I may either stop blogging altogether or I may transfer to another service...Still undecided (but, I don't think that I am too pleased with some of the changes that are coming to Google...I am still trying to sort through it with out their spin...stay tuned...)
About Me
- RandomThgt
- New York City, New York, United States
- 41 year old African-American Male. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades and a master of none...I rely on reasoned common sense, rationality and what my gut tells me is right/wrong (combined with the well reasoned opinions of others!). I don't consider myself an expert on anything in particular, but I have lots of opinions.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I Pledge Allegiance to Tyler Perry...
Tyler Perry apparently believes that films with all black casts are on the verge of extinction. To ward off this potential Armageddon, he is encouraging folks to go out this weekend to see the movie "Red Tails", which features an all-black (primarily male) cast. The movie was produced by George Lucas with very little (if any) studio support [for more info on the production of "Red Tails", you can go here http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/magazine/george-lucas-red-tails.html?pagewanted=all).
A few disclaimers: I do not like Perry's plays, movies or television shows. I also noticed that he has written a book, which I don't intend to read. I think of his products as modern day minstrel shows with the notable difference that the characters may be more dressed up; but, I ask, "Where are they going?" I also tend to avoid the overwhelming majority of entertainment that is put out for mass consumption, which includes most movies produced by major studios.
With that said, I think that Perry's "letter", if you will, is a bit disingenuous. Within the past 12 months, I saw 3 independent movies that featured all-black casts ("Night Catches Us", "I Will Follow" and recently, "Pariah"). Admittedly, I don't go to the movies too often (I really need to feel motivated to separate myself from my hard-earned coins and I need to believe that I won't be wasting time that I will never be able to reclaim). I also don't want to minimize or romanticize the challenges that each of the folks behind the films that I have mentioned most likely endured in order to see their respective films to completion and eventual distribution. But, there are in fact films being made with black casts. Personally, I don't really care if there isn't another large block buster made (with an all-black cast or otherwise). In reference to "Red Tails", I don't wish the movie any ill-will, but I personally am not interested in a revisionist or sanitized version of history.
What I do want from my entertainment (and, in particular, my films) are complex, well drawn characters who are representative of the human condition. I want thoughtful story-lines and capable actors and directors with vision---all the things that Perry doesn't appear to possess (or, if he does possess said attributes, he has yet to display them). I also don't want some self-appointed "leader" telling me what I should do (with my time or my money).
And to take it a step further, I will say that simply because something is "all black" does not automatically mean that I want to experience it (i.e., I refer to my previously stated opinions on Tyler Perry's work). I am so tired of these appeals (like Perry's letter) to racial allegiance in the black community that in reality, represent limited, narrow forms of pseudo black-nationalism.
Perry, of course, has a lucrative distribution (and possible production) deal with Lionsgate. Although Lionsgate is classified (in some circles) as an independent entertainment company, it is hugely successful and a bit of a behemoth (and there is nothing wrong with that). For FY 2010, Lionsgate had net income in excess of $19 million dollars on revenue in excess of $1 billion. I don't think that it takes a leap of logic to conclude that the more commercially successful all-black films are (quality notwithstanding), the better financial deal Perry is able to secure for his productions (and ultimately, the better able he is to line his already well lined pockets). Again, there is nothing wrong with commercial success (standing alone), but Perry should be fully honest about his motivations (this conclusion is my own...Perry may in fact, just want "Red Tails" to do well financially...However, the connection is unmistakable and the tactic of appealing to racial allegiance in order to advance one's own self interest is in fact, often used. For example, well-known radio "empiress" Cathy Hughes employed a similar tactic in her battle with the record industry a few years back...you can click here for one take).
I think that sorting through all of the issues at play is complicated and involves many factors (including blatant self interest). But, I really detest the appeal to unquestioned racial allegiance (in circumstances like this, I often think back to this 2008 article in the Times. The article was an "expose" if you will, on the cars leased by members of the House of Representatives and the corresponding taxpayer expense. I found the short profile on Rep. Charles Rangel, who represents Harlem, telling...in justification of his lease of a lavish and expensive Cadillac DeVille, Rep. Rangel explained that his constituents "...like to see that they are somebody and that he is somebody." Ostensibly, these feelings are conveyed through Rangel's tax-payer paid DeVille. Call me crazy...but, I imagine that while the DeVille is quite nice and luxurious, 10 to 1 says that, if given an option, Rangel's constituents would rather see significant material improvements in their OWN overall life and living conditions rather than seeing Rep. Rangel riding in a DeVille...that's just my guess).
Similarly, as both stated and implied, I am a huge proponent in quality over quantity (this ranges from shoes and suits to my choice of entertainment). By all accounts, "Red Tails" is a perfectly fine movie (and I applaud George Lucas, who is estimated to be worth over $1 billion, for basically, going at it alone financially). Tyler Perry's motives may very well be perfectly benign, although I doubt it. But, if one of the outcomes of the commercial success of "Red Tails" is that the black community is subjected to more of the same from Tyler Perry (and those like him), then I question the overall net-gain.
[Note: while writing this blog post and doing some quick on-line fact checking, I happen to come across the weekend movie financial tabulations, and "Red Tails" ranked 2nd with an estimated haul of $19.1 million, so it appears that all black movie casts may be safe for now].
