingrich had an affair with a young Congressional Aide named Anne Manning; although she said it was only “oral sex.” That one sounds vaguely familiar, and it is about as logical as former Senator Larry Craig (R-OH), saying that he wasn’t ‘gay.’ Even the ‘pit-bull’ of the Republican Party, Bill O’Reilly had to settle an out-of-court sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by the former producer of "THE O’REILLY FACTOR,” Andrea Mackris. Even the “Mouth,” Rush Limbaugh has an ongoing affair with the sound of his own voice; not to mention those occasional encounters with ‘oxycontin.’
In order not to appear biased or one-sided, the Democrats have their roll call members, too: NY Governor David Paterson had an affair with several women; including one who was a State employee. Now, saving the best for last: poster boy for Infidelity, former Senator John Edwards who had an affair with Reille Hunter; while his wife Elizabeth was undergoing painfully debilitating cancer treatments, and who was in remission. One thing is becoming increasing clear in these instances, especially among Republicans, which is, the Party that preaches such ‘virtuosity’ ends up practicing the most ‘hypocrisy.’
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 24, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cheerios: Breakfast cereal and "Drug," according to the FDA
The overburdened and understaffed governmental agency entrusted with the responsibility to keep the public safe from harmful products, the FDA has just come out with its latest consumer warning about "CHEERIOS" being a drug. Never mind about lead-based toys from China, or the ones containing powerful magnets that can be swallowed by infants; after years of research and investigation into the suspected 'cereal,' the FDA has concluded that the health claims which are printed on the side of the box to lower cholesterol, thereby mitigating the onset of coronary heart disease is so misleading and dangerous that it warrants labeling it as a "drug."
Prescription drugs such as Oxycontin ('Rush's favorite) and DMX (dextromethorphan), which used to be found in over-the-counter cough medications; as well as the illegal steroids EPO and THG (tetrahydrogestrinone) used by the former "Golden Girl" of TRACK & FIELD, Marion Jones, and A-Rod's favorite supplements of Primobalin and Testosterone, are one thing; but CHEERIOS? Even the 'Designer' drugs such as "ECSTASY," MDPV, desoxypipradrol, methylmethaqualone, sildenafil ("Viagra"), or Cannabinuids JWH-018 (derivative of the 'cannabis' plant; marijuana) is understandable that Federal agencies would want to keep these dangerous chemical substances inaccessible to the public, but what is wrong with having a little milk in a bowl of Cheerios at breakfast, or anytime? This really does give new meaning to the phrase, "War on Drugs." One can only wonder if the FDA tested boxes of plain Cheerios or was it the Honey-Nut variety? What's next; the secret chemical formulation in 'COKE' or the "special" herbs & spices used at KFC?
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 22, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Prescription drugs such as Oxycontin ('Rush's favorite) and DMX (dextromethorphan), which used to be found in over-the-counter cough medications; as well as the illegal steroids EPO and THG (tetrahydrogestrinone) used by the former "Golden Girl" of TRACK & FIELD, Marion Jones, and A-Rod's favorite supplements of Primobalin and Testosterone, are one thing; but CHEERIOS? Even the 'Designer' drugs such as "ECSTASY," MDPV, desoxypipradrol, methylmethaqualone, sildenafil ("Viagra"), or Cannabinuids JWH-018 (derivative of the 'cannabis' plant; marijuana) is understandable that Federal agencies would want to keep these dangerous chemical substances inaccessible to the public, but what is wrong with having a little milk in a bowl of Cheerios at breakfast, or anytime? This really does give new meaning to the phrase, "War on Drugs." One can only wonder if the FDA tested boxes of plain Cheerios or was it the Honey-Nut variety? What's next; the secret chemical formulation in 'COKE' or the "special" herbs & spices used at KFC?
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 22, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Obama Administration hedging its bets on Iran’s Presidential Election
All eyes in the International community, especially those in Washington D.C. and among those G-20 countries including the United States and the EU, are closely watching events as they unfold in Tehran, Iran. The unrest and civic protests as well as some arrests and violent deaths resulting from clashes with the police due alleged voter fraud resulting from president Mamoud Ahmed Ahmadenijad’s victory over challenger Hossein Mousavi, have left many of the more reform-minded, youthful, and many feminists with a sour taste in their mouths. This is especially crucial because Iran is one of the world’s major oil-exporting countries and a continued escalation of tensions could lead to conditions which might destabilize financial markets and send the price for a barrel to an all-time high.
