On Point

2007-04-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

"you're a good man charlie brown"

2006-11-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

Tired.

Just started Boykin's latest book. So far, he's been very clear in pointing out that the way in which 'down low' is popularly defined can be flawed by presenting a variety of examples of down low behaviour that do not fit the 'black gay men sex with straight women' model. However, he has failed to present an alternative plausible explanation, thus far, as to the reason(s) behind the rise in HIV infections among African American women for some time.

The reading continues.

2006-11-25T02:38:00.000-08:00

It's 5:30 AM and I can't sleep. I am currently reading The Story of a Modern Woman by Dixon but became frustrated. I love books that disguise the messgaes they are trying to relay. Dixon is rather explicit. There are times when she deviates from the story and yells her message as if she assumes her audience too stupid not to get it by any other means.

So, I came here. I am really impressed by my last post. I haven't been on this site in a while and I think I actually gave that post some thought. Quite an improvement.

So, I drank last night which means that I should be sleeping heavily at the moment but in my drunken stupor, I decided to have some pepsi when I got in this morning and, like last night, the damn thing is keeping me up.

Anyway, I realy don't have anything to say. I would just like to do something @ the moment than read Dixon's tirades, and watch the television. There are a lot of books in my closet, some of which are anthologies that I could pull down and read but that seems a bit much at the moment. This is laziness to the extreme.

I do plan to get some work done today though, despite my current state. Ah what the the hell, I'll return to Dixon and pray that I fall asleep eventually.

Ok, so this was a waste of time.

2006-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

So, it's about that time for exams again, and not paying attention at all this semester is now really kicking my ass. Last night, for example, I taught myself a few hundred years of early midde-Eastern history to make myself competent enough to write a take home examination for the class. That was exciting - Muhammad was a cool guy.

Moving on. So I'm here, sitting in the library and trying to make sense of substantive due process. I really thought I understood this concept before and now I realize that I don't. Actually, I think I get it, I simply disagree with it. I've disagreed with a lot of what the Court has had to say recently. Before taking this course, I'd often read that the Rehnquist Court was very conserative and pro-states' rights. Well, Rehnqist and his loyal followers - Thomas and Scalia - might have been, but his other colleagues, including the infamous 'swinger' O'Conner really made up some nifty stuff on the Bench and essentially, to use the words of critics over the last few years, were judically acitve, or in my opinion, over active.

Having relied upon expert analysis in the past in my approach to Supreme Court cases instead of actually reading the damn things, gave me very different opinions than those that I now hold. Experts tend to break things down, rather simply, so that people like me who claim to be 'informed' but who are too lazy to sit and read opinions, can be just that, 'informed.' The truth of the matter is, over the course of this class so far, I've realized that the opinions offered by my arch-enemies on the bench, with respect to political ideologies, are often far more sound than those with whom I self-identify. For all their pomp and arrogance, the Rehnquist trio was actually composed of a group of very intelligent men and it seems to me that, politics aside, these men argued and defended their opinions without allowing their political views to get in their way. Decisions such as Casey and Lawrence, which I have always agreed with, I have now come to realize, were decided on very shaky grounds, and I really do believe, despite my self-proclaimed 'hippy status' that if I were charged with interpreting the laws, as Supreme Court and other justices are, I would have used similar reasoning as did the Rehnquist trio.

Frightening, I know.

The problem, I think, lies with the rather liberal interprative methods that the court has implimented over the last few decades. This morning, as we concluded the section on capital punishment, (Roper v Simmons) we were challenged to think about and articulate our postions on the inclusion of foreign laws and opinions in Court decisions. I strongly believe that Justices are held to the standards of the Constitution only and that It should be their sole guide with respect to decision making for/about the American people. However, I could not help but think about other areas, politically, where I disagree such as the failure of the Government to adhere to standards agreed upon at the Geneva conventions. I also thought it necessary, in the past, that the United States should join the International Court of Justice, yet I now rethink my position and believe that such an alignment would be detrimental to American jurisprudence, although politically, I believe it would guarantee that, among other things, American forces abroad would behave themselves.