A few disclaimers: I do not like Perry's plays, movies or television shows. I also noticed that he has written a book, which I don't intend to read. I think of his products as modern day minstrel shows with the notable difference that the characters may be more dressed up; but, I ask, "Where are they going?" I also tend to avoid the overwhelming majority of entertainment that is put out for mass consumption, which includes most movies produced by major studios.
With that said, I think that Perry's "letter", if you will, is a bit disingenuous. Within the past 12 months, I saw 3 independent movies that featured all-black casts ("Night Catches Us", "I Will Follow" and recently, "Pariah"). Admittedly, I don't go to the movies too often (I really need to feel motivated to separate myself from my hard-earned coins and I need to believe that I won't be wasting time that I will never be able to reclaim). I also don't want to minimize or romanticize the challenges that each of the folks behind the films that I have mentioned most likely endured in order to see their respective films to completion and eventual distribution. But, there are in fact films being made with black casts. Personally, I don't really care if there isn't another large block buster made (with an all-black cast or otherwise). In reference to "Red Tails", I don't wish the movie any ill-will, but I personally am not interested in a revisionist or sanitized version of history.
What I do want from my entertainment (and, in particular, my films) are complex, well drawn characters who are representative of the human condition. I want thoughtful story-lines and capable actors and directors with vision---all the things that Perry doesn't appear to possess (or, if he does possess said attributes, he has yet to display them). I also don't want some self-appointed "leader" telling me what I should do (with my time or my money).
And to take it a step further, I will say that simply because something is "all black" does not automatically mean that I want to experience it (i.e., I refer to my previously stated opinions on Tyler Perry's work). I am so tired of these appeals (like Perry's letter) to racial allegiance in the black community that in reality, represent limited, narrow forms of pseudo black-nationalism.
Perry, of course, has a lucrative distribution (and possible production) deal with Lionsgate. Although Lionsgate is classified (in some circles) as an independent entertainment company, it is hugely successful and a bit of a behemoth (and there is nothing wrong with that). For FY 2010, Lionsgate had net income in excess of $19 million dollars on revenue in excess of $1 billion. I don't think that it takes a leap of logic to conclude that the more commercially successful all-black films are (quality notwithstanding), the better financial deal Perry is able to secure for his productions (and ultimately, the better able he is to line his already well lined pockets). Again, there is nothing wrong with commercial success (standing alone), but Perry should be fully honest about his motivations (this conclusion is my own...Perry may in fact, just want "Red Tails" to do well financially...However, the connection is unmistakable and the tactic of appealing to racial allegiance in order to advance one's own self interest is in fact, often used. For example, well-known radio "empiress" Cathy Hughes employed a similar tactic in her battle with the record industry a few years back...you can click here for one take).
I think that sorting through all of the issues at play is complicated and involves many factors (including blatant self interest). But, I really detest the appeal to unquestioned racial allegiance (in circumstances like this, I often think back to this 2008 article in the Times. The article was an "expose" if you will, on the cars leased by members of the House of Representatives and the corresponding taxpayer expense. I found the short profile on Rep. Charles Rangel, who represents Harlem, telling...in justification of his lease of a lavish and expensive Cadillac DeVille, Rep. Rangel explained that his constituents "...like to see that they are somebody and that he is somebody." Ostensibly, these feelings are conveyed through Rangel's tax-payer paid DeVille. Call me crazy...but, I imagine that while the DeVille is quite nice and luxurious, 10 to 1 says that, if given an option, Rangel's constituents would rather see significant material improvements in their OWN overall life and living conditions rather than seeing Rep. Rangel riding in a DeVille...that's just my guess).
Similarly, as both stated and implied, I am a huge proponent in quality over quantity (this ranges from shoes and suits to my choice of entertainment). By all accounts, "Red Tails" is a perfectly fine movie (and I applaud George Lucas, who is estimated to be worth over $1 billion, for basically, going at it alone financially). Tyler Perry's motives may very well be perfectly benign, although I doubt it. But, if one of the outcomes of the commercial success of "Red Tails" is that the black community is subjected to more of the same from Tyler Perry (and those like him), then I question the overall net-gain.
[Note: while writing this blog post and doing some quick on-line fact checking, I happen to come across the weekend movie financial tabulations, and "Red Tails" ranked 2nd with an estimated haul of $19.1 million, so it appears that all black movie casts may be safe for now].
Monday, January 16, 2012
What Am I Doing?
I wrote this post 1/15/12 and set it aside for editing...Before I got around to editing, I had a change of heart about the subject (how presumptuous of me to compile a list of what I am reading/listening to/watching, etc). Then I remembered that this is my blog...
What am I up? (i.e., reading, listening to, watching, planning to see)...
I am touched on this some yesterday, in terms of highlighting some things that I have seen...For some reason, I have decided to outline a few of the things occupying my time now (not at this particular moment, but in general terms):
[Note: I am forget/get confused as to whether I should use " ", underlining and/or italics, so I use them interchangeable]
Books: For me, the good and bad thing about Kindle (no, I don't have an Ipad and not sure that I will be purchasing one...I haven't gotten the Kindle Fire yet either---I just bought my Kindle last in the Spring of '11, so I am not looking to spend money on another piece of electronic equipment anytime soon)...but, back to my point...Kindle allows (even encourages) me to read multiple books at once (not literally) because I don't have to deal with the burden of actually carrying those multiple books back and forth during my working commute/on vacation, etc. Everything is neatly held in one place---all I have to do is flip the switch (and ensure my device has been sufficiently powered) and there are all of my books!:
1. Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-Perry (I really enjoy Professor Perry's writing and analysis and although in some sense, this is an instance of preaching to the choir--her to me, its always good to continue to sharpen one's insight).
