Can The Feds Go After Zimmerman For Killing Trayvon Martin?

As more and conflicting information comes out on the Trayvon Martin killing by self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman, history tells us that the probability of a satisfactory decision by a local jury of his peers lessens - regardless of Zimmerman's ultimate culpability in the death of this young man. When Zimmerman strapped on the weapon and ignored the 911 operator, he went down a road of no return as the aggressor, however victim Martin defended himself. The State of Florida should convict him, all things being equal. Of course, we know that equality is a curious thing.

In this light , I went looking for the US Attorney's position, when and if the state of Florida unconvincingly delivers justice, leaving the people to act up and out (into the streets). As it turns out, there is only one avenue whereby Zimmerman finds himself in Federal crosshairs - that of committing a hate crime. And the evidence that convicts him will likely be the 911 recording.

The statute that applies is 18 U.S.C. 249, Hate Crime Acts, enacted in 2009. That statute provides:

a) In General.— (1) Offenses involving actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin.— Whoever, whether or not acting under color of law, willfully causes bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, a dangerous weapon, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of any person—

(A) shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both; and
(B) shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined in accordance with this title, or both, if—
(i) death results from the offense; or
(ii) the offense includes kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill.

What the Feds will try to show is that Zimmerman killed Trayvon, due to his race. It is important that the two did not know each other, and Zimmerman identified Trayvon by race, and included negative language eluding to his race, 'these guys always get away', and including a potential racial slur.

Certainly, the Feds would rather not intervene, but their response is dependent on the local system generating some credibility, and so far this has not happened. The white Sheriff, who stepped down, admitted that the crime scene investigation was not thorough, and his office has a reputation of bias and laziness. It certainly hurts credibility, all the way around, that George Zimmerman is not on 'ice', rather than walking freely and uncharged nearly a month after the killing.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Can The Feds Go After Zimmerman For Killing Trayvon Martin?, Federal Government, Sanford,FL, Rodney King, Hate Crime, Acting White

German Court Allows Racial Profiling By Police

"The child keeps repeating Bapa, Bapa! He must be saying his father stole the bike!"

A German court has ruled that authorities can use skin color to carry out non-random identification checks, (here) in circumstances where skin color is indicative of heightened illegality. The court was responding to the case of police checking ID's on a train route commonly used by dark-skinned illegal immigrants.

So seriously, if dark-skinned German youths are indicated in bicycle thefts, the kid might really have something to worry about. "Uh, I must have dropped my ID when I went pottie, offizier - you gotta' believe me!"

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: German Court Allows Racial Profiling By Police, Illegal Immigrants, Stop Frisk, Euracism, Koblenz, Acting White

Tiger Wood's Real Challenge, Not Nicklaus, But Growing Up

After Accusations, Sex Scandals, Car Crashes, Divorce, Injuries, and 30 months of losing, Tiger Woods has finally won a golf tournament, but that was the easy part. While the surface layer of the golf world can now credibly discuss Wood's hunt for Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major tournament wins, even that monumental challenge will be far easier than redeeming his place as one of the greatest sports athletes that ever is/was. The reason for this is simply illustrated. Ali's greatness had to do with his boxing skill, coupled with the man he grew to be, both while boxing, but well after he hung up his gloves for good. You can't separate the person's impact from their professional accomplishments.

Tiger is a golf champion, no doubt, but he is a poster child for arrested emotional development. He has done little or nothing over the last thirty months to signal to people that he is on any comeback as a man, if he was ever there to begin with. And for the record, building yourself an estimated sixty-million dollar bachelor pad (here), is a big step in the wrong direction to growing up (IMHO).

James C. Collier

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Zimmerman Fails Test Of Self-Defense In Trayvon Martin Killing

George Zimmerman claims that young Trayvon Martin attacked him, thereby justifying his use of deadly force, in killing him. As proof, the Sanford Police point out the grass stains on Zimmerman's back, as though he was on the ground. They point out Zimmerman's injuries, including a broken nose and other bruising, as evidence of defense. Zimmerman may have been attacked, but the real question is if that attack was provoked by his own actions of threat and deadly force (pursuit and possession of a deadly weapon)?