The irony of this unrest cannot go unnoticed because it was in December 1979 that a popular “Shia” Imam by the name of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni led the overthrow of the corrupt, pro-Western government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahalavi; ushering in what has been referred to as “The Islamic Revolution.” Now it seems as though history might repeat itself with Supreme Islamic cleric Ayatollah Ali Khameni’s support of President Ahmed Ahmadinejad. This is even more intriguing because Ex-President Mohammad Khatami is one of the challengers to Ahmadinejad, and one of his daughters is a supporter of Mousavi. Not only that, but Khatami is the leader of the Supreme Ruling Council who essentially are the power behind Ayatollah Khameni. Also, in this same June of 1989, protestors were killed at “Tiananmen Square” in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China for wanting Democratic freedoms and reform.
The game of wait-and-see for President Obama’s Administration must be wrenching as nerves are tense with a heightened sense of urgency, trepidation, as well as anxiety because the situation is so uncertain and unpredictable. Even the bookies in Las Vegas don’t know which way to call this one. As the old saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” but also, “It is easier to deal with the devil you do know than with the one you don’t;” and therein lies the dilemma or paradox. For now, all the White House and the State Department can do is watch “CNN” or “YouTube” and order out for pizza; lots and lots of pizza!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
The irony of this unrest cannot go unnoticed because it was in December 1979 that a popular “Shia” Imam by the name of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni led the overthrow of the corrupt, pro-Western government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahalavi; ushering in what has been referred to as “The Islamic Revolution.” Now it seems as though history might repeat itself with Supreme Islamic cleric Ayatollah Ali Khameni’s support of President Ahmed Ahmadinejad. This is even more intriguing because Ex-President Mohammad Khatami is one of the challengers to Ahmadinejad, and one of his daughters is a supporter of Mousavi. Not only that, but Khatami is the leader of the Supreme Ruling Council who essentially are the power behind Ayatollah Khameni. Also, in this same June of 1989, protestors were killed at “Tiananmen Square” in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China for wanting Democratic freedoms and reform.
The game of wait-and-see for President Obama’s Administration must be wrenching as nerves are tense with a heightened sense of urgency, trepidation, as well as anxiety because the situation is so uncertain and unpredictable. Even the bookies in Las Vegas don’t know which way to call this one. As the old saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” but also, “It is easier to deal with the devil you do know than with the one you don’t;” and therein lies the dilemma or paradox. For now, all the White House and the State Department can do is watch “CNN” or “YouTube” and order out for pizza; lots and lots of pizza!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Vampires are a Cinematic and Literary CASH COW
It seems that a growing number of people, from tweens, their parents, and those in their twenties and upward have been bitten, or rather, smitten by the latest interest in vampire movies, romance novels, along with a possible television show in the works. The fascination with the undead is nothing new, starting as far back as in 1931, with Hungarian-born actor Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Dracula.
In 1966, ABC-TV aired the show “DARK SHADOWS,” with Canadian-born actor Jonathan Frid starring as the vampire Barnabas Collins.
Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Christian Slater starred in the movie, “INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE,” by popular Author Ann Rice in 1994. Sarah Michelle Gellar starred in “BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER” in 1997, including David Boreanaz from “BONES;” which popularized the whole romantic tension, attraction and interplay between a handsome male vampire and a vulnerable-looking female. Although in this particular case, Buffy could really kick some butt! Now Forks, WA is getting ready to receive the next wave of the almost cult-following adoring fans who were seduced by the first showing of the movie, “TWILIGHT,” with stars Robert Pattinson as the vampire ‘Edward,’ and his almost victim/love interest ‘Bella,’ played by Kristen Stewart.
This is definitely “New School,” because in the past, vampires were not interested in relationships but in control and power, using a hypnotic glare to paralyze their victim before fangs were struck on the side of the victims neck, penetrating the Carotid Artery; killing the victim, while the vampire drank the life-sustaining red elixir of Life. In a few instances, the person was bitten only to be infected with the Vampire curse; of becoming one of the damned, to wander the earth following the scent of blood, pulsating in the warm bodies of their next prey; just as their former masters did to them. Also, vampires could not see their reflection in a mirror, could turn into a bat, were vulnerable to Holy water and the Crucifix, slept in a coffin bed, and could not enter the sacred ground of either a cemetery, Church, Cathedral, Temple, or Mosque(??); that was then, this is now.
