Was Henry Louis Gates jr. “Disorderly Conduct” Arrest Legal?

This matter has gone on far too long and it seems that Mr. Gates and Sgt. Crowley have decided to take President Obama up on his offer to have a few cold ones at the White House on his dime; or rather, on the tax payers. Be that as it may, there are quite a few detractors of Professor Gates who feel that he should have been more respectful, deferential, and cooperative with the Cambridge Police; especially to racial profiling expert, Sgt. James Crowley. It just goes to prove that textbook scenarios and real-life situations and interventions are not the same. Outside of the obvious racial implications, very little has been mentioned about the all-important “FIRST AMENDMENT” right of ‘Free Speech’ Constitutional Protections against the abuse of power by the State or Federal Government toward private citizens and their habitations; there should be a great outcry about this more than anything else. Even far back into English Common Law, a person’s domicile, house, residence, or castle was considered almost ‘sacred’ and any violation against this most precious [‘Divine’??] right was deemed as tantamount to sacrilege. Below is an excerpt by Massachusetts Attorney Michael Sullivan of the very Model Penal Code and Appellate Court decision that the Cambridge Police as supposed to be familiar with and uphold.

MASSACHUSETTS APELLATE COURT
"Disorderly conduct" is an offense against the public peace, and it is difficult to fathom how it ever properly could be charged for one's behavior in one's own home.
In my decades of practice as a state prosecutor, I have never seen "disorderly conduct" charged for acts which did not originate and occur in a public setting. I cannot conceive of a case in which a prosecutor would pursue a charge of "disorderly conduct" occasioned by tone or speech in one's own home. Nor have I seen tone or content of speech as a basis for charging disorderly conduct even in a public place. At the risk of restating the obvious, "disorderly conduct" aims to penalize what it says: conduct. Disorderly conduct is something more than "disorderly speech." In my opinion, the criminal prohibition would be fatally and unconstitutionally overbroad were it to be deemed to apply to pure speech. What citizen then meaningfully would be on notice to what speech would be viewed as "disorderly" and risk criminal prosecution and penalties?

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has stressed the public disruption element of "disorderly conduct" as ordinarily charged: the classic formulation of the offense and its enabling statute is found in its decision in Alegata v. Commonwealth, 353 Mass. 287, 303-304 (1967)(emphasis supplied), quoting from Model Penal Code § 250.2 (Proposed Official Draft 1962): "It is our opinion that "disorderly" sets forth an offence. . . designat[ing] behavior such as that singled out in Section 250.2 of the Model Penal Code (Proposed Official Draft): 'A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with purpose to cause "public" inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he: (a) engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (b) makes unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present; or (c) creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor. `Public' means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access.'. . . .[T]he statute. . . aims at activities which intentionally tend to disturb the public tranquility," and penalizes one who "with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, . . . creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor."

So, if Mr. Gates was a little perturbed and belligerent with the Police coming to his front door on a legitimate investigative complaint by an observant neighbor, he is still entitled to be so under the Constitution; as long as his behavior does not pose a threat or risk to the officers and where the intent does not tend towards inducing or producing threat, harm, danger or a public disturbance etc. The statement that Sgt. Crowley made that he was “provoked” is not substantiated by the facts as they are known and is quite surprising from someone allegedly trained in de-escalation techniques, and who should have been able to take control of the situation where it should have resulted in a different outcome. Even so, the charges against Professor “Skip” Gates were summarily dismissed; as they should have been because they were without merit. Hopefully now, everyone can take a deep breath, ‘chill out,’ and focus on more important matters. The Washington Post had an amusing cartoon along with Columnist Gene Robinson’s article on Tuesday, July, 28, 2009. It showed President Obama, Henry Louis Gates jr., and Sgt. James Crowley sitting at the bar with beer mugs and the President sitting apart by himself while Mr. Gates and Sgt. Crowley argued over whether their respective beer was “LESS FILLING or TASTES GREAT.”


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 28, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

President Obama’s apology to Cambridge Police is no big surprise

Bowing to mounting pressure from the media and criticism from American citizens [apparently, mostly White], advisors of the President convinced him to schedule a hastily arranged meeting with the Presidential Press corps to quell this firestorm before it severely distracts from his effectiveness to govern. An off-hand remark roughly 72 hours ago about the arrest of his friend Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates jr. (“Skip”) by Cambridge police which he called “stupid” had begun to undermine his domestic agenda and threatens to polarize the country on the issue of “race” relations. According to the latest MSNBC opinion and other online polls as well as Internet chat rooms, nearly three-fourths of respondents disagreed with President Obama’s characterization of the police officers and feel that he should apologize to them and the arresting officer, Sgt. James Crowley.

The apology is a no-brainer because President Obama had no choice in this matter because irrespective of being the Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of the Military, he is still in the final analysis, just a “Black” man in America; in spite of his bi-racial roots. This is a ‘reality’ check for Barack Obama and America as well because throughout the Presidential Campaign there has been a careful attempt to avoid seeing Barack Obama as the "Black" President because of all the emphasis on his White heritage (mother, maternal grandparents, uncle, etc.). Even his unforgettable discussion on “race” after former pastor Jeremiah Wright’s inflammatory rhetoric has not healed the deep wounds that still exist in America regarding its history of chattel slavery, Jim Crow segregation, miscegenation, Civil Rights, lynching, voter disenfranchisement, housing and employment discrimination, gentrification, redistricting and racial hatred. Indeed, it must be remembered that it is the “power” of the Oval Office and ‘NOT’ necessarily the person who occupies it that matters; and it seems that Barack Obama has found this out very early in his presidency.

The misconduct of police towards racial minorities is nothing new because it happens all over the place, in cities too numerous to mention; especially those of large urban areas or in a few infamous towns or cities in the Southern United States. This incident with Professor Gates happened in the most liberal States and home Harvard, of one of the most prestigious colleges in the country and the alma mater of the President himself. So, as President Obama called this incident a “teachable” moment, it seems that he is the one who has been ‘schooled,’ and although he invited Sgt. Crowley and “Skip” Gates to come and join him for a ‘brewski’ at the White House, no one has sent their RSVP back as of yet.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 24, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Should Michael Vick be reinstated back into the NFL?

The name of the game is "MO MONEY" and if Vick is still quick and got the skillz to pay the billz, the NFL and the possible Dallas Cowboys will be thinking "KA-CHING," no matter what is thought about him personally. According to the latest FOXSports.com opinion poll, 49% of respondents voted in favor of Michael Vick playing for an NFL team this season. Stop and think about it for a minute! How many NFL players as well as MLB and the NBA don't have some kind of criminal or thuggish behavior that is just swept under the rug because the person is a franchise or marquee player and all the physical contact and clowning satiates the appetites of us modern-day Romans; just like our ancestors sitting in the stands at the coliseum watching the entertainment of the day, and instead of the old thumbs down, it is thumbs up all the way to the bank.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Is the Government really serious about eliminating automobile pollution?

