Michael Jackson Best of Dangerous Di Kuala Lumpur
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Author...BJ - Fort Washington, MD
Michael Jackson was a genius, living legend, huge humanitarian and often misunderstood. He was a well loved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, no doubt. Like other geniuses, his life ended in turmoil but he was loved by most and was given the most sought after title of "King of Pop" selling more than 100 million records of one recording alone. He was a "master" at his craft, he was a loving and kind human being who will be greatly missed by the world. As L.A. Reid of Def Jam Records, put it and I quote; "Stop the chatter and turn up the music on Michael Jackson." After all, we only have one judge and that is our heavenly father and Almighty God, Jehovah by means of his son and our now reigning King Christ Jesus.
Love and Happiness - Asheville, NC
I grew up listen to the jackson five we they had just started as a group. When Michael went out on his own. I really saw what a special person he really was. he put on a show like I never could imagine. I love Michael thru all of his life. I alway wanted Michael to do a comeback show to show the world how wrong that was about him. I can feel how loney and misunderstood people thought about him. He had no childhood like orinary kids and I was brought up the same way. I love Michael and it seems like a part of me is gone too.
Rev. Shirley - New Carrollton, MD
Ronald, my tribute to MJ is that he was one who had a tremendous gift, not a talent, but a gift. A talent is something that one has to work on but a gift is from God. And that is what he had. Anyone who could produce hit after hit from a very early age in life is a gift. Gone to soon from us, but we know that Jesus knows best.
Rest in Peace Michael
! A~W.O.W.: Jesus is my Boo ! - Stkn, CA
The magnitude of Michael Jackson's influence, talent, and genious is etched in entertainment history. He is the greatest performer of all time. My prayers are with the Jackson Family
: : : IN GOD'S HANDS : : : - Buffalo, NY
I think Michael was a phonomimon. I grew up with his music. I was devistated over his death. It seemed like everyone song was a hit. Most of them were. He will surly be missed. I never believed he molested anyone. He had a good heart. I refuse to dwell on the negative. I will go on celebrating the possitive side of his life. Thank you Ron for putting this thing together. I hoped that I have helped in some small way. Michael will live in my heart always. Love Jackie
Antonio M - Capitol, SC
Hi Ron...I was just thinking how stunned I was after learning what was going on in L.A....one thing is for sure history does repeat itself and as usual great genius is never appreciated or celebrated until its gone from our midst...R.I.P. Mike.....
Gwen S - Rincon, AZ
This is somewhat difficult because that is exactly what I've been doing for the last day or so..... sorting out the feelings I have for someone who has been very much a part of my family of entertainers. More than that, in essence, a family member. I, like the rest of the world sang, danced, cried and laughed as we watched Michael grow up; as we grew up with him. Yet, in the early days, many knew he could sing....as lead for the Jackson Five and then as a solo artist. We simply didn't realize during that time that he was that multi-talented and had so many facets to his creative nature; nor did we realize that he would take center stage early in his career - maintain it and impact the world. Michael's untimely death was very much like loosing a beloved family member or friend..........there is an empty place in the core of my being; I must now figure out how to fill it.
Bella Donna - Ellicott, MD
My thoughts are that we have lost the consummate entertainer of the century. I believe that Michael was destined for greatness and there will never be another like him. I’m grateful to the Almighty for giving him to us for this season and I pray that he has found true peace and comfort
Ladybae - Birmingham, AL
Rip Micheal..... We Loved You But God Loved You Best...You Will Never Be Forgotten
LINDA R - Inglewood, CA
SOMETHINGS ARE HARD TO EXPRESS. MICHAEL HAVE BEEN AN HOSEHOLD NAME FOR ASLONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. TO LOSE SOMEONE LIKE THAT IS LIKE LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY EXSPEACIALLY HIS MOTHER, I KNOW RIGHT NOW HIS FAMILY IS SO HEARTBROKEN UNTIL WORDS CAN NOT CONSOLE THEIR BROKEN HEARTS ONLY LOVE AND THE PEACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR CAN HELP THEM NOW. WE CAN PRAY AND ASK GOD TO HELP THEM AND RESPECT THEIR WISHES.