2. The Battle for Gotham: New York in Shadow of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs by Roberta Brandes Gratz (I am and have always been intrigued by NY and wanted to try to understand how NY got to be NY...I also question some of the policy planning decisions that have been made and applaud others...this book has been an interesting starting point).
3. The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones (I actually stopped reading mid-way through...I am a big fan of Jones, but this book is a little too simplistic for me...I am certainly trying to increase my knowledge of environmental issues, but the problem here is that Jones presents the "solutions" without any acknowledgement of our present political environment. Moreover, I question the efficacy of some of the solutions listed. Will probably resume in the Spring.
4. Palestine Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter (the Middle East conflict, history, religion are all areas of interest for me; combine those interests with a significant historical injustice- and I am not referring to the persecution of the Jewish people, which I am not condoning either, I mean it is possible to be critical of some of Israel's policies and not be an anti-Semite; and, this book is a must read for me).
Television:
1. "Unsung" on TVOne (TVOne is about .5 of a step better than BET in terms of programming, but my partner and I love this show...)
2. "Burn Notice"- this is my escapist television. Both the male and female leads are easy on the eyes and its just good, clean fun. I do wonder if some of the plots are magnifications of real covert intelligence tactics/operations, but in general, I am hooked. In fact, at 41, this show made me wonder if I missed my calling to be a CIA agent?)
3. "Homeland" (Showtime...the first season ended last fall...this show is just amazing to me...I am getting a little tired of all of the covert CIA-type shows, but this one is a keeper for me).
4. "Up! with Chris Hayes" (weekend mornings on MSNBC...This show is a great counter to the inane Sunday morning political shows on the other networks that typically feature the same old, tired talking heads babbling on about the same banal crap...I am also looking forward to Professor Harris-Perry's MSNBC show that is set to debut on February 4).
Movies:
In addition to "Pariah" which I saw last weekend and "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975", which I watched on DVD this weekend, I am looking forward to seeing: "Shame", "The Iron Lady" and I have to figure out how I am going to see "Gun Hill Road".
Theatre:
One of many great things about living in NY is that opportunity to see some really good theatrical productions...there is also plenty of middle-of-the-road garbage as well, but I have done a pretty good job of avoiding most of that stuff...
Yesterday, we saw a matinee performance of W;t (my use of the semi-colon is intentional) with Cynthia Nixon...wow! This was a nicely done and forced me to think in terms of my own mortality (maybe everyone doesn't like to do this, but, in some perverse way, I do). We have tickets next week for "Gerswhin's Porgy and Bess" (featuring Audra Macdonald). I have not intentionally read any of the reviews (because I don't want to run into any spoilers or anything else that might ruin the show for me). I know that there has been some early criticism of P&B (by Steven Soundheim) because of the re imagining of the story. Since I have not previously seen the play/opera, I will have no idea what I am missing (although, I have to say, I don't want to see anything that is 4 hours long---which is the length of the original opera).
Music:
This dichotomy has created a huge disconnect between me and what's generally popular in the world of music right now...I have no idea of what's considered "hot"...I have no idea (outside of Adele) of the music by any of the many most popular artists---Nicki Manji? Justin Bieber? Kathy Perry? While I know the names (how can you avoid 'em?), I couldn't name a song by any of them. I don't say this with a badge of honor (I am now starting to feel like my mom)...I just note the serious disconnect between a professed music lover and the business of music. Fortunately, this disconnect is not all that new (and I am hardly the only person who shares this view). There are TONS of artist out there (not to mention vasts archives) where one can find all kinds of tunes that are made to cater to all kinds of tastes...Its also a good thing that I think of myself as the kind of person who will actually find what we is "looking for". So, after that long-ass diatribe of self-righteous indignation, I say that the latest thing that I am listening to is "Portrait of a Legend", which is a compilation of songs my Sam Cooke...talk about genius (I was watching the "Unsung" episode on Bobby Womack. Womack was discussing his working relationship with Sam Cooke...I have listened to some Sam Cooke in the past, but that episode piqued my interest further...and here we are...).
I am still rocking Adele (I really need to move on and listen to something else...), Lizz Wright, Dianne Reeves, Fertile Ground, Incognito, Erykah Badu, old Mary J. Blige, Amel Larreux, Donny Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson...among many, many others...There is in fact tons of good music out there (in addition to all of bad). You just have to look for it.
What am I up? (i.e., reading, listening to, watching, planning to see)...
I am touched on this some yesterday, in terms of highlighting some things that I have seen...For some reason, I have decided to outline a few of the things occupying my time now (not at this particular moment, but in general terms):
[Note: I am forget/get confused as to whether I should use " ", underlining and/or italics, so I use them interchangeable]
Books: For me, the good and bad thing about Kindle (no, I don't have an Ipad and not sure that I will be purchasing one...I haven't gotten the Kindle Fire yet either---I just bought my Kindle last in the Spring of '11, so I am not looking to spend money on another piece of electronic equipment anytime soon)...but, back to my point...Kindle allows (even encourages) me to read multiple books at once (not literally) because I don't have to deal with the burden of actually carrying those multiple books back and forth during my working commute/on vacation, etc. Everything is neatly held in one place---all I have to do is flip the switch (and ensure my device has been sufficiently powered) and there are all of my books!:
1. Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-Perry (I really enjoy Professor Perry's writing and analysis and although in some sense, this is an instance of preaching to the choir--her to me, its always good to continue to sharpen one's insight).