It is interesting to hear the bemoaned wails from executives of the “Big 3” automakers seeking federal ‘Bailout’ money to keep their companies from going bankrupt, thereby severely impacting the already battered economy; not to mention the impact on the families of thousands of workers losing their jobs. The real story is more than slumping car sales, declining market share, and global competition. In the study of Economics there is the “Supply and Demand” rule where you either build a product and create the ‘demand;’ or, you wait for the public to demand something, or create a need and then ‘supply’ it to the consumer. There is way too much “double-talk” by the government concerning the reduction of ‘greenhouse’ gases by making a more fuel-efficient automobile; such as an electric hybrid, hydrogen-powered, and bio-diesel fueled vehicles.

In June 9, 2006, “NOW” by PBS had a program titled, Timeline: Life and Death of the Electric Car and on November 14, 2006 was a documentary titled, “Who Killed the Electric Car?” by Sony on DVD. These two accounts show that as far back as the early 1920’s or so, technology existed for a viable, commercially-available automobile that was not dependent on fossil fuels; so the obvious question is, what happened? In 1912, Charles Kettering invented the “electric starter,” making the cumbersome hand-cranked starter on the electric models obsolete, and of course, the availability of gasoline; doubtless supplied in abundance by “STANDARD OIL” and its subsidiaries or spin-off companies. Now, with the convenience of an automatic starter and the availability of gasoline stations throughout the United States providing unlimited mileage instead of the limited mileage and lack of power from driving the electric car, the addiction was on; not just domestic oil but it seems, to petroleum reserves in the Middle East as well. Although Victor Wonk built the first full-sized hybrid automobile in the United States, ironically a Buick Skylark supplied by G.M. in 1970, as part of the Federal Clean Car Incentive program, the EPA kills the program in 1976; why?

In 1988, Roger Smith, CEO at G.M. agrees to team up with AeroVironment of California to build a practical consumer car called the “EV1” (Electronic Vehicle). Between the years 1996-2000, a few thousand all-electric cars were manufactured by automakers, such as: Honda EV Plus; G.M. EV1; Ford Ranger pickup EV; Nissan Altra EV; Chevy S-10 EV; and Toyota RAV4 EV. There was just one little catch, though; none of the vehicles were for purchase, just for lease. By the early 2000’s “all” the major automakers production of all-electric cars were discontinued; why? G.M. announces that it will not renew leases on the EV1 models, saying, it can no longer supply the parts to repair the vehicles” and it plans to reclaim all the cars by the end of 2004. There are still a few pure electric cars and plug-in hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, which was first manufactured in Japan in 1997; where it sold 18,000 cars in the first year in that country.

One of the criticisms of using plug-in hybrids is that to recharge the battery won’t solve the issue of reducing pollution because 55% of America’s electrical grid comes from coal production; and coal accounts for 83% of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) pollution in the United States. The thing is, most smog in the cities is not derived from coal-fired plants and utilities, but from automobile exhaust. Not only that, but G.M., Ford, and Daimler-Chrysler account for nearly 75% of all (CO2) emission in the U.S. On-road and off-road vehicles comprise 49% of Nitrous Oxide (NO2) emissions; Utilities 27% (NO2) emissions; and industrial, commercial, residential centers combined contribute 24% (NO2) emissions. So, the argument against electric cars is not only untenable, it is irrational as well. What Congress needs to do, if this country is serious about beating this addiction to gasoline is amend the Clean Air Act where within ten years, there will be a zero tolerance level of emissions from motor vehicles (autos, trucks, motorcycles, etc). There doesn’t need to be another moratorium, select Congressional committee, or summit meeting with political leaders and industry executives to study the problem; all it takes is the “will” to see it happen and not more impassioned and articulate rhetoric.

The so-called “Stimulus” money that was given to the U.S. automakers by President Obama and the Congress should have been on the condition that they use all their technological know-how to remanufacture affordable, commercially-viable, non-polluting electric cars; not merge with another automaker or eliminate some of the less popular gasoline or diesel-powered models. It should not be to burden the auto industry with more regulation or become a major stockholder but rather with funding and guidelines to let these companies do what they do best; and that is, given the right tools and support, the engineers, front-line managers, supervisors, and workers can make the best, most fuel-efficient cars in the world. It isn’t about improved mileage that should be the concern, but rather the significant reduction of pollution resulting from all the vehicles used in transportation, whether military or civilian, being powered by a non-polluting, electrical system than by a polluting hydrocarbon. Even now, research is being done to improve the performance of electric cars by using “lithium-battery” technology by ‘TESLA’ motors in Silicon Valley, CA; so if a small, independent entrepreneur can do this on his own, then what excuse does the federal government and the “Big Three” have?


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
July 9, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Society needs to take tougher stance on "Cheating" spouses

Mr. Pitts:

I think you have a good point about the excuses, or is it justifications that some prominent males in the news recently (mostly White) regarding cheating on their wives. Come to think of it, when was the last time that a Legislator's wife admitted to having an affair? I suppose such thoughts do cross some women's minds considering the popularity of such shows as “DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES;" to name a few. And of course, there are those female teachers who have sex with their underage male students; Washington's own Mary K. Letourneau started something like a virus [bi-polar disorder??] that has been spreading like contagion ever since. So, outside of the few exceptions, men overwhelming cheat, and the reasons may be simpler than you think. Although I am not an expert, but Sociology seems to point to stratification in society when there was a division of labor, men controlled the factors of production, and determined what the most valued things were. Men rose to power and subordinated and subjugated women to roles of lesser importance than themselves.

Men therefore, due to the differentiation of gender roles and social scripts take advantage of their inherited stats to violate "norms" as former President Bill Clinton said as a guest on OPRAH, when asked about the affair with Monica Lewinsky, "I did it because I knew I could." It isn't because of 'Testosterone' or because a man "just can't help it," but rather that as men in a patriarchal social system where the rules are favorable and excusable to certain rules of conduct and proclivities, a man can do just as 'Slick Willy' boasted. This double-standard exists despite the gains that women have achieved because a young girl is still raised to be, at least in theory, a sweet, chaste, virginal princess looking to fall in love and marry her handsome Prince Charming. Interestingly though, very few men if any are raised to be that 'Prince Charming,' and consequently, a female is chasing for something that doesn't exist, but is drawn to the illusion and fantasy; like in a Harlequin romance novel or fairy tale. Since a male has no requirement to be chivalrous, kind, respectful and noble, he can be any way he wants. A man can have several lovers or relationships because that is just being a "man" but a female doing the same thing is considered a "slut" or "ho;" even by other women. The difficulty with addressing this behavior is putting it in the right context.

To correct this convenient marital opt-out clause, the first thing needs to be done are to get away from using words or phrases such as: indiscretion, "my bad," moral turpitude, indecent liaison, mistake, weakness, illicit affair, tryst, seduction, moral lapse, etc; although no one has ever said, "the devil made me do it;" at least, so far. Even the word "adultery" doesn't carry the stigma and pariah status that it once used to, so then, what is the answer you may ask? When a man is abusive to a girlfriend or wife, it is considered "criminal" and punishable by Law, so why isn't it so in this case when someone is 'abused' after the marital vows are broken?

