We're #2

Can one be surprised to learn that Memphis is ranked number two in the nation in violent crime? This is according to the FBI crime statistics released this week. For those of us living in Memphis, "wow we are so shocked, could have swore we were number one". Memphis has had 128 homicides this year year alone, there were 109 last year this time.

It's quite sad, I would guesstimate that of those 128 homicides, 80% would be black on black.

Over the summer while I was gone, reading the newspapers, I would have thought that negroes had lost their minds. Was it the heat? It was appalling reading headline after headline of someone being killed. What the hell is wrong with the residents of this city? Why are we killing each other? Why are young black males in so much despair? I can't even blame others that get nervous when they see a black male, hell, these days I do too.

What' the solution? More police on the streets? Naw, that aint gonna solve anything, it just means we will respond to crimes quicker. Stricter sentences? Naw, these days, negroes eating jail time like Skittles or as I hear them proudly declare at 201 Poplar, "Mane I'mma do my time like a man."

My solution, do ya really wanna know? I've suggested it before. Maybe it can happen now that Congress has given the President the right to torture(That's a whole nutha story). I say let's have Friday night Caning on Beale St. Not familiar with Caning? Check it.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning

obviously the system we have now is not working. Folk just don't give a damn about the repercussions that follow when one commits an offense. I think caning would be appropriate for various crimes up to your more violent offenses. Just picture it, people are already on Beale St., kicking it, why not spic up the Beale experience with a little caning. Once caned, the offender would be free for release.

Clearly jail time aint working, it's time to get our Cane on.................

Objection...........Uh...........

Trial advocacy is one of my more favorable classes as it is a class that teaches the happenings at the beginning of a true trial all the way to closing arguments. I'd someday would like to try trials in some capacity so I kind of dig the matters covered in class.

So today we have seven minutes to conduct direct examination. The night before I prepared, reading the facts of the case, strategizing, drawing up my questions, and figuring out what objections may come up from the other side. and from me. Kool? Yea kool.

It's funny when you know things, but can't quite express it. That's how I feel sometimes when it comes to evidence and objections. I know when counsel is trying to sneak something in, I recognize when a question may not be proper, its just a matter of getting it out and citing the rules.

So I am sitting there anticipating my opponent asking about my fake clients past conviction. I know he's gonna go there with it, he's gonna try to get the jury to hear about it. I even have the rule scribbled somewhere on my legal pad. Here it comes, he's setting it up, Didn't you get c o n v i........OBJECTION YOUR HONOR

Here comes the problem. Instead of simply stating the Rule of evidence I am citing, I commence to somehow come up with 4 objections, two of which were right, two others somehow come out as back up's. Judge says, ok.....I've got four objections on the floor, uh.....which one you want. Idiot....

All I had to say was the rule, instead I run off everything close to why the damn statement should be stricken. It was kind of funny, because the judge made me go down the list, from the rule sited, to the first which was correct. I needed to be dressed down like that. I knew the bizness, but I wanted to be right plus just in case, have some backup objection. Dumb.

All I had to do was stick to my guns and be confident that I am correct, if I am wrong, ok, then object again. No need to second guess, but I am learning things everyday. I don't think one learns confidence, it is something that builds up. I hate being wrong though, but, there really are no buts.

So, after five minutes of going over the rules of evidence, working out why the additional three objection were not applicable and why the first one is likely correct, the judge gives my opponent a chance to argue why the conviction should be allowed, he too rumbles a second or two and gives his reasons.

Counselor your objection is SUSTAINED...

See how easy it can be when you stick to the game plan Spike? Yep. Tighten up son.....

Still at War

Still at war.....you know.....sometimes we forget....folk are still dying.......on some ole BS.........I felt the need to highlight someone else who's bright future was cut short..........and don't say, "they knew what they were getting into when they enlisted"........cause that too is some ole BS.