Although vampires can still be killed by the Ages old ‘stake’ in the heart, or from a real serious beat-down, the modern vampires like to hit the clubs, take drugs, get freaky in sexual orgies, surf the Internet Chat rooms and collect pornographic materials. Some of them, like the handsome Robert Pattinson, probable spend quite some time in front of the mirror. It is even probable that a few vampires wear a necklace with the ‘crucifix’ around their neck and talk more about a belief in God than the devil; and after all, one must not confuse them with being demons because they aren’t. Lastly, it seems all the fascination with the vampire story is predicated upon the romantic feelings and love between an unequal power relationship between a beautiful and in many if not all cases, female and a male, who like in the fairy tales is dashing, heroic, handsome, unselfish, and most important of all, heterosexual.
One can only wonder how popular would any vampire be if he or she reflected today’s social experience of a homosexual, rapist, a pedophile, a leader in Congress, Police Chief, member of the clergy, Fortune 500 CEO, mailman, soldier in the Military serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or if there was a beautiful female teacher who seduced her unwitting Middle School male students.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 16, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
In 1966, ABC-TV aired the show “DARK SHADOWS,” with Canadian-born actor Jonathan Frid starring as the vampire Barnabas Collins.
Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Christian Slater starred in the movie, “INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE,” by popular Author Ann Rice in 1994. Sarah Michelle Gellar starred in “BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER” in 1997, including David Boreanaz from “BONES;” which popularized the whole romantic tension, attraction and interplay between a handsome male vampire and a vulnerable-looking female. Although in this particular case, Buffy could really kick some butt! Now Forks, WA is getting ready to receive the next wave of the almost cult-following adoring fans who were seduced by the first showing of the movie, “TWILIGHT,” with stars Robert Pattinson as the vampire ‘Edward,’ and his almost victim/love interest ‘Bella,’ played by Kristen Stewart.
This is definitely “New School,” because in the past, vampires were not interested in relationships but in control and power, using a hypnotic glare to paralyze their victim before fangs were struck on the side of the victims neck, penetrating the Carotid Artery; killing the victim, while the vampire drank the life-sustaining red elixir of Life. In a few instances, the person was bitten only to be infected with the Vampire curse; of becoming one of the damned, to wander the earth following the scent of blood, pulsating in the warm bodies of their next prey; just as their former masters did to them. Also, vampires could not see their reflection in a mirror, could turn into a bat, were vulnerable to Holy water and the Crucifix, slept in a coffin bed, and could not enter the sacred ground of either a cemetery, Church, Cathedral, Temple, or Mosque(??); that was then, this is now.
Although vampires can still be killed by the Ages old ‘stake’ in the heart, or from a real serious beat-down, the modern vampires like to hit the clubs, take drugs, get freaky in sexual orgies, surf the Internet Chat rooms and collect pornographic materials. Some of them, like the handsome Robert Pattinson, probable spend quite some time in front of the mirror. It is even probable that a few vampires wear a necklace with the ‘crucifix’ around their neck and talk more about a belief in God than the devil; and after all, one must not confuse them with being demons because they aren’t. Lastly, it seems all the fascination with the vampire story is predicated upon the romantic feelings and love between an unequal power relationship between a beautiful and in many if not all cases, female and a male, who like in the fairy tales is dashing, heroic, handsome, unselfish, and most important of all, heterosexual.
One can only wonder how popular would any vampire be if he or she reflected today’s social experience of a homosexual, rapist, a pedophile, a leader in Congress, Police Chief, member of the clergy, Fortune 500 CEO, mailman, soldier in the Military serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or if there was a beautiful female teacher who seduced her unwitting Middle School male students.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 16, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Message of "hate" has a long shelf life
The ironic shooting death of an African-American security guard, Stephen Tyrone Johns, at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D. C. on July 11, 2009, underscores once again the irrationality of ‘HATE.’ Much has been made of the affiliation to a White Supremacist group by the 88- year-old assailant, James von Brunn, but not as much attention and coverage was given to the slain man’s grief-stricken family, friends, co-workers or relatives. Experts from the FBI, college professors and Advisory Council or Public Policy Institutes have all weighed in on this issue and reached conclusions that are once again, OLD NEWS. This act is just another violent symptom due to fear of further polluting the so-called “pure” White race and as well as witnessing the gradual demise of old White Men [the status quo].