It is the same thing as “Domestic Violence” because in 9 out of 10 times, the aggrieved or abused person will forgive their abusive partner and take them back [try to work things out]. Law Enforcement statistics indicate that the abuse only escalates, rarely does it diminish, and if someone is socially prominent or affluent, the abuse can take on other forms such as neglect, ridicule, control, or abandonment [preoccupation with other things]. There is a name for this mistreatment, and it is called the "Battered Woman Syndrome" and surely the harm inflicted can be of no lesser degree in these instances of marital alienation than a physical beating. One other point; especially for those who may seek an answer that is higher than any secular or civil authority. Remember the Patriarch Joseph who, after resisting the seductive allure and attempts from the wife of his employer, Potiphar, said in Genesis 39: 9b, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" This in the heart of the matter because "all" sin is against the Creator and Lord God of heaven and earth. It is a serious matter and should not be taken so lightly because although society's Laws change, the Word of God does not.

Psalms 119: 89
Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

President Barack Obama: Negotiate with Israel to release the "Gaza-21"

How ironic is it that as America celebrated its 233rd Anniversary of Independence and Freedom on this past July 4th, four U.S. citizens, including Cynthia McKinney, former House of Representatives member from Georgia, along with others called the “Gaza-21” are being held illegally in an Israeli prison. Ms. McKinney was part of a human rights delegation delivering much needed humanitarian aide to Palestinians living in the war- torn and occupied territories of the Gaza Strip. The boat she was on was seized by the Israeli Navy while in International Waters; much like tankers, cargo and passenger ships are seized in open waters by marauding bands of Somali pirates.

So far, the Obama Administration and the State Department under Hilary Rodham Clinton have been silent on this clear act that is in violation of International and Maritime laws. President Barack Obama’s eloquent speech from Cairo, Egypt about a month ago must not have gotten through to the people of Israel; or at least to the military and political leadership. It will be interesting to see what action the United Nations will take on the matter, and although President Obama hasn’t gotten that phone call at 3AM yet, he had better learn to be a “light” sleeper because it is getting close to 2AM, and the clock is still ticking.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 6, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Rebuttal to Leonard Pitts article on the Manifested Glory Ministries

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colin Powell Not a “True” Republican?

Former Vice-president Dick “Darth” Cheney appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday, May 12, 2009 and extolled the virtues of Rush Limbaugh to moderator Bob Schieffer, while at the same time calling into question former Secretary of State Colin Powell’s loyalty with the GOP ideology. Somehow, supporting the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama has made him seem in the eyes of Mr. Cheney, at least, as something ‘other’ than a Republican. Instead, Dick Cheney thinks that a junkie (“oxycontin”) demagogue who happens to have a radio show as the epitome of a ‘real,’ dyed-in-the-wool, Red State Republican. It seems that anyone who believes in the “Force” of Social Justice, International Law, Human Rights, and Political Integrity is an enemy of the “Dark Side.”

Ever since Barack Obama has become President Rush Limbaugh has been relentless in his verbal tirade and insulting remarks to such an extent that he wants President Obama to ‘fail?’ Now does that make any sense? Does Mr. Limbaugh not want the economy to turn around and people get back to work; or people buying homes again; or America less dependent on Middle Eastern oil and fossil fuels; or people who want to go to college can afford to go; or banks freeing up credit for businesses and personal loans; or to see that every American has affordable Health Insurance; or that every citizen has clean air, drinking water, safer communities to raise our families, pristine lakes and streams, and improvements in our solid waste collection sites; and that our infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, transportation systems) are adequately funded; reinvesting in our schools/institutes of higher learning, and to make improvements to our outdoor recreational areas (parks, beaches, etc.)? This is what an Obama failure may mean and not only that, but as a presidential candidate, Barack Obama said all along that it was not about him, but about the American people; whom he wants to serve.

The Republican Party like to think of itself as the “Big Tent Party” where everyone is welcome but if it is not careful, there tent just might collapse like the one at the Dallas Cowboys Training facility mini-camp in Irving, TX almost a week ago from the political gusts of disdain and recriminations from some more of their more far-to-the Right blowhards besides Cheney and Limbaugh, like Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, and Mary Matalin; to name a few. Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has already left this political “Titanic” because he saw that it has already sprung a pretty good-sized leak and one can only wonder if the two excellent Legislators from the great State of Maine, Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, aren’t far behind.

Since Rush Limbaugh and Governor Sarah Palin are so dear to the hearts of the GOP, maybe they should be the Republican presidential ticket in 2012. Mr. Limbaugh likes to shoot off his mouth a lot and Tina Fey’s doppelganger likes aerial hunting of grey wolves and Caribou in the Alaskan tundra. Not only that, but outside of them and only a few other Americans like Condoleezza Rice and George W. Bush, who consider themselves decent, God-fearing, family values, and patriotic who still to this day believe that “water-boarding,” Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and ‘Rendition’ of enemy combatants without the right of “Due process of Law,” believe all of this is good thing; and that it is not in violation of the U.S. Constitution or the Geneva Convention, nor does it betray core American values, tradition, history, and religious beliefs.

The funny thing about being so far to the “Right” is that you forget the world is a circle and the farther away you go from the ‘left,’ by alienating people with some kind of purist mandate or litmus test, sooner or later, you end up on the “Left;” or rather that you may end up being left all by yourself.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 12, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Alaska's First-Daughter an Unlikely Role Model

Bristol Palin, oldest daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, appeared recently on NBC’s “The Today Show” in an interview with host Matt Lauer to talk about her advocacy work in behalf of preventing teenage pregnancy. It seems a bit surreal or perhaps unreal is a better word to describe someone whose pregnancy was paraded onto the national stage along with her then, boyfriend, Levi Johnston, when her mother, Sarah Palin was John McCain’s Vice-presidential running mate. And it is all after-the-fact and in hindsight; like closing the gate to the stall when all the cattle have gone out.

During the interview, there seemed to be a slight disconnect between Bristol and her dad, Todd, who also accompanied her onto the set to answer questions as well and to support his daughter. Bristol said that having 4-month old son, Tripp, was ‘not’ a mistake, but First-Dad Todd said, “Bristol’s job was sharing with other teenagers the ‘mistake’ that she made a year ago, and helping other girls to learn from it.” So, what was the “mistake” that both of them were alluding to, and to which both of them had a different perspective? Was it having sexual intercourse or getting pregnant?

One could not help but feel a degree of empathy for Bristol when last year her personal/private life and youthful predilections became political fodder of sorts on Internet blog sites, major broadcast news networks, cable news, print media, and the International press as well. So, why is Bristol bringing up the issue once again of her self as having been pregnant, but now as an unwed, single-parent? Even on the issue of teen pregnancy, Bristol is sending a mixed message because on the one hand she advocates “abstinence;” but on the other hand she told Matt Lauer, “If you’re going to have sex, I think you should have ‘safe’ sex.” "What! is that what she practiced?” First of all, sex of any kind cannot realistically be called “SAFE” in the strictest sense of the word. If one doesn’t get pregnant, is that considered ‘safe sex’ as opposed to contracting an STD; what about oral sex or masturbation?