! ! !1Sexyrican09! ! ! - Virginia Bch, VA
I'm very sadden by the lost of Micheal Jackson, I'm sure we lost him many many years ago. This time we have lost his flesh. I will keep him in my heart for as long as I live.
!!1Queen www.banginmagazine.com!! - Desoto, TX
I grew up on Jackson 5; the music, the cartoons, watching some of his concerts that later aired on T.V. When I was little, my brother and I used to play "concert".....He would be Michael Jackson, standing on my mom's table (of course she wasn't home)....don't tell...lol.....I would sing and spin like Michael. I was the audience, screaming"Michael! Michael!" Those were fun times. I enjoyed the cartoons and all of his songs. Thriller and Billy Jean were my favorite. Michael was a very talented Man and great Entertainer!....
! ! ! ! ! ! CaramelDrip"HendrixKru" - Tucker, GA
Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace) was truly an icon to the African American musical culture representing talents on all levels. He crossed many genre's which is what earned him the title of the "KING OF POP" rightfully so! He was not only a singer, song writer, dancer, performer, & entertainer but he was indeed a musical genius. He paved the way for so many other African American artists today to be as expressive and as creative as they are because Michael was so skillful and so poised in his craft. His moves were like fluid in motion, he just made it look so simple, so easy, so natural, so Michael! Michael will sorely by missed, but never imitated and definitely not forgotten! His legacy will surely live on. WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL....God Bless!
Thanks, my name is Shon!
John B - East Vineland, NJ
When I think of Michael Jackson I am suprised. Here is a young man who spent 80 % of his entire life in professional entertainment and we never really some more than 10 %, probably, of his talent. This week since his death I have been viewiing the hundreds of videos he had done. The depth of his talent is amazing. The subtle things that are brought out in his videos and music will required reviewing and analyzing for years to come to totally understand. He is truly one of the masters of this generation. Only the future will prove his real position in the world and history of music. He along with Stevie Wonder may turn out to be the must iconic of all of the musical genius of all time. He is more amazing, each day I see something new all over again.
John Boykin June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
USA For Africa - We Are The World
(Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Lyndsay Buckingham, Kim Carnes, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Shela E, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall And John O, James Ingram, Huey Lews & The News, Jacke Jackson, Mickael Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Al Jarreau, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins, Bette Mdler, Willei Nelson, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Ferry, Lionel Ritchie, S Robinson, D Warwick ...)
There comes a time, when we need a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, time to lend a hand
to life the greatest gift of all
We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're savin gour own lives, it's true
We make better days, just you and me
Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand
We are the world ...
When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
Let us realize that a change will only come
When we stand together as one
We are the world ...
(Michael Jackson)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson - Earth Song
Barb B - Mansfield, OH
Michael, Michael, Michael, my heart is still aching, long befor e his tragic passing my heart ached for him. I had hoped and prayed his upcoming tour would be sucessful for him.
I like almost everyone that loved him, fell in love with him right from the beginning, all my kids loved him also.
One of my daughters had Michael Jackson some of everything all over her room, so in 1984 when I was able to get tickets for the Victory Tour,we were right there in the Pontiac Silverdome when he hit that stage and what a show that was. wish now I had, had more money to buy the stuff they were selling, we got a few items.
I spent the last 2 days going thru my albums looking for his, was only able to find 7 here in Ohio, hopefully the rest are in Michigan. I was elated when I found my December 2007 issue of Ebony with him on the cover! I have lots of VHS tpes, with videos of him onthem, now I will have make sure I tranfer them to cd's,
In short I really and truly Love Michael Jackson!
Much Luv From Tess! Top Notch - Tallahassee,Fl
After learning about Micheal jackson death I was shocked as everyone else until I watched the BET awards last night. when Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo starting singing the last song right before Janet came out to speak. then I notice my 10years old great nephew crying and it suddenly hit me that this Man was actually gone from the face of this world. So with saying that I will miss him and was really looking forward in to hearing his next upcoming Dc. With my prayer to the family and other MJ fans Just remember him as he was and rememeber, everyone has faults in their lives his just happen to be in the public eye
!!!Kae Kay**Pretty Black** - East Chicago, IN
I think Mike got a bad deal. I feel that he was so nice and caught up in child like behavior that people exploited it. I really feel that Milke did not get to enjoy his childhood, so once he was an adult he still behaved as if he was still a child. I do not think he molested anyone, but I do feel that he himself was molested. I think that is why he only felt completely comfortable with children, because he knew that they could not hurt him.