Some will point to the election of Barack Obama, a non-White man as the tipping point to trigger more such outbursts based upon an increase in Internet chat rooms toward harming the First-Family which have most certainly been censored, sanitized, and filtered through the media by Government officials; and any domestic assassination attempts, threats, and conspiracies were doubtless thwarted through surveillance and eavesdropping on private communications by the FBI, Homeland Security, and Justice Department.
While this incident is unfortunate, President Obama is not the scapegoat for all of this rage which will incite White people to ignite a “RACE WAR.” Attempting to use Barack Obama’s opposition to the NRA’s attempt to overturn the Law banning the sale of Assault [automatic] Weapons does not deprive those avid gun enthusiasts, sportsmen, Aryan Nation, Skin Heads, Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists of their First Amendment Right to Bear Arms; and to say he wants to is ridiculous. Also, excuses such as blaming the high crime rates in some impoverished urban communities is a threat to Whites is not credible because the Law Enforcement statistics for Black on White victimization show that such incidences are very low.
Another common grievance is the Immigration issue, which is meant to mean “illegal aliens or those with Spanish surnames who supposedly keep wages low by working in occupations, industries, and on jobs that native-born and naturalized citizens don’t want to. This is troublesome for Whites, mostly the males, especially when the Economy is contracting and in a Recession. These hard working, albeit undocumented men and women are accused of avoiding paying Federal Income taxes but it is conveniently ignored about the billions of dollars they spend in the Economy from their employment on goods and services. Adding to this paranoia is the fact that within a few decades, Hispanics will be the majority population in the United States. Not only that, but bi-racial families are the fastest growing segment in American society, outpacing, if not replacing, the traditional social experience or expectation.
For those who would predict America will go down in flames among the conflagration of an ‘Apocalyptic’ Race War, don’t hold your breath because it just ain’t gonna happen! Nor will using the universal, pathetic, anguished and hateful cry of all-time, “Blame it On the Jews.” So then, what is at the heart of an underlying root for the frustration, powerlessness, and disorientation besieging White men desperately needing an answer to losing one's job, health care insurance, home, standard-of-living, retirement benefits, and confidence; causing them to lash out in unprovoked maniacal and criminal actions towards those who look differently from them?
There is a name for this ‘PAIN’ but it is not the ‘Black Man.’ Indeed; it might be a lot closer than he is willing to admit or look. Besides, who are the ones taking most of the good jobs; it’s certainly not the Blacks, Jews, Arabs, or even the 2% outsourced to Asia. Even if all the facts are never fully known or disclosed, still, there is no excuse or justification for this kind of bigotry, hatred, viciousness, callousness and murder.
This kind of warped mentality isn’t unlike what motivated the killing of Dr. George Tiller, whose body was found shot to death in the foyer of a Lutheran Reformation Church in Wichita, Kansas about two weeks ago. This physician who performed thousands of abortions had received death threats by PRO-LIFE anti-abortionists whose twisted logic ardently value the sanctity of Life for an unborn immature fetus [a human in-becoming] but for some reason, have little or no regard for that same preciousness of Life when an abortion clinic is bombed, placing medical staff, assistants, office personnel, and the pregnant female in harm’s way; or a doctor shot to death because to them, these people deserve whatever they get coming to them.
What these two extreme examples have in common is a delusional state-of-mind driven by intense passions, devoid of reason, dedicated and fixed upon one single objective, namely, to eradicate the perceived affront to one’s core beliefs, and driven by an obsessive, albeit, convincingly unbalanced sense of what seems to such a person, of ‘doing the Right thing.’
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 13, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Some will point to the election of Barack Obama, a non-White man as the tipping point to trigger more such outbursts based upon an increase in Internet chat rooms toward harming the First-Family which have most certainly been censored, sanitized, and filtered through the media by Government officials; and any domestic assassination attempts, threats, and conspiracies were doubtless thwarted through surveillance and eavesdropping on private communications by the FBI, Homeland Security, and Justice Department.