In rebuttal to the Sanford Police, it seems that when one person pursues another while possessing a deadly weapon, the pursuer becomes an antagonist of deadly potential, by absolute definition, and nothing short of breaking off the pursuit can reset the roles. If I attack a bear and that bear subsequently chases me down and claws me, is the bear now the aggressor? No. The aggressive response of the bear is in defense of its life, and justifiable.

Similarly, the probable aggressive response of Trayvon Martin to George Zimmerman's pursuit of him, including Zimmerman's possession of a deadly weapon, does not prohibit young Martin from aggressive defense of his life. In fact, Martin's response is predictably that of someone in fear of their life.

Zimmerman created and controlled all facets of the situation by which he took the life of another person. The only question is how much of his preparation, and actions leading up to the killing, were pre-meditated.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Zimmerman Fails Test Of Self-Defense In Trayvon Martin Killing, Trayvon Martin, Sanford, FL, Neighborhood Watch, 776.012, Acting White

Damn Hoodies, Suspicion, And Common Sense: Trayvon Martin

Let's be clear, there is nothing wrong with hoodies. However, this does not mean that my parents would allow them at the dinner table. Hoodies worn to keep the head warm is one thing, but when used as a device to conceal identity, now that's a whole other kettle of fish.

In graduate school, I used to wear my hoodie (off my head) into the Harvard Coop in the fall/winter, just hoping the staff would accost me the way they did the local black kids dressed the same. It bothered my former spouse that I would dress, as a grown man, so 'poorly' to go to the Square, but the profiling always bothered me more.

However, as much as it pains me, Geraldo Rivera's concern is right (here). In less than a hot minute, (except if we are at home) I would tell my son to pull down the hood, pull up the pants, AND take your damn hands out of your pockets! My dad said those very words to me many times. Dead black men/boys can't protest!

Looking like you are about to rob a place or somebody is not smart. However, walking down the street with a beverage and candy, hoody-on or not, is not menacing. To this my old man more likely would have asked why I was acting like it is cold when it is 70 degrees outside.

The bottom-line. There are types of behavior that should draw suspicion. Overcoats in the summer, dark glasses at night, loitering near places that are easily robbed. Baggy clothes that might conceal a weapon always catch my eye. Hoodies 'up' indoors. But this is not a kid walking down the street minding his own business.

To this day, I do not wear sunglasses indoors and I am mindful of how I appear upon entering establishments, especially banks. It's just common sense in a world where simply being black can be a threat.

Trayvon Martin should be alive today!

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Damn Hoodies, Suspicion, And Common Sense: Trayvon Martin, Trayvon Martin, Sanford, FL, Neighborhood Watch, 776.012, Acting White

Florida Stand Your Ground Law Will Not Protect Zimmerman, Lawmakers Say

The Florida lawmakers of the "Stand Your Ground" law that Sanford, FL police authorities are using to avoid arresting George Zimmerman, admitted killer of young Trayvon Martin, are quoted as saying, "This law is for innocent, law-abiding citizens who are under attack by a perpetrator. Anyone who is out pursuing and confronting people is not protected by this statute. I think they (the Sanford Police) need to go back and read the statute".

"I don't see why he hasn't been arrested," said Sean Caranna, executive director of Florida Carry, a gun rights group. Caranna also said, "Being the neighborhood watch guy doesn't give you carte blanche to stop and question every guy you see walking down the street".

"You cannot provoke the confrontation. You cannot be the instigator and then claim 'stand your ground,' said Scott Sundby, professor at University of Miami law School.