! ! ! Pastor MP ~XPA~ - Berkeley Lake, GA
Alot of his songs were prophetic, weather they were meant to be or not. I found them to be an inspiration .
I will miss Micheal Jackson.
Jackie E - Kingston, Jamaica
Micheal is my idol and his memories will always live on, may his soul R.I .P
Linda G (TEAM MERCY)#029 - Tampa, FL
MICHAEL WAS JUST LIKE A PERSONAL FRIEND ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET HIM I FEEL THAT HE IS A MUSICAL GENUIS AND HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART WE GREW UP TOGETHER
Michael Jackson - Jam
Michael Jackson - Cry
Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
Michael Jackson - Man In the Mirror (1989 Grammy Awards)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD! - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY OTHG!
THE FULL TOWN MEETING ON FATHERHOOD & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Thank you Kitty
Monday, May 25, 2009
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Charles Durning PBS
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT National Guard PBS
BILL MOYERS JOURNAL Honoring Veterans PBS
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Salute to the Services PBS
Memorial Day Concert - Gladys Knight "If I Could"
Gladys Knight "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
Friday, May 22, 2009
Native American Women
Native Voices: Tribute to Women
This is a special video dedicated to the women who have guided, are guiding, and will guide, the peoples of their native cultures. History tried to erase them, but their spirits continue to endure.
Lakota Women
The feminine world of Native Americans
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Healing Waters Project
Open Hand International Outreach "Healing Waters Project"
PO Box 2196
Salisbury, MD 21802
301-356-2772
We provide food, medicines, wells, safe drinking water, water containers, water purifiers, irrigation services, sponsorship, books, bibles, hygiene products, shoes and clothing. As a non-profit organization, we distribute 100% of the funding to the needy children, orphanages and widow families.
CHILDREN DIE EVERYDAY FROM LACK OF FOOD
Every day, more than 16,000 children die from hunger and poor water-related causes--one child every five seconds. 852 million people across the world are hungry, up from 842 million a year ago.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LETTING GO OF HATRED
Rev. Kay
1 John 4:14-21 Sometimes we find it easy to love God, but have difficulty loving other people. Yet true spiritual renewal means that we must grow to love God and others. God has so intertwined our love for Him with our love for others that when we seek God and surrender to Him, He requires us to give up our hatred and prejudice. We must love others with His love. And we can only do this through forgiveness.
The Apostle John wrote, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him...If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother , he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
If we love God, God doesn't give us the option of hating our brothers and sisters. He doesn't even give us the option of hating our enemies. Jesus said, "I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). When we surrender to God, we must release our hatred, our prejudice and our bitterness to them. Surrender to God means forgiving and living a life of love.
Moses Hogan Chorale - I Thank You Jesus
Ron's American World
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Stamps goes up Monday, May 18, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) — It'll cost Americans an extra 2 cents to mail a letter starting Monday.
The price of a first-class stamp will climb to 44 cents. It's the third year in a row that rates have gone up in May under a new system that allows annual increases as long as they don't exceed the rate of inflation for the year before.
While the increase will bring in added income, the post office continues to struggle financially as more and more lucrative first-class mail is diverted to the Internet, and the recession discourages businesses from sending their usual volume of advertising.
Postmaster General John Potter has asked Congress for permission to reduce mail delivery to five days-a-week. The agency is offering early retirement to workers and making cuts in other areas.
Even so, the rate increase is unlikely to cover the losses and the possibility remains that the post office could run out of money before the end of the budget year, Sept. 30.
The post office could have cited extraordinary circumstances and asked the for larger increases, but officials worried that would only result in a greater decline in mail volume.
Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household $3 a year.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
SWINE FLU INFECTIONS SPREAD
Swine flu infections spread to more locations across the United States and around the world, while the World Health Organization considered raising its pandemic threat alert level.
By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The World Health Organization took the unprecedented step yesterday of warning that the world is probably on the verge of a pandemic, as new cases of swine flu mounted, the first death was reported in the United States and the dangerous virus appeared to arrive just outside the nation's capital.