Essentially, as I realize that I have about half-an hour before Math, and that I need to get another cup of coffee before class, recent theories and implementations such as substantive due process, and "spheres of privacy" which got me into a lot shit with my professor, have created a seemingly 'ever evolving' standard by which the Court must now try cases. These decisions has led to the Constitution becoming more flexible, and in my view, more porous, than it has ever been before. In his dissent in a Capital decision, Scalia asserted that with the Court's "evolving standards of decency" theory, and the prohibitions that it has installed, such as the prohibition against killing minors and the mentally retarded, he argued that at what line would the Court stop in legislating the punishment. For, though one may believe that those are the only two, or two in a few instances in which capital punishment is not permitted nationwide, the Court in the 80's found it necessary to dictate to States that only certain types of crimes, such as premeditated murder, and murder of peace officers and law enforcement officials, were permissible. Now, I agree with 10 yr old children should not executed (and hopefully most of us do) but Scalia has a point, and it's one worth going back to as original cases are brought before the Court, challenging standards that are today held to be 'normal.'

Math calls.

2006-09-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is my blog and I reserve the right to write whatever the hell I want to here.

I also reserve the right to go into 'anti-social' mode and write this entry after my previous online plans failed. I had some drinks last night and the authorities at my college thought it necessary to upset a gathering (not even a party) of less that 15 people.

Naturally, I, and those with whom I had the pleasure of being with were very upset by the move and it was only necessary to go out to a diner afterwards. To make a long story short, the night ended in complete disaster...or rather the morning ended in complete disaster at around 3 A.M. So much for a fun semester. More later.

2006-05-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

So I pulled an all-nighter for no apparent reason. It could be the biggest blunder of my semester yet...actually, no. I had a very fun conversation with a friend of mine, and a few minutes before six this morning, I finished, Interpreter of Maldies, which is the best collection of short stories that I have read in a long time. Then, at 8:15, I was draggging myself across campus to hand in a paper that was due in a mailbox by the earliest 8:30. I wanted to get there early because I didn't want to wait and chat with the profs. who were going to be there. Jumped back in bed, woke up at 2, got some lunch and now I'm ready to tackle American Modernism for my exam at 8:30 in the morning. And, in being clear, I haven't even began to pack yet.

So, apparently we're friends with Lybia again and Bush wants to send troops to the border with Mexico. Personally I think those damn Canadians are a bigger threat. I mean, everyone's afraid of Mexico, before spring break, the health centre at my college advised students about the hazards of unsafe drinking water there. Seriously, if you were a terrorist trying to get across the border into the US, would you risk getting ill off some drinking water, or a smooth ride through Canada? Ok, that my have been borderline something. I am National Security's best friend though, I promise. Hail America.

2006-05-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

So, I'm here at the comp trying to write a paper for Native American literature. It's due tomorrow (actually it was due about 2 weeks ago, but we'll get into that later) but since I have ADD (yet to be diagnosed) I went on facebook, which took me to Fox News' group, which took me to the webstite, which took me to a 'speakout' section on the NSA and I decided to add my incoherent two cents. It goes as follows:

If I were President, I would place certain restrictions on what the NSA is allowed to do with respect to spying on US citizens. I light of September 11th and other plots and threats that have been launched against the US since, I understand that the world in which we live in today is vastly different from that of the last decade, or even the last five years. However, the beauty about this nation, and the reason, I believe why it has continued to survive and withstand the test of time, is because certain unwavering principles are in place. Every generation creates a new set of obstacles that must be overcome, yet, the US political system asserts flexibility to overcome those problems and stands inflexible against the deterioration of other staple institutions and ideas. The ability to do these two things, often simultanously, has been the crux of the survival of this great country. Domestic spying erodes one of the cornerstone principles of this great democracy. Disrespecting citizens by violating their right to privacy may seem like the best reaction in light of recent world events, but it will not help to preserve our democracy. Broaching this subject requires an evaluation of the current situation as well as repercussions. Finding other means to deter terror is safter for this country in the long run.

This was my first time writing to Fox so...yeah. Ok, back to discussing Native Americans.

Blog Time

2006-05-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

Summer is rolling around, which means, blogging season!