Bristol goes on to mention how hard it is to be a mom; well, an even more well-known teenage mom, namely Jamie Lynn Spears could say the same thing; yet you don’t hear about her wanting to go out an be a national spokesperson. Even Big Sis Brittany could go around and talk about how difficult it is to raise children; considering how she lost custody of her kids to Ex-hubby, “K-Fed” (Kevin Federline). Perhaps Hannah Montana’s alter-ego Miley Cyrus (or is it the other way around?), could be a better role model for teenage girls. However, with the sweet, Disney Princess, sixteen year old Christian, and avowed virginal (??),precocious ‘tween’ dating a twenty year old, it is uncertain how long the state of chastity will remain as it presumably is. But, oh what the heck, and not to worry; it not the messenger anyway, but rather the message.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Leno's Upcoming Laugh-Fest Just Might Not Be So Funny Afterall

Comedian Jay Leno of NBC’s “The Tonite Show” is the latest celebrity wanting to do something for those unemployed workers in America impacted by the downturn in the economy. Mr. Leno is scheduled to perform before an audience in the town of Wilmington, OH, for what is billed as his “Comedy Stimulus Performance.” According the April 28, 2009 edition of the Tacoma News Tribune, Section A2, an estimated 3,100 of the printed 4, 000 tickets have already been given out to the eagerly anticipatory crowd; much like someone waiting for the government stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service to come in the mail.

After Jay Leno entertains the crowd with his usual repertoire of jokes, comedy skits, ad-lib, and introductory warm-up monologue, producing belly laughs and a raucous roar of approval and applause from the appreciative crowd, what will this jocular ‘placebo’ really accomplish? It won’t change anything and the same problems that people had before will remain with them after all the playtime is over. Instead of this effort, why not do something that produces real results that are tangible and measurable.

If Mr. Leno was performing at a nightclub in Las Vegas and ticket prices started at say, $55.00, then the 3,100 free tickets given away in Ohio would have made at least $170, 500 at one of those venues in Vegas. So instead of traveling to Wilmington to give the people in financial dire straits a “Feel-good moment,” this money could have been sent there instead, and used to help support perhaps a dozen families to either pay some of their living expenses for a year, medical/ dental bills, or prescription medication costs; especially if they have exhausted all their Unemployment Insurance and are not receiving Public Assistance and have no other resources.

Having said all that, still, Mr. Leno should be commended for his compassion, altruism, and good heart because he does have the right intentions; and like many others, he just wants to help do something in any way that he can or knows how. This kind of unselfishness, civic responsibility, moral decency, and spirit of giving is what makes America such a great country. It is ‘the tie-that-binds’ when a person unconditionally and unsolicited, responds to another’s misfortune, pain, and sense of loss. It is a pity and a shame that more people don’t do the same thing.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 5, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

A Little Leaven leavens the Whole Lump

This not an article about Culinary Arts or about Religion, but rather about the power of influence exerted by the Oval Office. Inherent within the framework of the US Constitution is the “Separation of Powers” clauses which limit the power of any one particular branch of government. President Barack Obama seems to be coming precipitously close to the edge of violating that necessary protection.

Over 100 days ago, Barack Obama took the Oath of Office, placed his hand on ‘Lincoln’s Bible’ and swore to the American people to, “Uphold, Defend, and Protect the Constitution of the United States,” it seems that he may be in jeopardy of violating that sacred trust. The Constitution of the United States gives the Executive Branch broad and sweeping powers, but there is a limit on these powers as well. For the second time, President Obama has used the influence of his office to cause a shakeup in the corporate boardrooms of an American company; this time he wants the ouster of another executive, Robert Nardelli, CEO of Chrysler. Previously, the hatchet fell on former GM CEO, Rick Waggoner.

It is a little disconcerting when someone as powerful as the president of the United States can become some involved in matters that should be left to the stockholders of these companies or if there is any criminal wrongdoing, then let the FTC, FBI or the Justice Department take care of the matter. As history has borne out, once government gets involved and intrudes into people’s lives, it is very hard to get it out.

Today it is the US Automakers, what will it be tomorrow? Is the “CHANGE” that candidate Barack Obama was promising in the form of a de-facto Autocracy or Monarchy? Are the leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives nothing more than mute, secondary cast members of the Legislative Branch, waiting to be called upon, sitting on the sidelines, and like in a Shakespearean drama, as Cassius tells Brutus: “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves, that we are underlings [to Caesar; or in this case, President Obama].”


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 2, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

I Now Sentence You to "LIFE"

The ‘recession’ has affected almost all areas of the economy, both in the public and private sectors; amid massive job losses, increasing UI claims from laid-off workers, record numbers of companies filing for bankruptcy, corporate profits down, shrinking market share, the Consumer Confidence Index is at its lowest level in recent memory, and banks are refusing to make loans while raising interest rates on credit cardholders to offset financial losses.

In spite of all the gloomy pessimism, there is one bright spot, and this is in the field of Law Enforcement. It seems that vacancies cannot be filled fast enough and some agencies have even had to advertise for open positions in other states employment listings. This not only pertains to local police departments, but sheriff’s deputies and state patrol officers as well. And because of the constant threat from terrorism, there are positions in Homeland Security, Port Security, Border Patrol Agents, Immigration & Naturalization Agents, and of course, the Military.

But getting back to the main point, it seems that “crime does pay,” or rather provides a paycheck for those who seek employment in the various branches of the Criminal Justice System. While the need to protect the public from harmful acts is an almost instinctive one, and a sacred trust, it is ironic that in the midst of this economic downturn, teachers are being fired but more police officers [or Public Safety Officers; if you prefer] are being hired. Bullets seem to be more important than books and a badge & gun more valued than a High School Diploma or a College degree. Think about it for a moment: The average cost to incarcerate a prisoner is $30,000 or so annually; which could feed a family of four about twelve months. If you take and multiply that amount by the nearly 1.5 million people in jails and prisons, not including those in Juvenile Detention Centers, or in Mental State Hospitals for the Criminally Insane, this comes to a whopping 45 Billion dollars.

Since the rate of ‘recidivism’ is 90%, what’s the point of locking up all these offenders who sit around most of the time without being productive; unless you call using the prison library to become familiar with criminal law precedents so they can work on their appeals, and who sit around and enjoy “three hot’s and a cot” on the taxpayers dime? Now this criticism does not mean that all the floodgates of the prisons and jails should be swung wide open to let out all the murderers, sexual predators, psychopaths, schizophrenics, paranoid delusional, bi-polar, and mentally depraved individuals to wreck havoc on the innocent citizenry. However, it has been argued for decades that the modern penal system, which by the way, was first instituted in the Americas by those peace-loving, charitable, benevolent, and God-fearing Quakers, is now an abject failure.

What is sorely needed is a practical reform of the Criminal Justice/Penal System, the Criminal Courts, and the Legislatures in each State which draft the Criminal law codes to amend the existing laws where only the most heinous, unrepentant or unremorseful, malicious, and wickedly malevolent and deviant individuals are put away where they cannot ever harm another individual. Yet at the same time, there mustn’t be a compromise of the system’s integrity and fairness, to wit; the same justice which the wealthy can afford should also be made available to the poor, as well. It must be kept in mind that the C.J. System derives most of its revenue from the taxpayer and not from fines imposed by the Courts or through Bail/Bonds proceedings.