The Geneva-based agency raised the alert level for the second time in three days, elevating it to one notch below a full-scale pandemic, after concluding that the virus was causing sustained outbreaks in the United States and Mexico.
The heightened alert is intended to prompt every nation to activate an emergency response plan, to spur pharmaceutical companies to increase production of antiviral drugs and help speed development of a vaccine, and to prod bankers to help poor countries afford measures to fight the virus, officials said.
The dramatic pronouncement came as officials in Maryland announced that they were investigating six probable cases of the disease -- three each in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties -- and as at least 10 more were under investigation at the University of Delaware.
The first death from the disease in the United States came when a 22-month-old boy from Mexico City succumbed Monday at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. The child, who had unspecified "underlying health problems," according to U.S. health officials, had taken a flight with his parents from Mexico City to Matamoros, Mexico, on April 4 to visit family in Brownsville, Tex.
After developing a fever April 8, the child was hospitalized in Brownsville and then, with his condition worsening, was transferred the next day to Houston.
State health officials were trying to determine when and where the boy became infected and how many people came into contact with him and his family, but they said no other relatives or anyone else had fallen ill.
"Texans need to know there is no cause for panic, and Texans can be assured that the state will take every necessary precaution to protect the lives of our citizens," said Gov. Rick Perry (R), as he issued a "disaster declaration" in response to the outbreak. Officials suspended high school sports events statewide until May 11 and shut more schools, sending more than 53,000 students home for at least two weeks.
President Obama offered his "thoughts and prayers and deepest condolences" to the toddler's family and to other victims and their loved ones. U.S. authorities are monitoring the spread of the virus carefully, he said, and he urged local authorities to report all suspected cases and close schools where infections are reported. Obama said people should wash their hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they are sick, and cover their mouths when coughing.
U.S. public health authorities have been worried that the virus would start producing the severe pneumonia and deaths that so far have been limited to Mexico, where the epidemic began. "The clinical picture in the United States is looking a bit more like the Mexican situation," said Nancy Cox, a flu expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of known cases in the United States hit at least 91, with infections confirmed in at least six new states -- Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arizona, Indiana and Nevada -- more than doubling the number of states with confirmed cases. A Marine stationed in California also has a suspected case of swine flu.
The WHO's action came after the agency convened an unusual "global virtual science meeting" involving several hundred experts and officials to help assess the situation. The agency raised the alert from "phase 4" to "phase 5" two days after elevating it for the first time because the never-before-seen virus was spreading in Mexico.
Saying influenza viruses are "notorious for their rapid mutation and their unpredictable behavior," WHO Director General Margaret Chan told reporters: "This is an opportunity for global solidarity as we look for responses and solutions that benefit all countries, all of humanity. After all, it really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic."
The new alert level could prompt a variety of measures, including more intensive efforts to identify cases and stricter measures to prevent the illness's spread, such as discouraging or banning public gatherings.
With the virus now clearly being transmitted person-to-person in the United States, WHO officials said the outbreak appeared to be on a trajectory toward the highest alert level -- "phase 6" -- which is marked by sustained transmission in at least two regions of the world. That would mark the beginning of a pandemic -- a global spread of the virus.
"It's clear the virus is spreading, and we don't see any evidence of this slowing down at this point," said Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's interim assistant director general for health security and environment.
While there is a chance that the epidemic could stop on its own, officials said that such an outcome is impossible to predict and that governments around the world should plan for the worst.
"There may be a possibility that the virus will die out and stop, and that would be the best for us. But it can turn the other way. So the important point for us is to continue to maintain our vigilance and track its movement," Chan said. "Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world."
Asked whether the higher alert level will change the U.S. government's posture, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said: "We have been preparing all along as if this is going to be a stage six. Our efforts have been to stay ahead of whatever number the WHO assigns."
So far, U.S. officials have referred 49 travelers with suspicious symptoms entering through border checkpoints to federal, state or local health officials. Eight cases remain under investigation, and the other 41 were negative, Napolitano said.
In addition to the new U.S. cases, infections were also confirmed for the first time in Austria and Germany, among people who recently returned from Mexico. Cases had previously been identified in Spain and Britain -- where three new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to five -- as well as in Israel, Canada and New Zealand. In France, where 30 possible cases are under investigation, the government announced that it will urge the 27-nation European Union to suspend all flights from member countries to Mexico.