While this incident is unfortunate, President Obama is not the scapegoat for all of this rage which will incite White people to ignite a “RACE WAR.” Attempting to use Barack Obama’s opposition to the NRA’s attempt to overturn the Law banning the sale of Assault [automatic] Weapons does not deprive those avid gun enthusiasts, sportsmen, Aryan Nation, Skin Heads, Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists of their First Amendment Right to Bear Arms; and to say he wants to is ridiculous. Also, excuses such as blaming the high crime rates in some impoverished urban communities is a threat to Whites is not credible because the Law Enforcement statistics for Black on White victimization show that such incidences are very low.
Another common grievance is the Immigration issue, which is meant to mean “illegal aliens or those with Spanish surnames who supposedly keep wages low by working in occupations, industries, and on jobs that native-born and naturalized citizens don’t want to. This is troublesome for Whites, mostly the males, especially when the Economy is contracting and in a Recession. These hard working, albeit undocumented men and women are accused of avoiding paying Federal Income taxes but it is conveniently ignored about the billions of dollars they spend in the Economy from their employment on goods and services. Adding to this paranoia is the fact that within a few decades, Hispanics will be the majority population in the United States. Not only that, but bi-racial families are the fastest growing segment in American society, outpacing, if not replacing, the traditional social experience or expectation.
For those who would predict America will go down in flames among the conflagration of an ‘Apocalyptic’ Race War, don’t hold your breath because it just ain’t gonna happen! Nor will using the universal, pathetic, anguished and hateful cry of all-time, “Blame it On the Jews.” So then, what is at the heart of an underlying root for the frustration, powerlessness, and disorientation besieging White men desperately needing an answer to losing one's job, health care insurance, home, standard-of-living, retirement benefits, and confidence; causing them to lash out in unprovoked maniacal and criminal actions towards those who look differently from them?
There is a name for this ‘PAIN’ but it is not the ‘Black Man.’ Indeed; it might be a lot closer than he is willing to admit or look. Besides, who are the ones taking most of the good jobs; it’s certainly not the Blacks, Jews, Arabs, or even the 2% outsourced to Asia. Even if all the facts are never fully known or disclosed, still, there is no excuse or justification for this kind of bigotry, hatred, viciousness, callousness and murder.
This kind of warped mentality isn’t unlike what motivated the killing of Dr. George Tiller, whose body was found shot to death in the foyer of a Lutheran Reformation Church in Wichita, Kansas about two weeks ago. This physician who performed thousands of abortions had received death threats by PRO-LIFE anti-abortionists whose twisted logic ardently value the sanctity of Life for an unborn immature fetus [a human in-becoming] but for some reason, have little or no regard for that same preciousness of Life when an abortion clinic is bombed, placing medical staff, assistants, office personnel, and the pregnant female in harm’s way; or a doctor shot to death because to them, these people deserve whatever they get coming to them.
What these two extreme examples have in common is a delusional state-of-mind driven by intense passions, devoid of reason, dedicated and fixed upon one single objective, namely, to eradicate the perceived affront to one’s core beliefs, and driven by an obsessive, albeit, convincingly unbalanced sense of what seems to such a person, of ‘doing the Right thing.’
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 13, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
Change All of Us Can Believe In
President Barack Obama's speech on yesterday from Cairo, Egypt was not only historic, but it was probably one of his best speeches ever! It's unfortunate that it will do little to move people to act in more humane and compassionate ways toward one another. The real issue is whether or not we as members of one diverse race and family of humanity are ready to beat our swords into plowshears (gardening tools), and not learn the ways of war anymore. There is so much more which we have in common with each other than which separates us, and it is now far past the time for Muslims, Christians, and Jews to "Stop the Insanity."
Barack was correct in pointing out from a reading of the Holy Koran that it is against the teachings to harm or kill the innocent and when al-Qaeda does this, they are violating not only the teachings of the prophet Mohammed but the very word of Allah Himself; this all muslims know in their hearts because afterall, the very word, 'Muslim' means, "submission to the will of God" and the word Islam means, "peace." So, it is troubling when an Imam teaches one to participate in "Jihad," make the holy pilgrimmage to Mecca in one's lifetime, as well as pray 5 times a day while memorizing verses of the Koran, and yet are they not blaspheming the very name of Allah if they are unfaithful to the Truth by slaughtering the innocent; and are themselves no worse off than the very infidels whom they vehemently condemn?