Emily Perez, age 23

Read about her accomplishments and her death, http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.perez22sep22,0,5095709.story?coll=bal-local-headlines , http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=5461607, and one more http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2006/9/22/215635/198

To Torture

I don't really feel like going there on the issue of torture. It's wrong period. It does not work. People will lie on their granny saying she is a terrorist leader if it puts an end to the pain. So why is our government so quick to want to make it legal to do so. Dude had the nerve to want to change the way we interpret portions of the Geneva Convention. We've been torturing or sending people to other countries to be tortured. We have violated international law, we no longer have clean hands. Since I said I was not going to go there, I will let the following cartoons, relay my feelings on the issue. But there is no moral ground anymore over here.......Oh and watch the movie the Siege with Denzil Washington.......ok I am done........foreal...........

President Clinton popped off on a Fox reporter during an interview. Most media is making it out that Clinton was wrong for the outburst blah blah blah. I think he handled his, but anyway. See for yourself.....

Keith Olbermann broke the whole thing down proper, take a look for yourself.

Back From the N.O.

I got my chance to see New Orleans post Katrina up close and personal. I was blessed enough to have attended the National Black Law Student Association Academic Retreat over the weekend. I sat in on valuable seminars and participated in a community service project. There was even a little time to kick and have a mini-London reunion, in between all the work.

Memphis BLSA chapter had a strong presence at the retreat.

Some of my classmates from the study abroad program were also in attendance representing Southern University Law. Big ups to Cari for holding it down up in Harrah's. It was kool seeing the gang again.

The community service project required us to rise early Saturday morning to get to our work sites. Our project was to totally gut out a home heavily damaged by floodwater. The owner of the home was an elderly woman. Most of her personal items like clothes had been previously removed. We had to take out things like appliances, damaged furniture, cabinets, knocking out walls........everything. There was a great deal of mold in the house, so we worked in shifts, making sure to come out for a little air before going back in. Our crew consisted of students from Los Angeles and Florida State. Me and manual labor aint too kool, but I enjoyed participating, or having the opportunity to assist.

Driving through the city, I got a chance to see the devastation. I did not make it to the more heavily damaged areas but the things I did see were enough. People there are trying to get their lives back, but clearly it is a struggle. In some areas homes were already repaired, others were in the process of being repaired, so they were living in their trailers. Downtown, was not totally back up, alot of buildings were closed for repairs. For the most part though, the City is up and running. The worst thing I saw on two consecutive nights was a homeless mother with a child about 5-6 years old. I saw them at different bus stops at night sleeping. So even though, the Saints are back in the Superdome playing ball, some people are still without a roof over their heads.

Stop Whining.....Play Ball

Intramural flag football is back! My team is last years Champions. For some of us, the games provide an opportunity to interact with each other in a manner not suitable for class. For me, its a chance to talk ish, something I do well when it comes to athletics, well actually (when it comes to competing period). I thrive off of it, especially if my game is on. I'm no fool, if my game is off, or if we are losing, I know how to shut it up. Talking ish is a part of all sports, especially if you are confident in what u are doing, if you know the guy lined up in front of you is garbage, or can't hold you, there is nothing wrong in my book with letting him know. Some examples from last night victory...

The opposing quarterback f(a former mock trial opponent) runs for a 15 yard gain...... Me: Nice run dude, looks like you were running in slow motion...... Him: Shut up....at least I gained some yards. Me: You should have run that towards me..... He had a point, he got a first down, but I wanted him to recognize, there would be no gain if he ran my way.

Some scrub gets a pass thrown his way which he drops. Me: Nice catch dude, really great catch. Him: I can catch man. My chatter was only an attempt to get in his head.

Same quarterback throws an interception. Me: Nice pass man, right to my teammate, (then I toss the ball at him) Him: Man you have no class. Me: Man this is football, not Cricket, if you can't handle it sit down. Mission accomplished, I got in his head, all I was trying to do.