VIDEOS FOR MORE INFO:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/04/27/VI2009042702810.html?sid=ST2009042900988
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE -100 DAYS
Hey Guys, Please click to explore the progress in your state..., to look at the issues, or listen to stories by people like yourselves....Things are beginning to WORK! God, bless Obama!
Tomorrow will mark the President's hundredth day in office. A lot of attention will be given to this largely symbolic day, and the truth is that what we do every day after it will be just as important -- if not more. But our accomplishments in this time have been remarkable, and they're having real effects on people and communities throughout the country.
You built the movement that made this possible, and it's up to you to show Americans that real change can happen when ordinary citizens work together.
Explore this interactive map to learn about the progress we've made in the last 100 days and the stories of real Americans whose lives have already been touched. Then spread the word by passing it along to your friends and family.
With the country in crisis, the President took office and acted quickly to restore confidence and stability to our economy. But just as important were the steps we've taken toward building a new foundation for our prosperity, so that we never go back to the system that led us to crisis in the first place.
In just one hundred days, we've made crucial investments to create jobs and improve education, energy, and health care. All of this is a down payment for a new economic vision -- one where skilled workers fuel our economy rather than debt and speculation; one where American leadership on clean energy fuels 21st century innovation; and one where families and businesses are no longer weighed down by crushing health care costs.
Delivering on the promise of change is the reason we built this movement. Now, President Obama is counting on all of us to build support for this foundation and create a lasting recovery for America.
Take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:
http://my.barackobama.com/100days
This new direction would not have been possible without you. But our biggest tests are yet to come, and the future is ours to shape. Let's seize this moment together so history will show that, at this defining crossroads, a generation of Americans put their country on the path to long-term security and prosperity.
Thank you,
David Plouffe
Rear Admiral Michelle Howard
Rear Admiral Michelle Howard
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A War For Your Soul-Birmingham Version by Erisai Films
A War For Your Soul-Birmingham version by Erisai Films
This video was created to inspire young African-Americans not to fall prey to some of the problems they face in society. The use of the voice "Master of Darkness" represents evil, which is where the blame of all problems should be placed, and not on any one group of people. This video should not to be used to divide people (Black & White), there are images of heroes that are white in this video, and there are images of Black & White coming together with the words of Dr. King in the background. Some of the images from the past can be unsettling, but they are used to show all Americans how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. This film is being strategically placed in school systems, churches and youth orgs around the country, in hope of helping a lost generation of kids that we as Americans have forgotten. As fellow Americans we must continue to love each other, and take that love and spread it to the rest of the world. Peace & Love - Erisai Films myspace.com/erisaifilms
A War For Your Soul-Birmingham version from Erisai Films on Vimeo.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago
"Great Stuff"
The Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago
34 Heads of State, Presidents, and/or Prime Ministers
USA President, Barack Obama and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton
The Opening Performance
Directed by Brian McFarlane
Part One - The Cultural Presentation at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago
Part Two -The Cultural Presentation at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago
Part Three -The Cultural Presentation at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago
Part Four-The Cultural Presentation at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago
The Opening Address from the Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Host/Chairman of the Fifth Summit of the Americas
USA President Barack Obama’s speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of The Americas in Trinidad & Tobago
Second Part-USA President Barack Obama’s speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Summit of The Americas in Trinidad &Tobago
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CANDIATE FOR PRESIDENT 2012!
I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.
HERE IS MY PLATFORM:
(1) 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait at the border until you can.
(2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country's attitude. NO imports, no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart 's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.'
(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.
(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.
(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will be able to touch it.
(6) Welfare - Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.
(7) Professional Athletes--Steroids. The FIRST time you check positive you're banned for life.
(8) Crime - We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.
(9) One export will be allowed, Wheat. The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.
(10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it's a worthy cause.
(11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.
(12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.
Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes
GOD BLESS AMERICA .
Bill Cosby
I will not be voting for Mr. Bill --- (Ron)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Number of Black Americans in State Prisons for Drug Offenses Declines
By Darryl Fears Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 14, 2009; 2:16 PM
For the first time since crack cocaine sparked a war on drugs 20 years ago, the number of black Americans in state prisons for drug offenses has fallen sharply, while the number of white prisoners convicted for drug crimes has increased, according to a report released today.