2. The Battle for Gotham: New York in Shadow of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs by Roberta Brandes Gratz (I am and have always been intrigued by NY and wanted to try to understand how NY got to be NY...I also question some of the policy planning decisions that have been made and applaud others...this book has been an interesting starting point).
3. The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones (I actually stopped reading mid-way through...I am a big fan of Jones, but this book is a little too simplistic for me...I am certainly trying to increase my knowledge of environmental issues, but the problem here is that Jones presents the "solutions" without any acknowledgement of our present political environment. Moreover, I question the efficacy of some of the solutions listed. Will probably resume in the Spring.
4. Palestine Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter (the Middle East conflict, history, religion are all areas of interest for me; combine those interests with a significant historical injustice- and I am not referring to the persecution of the Jewish people, which I am not condoning either, I mean it is possible to be critical of some of Israel's policies and not be an anti-Semite; and, this book is a must read for me).
Television:
1. "Unsung" on TVOne (TVOne is about .5 of a step better than BET in terms of programming, but my partner and I love this show...)
2. "Burn Notice"- this is my escapist television. Both the male and female leads are easy on the eyes and its just good, clean fun. I do wonder if some of the plots are magnifications of real covert intelligence tactics/operations, but in general, I am hooked. In fact, at 41, this show made me wonder if I missed my calling to be a CIA agent?)
3. "Homeland" (Showtime...the first season ended last fall...this show is just amazing to me...I am getting a little tired of all of the covert CIA-type shows, but this one is a keeper for me).
4. "Up! with Chris Hayes" (weekend mornings on MSNBC...This show is a great counter to the inane Sunday morning political shows on the other networks that typically feature the same old, tired talking heads babbling on about the same banal crap...I am also looking forward to Professor Harris-Perry's MSNBC show that is set to debut on February 4).
Movies:
In addition to "Pariah" which I saw last weekend and "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975", which I watched on DVD this weekend, I am looking forward to seeing: "Shame", "The Iron Lady" and I have to figure out how I am going to see "Gun Hill Road".
Theatre:
One of many great things about living in NY is that opportunity to see some really good theatrical productions...there is also plenty of middle-of-the-road garbage as well, but I have done a pretty good job of avoiding most of that stuff...
Yesterday, we saw a matinee performance of W;t (my use of the semi-colon is intentional) with Cynthia Nixon...wow! This was a nicely done and forced me to think in terms of my own mortality (maybe everyone doesn't like to do this, but, in some perverse way, I do). We have tickets next week for "Gerswhin's Porgy and Bess" (featuring Audra Macdonald). I have not intentionally read any of the reviews (because I don't want to run into any spoilers or anything else that might ruin the show for me). I know that there has been some early criticism of P&B (by Steven Soundheim) because of the re imagining of the story. Since I have not previously seen the play/opera, I will have no idea what I am missing (although, I have to say, I don't want to see anything that is 4 hours long---which is the length of the original opera).
Music:
This dichotomy has created a huge disconnect between me and what's generally popular in the world of music right now...I have no idea of what's considered "hot"...I have no idea (outside of Adele) of the music by any of the many most popular artists---Nicki Manji? Justin Bieber? Kathy Perry? While I know the names (how can you avoid 'em?), I couldn't name a song by any of them. I don't say this with a badge of honor (I am now starting to feel like my mom)...I just note the serious disconnect between a professed music lover and the business of music. Fortunately, this disconnect is not all that new (and I am hardly the only person who shares this view). There are TONS of artist out there (not to mention vasts archives) where one can find all kinds of tunes that are made to cater to all kinds of tastes...Its also a good thing that I think of myself as the kind of person who will actually find what we is "looking for". So, after that long-ass diatribe of self-righteous indignation, I say that the latest thing that I am listening to is "Portrait of a Legend", which is a compilation of songs my Sam Cooke...talk about genius (I was watching the "Unsung" episode on Bobby Womack. Womack was discussing his working relationship with Sam Cooke...I have listened to some Sam Cooke in the past, but that episode piqued my interest further...and here we are...).
I am still rocking Adele (I really need to move on and listen to something else...), Lizz Wright, Dianne Reeves, Fertile Ground, Incognito, Erykah Badu, old Mary J. Blige, Amel Larreux, Donny Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson...among many, many others...There is in fact tons of good music out there (in addition to all of bad). You just have to look for it.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Happy 2012...A few weeks late
Welcome to 2012...I am only a few weeks late!
I am trying to figure out why I haven't felt like writing/blogging the last few months and I don't have a good answer. Yes, I have been busy with work (but, who isn't? that has never stopped me before). No, I am not paid for blogging (but, being paid is not my reason for blogging). I have no idea if anyone actually reads this thing (despite the fact that I read the stats, and, that has never stopped me before)...so, I will just accept that I just have not been up to it and move along.