Since there are roughly about 5 million workers without jobs, this means a shrinking tax base and insufficient revenue to meet the budgets and services as well as projects at the local, county, city, state, and national level. Just like there is an ever-increasing cry for a mandate for the Courts to dismiss frivolous lawsuits, there should be just as much vigor or rigor in addressing the issue of exorbitant sentencing guidelines for seemingly minor or less egregious criminal conduct. This must be done in such a way as to satisfy the ‘ends of the law’ to punish significant criminal behavior while at the same time is humane and sensitive to the aggrieved party as well as to act prudently in the best interests of society as a whole; and early release (‘parole’) or pre-release just might not be the best alternative in all instances.

Perhaps the next time a criminal defendant appears before the bar of justice regarding offenses deemed non-lethal, habitual, premeditated, or depraved, and after all the arguments from both opposing counsel has been heard and evidence [‘Discovery’] is introduced to the Court, the presiding Judge can then look the perpetrator straight in the eyes and say, “I hereby sentence you to ‘LIFE;’ get out of my courtroom, get a job, live responsibly, and don’t appear before my face again because I’m not going to let you off that easy, next time.” Perhaps forgiveness is the best form of rehabilitation, not retribution or punishment.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 1, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Misinterpreting Separation of Church and State

The one thing that is perhaps missing in the various legal arguments regarding the interpretation of the ‘Establishment Clause’ in the ‘First Amendment’ to the US Constitution is a proper reading of the words. It states: (I) Congress shall make no law respecting (II) [‘pertaining to’] an establishment of religion, OR (III) prohibiting the free exercise thereof; OR [Congress shall make no law ‘abridging’] the freedom of speech, OR [Congress shall make no law ‘abridging’] the freedom of the press, OR [Congress shall make no law ‘abridging’] the right of the people peaceably to assemble, {AND} [Congress shall make no law ‘abridging’ the right of the people] to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

As far as the notion of separation of “Church and State,” all it says here is that Congress or rather the Federal Government will not intervene or legislate in matters of religion and that it will not deprive [‘take away’] or diminish [‘to lessen’] various other rights guaranteed to the people. Also, what is not usually included in this theme finds its fuller expression in the ‘Tenth Amendment’ which states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, {OR} to the people.

The Amendments to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights cover the broad range of privileges and rights of citizenship which endeavor to promote peace, tranquility, and the pursuit of happiness; however, these do not mention every aspect of behavior in a civil and representative Democracy, and accordingly, other matters not expressly addressed in the Constitution are ‘reserved’ to the States, or the People, collectively. One of the concerns that the Founding Fathers of the nation had in the 1780’s was concern over the power of Federal Government exercising its will over the rights of the States.

Now it seems these fears were misplaced somewhat because it is not so much the Federal Legislature but rather the activist and politically-partial Supreme Court that almost seems to be a judicially-empowered legislative body within itself through the process of legal ‘Precedent,’ who have either overturned old laws or enacted new ones; bypassing the exclusively sovereign rights of the States and its citizens to make decisions or pass laws in areas of public, institutional, and in private affairs where there is no violation of or prohibition against such as delineated in the US Constitution.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 22, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

The Mother of Slain Children Finally Speaks Out

In what has been the latest installment of tragically violent, family disturbances which have resulted in homicide, Angela Harrison of Graham, WA was informed Saturday that her husband James had murdered their five children before ending his own life; in an apparent suicide. The horrific nature of this crime was so riveting that it was featured on the national news segment of a major broadcast network. Although Ms. Harrison has finally broken her silence over the past few days to address the media, there are still some lingering questions which have gone unanswered.

Despite this very heinous, cowardly, and selfish act by James Harrison to kill his children in cold blood, where was Angela on last Friday night, the last night that her children were last seen alive? According to the Monday edition, April 6, 2009, of the Tacoma News Tribune, Mr. Harrison had sought out his wife and located her at a convenience store in Auburn, WA, where she informed him of her desire to end the marriage and that she was planning to leave him. There is still no credible explanation for her absence from the home; was it because she was working the late shift or is there some other reason? If Angela was afraid that her husband might become physically abusive when she came home, then why didn’t she contact the police?

And what about this anonymous and unnamed ‘friend’ of Angela’s whom she confided in about her marital troubles and was such a source of strength and support to her? This friend seems to have taken a behind-the-scene ‘special’ interest in the teetering-on-the brink-of-collapse situation of a married woman. Angela claims that her male friend showed her she deserves to be treated better than that and he was the one who helped her arrive at this decision to leave her husband, James; not her relatives, co-workers, marriage/family counselor, or girlfriends, but this individual. Usually, when someone mentions a ‘special’ friend who is a member of the opposite sex, it is in many cases a codeword for something more going on between them; especially when one of the parties has to defend the association in public.

There have been rumors and innuendo of Ms. Harrison having an extra-marital affair, to which she has denied. There is however, not such a clear distinction that can be drawn between not having an ‘affair’ or a ‘relationship.’ A person can experience intimate physical contact or voyeurism/erotica [‘looking but not touching’] and yet say that they aren’t having an ‘affair’ because to most people the act has to involve sexual intercourse.

What about someone in a ‘relationship,’ where there is conduct involving: closeness, sharing, communication, trust; that is given to another person in the form of attentiveness, warmth, loyalty, verbal expression and physical contact that is not given to one’s spouse/life partner; what would these acts be considered? Not only that, but could these things be seen by the other domestic partner such that the individual not feel betrayed or hurt? So when one says that they aren’t having an affair in the technical sense but confides in someone else exclusively of the opposite sex because he understands her so well, then one would have to be incredibly naïve not to believe that ‘something’ else isn’t going on; now, what that ‘something’ is, only Angela and her friend know for certain.

While not wanting to play the blame game or further subject Ms. Harrison to a guilt trip because of the incredible pain, grief, and mourning that she must be going through, this is not the time for second-guessing and incriminations because what is done cannot be altered. Whatever might should have been done in the past cannot be relived and in a home where there was once the joyous sound of laughter and the usual, albeit predictable ruckus of children in ages ranging from seven to sixteen, are now replaced with haunting silence, empty spaces, and cherished memories before a shrine of flowers, cards, candles, and stuffed animals.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 8, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Michelle 'O' is no Jackie "O"

On her first entrance onto the major International stage, First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama seemed as though she did a Texas Two-Step before the descendant of the House of Tudor than a graceful Fox Trot. Michelle Obama has been compared to former First Lady of Camelot, Jackie 'O' Kennedy, but that might be a wee bit premature. Notwithstanding Michelle Obama's fashion style where she wore a sleeveless ensemble on at least one occasion at this august gathering of dignitaries and their spouses from the most powerful Industrial nations (The G-20) on planet Earth, but she made the almost unthinkable breach in etiquette and tradition when she met Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom [England].