James C. Collier

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Trayvon Martin Killing: America's Nightmare

After eighteen days, some answers are finally beginning to come out (here) about this tragic killing in Sanford, FL, just beyond Orlando. The fact that the unarmed young man, Trayvon Martin, was black and his pursuer/killer, a 9mm-armed, white, neighborhood watch captain, yet charged, only makes the whole damn thing all the more vexing. It is clear that the police have their own agenda, which may center on explaining why this neighborhood vigilante was allowed to have a gun and walk the streets, in the first place.

The Sanford Police released the 911 recording today, made through the assailant's cell phone, beginning with seventeen year-old Trayvon 'looking suspicious' walking down the street with skittles (candy) and a soft-drink, and ending with him seemingly begging his eventual killer to stop. Even though the 28 year-old shooter, George Zimmerman, was instructed by the 911 operator to stop following the boy, Zimmerman ignored this and ultimately shot and killed the youngster, to the claim of self-defense.

The recording is already painting a picture that should push calls for second-degree, possibly first-degree murder. The police delay in arresting Zimmerman, while infuriating, will surely invite state and federal authorities into the investigative/prosecution mix, which will be good. Small southern towns are not known for their even-handed investigations and prosecutions.

I ache for Trayvon's parents, as I am continually forced to remain vigilant, with my own son, to all the challenges ready to snatch away the future of young boys/men still buying candy and dreaming about their futures.

Stay Tuned.

Update 3/20: "The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have opened an investigation into the "facts and circumstances" surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin."

James C. Collier

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Black Students Face More Discipline In Schools, But Why?

The NYTimes is reporting on disparities in discipline levels (here) in US Education, across race, from soon to be available data (here).

On the surface, this article sounds a familiar alarm on unfair treatment of young people of color, but the presentation leaves me to wonder what the authors are really saying, versus what the data is actually saying, or not.

The title and language speak of results, whereby black and Latino kids receive more and harsher discipline than white and Asian kids, presumably. What is not presented is data on whether black and/or Latino infractions are also more serious, or not. The reader is left to assume that the black kids are punished differently for the same level and type of offense, but with no real way of knowing. Data on punishment following perceptions, rather than measured seriousness of offense, could be significantly misleading.

Two years ago, my son was assaulted by another black student at his high school, and the assailant was permanently expelled under a zero-tolerance school policy. The guardian of the boy thought the punishment was harsh, without consideration that zero-tolerance for breaking the law means ZERO! Because of my own experience, including the involvement of the local police in investigating and charging the young assailant, I am not so quick to assume that we are talking apples-to-apples in behavior data leading to disparities in discipline.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Black Students Face More Discipline In Schools, But Why?, Youth Violence, Crime And Punishment, Double Standard, School Racism, Acting White

Don't Re-Nig In 2012: Racist Obama Bumper Sticker

I'm not so surprised that some racist a__hole would come up with something like this, but I am perplexed that people would actually place it on their automobiles, as reported, thereby subjecting themselves to all manner of outrage.

James C. Collier

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Racsim: Alive And Well In America's Churches

A surprising number of southern whites recently polled in Alabama and Mississippi continue to believe that interracial marriage should be illegal (here). These strong feelings come to the surface at church, as one of the last strongholds of segregation.

Only 2.5% of US churches are integrated, defined as at least two different groups where each comprise more than 20% of the congregation. Another 2.5% of US churches are transisitoning from one group to another. So, depending on who you believe, 90-95% of all US churches are still segregated by race.

The more salient issue is not that people are racist (they are), but how more or less tolerant they are in "God's House". It also seems that blacks are no more tolerant than whites of worshiping together, or of issues of interracial marriage practiced alongside Christianity.

I think this one needs a series, stay tuned.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Racsim: Alive And Well In America's Churches, Interracial Marriage, Miscegenation, Loving v. Virginia, Race Mixing, Acting White

Judge Rules That NYFD Discriminated Against Blacks And Latinos: $128 Million

It certainly takes some brains, not just brawn, to effectively fight fires, but it doesn't take a degree in rocket science. However, even with decade after decade of initiatives to allow minorities the opportunity to join the ranks, the NYFD has remained 97% white. Yes, you heard me correctly, 97%. How is that?