It has been a crazy year at school. I went from being a saint to a drunk, among other things. I fell in love then questioned it, and am still questioning it. Actually, I'm questiong a lot of things. I decided to be more studious and productive but quickly realized that I'm sill imature for college. What else...I broke tennis strings and fought people while drunk. I had off's and on's with old friends and made new ones. I watched "Golden Girls" whenever I could. I decided to go to grad school and pursue, at some point, a PhD in Gay/Lesbian Literature or Queer Studies. (Mom will love that one!) I went to more classes, albeit still intoxicated or hungover. And, I wrote for the school newspaper and became more politically active on campus.

Overall, good year. Now, I'm not home as yet and I don't know what I'm going to do when I get there. I have been looking at some job stuff but nothing good so far. Anyway, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. I'm sure that I'll prob. end up making minimum wage while selling useless or expensive things for a retail giant. Fun. Nontheless, since I'll be home, I'll have more time to watch the news and stuff since I have no life and also, and more importantly, because I love to remain informed. (You can make your decision about which of those two is more accurate, or solely accurate)

Anyway, a friend of mine once told me that he doesn't take bloggers seriously because anyone can do it. He then conjuered up an image of people with no lives, many of whom have little education, who sit at the computers in their parents' basements and spew 'information' while dressed in nothing but bath robes and sipping coffee. I told him that it was the best image that I have ever had.

And I can't wait to be a part of that wonderful community.

2006-03-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Wow Huh!:
College Student In Walmart For 41 Hours

2006-03-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

It's after 12am, I haven't done homework as yet but still I feel the need to blog. I don't really have anything to say though, so I'll just post a photograph.

Ahh, the things that can be accomplished with Google.

2006-03-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

I found this image on Keith's site. I thought it was a different and interesting approach.

2006-03-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

They are forming an army! Beware! Lookout! Beware!

2006-03-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

this administration is so screwed up; was Race a factor in the hurricane Katrina tragedy?

2006-02-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't blogged in such a long time. My recent disinterest in Government arose from the fact that nothing of interest, at least in my opininion, is happening. So, our VP almost kills some guy while drunk and more explosions and detonations are taking place in Mosques and goverment buildings world wide - what's new right?

Well, I've recently been elected Co-Chair the campus Democrats group at my school so I guess I should at least take an interest in politics once more. First, I need to know the complete history of the democratic party. Are you laughing yet? I hope you are. If I were reading this blog randomly I would be laughing at the thought that although I currently hold the post, I am so bloody ignorant and unlearned. Ok. Enough about me.

The White House plans to defend the port deal. Now, I'm not a specialist and I'm by no means as learned (check previous paragraph) as I should be but haven't the Republicans always considered themselves stuanch defenders of the homeland? Shouldn't this energetic, trigger happy, terror level indicator raising, White House be in support of having Americans control American ports? I mean, I have nothing against foreign companies but in this day and age, especially when dealing with Middle Eastern States, I don't think the members of Congress who are crying out about this deal are being, in anyway, out of line or prejudicial. This is serious business, at least, at face value, even if owning our ports will present no significant threat (which, despite my rant, I kinda believe).

Ok, that's my rant for now. When Cheney goes "Postal worker crazy" in the White House, I'll be more than happy to post again. Ok, that was mean, and now the secret service are prob. reading this blog. Good! Welcome guys, thanks for stopping by. Spread the word, please - and leave comments.

1

2006-02-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/12/AR2005111201089.html

2006-02-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Reform Jews Hope to Unmix Mixed Marriages

2006-02-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Judge reduces sentence of anti-gay murder

2006-02-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

Another good article for the movie I'll see this weekend - for the 3rd time.

I really am out of patience with this country. Force is the only means necessary. I'm tired of the excuses. Everyone supports legislation preventing abortion and the killing of fags yet they a few thugs are allowed to run around and cause mayhem. This is fucking bullshit. At times like this, I am not proud to call myself a Jamaican.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20060208T230000-0500_98304_OBS_SPANISH_TOWN_ERUPTS_AGAIN.asp

2006-02-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

Wow. I have been doing a very poor job with this blog. I need to take time out to actually write things as opposed to simply posting links.