So I have no class. Yea ok. I think it is just that some are not used to being unable to control the words coming out of others mouths. They are used to controlling certain situations. They may not be used to others talkin ish and they not being able to stop it. It's truly funny to me to watch some get all red in the face in frustration. That's too bad for them. You wanna shut me up, then beat me, until then, see you next game, the chatter continues.

My team.

Big ups to the Ladies Team, they broke their two season long losing streak earning their first win. They beat members of the U-M soccer team. It was actually a good game. JF was looking like OJ out there, and CJ was looking like Deion Sanders. Look out U-M Cheerleaders, the ladies have you in their sights.

On to more serious issues....

I am looking forward to being in New Orleans this weekend for the National Black Law Student Academic Retreat. First, its my last NBLSA event, second, I will get to view for myself the devastation in the City. Seeing it on t.v. was sad, I can't imagine what the feeling will be like in person. Part of the retreat includes some community service projects. We are supposed to help/assist in building a home for someone. I am looking forward to being able to give back.

Hugo Chavez addressed the general assembly of the U.N., the main media has decided to focus on him calling Bush the Devil, but are not giving his speech any analysis. Were his words warranted? Was the message delivered by Iran's President valid? Do his words too deserve some honest analysis. Why not review it for yourself. You marinate on it. Don't just read what others want you to see. If we rely on Fox and others, all we know is Bush got called the devil, those dudes had the nerve to come to our country to talk smack about our president. Why did they? And why were the many nations present, applauding and clapping during those speeches? Could it be those cats had a point at what they were saying? We are America, we are never wrong right? Here is the text of Hugo's speech http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0920-22.htm

Thirty-Second Break

I was chatting with a classmate who happened to be on Beale when folks started running from gunshots. Luckily she escaped with bruised only knees from being knocked over. RT, is this how it went down?

Big ups to my line brotha Bryant Terry (Duece) on the recent release of his book on eating healthy. He is a bright guy, good to see him doing his thing. Here is a recent article, and a link to his website. http://www.themonthly.com/feature07-06-2.html , and http://www.eatgrub.org/index.cfm .

Intramural flag football season has started!!! Yes!!! Now I can elbow classmates and get away with it!!! Just kidding...........well actually I'm not.......

Scrabble Tournament..........hmmmm.........

Classic Weekend

Southern Heritage Classic Weekend means, football, concerts, partying, cookouts, tailgating, traffic, and at least the one or two idiots who fire shots on Beale Street. I did not really plan on going to the game, but T was gracious enough to spot a brotha a box seat. The game was actually pretty good. Attendance was also remarkable. Tennessee State/Jackson State have such strong ties in the City that I should not be surprised that the Classic remains a hit here in Memphis.

The game even brought my classmate Humboldt on out! I also ran into a former classmate who I had not seen in a while. Glad to see she is doing well.

How bout those Charger's!!!!

Clueless

I be darn I still don't know what I am doing my seminar paper on. Ridiculous. I gotta submit my topic in the morning. Here I sit.....no topic. I should get in the cut for my indecisiveness. I just don't know. It must be related to Federal Discrimination, but I wanted to do something fresh. I was thinking of some post 9/11 topic, but that would be too much work. I am ashamed to say what I will likely end up writing about. Yea......the easier route. I know that sucks but oh well.

I am thrilled to see that Colin Powell has come out against the President on how to legally treat captured prisoners of the so-called war on terror. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/14/washington/15detaincnd.html?_r=1&oref=login Here is the letter he drafted. http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/terrorism/powellmccain91406ltr.html

Here's a good article on more U.S. manipulation of facts. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5346524.stm

Gas price going down, everyone is so excited. It's like your mom making a cake, and giving you the bowl. We still getting screwed. Holla at me when it drops down to about $1.50 a gallon. If, and I stress if it does, I'll......uh....I'll come up with something outrageous to do.

Will someone tell our youth that this ish aint cute.........

War on What?