The first thing: she shook the Queen's extended and outstretched hand, instead of taking her hand and respectfully bowing slightly with a curtsey. The second thing was that she was seen later putting her arm around the Queen Mother’s shoulder and patting her on the back, like some other ordinary acquaintance, or wife of the usual political leader. And to top it all off, the gift from the President and First Lady of the United States to the royal-blooded Queen of England was an 'iPod;' an iPod! Talk about being "Ghetto," courtesy of the lower Southside of Chicago (Amen). President Obama was so angry with GM that he wanted the CEO fired, well; he should also fire whoever advised him and Mrs. Obama in particular, on how to be introduced to royalty. Let's just hope when the President and First Lady attend all those lavish dinner parties that they will know how to use the flatware, because it seems that for them, being highly educated and a cultural sophisticate are not necessarily the same thing.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 3, 2009
253-382-4092
pbks@hotmail.com

A Letter to Members of Congress: Lead by Example

It is time for a little plain talk because everything is getting lost in translation regarding the financial crisis and subsequent high unemployment, and the worst recession since the "Great Depression" of 1929. While it is easy to blame greedy CEO's of FORTUNE 500 companies and the ever-shrinking membership list of "The Billionaires Club," the fault doesn't entirely rest upon the shoulders of the Titans of Industry. it does make for good theatre, like a Broadway show, to drag or subpoena certain corporate execs before a Congressional Committee and berate them in front of the television cameras and microphones; much to the delight of the people back home in the various political districts who elect these mostly self-serving Legislators.

While not wanting to exonerate these 'fat cats' from any of the well- deserved disdain and anger from Americans who are suffering through one of the greatest job loss and significant erosion of the value of their 401-k and Retirement income in recent memory, or ever, still, the blame for our pain must be spread to members of Congress as well. For nearly the last decade, what has both the Republican and Democratic leadership in the Senate and House of Congress done to regulate, monitor, and empower the FDIC, SEC, Commerce Department, The Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, The Department of Labor, and even the Justice Department to prevent this crisis from happening? It isn't about Bernie Madoff, Executives from the "Big Three" (General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford), AIG Executives, or the failure of Lehman Brothers, WA Mutual, and a few others.

Government watchdogs, or perhaps bloodhounds is a better analogy, should have sniffed out the clues of long ago with what happened with Kenneth Lay and ENRON, followed by the collapse of CountryWide Financial. Even before these companies sunk like the 'Titanic,' there was the failure of virtually all the Savings & Loan companies over a quarter century ago. Instead of threatening to sic the FBI or the IRS to seize the offending companies financial records, bank statements, and computers, why don't John Boehner, Lindsay Graham, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reed, Barnie Frank, and other political heavyweights show solidarity with their struggling constituents and set an example by voluntarily taking a pay cut? After all, since they say they feel the pain of the average American ''Blue collar" worker (and some 'white collar' ones as well), then why should they have the exclusive right to criticize the privileged upper echelon of the 'Boardroom' and yet exempt themselves from sacrificing a little bit too?


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Rihanna and Chris Brown Back Together Again??

It seems that Grammy award winning R&B musical superstars Chris Brown and Rihanna’s dating troubles have been the item of discussion at office water coolers, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, clubs, and in living rooms across the country over the past few weeks. Although dating violence is nothing new but this particular incident happening with such a high profile couple seems to have reignited this issue once again, and there hasn’t been this level of interest and outrage expressed in the public forum since Anita Hill accused then Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas of ‘sexual harassment,’ nearly two decades ago. That was all the more ironic because Clarence Thomas, as Director of the EEOC, headed the very Federal agency that was entrusted with investigating and enforcing complaints of the same anti-discriminatory and sexually inappropriate behaviors that he was accused of committing.

Violence against females, especially in a dating situation has taken center stage. After the release of photos by an unnamed source within the LAPD, the public was shocked and outraged to see the bruises and swollen face of the beautiful and talented singer. Rumors abound as to the reason for such an outburst on Chris Brown’s part, to include unsubstantiated reports of exposure to an STD and pictures as well as text messages from other females on Chris Brown’s cell phone. Be that as it may, this incident has invoked the ire and consternation of the most powerful woman in the entertainment industry, none other than Miss ‘O’ herself. Oprah will devote the entire hour long segment of her show and broadcast to millions of her viewers the opinions of those questionably objective individuals who have been invited to weigh in on this subject.

In what might better be suited for a “Dr. Phil” moment, the ‘Queen of the Daytime Confessionals’ will conduct her very own clinical analysis of the problem and as a special treat, Super Model Tyra Banks will reveal her own travail of being in an abusive relationship. Never mind that Rihanna and Chris Brown have decided to be seen together again, even if its just for the sake of working together professionally to lay down some new tracks for the next to-be-released CD; or perhaps they have just decided to forgive the hurt and pain and try to move on with their lives.

Of course to the naysayers, mental health experts and counselors, this is typical behavior of an abused and battered woman who has low self-esteem, accepts negative reinforcement, and has some other sort of psychological dependency. It is also true that abuse can take many forms, to include mental, emotional, and physiological [depression, eating disorder, weight loss/gain, substance abuse, etc.], and physical abuse; to include rape. And they will probably also say that for Chris Brown, it is all about power and control.

One wonders if all this negative publicity will affect Chris Brown’s upcoming trial before a judge in LA Superior Court on two charges of Felony Assault. One of the Constitutional guarantees is to a ‘fair and impartial’ trial but it is rather doubtful that there is a potential juror in America who hasn’t read not only the storyline in their local newspaper, but picked up a copy of PEOPLE Magazine, National Enquirer, or US Magazine at the grocery on convenience store. Also, who has not watched CNN, McNeil-Lehrer News Hour, ABC, NBC, CBS, and BET News, as well as GMA, The View, Inside Hollywood, Extra, Entertainment Weekly, and The Insider.

Regardless of what the legal requirement is pertaining to innocence or guilt, the deposition of witnesses, the introduction of evidence (‘Discovery’), and cross-examination of Prosecution/Defense witnesses or impeachment of their credibility, Chris Brown will be, or perhaps has already been tried in the Court of Public Opinion and with the Presiding Judge in the Court of ‘O’ along with her millions of jurists, it’s a foregone conclusion that Chris Brown is deemed by all as, “guilty as sin.”


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 12, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Washington Post Columnist, Courtland Milloy had an interesting Op-Ed piece which was featured in “The Tacoma News Tribune,” section B5 on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Mr. Milloy, with the precision of a medical surgeon, began a delicate dissection of the latest installment of the current “Madea” character of the hugely series of popular movies by filmmaker/actor Tyler Perry; who as it seems, stars as the main character. There is no doubt to the enormous appeal and financial success of Mr. Perry, and like King Midas, the legendary ruler of Crete, where everything Tyler Perry touches seems to turn into cinematic gold.

Yet, in spite of all the gut-busting, rib-tickling, and hysterical laughter which is the usual reaction from seeing his many characters on the ‘Big Screen,’ the social implications of this subtle negative stereotyping might not be so funny. The ‘Matriarch’ has been the pillar or foundation of the Black family, community, and Church; without whose widespread influence and almost sacrosanct status, Blacks would have a lot more problems than they do. Of course, the Hollywood executives aren’t too concerned about these negative characterizations of an updated version of ‘Aunt Jemimah’ upon the psyche of African-Americans, nor the repressed internal psychological damage and unhealthy self-esteem that these images may inflict. As long as these movies of ‘blaxploitation’ are shown on many theater screens owned by ‘AMC,’ the more the merrier. It’s all about “KA-CHING” of the cash registers, wearing the ‘Bling-bling,’ ‘Livin’ large, and driving a ‘BENTLEY.’