The D.C.-based Sentencing Project reported that the number of black inmates in state prisons for drug offenses had fallen from 145,000 in 1999 to 113,500 in 2005, a 21 percent decline. Over the same period, the number of white drug offenders rose steadily, from 50,000 to more than 72,000, a 42 percent increase. The number of Latino drug offenders was virtually unchanged at about 51,000.
The findings represent a significant shift in the racial makeup of those incarcerated for drugs and could signal a gradual change in the demographics of the nation's prison population 2 million, which has been disproportionately black for decades. Drug offenders make up about a quarter of the overall prison population.
The Sentencing Project report and other experts said the numbers could reflect two factors: an increased reliance by prosecutors and judges on prison alternatives such as drug courts, and a shift in police focus to methamphetamines, which are used and distributed mostly by white Americans.
The report relied heavily on data compiled by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics and covered six years ending in 2005, the last year the bureau broke down the state prison population by race and drug offense.
African American drug offenders, who have been convicted most often for dealing and possessing crack cocaine, still made up a disproportionate share of the total, 44 percent in 2005. That was down from nearly 58 percent six years earlier, but still represented a disproportionate share, because black Americans make up only about 12 percent of the U.S. population.
The number of white state drug offenders rose from 20 percent to 29 percent, and Latino prisoners made up 20 percent of inmates.
"I have no doubt that crystal meth explains some of the white increase, but I'm not ready to say it's the reason for all of the white increase," said Marc Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project, which opposes stiff penalties for nonviolent drug crimes. "It's also hard to imagine that [drug courts] are not having some effect. Most drug courts are in urban areas where African Americans live."
Twenty percent of white inmates used methamphetamines in the month before they were arrested, compared with 1 percent of black inmates, according to interviews conducted in the nation's 14,500 state prisons and 3,700 federal prisons.
Drug courts offer nonviolent offenders the option of undergoing rigorous substance abuse treatment and criminal rehabilitation or going to jail. There are more than 2,000 such courts in operation, mostly in cities with large black communities that were ravaged by violence associated with crack cocaine. White suspects are also increasingly winding up in drug courts for abusing methamphetamines.
Mauer also hypothesized that drug dealers might have shifted from open air crack cocaine markets to dealing indoors, making them harder for police to bust. And he speculated that because so many African American men have been incarcerated, there are fewer on the street to be arrested.
But James E. Felman, co-chairman of the Sentencing Committee for the American Bar Association, said that in Tampa, where he practices law, police are still arresting black suspects for crack possession and distribution, and handing out long sentences.
"I can't second-guess their study, but I haven't seen a change," Felman said. "Maybe we're getting smarter on crime in some states. That could be part of it."
David Muhlhausen, a senior policy analyst for the conservative Heritage Foundation, said stronger police enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking and use, coupled with treatment options mostly for urban crack cocaine offenders, probably caused the shift. "There is some data out there that suggests that drug courts and drug treatments reduce recidivism," he said. "If you take the less serious offenders and put them into programs other than prison it would be a benefit to society."
The war on drugs began in 1986, when Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act to combat violence associated with the crack cocaine trade. Lawmakers were prompted by the death of University of Maryland basketball player Len Bias, who they mistakenly believed had died from ingesting crack. Bias overdosed on powder cocaine.
Last year, then-Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) joined several of his colleagues in saying his support of the legislation was a mistake. As a result of the law, more than a half-million people have been incarcerated for drug offenses in state and federal prison, a massive increase from the 40,000 who were jailed for the same offenses in 1980.
According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics last year, 7.2 million people are under prison supervision, as inmates, parolees and probationers, at a cost of about $45 billion per year.
California, which has one of the nation's largest prison populations, farmed out 170,000 inmates to private prisons as far away as Tennessee in 2006 to relieve costs, and has relaxed its penal code to relieve prison overcrowding.
Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, a former director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, said the record incarceration might be worth the cost. "As the number of people under correctional supervision goes up, crime goes down," he said. Conservative estimates put the cost of violent crime at about $17 billion, Sedgwick said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