Also, the truth about war needs to be revealed for what it really is, and that being, an insidious attempt to gain wealth and power by exploiting people, lands, and natural resources. It is not strictly about political ideology, religion, or human rights but rather, if there is gold in them thar hills, copper and diamonds in those mines, and how many bbl. of oil or mcf. of natural gas can be extracted from the ground; democracy and christianity are used as just the means to an ends. As an old Indian elder once lamented: "They [the Christian missionaries] had Bibles and we had the land." The missionaries said, "Let us bow our heads, close our eyes, kneel and pray." "When we opened our eyes, raised our heads and stood up on our feet; they had all the land and we got Bibles."
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 6, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Barack was correct in pointing out from a reading of the Holy Koran that it is against the teachings to harm or kill the innocent and when al-Qaeda does this, they are violating not only the teachings of the prophet Mohammed but the very word of Allah Himself; this all muslims know in their hearts because afterall, the very word, 'Muslim' means, "submission to the will of God" and the word Islam means, "peace." So, it is troubling when an Imam teaches one to participate in "Jihad," make the holy pilgrimmage to Mecca in one's lifetime, as well as pray 5 times a day while memorizing verses of the Koran, and yet are they not blaspheming the very name of Allah if they are unfaithful to the Truth by slaughtering the innocent; and are themselves no worse off than the very infidels whom they vehemently condemn?
Also, the truth about war needs to be revealed for what it really is, and that being, an insidious attempt to gain wealth and power by exploiting people, lands, and natural resources. It is not strictly about political ideology, religion, or human rights but rather, if there is gold in them thar hills, copper and diamonds in those mines, and how many bbl. of oil or mcf. of natural gas can be extracted from the ground; democracy and christianity are used as just the means to an ends. As an old Indian elder once lamented: "They [the Christian missionaries] had Bibles and we had the land." The missionaries said, "Let us bow our heads, close our eyes, kneel and pray." "When we opened our eyes, raised our heads and stood up on our feet; they had all the land and we got Bibles."
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 6, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are Tacoma Mayoral Candidates Closet Christians?
Have we become so cynical, sensitive, and politically-incorrect that the mere mention of a word such as "spiritual" conjures up visions of bible-toting demagogues preaching messages of hell-fire, brimstone and eternal damnation who browbeat sinners (those who don't embrace their particular theology) to repent and accept God's salvation; while at the same time they talk about God's Love as they practice intolerance, hatred, and judging other people. Some fail to see that the word 'spiritual' has meaning in a number of different religions besides Christianity; not to mention among other philosophical teachings and disciplines.
It seems that Tacoma, WA Mayoral candidates Marrilyn Strickland and Jim Merritt may face the political equivalent of being thrown into the arena before latter-day Romans who smell blood just because of their "Faith." Being a Christian is not about adherence to some rigid, outdated dogma, but rather, it is about the freedom to live a virtuous life of the highest ideals of moral integrity, honor, compassion, justice, championing human rights, and unselfishlessly desiring to serve others for the common welfare of all people. It is not about political labels but rather to seek consensus, and to build bridges and bi-partisan support among those with whom you may fundamentally disagree on some policy issues or decisions.
The thing that is most important is for a candidate to be honest, transparent, and to stand firmly behind their word. Having a religious background, whether Christian or any other, if it embraces these principles, should not disqualify someone who seeks to be chosen for a non-partisan elected office.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
It seems that Tacoma, WA Mayoral candidates Marrilyn Strickland and Jim Merritt may face the political equivalent of being thrown into the arena before latter-day Romans who smell blood just because of their "Faith." Being a Christian is not about adherence to some rigid, outdated dogma, but rather, it is about the freedom to live a virtuous life of the highest ideals of moral integrity, honor, compassion, justice, championing human rights, and unselfishlessly desiring to serve others for the common welfare of all people. It is not about political labels but rather to seek consensus, and to build bridges and bi-partisan support among those with whom you may fundamentally disagree on some policy issues or decisions.
The thing that is most important is for a candidate to be honest, transparent, and to stand firmly behind their word. Having a religious background, whether Christian or any other, if it embraces these principles, should not disqualify someone who seeks to be chosen for a non-partisan elected office.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
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