Mind you that today is our day or mourning, lest we forget that there are others who are mourning as a result our country's response to 9/11. Lets just keep it real. After 9/11 and before finishing in Afghanistan, the powers that be, began to hit us with, Saddam Hussein, 9/11, Iraq, 9/11, Saddam, 9/11, weapons of mass destruction, Iraq, 9/11, mushroom cloud, Saddam, 9/11, 9/11/ Saddam, Al-Qaida, Saddam, 9/11, Bin Laden, homies, Saddam, Bin Laden, 9/11. You get my drift. I know you remember how it went. My man Colin Powell even played the damn game, instead of speaking truth to power. It had your average American running around talking about kick Saddam's azz cause he hit us on 9/11.

We all know now, that there was never a connection between Iraq and 9/11, but we went to war on those lies, supported by both Democrat and Republican. For a majority of the Democrats, it was political suicide not to give the President the authority to go to war. before a mojor election, but that aint an excuse.

If you oppose the war, you don't support the troops, if you oppose the war, you are encouraging the "terrorists", if you oppose the war, you are a punk who supports cutting and running. Aint that some BS? They say the thing to do is to stay the course? Where has staying the course gotten us? Kids have lost their mom or dad, parents have lost their loved children? All for what? Massive debt no one talks about, Billions a week. How many number two Al-Qaida dudes are there? We stay killing or capturing the number two figure and what has that gotten us? That Chapelle clip below is funny, but it is so real too.

Why did we go to Iraq? To prevent another 9/11? In retaliation for 9/11? None existing WMD's? What if the powers that be had been honest from the start? I want to go to Iraq cause they have our oil, or cause dude tried to kill my daddy, or whatever the real reason is, would I support it then?

The war on terror? WTF? How do you fight a war against a tactic? Heck, this war will be one for the ages. I don't think your average American signed up for this. Do we want a draft again? I sho don't want one?

I tired of war, I am tired of death, I am tired of the word terrorist. I'm just tired. Think about it, I'm tired and I am not even in the war zone, not one bullet whizzing over my head, not one improvised explosion going off as I drive my car. So imagine how the troops are feeling, imagine how the Iraqis are feeling. I wonder. We there cause of what again? Oh yea, 9/11. But dont be surprised if Bin Laden is captured before the upcoming elections.

Take a look at the impact the War on Terror is having elsewhere. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article1433404.ece

A good read, http://www.hoffmania.com/blog/2006/09/rollingstone_bu.html#more . A MUST HEAR, TAKE A MOMENT TO WATCH! I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER !!! http://win20ca.audiovideoweb.com/ca20win15004/CountDown-SpecialComment-Bush-911512K.wmv

Remembering 9/11

I was getting dressed for work, watching C-Span as I normally do. I was casually listening when I overheard something about a plane crash in New York. I paid no attention to it and continued getting dressed. I was making my way out of the door, when I noticed the kitchen t.v. on NBC, and observed one of the World Trade Center buildings in flames and with smoke billowing out of it. The announcer had indicated a plane had flown into the building. My first thought, was some commuter plane or novice pilot somehow erred and collided with the building. I grabbed a bagel and jumped in the car for work. I listened to Tom Joiner during the ride, news was still developing so there were no new updates, but the words "possible terrorist attack" was let loose. I got to my office with the quickness, so I could get on the internet and get an update on what was going on. The strangest thing was, I was on the net, but every news website I hit up, would not connect. I thought it might just be my computer, so I hopped on another, same thing. I decided to make my way to the office library, passing a few co-workers we each asked each other what was going on in New York, none of us had the full scoop yet, so on down the hall I went. I cut the t.v., on, and damn, the second tower had been hit, while I was on the road. Now, I am in disbelief, now, I need a seat, now I know it was not some careless pilot, but it was something more.

Things that shook me most...........

Watching the people jump from the building. I can't imagine the thought process. I guess they were trapped, and did not think they would be rescued, I just can't imagine. A survivor mentioned hearing loud thuds on the ground, and then realizing those were people who were jumping from the buildings.

Thinking about those who were on the planes that crashed and what took place on the planes.