As always, there is much going on...the GOP Presidential Primary contest should warrant a discussion, but, unfortunately, it doesn't. The entire field (the front runner included) is pretty much a joke...except, that I think that the potential consequences are dire. Its not that I want President Obama to lose the election, because I do not. But, I am pushing myself to rise above ideology. What I would like to hear (whether its from President O or from one of the contestants on the other side) are concrete ideas/potential solutions to improve the current economic environment. Unfortunately, I haven't heard much from either side (and to be fair to the President, he certainly doesn't have a working partner with the dysfunctional Congress where the Republicans would rather see the President fail than see the country succeed---so much for "country first"). At the same time, I think I have a realistic view of American politics. Everyone expects that the presidential contest will be tight...That means if Obama loses, I wish I had some confidence in his successor to implement programs to fix the problems we currently face. Irrespective of which bone head wins from the other side, I just do not see that happening.
On another front, I finally saw "The Help" on DVD...Although it pushed many different buttons for me (race relations, poverty, limited opportunities for blacks, restrictive gender roles), as I expected, Viola Davis was rocked in a dignified, quiet type of way, and Octavia Spencer was (not too surprisingly) pretty damn funny. As much as I loathe the "Hollywood" awards season, I am glad to see that she (Davis) is receiving just due for her work in this movie (in terms of recognition from her peers and other industry folks). Given the limited roles available for American-Americans (male or female) and given the limited number of quality roles (regardless of race), I just enjoy seeing people justly rewarded for their efforts. I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Davis on Broadway with Denzel Washington in "Fences"---she just brought so much power and presence and depth to her role. It was a pleasure to watch. [I am not doing a very good job of explaining myself here...On the surface, it would seem like I engaging in a form of fictive race pride in terms of rejoicing in Viola's critical accolades. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with that, but I am not...or, at least, I am trying not to. There is just something about the integrity that she projects and the life that she beings to her characters that I really appreciate and I think that she is talented as hell!]
Speaking of the world of film, last week, I saw "Pariah" about an black, high school age student who comes to terms with her sexual identity (lesbian) on her own terms. It was a raw, realistic, honest film by first time Director Dee Ress...Her film has garnered a great deal of well-deserved buzz and I look forward to seeing more from her moving forward (interestingly, I read that she is working on a scripted series for HBO starring Viola Davis).
As I have gotten older, my tolerance level for trash entertainment has decreased significantly. I just resent the garbage that is thrown out to "us" the viewing/paying public by the powers that be (the forum doesn't matter---music, theater, television, books). I am only willing to spend my time and/or money on those things that I think might interest me and when I find those things, I am ecstatic! (for example, I am 99% certain that nothing Tyler Perry does will interest me, so I don't watch any of his productions. He most certainly can do what he wants, but he won't be earning any of my money in the process). [note: I am laying on the bed and a commercial for a "Martin Luther King Day Sale" a K-Mart just came on...Damn! Nothing is safe from commodification...I am not one of those people who lionizes Dr. King...I appreciate both his humanity and his achievements, but I do think that some things should be off-limits...but, am I really surprised? No]
Finally, I want to welcome a friend to the world of blogging...This is her blog (womanvsweight.com) and its an online account of her battle with the bulge...something that all of us can probably relate to. I wish her the best and encourage any/all who have an interest to check her out.
Until next time...RT
I am trying to figure out why I haven't felt like writing/blogging the last few months and I don't have a good answer. Yes, I have been busy with work (but, who isn't? that has never stopped me before). No, I am not paid for blogging (but, being paid is not my reason for blogging). I have no idea if anyone actually reads this thing (despite the fact that I read the stats, and, that has never stopped me before)...so, I will just accept that I just have not been up to it and move along.
As always, there is much going on...the GOP Presidential Primary contest should warrant a discussion, but, unfortunately, it doesn't. The entire field (the front runner included) is pretty much a joke...except, that I think that the potential consequences are dire. Its not that I want President Obama to lose the election, because I do not. But, I am pushing myself to rise above ideology. What I would like to hear (whether its from President O or from one of the contestants on the other side) are concrete ideas/potential solutions to improve the current economic environment. Unfortunately, I haven't heard much from either side (and to be fair to the President, he certainly doesn't have a working partner with the dysfunctional Congress where the Republicans would rather see the President fail than see the country succeed---so much for "country first"). At the same time, I think I have a realistic view of American politics. Everyone expects that the presidential contest will be tight...That means if Obama loses, I wish I had some confidence in his successor to implement programs to fix the problems we currently face. Irrespective of which bone head wins from the other side, I just do not see that happening.
On another front, I finally saw "The Help" on DVD...Although it pushed many different buttons for me (race relations, poverty, limited opportunities for blacks, restrictive gender roles), as I expected, Viola Davis was rocked in a dignified, quiet type of way, and Octavia Spencer was (not too surprisingly) pretty damn funny. As much as I loathe the "Hollywood" awards season, I am glad to see that she (Davis) is receiving just due for her work in this movie (in terms of recognition from her peers and other industry folks). Given the limited roles available for American-Americans (male or female) and given the limited number of quality roles (regardless of race), I just enjoy seeing people justly rewarded for their efforts. I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Davis on Broadway with Denzel Washington in "Fences"---she just brought so much power and presence and depth to her role. It was a pleasure to watch. [I am not doing a very good job of explaining myself here...On the surface, it would seem like I engaging in a form of fictive race pride in terms of rejoicing in Viola's critical accolades. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with that, but I am not...or, at least, I am trying not to. There is just something about the integrity that she projects and the life that she beings to her characters that I really appreciate and I think that she is talented as hell!]