Gonzales was on the Hill today to defend the President's domestic spying program and it was nice to hear that some Republican senators really hit him with hard questions which stands in contrast to the cuddling relationship that they seem to have with Bush officials.

Muslims all over the world are expressing outrage at the depictions of Muhammed in Dutch papers. As much as I disagree (I haven't seen them because mainstream papers like the New York Times feel that they can cover the story without using them) with the pictures, I think that the ability of the press to remain free and independent is crucial to democractic processes worldwide. I hope they exercise more discretion in the future. This would be a great opportunity for the Bush Administration to do something to reiterate the point that it does not promote such anti-Islamic sentiments. So far, they have simply been churning out press releases. Good job Mr. Bush and company.

I still believe Rove is a childmolester.

2006-02-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Facebook under fire

2006-02-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

For many years, it seemed as if I was the only damn Jamaican who thought like this.

I could kiss this man for holding similar views.

True Independence now!

2006-01-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

A few minutes ago, I sat down with an intelligent young man who self identifies as a socialist. After talking to him for about half an hour and hearing his opinions on the apathetic nature of our college campus, and generation, I was inspired to search for an read some books on student movements in the United States. I also plan to read some essays and other works by Baldwin. And, to top it all off, I came across this article from the Washington Post. Oh, so fitting.

2006-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Katrina update

2006-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

A unique view of the anti-abortion demonstrations today

Keep up the good work Jews!

2006-01-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

The keepers of the European American Issues Forum (eaif) on their website has a link to a petition urging people to force the Justice Department to review the Anti Defamation League because, as the petition reads, the League may be engaging in "purposeful encouragement of hatred and violence against European Americans"

Now, I thought the biggest threat to Jews were lunatics in the Middle East who seek to destroy Israel at all costs. The next biggest threat - in the United States, at least - would probabaly be the Holocaust revisionists who seek to change historical data and records to suite their own twisted agendas. Last year, I did a report on the movement and found that it was very widespred especially in academia.

I support the work of the Anti-Defamation League and hope that they continue the fight against elements in our society who threaten the very fabric of multiculturalism and promote hate.

In keeping with that sentiment, tonight I came across a link on Laura Ingraham's website (Forgive me, I'm really trying to understand the Right....though Laura is beyond anything associated with mainstream conservatism) leading to an article in the Baltimore Sun about 'whiteness studies.' Apparently it's the newest hit thing in multicultural studies. As of now, from the little reading I have done, I think it is something that should be explored. There is something about it though that doesn't sit entirely well with me now. Nontheless, it is an issue that I will try to find more information on. A google search of 'whiteness studies' will offer a variety of basic sources on the issue, some of which seem quite good.

The Onion

2006-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

From the archives of The Onion:

Please stop trying to save our farm

Activist judge cancels Christmas

Bush actually President, Nation suddenly realizes

American Taliban
pay attention to Vicki's comment

Drugs now legal if user is employed

Report: 92 Percent of souls in hell there on drug charges

Cuba to buy car

Israelites sue God for breach of Covenant

Cheating with essays

2006-01-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

That's not kool.

On Alito, this opinon hits the nail squarely on the head.

Kennedy is still my hero

2006-01-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

So, in an effort to be more open to new and different ideas, a few minutes ago, I visited the page of the Washington Times and found this article on the front page regarding Senator Edward Kennedy. The article alledges that Mr. Kennedy is a member of an exclusive club at Harvard University that refused to allow women.
The author of the Washington Times piece however failed to make a distinction - Alito's club wanted to exclude women and minorities from Princeton University while the Owl Club refused women membership not from the University but from the club.

Although this means nothing to anyone, I support the confirmation of Alito. Given the current President and the current Congress, I don't think another nominee as well qualified as Alito and with his percieved fairness when it comes to the law, will come before the Committee to fill this vacancy. Yes, he's conservative but I think he's worth the risk.