Praying for the people who were in the buildings when they both collapsed. I know I sat in front of the t.v. hoping people survived. Just watching the buildings fall, was (searching for the words). I would never think anyone would survive, but over the next few days I was hopeful someone, anyone, would survive.

I don't think I got angry, how could you when at that time you did not know who was responsible for it?

Two-thousand, nine hundred and seventy three people lost their lives on 9/11, with 24 people listed as missing. May God have mercy on them and those who loved them.

So reflect on the day the way you see fit, some choose to exploit this day for their own means and some seek to keep reminding you of it to keep you in fear.

Some extra reading, http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article1433404.ece , http://www.suntimes.com/output/quicktakes/cst-nws-qt11.html , http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article1466758.ece

Guilty? Me?

Picture me chilling in class, (actually preparing to take notes) when the Professor puts me on blast "Zee, thanks for the e-mail......you were the one that sent it.....right?" My response, being caught off guard, was to look at him and say "e-mail? Me? Uh.....naw, that wasn't me......" So he goes on to say "yea the e-mail about me letting class out early the last two times, I thought we got out at 10:30, but in fact we get out at 10:50." Immediately, I feel all eyes on me, I hear someone behind me say, "Aint that a biyaatch", to my right I hear, I know it was not you? Then I hear one of those collective, "Sheeeets", and feel a bunch of cold stares. I denied sending the e-mail in class..........but guess what???????????

Yes. I am GUILTY of sending the damn e-mail. I confess, I did it. Sue me..........

But I guess I can explain why I sent the e-mail, cause it I even shocked myself for sending it. First, I was not sure if he was letting us out intentionally or not. Second, if he thought class indeed got out early, did we want him to find out from another source? We would run the risk of him finding out later in the semester, him concluding we were some wise azz, slick azz, no honesty having future law students, which would then result in him drafting a nasty final exam. I know none of ya'll want an extra funky final exam, I sho don't, not for my last semester. So I had to act.....but I was not gonna act alone...............I had an accomplice..............

We decided to send a nice little e-mail, no names were signed on the e-mail......

Exhibit A

Dear Sir, I did not want to mention this in class, might upset some classmates, but I believe our class is scheduled from 9:00 to 10:50. I am not sure if you are letting us out intentionally early, (and I am not complaining about it), but I just wanted to let you know.

Was that all bad? Were all those cuss words directed towards me necessary? I did the right thing, not because I wanted to be honest, but because I only have two exams this semester, I was not gonna give him any reason to dislike our class cause we wanted to be slick getting out early. Now, how he figured out it was me? Heck if I know. But I am guilty I must admit. Oh well.......I guess I am a

Pulling Up Boot Straps, Jigga Please

Morning classes are hard to get up for mentally, partly due to the fact that I just don't feel like being bothered in the morning (get at me around 10:00). But my Federal Discrimination seminar class has a brotha firing off shots, and ducking a few as well. Affirmative Action was the topic this morning. So you already know. There are only eight of us in the class, so it makes for lots of exchanges between students. It always seems like the ultra-conservs wanna avoid chatting up on the issues, so its always great when you can get them to open up by directing smart azz comments at them, once you see the red in the face build up, its about to be on. Next week....Racial Profiling......

So Affirmative Action programs in education or Class Based programs? What would serve people best?

Verizon damn them, they trying to charge for everything, first they stop including clips or cases with new phones(yo where's the case, oh that comes separate....) I gotta buy a clip too???). Now they wanna charge for transferring data from one phone to another. UGGGGHHH............

Here's a little comedy to get through the rest of the day......

Say It Aint So

Doing my morning news scan I was in disbelief to learn that the "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was killed by a sting-ray while filming in off the Great Barrier Reef. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time." Stingrays can be quite large too, so who knows what he was fooling with during his injury.