The problem doesn’t just rest with Tyler Perry because he is not the only performer to represent Black women in such a demeaning way because the long list includes Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, and Eddie Murphy; to name a few. Even Flip Wilson’s “Geraldine” wasn’t that insulting. Of course it is always easier to parody a fictional and imaginary person because Oprah Winfrey didn’t see the humor of Kim Wayans portrayal of her in some of the comedy skits on “In Living Color.” In fact, Miss ‘O’ admitted to being hurt by Ms. Wayans, albeit funny, outlandishly insensitive, imitation of the then, overweight talk show host.

These routines, whether on the comedy shows, Broadway, or at the cinemas are reminiscent of the ‘Minstrel’ shows where White men in black facial makeup with lips and eyes painted white imitated ‘Negroes’ or ‘Colored People’ back then, with such disgusting and dehumanizing depictions; much to the approval, delight and enjoyment of their White audiences, with the most famous of them being the legendary Al Jolson. That was then, but now it’s our turn to make fun of ourselves. Forget about Steppin Fetchin and all that because it would appear that as Taalam Acey rightly depicts in “Pieces of Change,” that, “There is a Market 4 Niggaz, and the bigger the monkey the more the money.” Comedian Dave Chappelle finally came to his senses and found out the truth in that old adage, “They are Not Laughing with You, but at You.”


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

The 81st Annual Academy Awards Ceremony

The 81st Annual Academy Awards Ceremony held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2009, proved once again that it is not only a barometer of the changes going on in American society, but perhaps Internationally as well. Sean Penn was the lone American to win an ‘Oscar;’ alongside the beautiful Brit Kate Winslett and Spaniard Penelope Cruz. Also, what was not a surprise was the number of awards garnered by the movie, “Slumdog Millionaire.” Be that as it may, one wonders about the exploitation of the little children portrayed in “SM” who may after all the popularity dies down several months from now when the International media has turned to other interests, will these precious little ones be returned back to live in their familiar surroundings and home in some unnamed town amid the poorest of slums in Mumbai, India. Will it be for them, “Once a Slumdog, Always a Slumdog?”

Hollywood has always had an enduring and well-deserved reputation for exploitation, and history appears to repeat itself on a consistent basis. Kate Winslett, who is probably one of the best actresses on the planet, finally won an ‘Oscar’ but at what cost? Halle Berry won an ‘Oscar’ in 2001 for “Monster’s Ball,” although she has done brilliant work in other movies. What these two women have in common is that “IF YOU SHOW ENOUGH SKIN (nudity & sexual situations), YOU WIN.” Not wanting to leave it at that, consider rebel and non-conformist, Sean Penn, who sort of a combination of James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Mr. Penn won again for his portrayal of gay San Francisco politician, Harvey Milk, and due to the increasing activism of the Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual, and Bisexual (“GLTB”) movement in American it is not all that surprising; and not only that, but Heath Ledger undoubtedly benefited from his portrayal of a homosexual cowboy in the movie, “Brokeback Mountain,” which led to him receiving a Best-Supporting ‘Oscar’ posthumously for his role as ‘The Joker’ in the movie, “Batman: The Dark Knight.”

Although there have been quite a few movies where women have had to ‘take it all off’ in front of the cameras, very few movies included intimacy between two men or even the suggestion of it. Veteran actor Tom Hanks won an ‘Oscar’ for his portrayal of a gay lawyer in the 1993 movie, “Philadelphia.” A movie which was well written and acted by Forest Whitaker, Stephen Rea, and Jay Davidson was the 1992 movie, “The Crying Game,” in which Rea, as an IRA volunteer falls in love with British soldier’s (Whitaker’s) lover, played by Jay Davidson.

The unsuspecting Rea was not aware of a big “secret” which really heightened the tension between emotional conflict and the feeling of betrayal as well as the contradictions when you realize that someone you love is not ‘all female.’ Nevertheless, Hollywood doesn’t miss an opportunity when it comes across a script that pushes the buttons of our moral values, social traditions, and religious beliefs, and one can rest assured that on some executive’s desk is the next play or movie script that will either lift us up to a higher sense of philanthropy and service or we will spiral deeper into the abyss of moral and spiritual decadence.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 24, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

An Inconvenient Truth

No, this is not a critique of the award-winning documentary film by former Vice-President Al Gore warning everyone about the global threat for the catastrophic danger from ‘Greenhouse gases’ and carbon emissions, which may lead to the extinction of life on planet Earth as we know it. The concern here is about America’s deplorable history of racial hatred and social injustice. It would seem that the Nation’s first elected African-American President and appointment of a Black Attorney General has brought about a renewed interest in this divisive and uncomfortable subject into a more public focus; no matter how subdued it may appear to be on the surface.

What was only mentioned in hushed tones and secret corridors in the private and personal discourse among the closest and most trusted confidants is slowly rearing its ugly head. The greater question is why the election of Barack Obama has sparked such a continuing interest and curiosity, as though somehow people are still in a state of “shock and awe?” To those who have marched in the Civil Rights protests during the 1960’s and lived through the era of Jim Crow, miscegenation, voting rights violations, lynching, segregation, police brutality and other such abuses, an African-American “First Family” represents the culmination of Martin Luther King jr’s ‘Dream;’ but for many others this is just another step in the long march toward equality, justice, and freedom for all Americans because as MLK once famously quoted, “None of Us are Free until All of Us are Free.”

White people may feel that finally and at last a President Barack Obama will silence the voices of the soldiers who are still fighting the old racial wars of the past and still singing the well-worn out battle hymns of “We Shall Overcome” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (The Black National Anthem). These citizens see America as having not only turned the page on racial disparity and discrimination but rather that this country has essentially closed the book because the growing political, economic, and educational empowerment among quite a number of African-Americans. Indeed, many, if they are honest, believe that America doesn’t need Affirmative Action legislation anymore because of the all the Anti-Discrimination/Harassment enforcement and this country is a ‘Meritocracy’ where if you plan accordingly, work hard enough, get a good education, and do networking, you can be anything that you want to be. The thing is, they also fail to acknowledge that in almost all instances a White Anglo-Saxon Person (“WASP”) still has a “competitive advantage” over almost any other social, racial, cultural, or ethnic group based biologically inherited differences; especially if the individual is a White male.

Again, for African-Americans, it is replaying those old tapes passed down through generations of the oppression, horror, brutality, and dehumanization inflicted upon the ancestors during the period of ‘chattel’ slavery in America. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade helped America become one of the most prosperous Nations in the world and yet there are those who would want to deny its existence, except for the abundance of historical documentation which also preserves the legacy of a people and reminds us all of the depravity and depth of human cruelty as evidenced during the near extinction of nearly three-fifths of American Indians, “The Armenian Genocide” (‘Turkey; 1915’), and “The Jewish Holocaust.” One cannot use the excuse of ‘plausible deniability,’ that is, ignorance is bliss so just sweep it under the rug, pretend these things never happened or are not important today so just go about your day like ‘business as usual.’