Speaking of the world of film, last week, I saw "Pariah" about an black, high school age student who comes to terms with her sexual identity (lesbian) on her own terms. It was a raw, realistic, honest film by first time Director Dee Ress...Her film has garnered a great deal of well-deserved buzz and I look forward to seeing more from her moving forward (interestingly, I read that she is working on a scripted series for HBO starring Viola Davis).
As I have gotten older, my tolerance level for trash entertainment has decreased significantly. I just resent the garbage that is thrown out to "us" the viewing/paying public by the powers that be (the forum doesn't matter---music, theater, television, books). I am only willing to spend my time and/or money on those things that I think might interest me and when I find those things, I am ecstatic! (for example, I am 99% certain that nothing Tyler Perry does will interest me, so I don't watch any of his productions. He most certainly can do what he wants, but he won't be earning any of my money in the process). [note: I am laying on the bed and a commercial for a "Martin Luther King Day Sale" a K-Mart just came on...Damn! Nothing is safe from commodification...I am not one of those people who lionizes Dr. King...I appreciate both his humanity and his achievements, but I do think that some things should be off-limits...but, am I really surprised? No]
Finally, I want to welcome a friend to the world of blogging...This is her blog (womanvsweight.com) and its an online account of her battle with the bulge...something that all of us can probably relate to. I wish her the best and encourage any/all who have an interest to check her out.
Until next time...RT
Sunday, October 16, 2011
OWS
I haven't figured out why I am so slow at times...Today was the first day that I decided to see if there is an actual web-site for Occupy Wall Street---there is and here it is...http://occupywallst.org/
I decided to look for it after my partner and I decided that we would contribute financially to the protesters...I still don't know why I didn't take a moment to search for it sooner...
I decided to look for it after my partner and I decided that we would contribute financially to the protesters...I still don't know why I didn't take a moment to search for it sooner...
Cain is a Fraud
Herman Cain is a fraud, but I didn't need this article to tell (detailing his extensive ties to the ultra wealthy Koch brothers, who have an extensive history of funding radical and extremist right wing causes) to tell me that...In fairness, I guess he is no different than most politicans, who are pretty much bought and sold by special interests. Nonetheless, it does add even more color to the origins of his "ideas" (and I use that term loosely).
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wall Street Views OWS with Disdain
According to this story in the New York Times, most bankers privately view the OWS crowd with disdain...That's not really surprising considering that a prime (although not the sole) target of the protesters appear to be excessive corporate greed (as I understand the OWS movement). There is no place that I can think of where corporate greed is more pervasive than on Wall Street. I mean, honestly...one banker quoted in the article stated that financial services is one area left in this country where "we" (meaning, presumably, Americans) perform well. Really? The economic downturn of the last several years was caused by whom? The sole proprietor of the bodega around the corner from my house? Or, maybe it was my local dry cleaner? Perhaps it was the sales clerk who helped me at a local department store this afternoon...
I don't personally know any of the organizers or the protesters (so, I can't profess to speak for them), but I certainly understand their pain and fristration...The rate of income inequality in this country is a sad state of affairs (and, contrary to the popular narrative, is not a correlative to effort and/or competence---either for those on the top or the bottom of the inequality pyramid). I was a proponent of the TARP program because I was under the belief that it was necessary to stave off wide spread economic disaster....But, I wasn't a fan of providing bailouts to the largest financial institutions without conditions (which is exactly what the politicians did). To express their grattitude for saving their behinds, what did the bankers do? Instead of using the money to ease the credit crunch (which presumably was factor in causing the downturn to reverberate throughout the economy), they instead awarded themselves out sized bonuses that in no way were tide to performance (or, they wouldn't have needed the bailouts in the first place!). I still have a hard time understanding how/why AIG was allowed conscious to pay their counter parties 100% on the dollar for claims (what ever happened to negotiating!) or how AIG was able in good conscious to award retention bonuses to their employees (again, whatever happened to negotiation?! As a condition of receiving federal bailout fund, AIG should have been required to go back to all necessary parties and re-negotiate those agreements!!!!!!)...I also don't understand how a hudgefund manager is able to pay a federal tax rate of 15% on his/her income (which is often many multiples of millions of dollars) under the auspices that the income is a "return on investment" or the equivalent of a dividend. The reality is that most hedge fund managers are not really earning a return on their own actual investment (of either their sweat or financial equity). The money used to make their risky investments is often borrowed. Contrast that 15% tax rate with the rate federal tax rate of 25% - 35% for folks earning a standard salary (and who lack the funds to lobby politicans for favorable tax treatment).
Here is but another example of questionable business practices by one of the country's "esteemed bankers"....Goldman Sachs makes a foray into the shady area of for-profit educational institutions...The institution at issue experiences phenomenal growth (and, therefore, an substantial increase in federally guaranteed student aid)...Except that the enrolled students have questionable credentials, are often manipulated and/or coerced into enrolling and when they default on their government back loans, the average American (that's you and I) are left holding the bag while Godman makes out like a bandit (literally).