When ever I was suffering from Flipitis, I tended to always end up on the animal channel watching this cat fool with snakes, crocs, and other dangerous creatures. Part of me would be amazed, the other part would sit there and say, "this dude trying to get killed." I would kind of laugh it off, but he did a lot of wild stuff, he had major cajones. Sad to see his lose his life life that.

I wonder why I never see any brotha's on the animal channel pulling stunts like that?

Charger linebacker Steve Foley got shot three times by an off-duty Coronado police officer, who followed the player damn near ten miles to the players home because he thought the player was driving under the influence. Mind you the officer was not in uniform and not in a marked police car but he showed the player his badge. He shot the player in his own driveway, "The officer told investigators he fired his weapon several times at Foley after the athlete stepped out of his vehicle on the quiet, upscale cul-de-sac of Travertine Court, and reached into his pants." The whole thing sounds fishy, how is it, that in traveling ten miles, in California, not one other police vehicle made the scene before the shooting or while the officer was following him?? Hmm....You know what that ish sounds like to me. Big black guy in nice car, big black guy gets out car, big black guy goes in pocket, you know the rest of the story. Foley's injuries do not appear to be life threatening at this stage, though he was shot in the leg, arm and chest.

We had a mini-family reunion over the weekend, it was nice, lots of food, quality time with the relatives and all that good stuff.

I still have not come up with a topic for my seminar, I thinks its only because once I pick my topic, I gotta start my research.

Does enjoying a good game of Scrabble make a brotha a Nerd? I say no!!! I'd rather play Scrabble over Spades.........anytime.

Why does the University of Memphis Football teams offense playcalls remind you of peewee football??? I can't go to games if the lameness continues.....

Ranting

Been on lock with assignments, a lot is poppin though, where shall I start.

Ok, Team USA, I know those cats did not lose to Greece. Greece.....naw man....uh the Greece that does not have any players in the league....no way.....Damn, you tellin me we losing basketball too. Got dang....what we got left? Naw this just can't be so, let me check the score one mo gin........yep, we lost. I just knew they were gonna get the gold. Oh well.........

Islamofascism....wtf????

Bush and them been on a rampage talking mad ish. I wish a real reporter would interview that nut, especially with good follow up questions. Here is the most recent interview that was given while he was in Louisiana actin like he on his ish, oh yea, big ups to BN for sending me the link.......http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=3A6374A1-8FC5-48CD-A2AE-45B57AEB5947&f=00&fg=copy This cat is a fool, really.

Keith Olbermann is earning my respect, peep this out....some strong words on his part...http://win20ca.audiovideoweb.com/ca20win15004/OlbermannBlastsRumsfeldOnFacism512K.wmv

The Iranian President wants to debate NutBush. Talk about a nation embarrassed, and no, I am not speaking of Iran. Since I am on Iran, who are we to say they can't develop nuclear energy? Last I checked, we were the ones running around the world killing folk, or selling weapons to kill folk. So who are we to speak or try to flex?We've got no damn credibility.

RW, I feel you on your last post, change gotta come though, I think it happens locally. I think. A lot of those red states need to be painted blue.......

Last night while doing my reading, I decided to torture myself and watch Fox News. Who watches these fools and believes the ish they report? Oh....fools.

It amazes me the ish Fox reports and the commentary they dish out. Only people who don't have the know how or desire to do their own research eats that ish. I watch only to stay caught up with our own governmental propaganda. Its propaganda, not news. Here are two of the most dangerous talking heads that I would love to debate or throw an egg at.....Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter I should bishslap myself for even putting there mugs on here. But if you don't know who there are, they are Bush-Cheney gremlins. When I see either of them, I see this

I got invited to the swearing in ceremony for the newly elected County Commissioners. Hmmm......Demo's supposed to have a 7-6 advantage, but I think there is an undercover Repub present amongst them,no I aint gonna name him.....or her. I did though enjoy James Harvey giving a shout out to County Mayor W.W. Herenton. And no, Harvey did not catch the slip up. Gonna have to watch this cat.

Why am I feeling that song "Stunting Like My Daddy"???