Well, Judge Nicholas Garufis says he knows. Whites have kept their lock on firefighting jobs in the Big Apple by rigging the test. And even after the city was told their testing was unfair, they kept on testing and hiring the same as they have been for decades, with the same results. It seems the test administrators continually revised the test to ask questions in context where being white, growing up white, have friends and family that were white, was a distinct advantage in answering correctly, having nothing to do with firefighting.

Here is one definition of the cultural bias Judge Garufis is citing, "cultural bias in testing refers to a situation in which a given test is inappropriate for a certain audience as it does not test the test-taker's actual knowledge of a taught subject or includes details tied to a culture that the test-taker is unfamiliar with."

Addendum: If you divide the payout into the number of abused, it comes to $58,181 per person, offset by certain individual earnings that may have occurred.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Judge Rules That NYFD Discriminated Against Blacks And Latinos: $128 Million, Biased Testing, Garufis, Vulcan Society, Racism, Acting White

Asian Child With Blonde Hair And Blue Eyes

After reading this story (here) of a white-haired baby abandoned in China, I was genetically-curious (again) about Asians with blue-eyes, but also with blonde hair. I found the little darling girls pictured here. It did not hit me that the one might present albinism, as her skin is not so obviously missing pigment. So, instead of guessing what could be going on, which I resist, I asked a geneticist at Stanford Medical School. (here)

I received a quick response. "Off the top of my head the likeliest explanations are mixed ancestry or albinism. Asians with albinism often have blonde hair and blue eyes but their skin isn't quite as light as a Caucasian with albinism. Another possibility is that the child is of mixed race. And this doesn't have to be a parent who is Caucasian, it could be a more distant relative. Sometimes the hair and eyes will darken later in life in these cases." The Tech Geneticist

So there you have it. The Stanford site has a bunch of questions and answers about genetics from people world-wide. Very interesting and informative.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Asian Child With Blonde Hair And Blue Eyes, Genetics, Albinism, Recessive, Abandoned Baby, Acting White

Democrats Square Off Against Obama On Indefinite Detention

Today, two Democrats, Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Congressman Adam Smith, (D-Wash.) presented a bill that will repeal indefinite detention of US citizens, on US soil. This effort is squarely at odds with Obama, regardless of the spin/rhetoric put into the air. (here)

Last year, on December 24 to be exact, President Obama signed NDAA 2012, which notably included, at the White House's insistence (threat of veto), indefinite detention of US citizens. Now, there is a Democratic plan afoot to repeal the inclusion, thereby acknowledging that no president, even a cool one, or branch of government is above the US Constitution dictate, protecting due process and the right to speedy trial.

The White House will try to keep this low-key through the election - but many Democrats should worry about looking un-American in their home states, while supporting the President's ill-advised and un-constitutional power grab.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Democrats Square Off Against Obama On Indefinite Detention, NDAA, Mark Udall, Adam Smith, Section 1021, Acting White

U-S-A Chant Deemed Racist At Texas HS Basketball Game

The coach, and school district authorities of Alamo Heights, in Texas, apologized to Edison HS of the San Antonio Independent School District for chanting "U-S-A" repeatedly after a basketball victory, implying that the losing school affiliates were not citizens. Sounds like this is not an isolated case, but rather a recurring display of bigotry and insensitivity sometimes witnessed in that part of the country. Kudos to the Alamo Heights coach for putting his foot down.

Who says racism doesn't bring out the creativity in some folks, and responsible behavior in others?

James C. Collier

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Is Obama Good For African-Americans?

Finally, someone is getting around to asking the reasonable question, even if black voting support for Obama is already locked up for Decision 2012.

If you ask the Congressional Black Caucas for their honest answer to Obama's impact on the status of blacks, they would say little or none. (here) Congresswoman Waters makes it clear that perception is blocking reality when it comes to black voters and the president.