So, when a banker says that s/he doesn't understand why Americans are so upset about the current economic climate or that they don't "get" the ire of the OWS crowd, I respond that s/he (the banker) just doesn't get it....and, I suggest a look period of introspection...
I don't personally know any of the organizers or the protesters (so, I can't profess to speak for them), but I certainly understand their pain and fristration...The rate of income inequality in this country is a sad state of affairs (and, contrary to the popular narrative, is not a correlative to effort and/or competence---either for those on the top or the bottom of the inequality pyramid). I was a proponent of the TARP program because I was under the belief that it was necessary to stave off wide spread economic disaster....But, I wasn't a fan of providing bailouts to the largest financial institutions without conditions (which is exactly what the politicians did). To express their grattitude for saving their behinds, what did the bankers do? Instead of using the money to ease the credit crunch (which presumably was factor in causing the downturn to reverberate throughout the economy), they instead awarded themselves out sized bonuses that in no way were tide to performance (or, they wouldn't have needed the bailouts in the first place!). I still have a hard time understanding how/why AIG was allowed conscious to pay their counter parties 100% on the dollar for claims (what ever happened to negotiating!) or how AIG was able in good conscious to award retention bonuses to their employees (again, whatever happened to negotiation?! As a condition of receiving federal bailout fund, AIG should have been required to go back to all necessary parties and re-negotiate those agreements!!!!!!)...I also don't understand how a hudgefund manager is able to pay a federal tax rate of 15% on his/her income (which is often many multiples of millions of dollars) under the auspices that the income is a "return on investment" or the equivalent of a dividend. The reality is that most hedge fund managers are not really earning a return on their own actual investment (of either their sweat or financial equity). The money used to make their risky investments is often borrowed. Contrast that 15% tax rate with the rate federal tax rate of 25% - 35% for folks earning a standard salary (and who lack the funds to lobby politicans for favorable tax treatment).
Here is but another example of questionable business practices by one of the country's "esteemed bankers"....Goldman Sachs makes a foray into the shady area of for-profit educational institutions...The institution at issue experiences phenomenal growth (and, therefore, an substantial increase in federally guaranteed student aid)...Except that the enrolled students have questionable credentials, are often manipulated and/or coerced into enrolling and when they default on their government back loans, the average American (that's you and I) are left holding the bag while Godman makes out like a bandit (literally).
So, when a banker says that s/he doesn't understand why Americans are so upset about the current economic climate or that they don't "get" the ire of the OWS crowd, I respond that s/he (the banker) just doesn't get it....and, I suggest a look period of introspection...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Made in America...As Easy is ABC...
This little series being run on ABC News (actually, I think that the official title is World News with Diane Sawyer) is interesting...The reporter(s) attempt to showcase all us what we can do to help the American economy by purchasing American made products (a laudable goal). Given that the ABC is part of the huge Walt Disney conglomerate, I am curious as to what their own purchasing department (not just ABC, but the entire Disney organization) is doing? Just me being cynical I guess...
Friday, October 7, 2011
Occupy Wall Street
Link to a post from the New Deal 2.0 on why the Wall Street protestors should not be ignored...I have noticed the mocking tone taken by some in the MSM media (to the extent I can stomach any of the MSM)...I have been a little confused about the point of the protest (and may be that's just it...they are protesting many different things...frankly, there is plenty to be upset about). The corrupt and intertwined financial poker game that is been played on the majority of people who don't constitute the "1%" should cause outrage. I just don't have an answer on what can/should be done...
Kanye's Designs
Kanye's first showing of his women's wear designs appears to have been a bust...All I saw were the pics that accompany the linked article...Not sure if any of that stuff is...worth calling "designs". Maybe he will try again.
Fred Shuttlesworth
I have to admit that I knew nothing of Fred Shuttlesworth, who died on Wednesday. I just read this op-ed piece on the New York Times today on the contributions of Mr. Shuttlesworth. (Of course), I am not foolish enough to believe that King was a lone soldier in the Civil Rights Movement and I know that there are more unsung folks who have not (and likely will not) receive their dure praise...He is but one of that bunch.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Surcharge? What is a Surcharge?????
Will this "millionaire surcharge" replace the tax code loophole that allows hedge fund managers to pay the same tax rate on income equivalent to the rate for long term capital gains (15%)? If so, I am already against it. I thought that these folks were going to get serious about rectifying the inequities of our the tax code? Moreover, the whole idea of a "surcharge" just sounds punitive...and, stupid! I am no fan of Mitch McConnell, but I somewhat wish Reid would have lost his leadership position in 2010...At least with McConnell, I expect nothing...Damn, I wish Pelosi were still in a leadership position (in the House)!
An Angry Black Man Emerges....
This is why I am not voting for Herman Cain- he's a moron...It has nothing to do with me being "brainwahsed".
Scholar and advocate Derrick Bell Passes
Scholar and advocate Derrick Bell passed away...I have been an admirer and reader of his work since before I attended law school
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
More Info on Wealth/Income Inequality
More info of wealth/income inequality...I'm not exactly in the Peace Corps nor am I in the nonprofit sector...I also am not in the Top 1% of wealthy Americans (which is cool)...I recognize that I earn a higher income than the average American (and less than some other Americans)...I have been fortunate...I am willing to pay more in taxes if that means someone less fortunate will have access to certain services they might not otherwise be able to afford (like food, shelter, some time of health care...you know, the basics...). As I have gone on ad nausem-extensive income inequality is and has been a problem in this country for some time. Real wages for the middles have been stagnant for decades...This is enormous implications for the country's continued economic growth.