So, the answer to solving ‘race’ relations isn’t talking about it, proposing reparations or playing upon “White Guilt;” but rather doing what Nelson Mandela did after being released from almost thirty years in prison; and that is, to “FORGIVE.” Mr. Mandela was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) which was labeled a Terrorist Organization and this activist group was outlawed in ‘Apartheid’ South Africa under President’s Botha and DeClerke at first, and was also recognized similarly in the International community; including the United States for quite some time. After Nelson Mandela was freed from prison due to pressure from the International community and economic sanctions from media exposure to the repressive and ‘racist’ regime of the South African government and amid numerous murderous atrocities and violations of human rights from the White S.A. soldiers and police against the Black South Africans whom their White, Dutch Boer overlords called “kaffirs.”

Anyway, after Mr. Mandela ascended to the presidency in South Africa, he assembled some people in his Cabinet and in other governmental offices who were once his prison guards. Mr. Mandela had come to learn during his incarceration that hatred and revenge is not the answer but that healing of a Nation and reconciliation between people who were once enemies had to include ‘forgiveness.’ This wondrous experiment was displayed before the whole world to see through the camera lens and microphones of the International Press and as it turns out, it seems to have been quite a success and unprecedented anywhere else in the known world on such a large scale. In order to receive forgiveness and in some way absolution (in a personal sense) all the perpetrator has to do is simply confess what evils they did, and that’s all there is to it.

It is so simple, yet profound, and should serve as a beautiful model for America’s huge step out of the darkness of the past into the light of a “New Day.” For too long Black Americans want to visit the “sins of the father’s upon the children,” or want some kind of public apology from the federal and state governments for the injustices of the past along with some other resources for compensation of unpaid slave labor denied to the original petitioners by proxy from their descendants, but even if that were possible, it would not give anyone permanent closure. Perhaps we need to forgive ourselves first, that is, by changing some of our self-destructive behaviors and the accompanying excuses we use to justify such acts before we can ask anyone else’s forgiveness.

America, which by its creed espouses that it is a ‘Christian Nation,’ – “One nation Under God With Liberty and Justice For All;” It is high time that America practices what she preaches and to forgive greatly one has to love greatly. Yes, forgiveness is the balm which will heal our racial wounds and this act is so important that Jesus said if we do not forgive one another, then our Heavenly Father will not forgive us.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 23, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

Ken Griffey Jr. Wears Mariner Blue for One Last Time

When Ken Griffey jr. left the Seattle Mariners over a decade ago, the fans as well as the print and broadcast media were not so understanding or supportive. Griffey's trade to the Cincinnati Reds was met with much criticism amid rumors of chasing the big dollars but he took a pay cut instead. All he wanted to do was be a little closer to his family. Randy Johnson’s (“The Big Unit”) departure to the Arizona Diamondbacks didn't nearly get the kind of negative publicity nor did Alex R-O-I-D-riguez after being traded to the Texas Rangers; so that question is: "Why all the 'Hoopla" over a returning aged player who is playing in perhaps his last season of professional baseball before retirement, and his very likely induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, P.A. Is it because Ken Griffey Jr. is a hometown prodigy who has finally decided to end his career where he started it all at in front of the now adoring and local fans who have now finally forgiven him for leaving them in the first place.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 19, 2009

The Economic Stimulus Plan: A Political Trojan Horse?

For more than three weeks president Obama and the Congress have been trying to come up with a way to jumpstart the economy and create jobs; well, on the cusp of what appears to be the massive stimulus plan becoming ‘Law,’ it seems that once again old habits die hard in the nation’s capitol. In spite of the talk of bi-partisan support and President Obama visiting Republican Legislators in both Houses of Congress, there have been recriminations, cries of partisanship and the usual rhetoric espoused by both political parties such that the honeymoon may be over a lot sooner than expected.

The “New Deal” that is supposed to create jobs, free up tight credit from banks and financial lending institutions, and stop the hemohhraging from mortgage foreclosures appears to be in ‘cardiac arrest;’ if not for all intents and purposes, DOA. According to the “Associated Press,” which featured a version of the ‘Plan’ in the Tacoma News Tribune, Section A5, February 11, 2009, of the 23 different provisions contained in this economic package, only about 3 or 4 have anything to do with creating jobs and at least 1 is geared toward helping banks with their losses.

Now, after reviewing all the goodies of which the Senate version will cost an estimated 835.3B or so, and the House version is roughly 791.5B, the daunting question is how will all of this be paid? ‘Bush 41’ famously said, “Read My lips, No New Taxes,” which he later raised, and President Obama has constantly assured the American people that he will be able to pay for this Economic Stimulus Plan; all without raising taxes. Of course, one must cautiously listen to any politician who says they won't raise taxes because it usually means "payroll taxes" because taxes can still be raised on gasoline, alcoholic beverages, telephone and cable services, etc.

This leaves very few other viable options other than authorizing the US Treasury department to print more money, thereby devaluing the dollar even more. Also, the Federal Reserve will sell government securities in the form of Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds to foreign nations and thereby mortgage our future posterity, way of life and National Security to countries who may not have our best interests at heart. Indeed, what might appear to be a ‘gift’ at our gate just might end up looking like the “Trojan Horse” which Ulysses and his fellow Greeks left outside the walls of the city of Troy (modern ‘Anatolia’ in Turkey); and history tells us how badly that one turned out.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 12, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com

J-U-D-G-E-ment Day

In the ever-growing and competitive entertainment industry there has been a steady, albeit predictable entrance of so-called “Reality TV” shows; among which are the popular ones featuring real judges. There used to be a time, not so long ago when legal proceedings were closed to the public, but not anymore. No one could have foreseen what Judge Harry Wapner, and afterwards, Judge Judy Sheindlin did to inadvertently pave the way for the latest crop of shows such as The People’s Court, Texas Justice, Divorce Court, and a host of others too numerous to mention.

These Judges have an almost cult following and celebrity-like status with household names such as Jeanine Pirro, Joe Brown, Greg Mathis, Alex Ferrer, Marilyn Millian, David Young, Larry Joe Doherty, Lynn Toler, Gloria Hatchett, Maria Lopez, Mabel Ephraim, and Larry Elder; to name a few. And don’t these judges like to ham it up in front of the camera as well as before their court audience. Never before has the public been interested in anything involving the usually tedious and slow-paced legal proceedings which normally happen behind the scenes and out of public view. Of course, the only exception to this usual rule of thumb was during “The Clarence Thomas Confirmation Hearings” and “O.J. Simpson Murder Trial.”

It seems that there are segments of American society who have a puerile and salacious interest in and gain immense satisfaction while watching other people air their dirty laundry in Civil Court when neighbor sues neighbor, friend against friend, parent against child, relative against relative, and sibling against sibling. The only thing missing from these shows is Jerry Springer introducing the litigants and after watching the perhaps unscripted dialogue and testimony of the Plaintiffs and Defendants in Court, the sitcom “Boston Legal” isn’t so ridiculous and farfetched after all.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 16, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com