Screw the hearings

2006-01-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

I've become disgusted with the whole nomination process. It has become extremely partisan and childish. The Republicaan Senators have forgotten their roles and have made this struggle for Alito personal. The Democrats will be harsh because they're supposed to be. The nominee strays in many ways from their judicial and political philosophies and so, naturally, conflicts will arise, however the sucking up that the Republicans are doing in no way exempliy the 'adivise and consent' provision. There are times when Republican senators refuse to even ask questions - they spend their allotted time rebutting the Democrats when that is the job of the Nominee. He just sits there, his wife behind him with that half grin on her face while others are doing his job for him.

Simply disgusting. This has nothing to do with political parties. If the Democrats did this, I would be upset as well.

This wonderful political process has digressed, rather quickly, to politics as usual.

Today on the Hill

2006-01-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

Scott McClellan, White House press secretary today said that in a speech that Bush is going to give tomorrow to veterans, he'll tell them (and the American people) what to expect in Iraq in 2006.

Now, if Bush has been wrong on just about everything so far, how on Earth can he predict what will happen in Iraq in 2006, unless, granted, he will say we will lose the conflict, which he won't.

The official confirmation proceedings took off today. I like the argument made by the Democrats about the hasty removal of Miers without her even appearing before the Senate. I think that is a good example of judicial activism on the part of the Right. They raised a fuss because they had issues with the way she would vote. If they're all praising Alito, is he a suck up for the extreme Right?

The senator from Texas, Mr. Conyn, said that he was against judicial activism but then he asserted that when Alito is confirmed, he should 'persuade his colleagues' to support the keeping of religious expression in the public sphere. If that isn't judicial activism, I don't know what is.

Boy, U crazy!

2006-01-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

A New York Times article today says that there are pros and cons regarding young people who do daring things - like the Florida teen who traveled solo to Iraq (Kuwait) to see how democracy is coming along there.

As an adolescent, my view may be biased, but I take the opinon of the psychologist who asserts that such dearing endevours should be lauded. I see nothing wrong with what the kid did. His age and the fact that he had to be aided by his parents, journalists, marines and the Dep. of State doesn't leave him with much credit but I think it says a lot about the state of affairs there and about journalism in general.

It is evident that the press or the United States government have failed to present an accurate picture of what is taking place in Iraq. Just last night CNN Headline News aired a segment about the Iraqi Prime Minister saying that a new government could be formed within the next few days. That is a segment of news that I've been hearing for the last few months.

Fox continues to devote its time to praising the US effort in Iraq while other networks' and sources' evaluations prove that there are many things wrong with the (fledgling?) democracy.

To some the actions of this young teen may be irresponsible and stupid, but I see it as something more. The young man was motivated to do what he did by the journalism class that he is taking in his high school. Kudos to the teacher and curriculum for making such an impact in his life. Wherever the teen's interest may lie in terms of career etc...if he does decide to pursue journalism, I have faith that there might be some hope left for this profession that has now become an anything-but-professional enterprise.

OMG

2006-01-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

OMG!
Lock up abortionists, says Archbishop - Jamaica Observer

Sen. Kennedy's opinion on Alito

2006-01-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Oh Edward, you're so damn hot!

Alito's Credibility Problem

first angry post

2006-01-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

today a bunch of 'African American leaders' including kenneth blackwell met and held a press conference in support of Alito.

when a washington post reporter asked one of them about the congressional black caucus' opposition to alito, one of the men said that the caucus was also against a black judge (Justice Brown) and supported filibustering her.

these republicans accuse democrats and liberals of playing the race card, but here, in this most blatant way, they are the ones using the race card. the black caucus is supposed to, in their opinion, support all black judges who come up for confirmation because of the colour of their skins and not their philosophy and judicial practices.

i don't know much about alito; he seems like a bore. he actually seems more qualified than roberts. i have nothing against him, i am against 'african american (religious) leaders' who have fallen into the trap of using religion to supress everyone else. now that the turbulent 60's are a thing of the past, the flagrant intolerance imbedded in african american culture - like hating gay people are coming to light.

ok, maybe that was harsh.
wow, when did i become so damn mean?

2006-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Smart people really piss me off

Florida Supreme Court Strikes down voucher program.