What's It All About?
I watch a lot of political television and read even more about politics. I often wonder if all the pundits do is point to what the opposing side is saying and talk about how crazy it sounds? I just am not finding much interesting or new...no proposals, no new solutions...just the same b.s., which would be find if the country were not headed in a downward spiral...Maybe I should just stop worrying about it.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Take By the Dream update...
I have to say that I am disappointed, but not surprised by the scant media coverage given to the "Take Back the Dream" conference being held right now in DC...But, that's ok...Although I am not there in person, I am present in spirit (along with a recent monetary contribution toward the group's efforts). Keep up the good fight my friends!
Below...some words from Van Jones (that I lifted from the "Take Back the Dream" blog as written by Bill Scher)...
Noting the wide-ranging feelings about President Barack Obama among the thousands attending the conference, Jones said: "Some people love the president. Some don't. But the point is, what are we going to do?"
To solve the jobs crisis, to rebuild our infrastructure, to restore tax fairness, to renew a vibrant middle class, we don't need to agree about Barack Obama. Because, as Van Jones said, the slogan of 2008 wasn't, "Yes HE Can." It was "Yes WE Can."
Jones counseled the crowd not to wait for a "messiah" or a "Superman," because the American Dream movement is "your movement."
And lest anyone had forgotten what the movement had already accomplished, despite the blows we had already suffered, Jones offered a recent history lesson.
The movement rallied millions to stop President George Bush from invading Iraq. He ignored us. "We could have quit then, but we didn't," reminded Jones.
Even after progressives fell short in ousting Bush in 2004, and Karl Rove pledged to establish a "permanent Republican majority," folks did not quit. And just years later, Rove's dream was shattered by the lost of the Congress.
"You get knocked down, but you get back up," said Jones.
Today, we are getting back up. Jones reported that American Dream rallies outnumbered Tea Party rallies 10 to 1 in August. And now, proudly said Jones, "The White House is talking different because we are walking different."
Jones gently chided those who have feel disaffected and disengaged, saying, "Call your grandmother. Get some perspective." Our predecessors fought for economic fairness during the Great Depression. Our predecessors fought for civil rights in the face of fire hoses. There is no reason think we cannot stand together today, and take back the American Dream for all Americans.
Judging from the crowd, by the time Van Jones was done, any demoralizing disappointment that came into the room had vanished, replaced by a renewed hunger to show what we can do. By ourselves. Working together
Below...some words from Van Jones (that I lifted from the "Take Back the Dream" blog as written by Bill Scher)...
We Don't Need A Messiah.We Have A Movement.
Van Jones put to rest the notion of a divided Left, as he kicked off the Take Back the American Dream conference today.Noting the wide-ranging feelings about President Barack Obama among the thousands attending the conference, Jones said: "Some people love the president. Some don't. But the point is, what are we going to do?"
To solve the jobs crisis, to rebuild our infrastructure, to restore tax fairness, to renew a vibrant middle class, we don't need to agree about Barack Obama. Because, as Van Jones said, the slogan of 2008 wasn't, "Yes HE Can." It was "Yes WE Can."
Jones counseled the crowd not to wait for a "messiah" or a "Superman," because the American Dream movement is "your movement."
And lest anyone had forgotten what the movement had already accomplished, despite the blows we had already suffered, Jones offered a recent history lesson.
The movement rallied millions to stop President George Bush from invading Iraq. He ignored us. "We could have quit then, but we didn't," reminded Jones.
Even after progressives fell short in ousting Bush in 2004, and Karl Rove pledged to establish a "permanent Republican majority," folks did not quit. And just years later, Rove's dream was shattered by the lost of the Congress.
"You get knocked down, but you get back up," said Jones.
Today, we are getting back up. Jones reported that American Dream rallies outnumbered Tea Party rallies 10 to 1 in August. And now, proudly said Jones, "The White House is talking different because we are walking different."
Jones gently chided those who have feel disaffected and disengaged, saying, "Call your grandmother. Get some perspective." Our predecessors fought for economic fairness during the Great Depression. Our predecessors fought for civil rights in the face of fire hoses. There is no reason think we cannot stand together today, and take back the American Dream for all Americans.
Judging from the crowd, by the time Van Jones was done, any demoralizing disappointment that came into the room had vanished, replaced by a renewed hunger to show what we can do. By ourselves. Working together
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Yet Another Reason to STOP Watching Network News Broadcasts
A week or so ago, the network news shows (I happened to catch the story on ABC's evening news tabloid show w/ Diane Sawyer, a broadcast and anchor that I loathe, but my partner feels some connection to ABC, so that's the compromise that I make for the sake of our relationship)...The crack reporters at ABC were all over the "story" about $16 muffins bought by the DOJ for conferences. The outage! The horror! Except, well, the story isn't quite accurate (surprise! a network news program, especially one on ABC news, got something wrong!). Here's another take....
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
On the Need for Increased taxes on the Wealthy...
My explanations and justifications for raising taxes (as a percentage) on the wealthy would probably go much deeper than this, but I think that this statement from Professor Elizabeth Warren is a pretty good starting point and one that "should" be accessible to most people with average intelligence...
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