The short answer to the question goes like this...Republicans don't want black votes, Obama has done little for blacks, but he is still the only hope the group sees, so hope wins.

Conventional wisdom would say that Obama is very good for 'immigrant-minded' blacks, as he demonstrates what one black man can do for himself, and family, if he puts his mind to the task and utilizes all of the available resources here in America.

So I guess the answer is - it depends.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Is Obama Good For African-Americans?, Congressional Black Caucas, Maxine Waters, Black Voters, Racism, Acting White

Rush Limbaugh Self-Immolation Not A Fluke

It is hard to imagine Don Imus, Mr. Them Sure Are Some Nappy-headed Ho's, giving Rush Fluke's a slut Limbaugh advice, but this is exactly what transpired earlier today. Imus told Limbaugh to load his fat butt onto his Gulf Stream private jet, and fly to wherever and apologize like a man, to Ms. Fluke. Rush countered by pouring a little more gasoline on himself and once again lighting up. (here) The best part is George Will calling the Republicans, especially Romney, cowards for not checking Limbaugh(here). John Boehner said Limbaugh's name calling was inappropriate. Wow, that's tough talk from the Republican leader!

James C. Collier

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Random Engineering Genius: Robots That Fly...And Cooperate

A friend sent this to me yesterday. It is pretty cool and amazing. It reinforces that technology is a train leaving the station at regular intervals, and you must be aboard or find yourself obsolete and marginalized. And it all begins with constant curiosity about the things around you.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Random Engineering Genius: Robots That Fly...And Cooperate, TED 2012, Vijay Kumar, Quadmotors, Innovation, Acting White

Obama Attempts Backing Off Indefinite Detention Law

I'm sure readers will recall my recent rail (here) against the president for tearing down the Constitution, via the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on Christmas Eve of 2011. Obama insisted that the NDAA give his office the power to indefinitely detain US citizens for alleged acts deemed terrorist and occurring on US soil - in direct violation of the first, fifth, and sixth constitutional amendments. (here)

As of February 28, 2012, the White House now says, "Section 1022 does not apply to US citizens, and the President has decided to waive its application to lawful permanent residents arrested in the U.S." Problem here is that this waiving and promising applies, not to indefinite detainment law, but rather WHO is doing the the detaining - the military or civilian authorities. Frankly, that ain't the part that should worry us.

So, why go through this bit of seemingly meaningful-less political slight-of-hand? Obama is simply attempting to camouflaged the election bulls-eye, in the NDAA, that he placed on his own backside, uncertain whether Romney is competent to understand and challenge him on it (probably not). Also, the Executive Branch fears the military as much as it also needs them to stand ready in times of unrest, so this posturing is inevitable.

Of course, NDAA as law is still on books and ready for enforcement in full-weight, whenever the President, whoever he/she may be, sees fit. So, thanks but no thanks! Bad law, get rid of it, except if you think the country is headed for anarchy, then maybe it's okay...recall that Europe is still teetering on the financial brink, world debt crisis still looms, China bubble could burst, Afghanistan is killing us, Syria, etc.

If the Occupy Movement et al ever catches any real steam, look for 'rumors' of terrorist-group funding to pop-up, because this is all that is needed to start locking protesters up - indefinitely. And in this case, the White House will be doing some waiving for sure - bye-bye to the First Amendment trouble-makers.

It's tough walking the hero-traitor tightrope, in these challenging times.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Obama Attempts Backing Off Indefinite Detention Law, NDAA 1031, Indefinite Detention, Occupy Wall Street, McCain/Levin, Acting White

Huffington Post Adds Sports Crime Section Featuring Blacks

On February 27, 2012 I discovered the Huff Post "Sports Crime" Section (here), of the popular internet news source. Wow! A compilation of the most recent criminal troubles of US professional and collegiate athletes. And this does not even include child support cases.

It was no surprise that black males predominate the list, at nearly 80% of the featured perps. I don't think the HP is picking on black males, but I do wonder how this page matches up against all athletes, not just the top tier. I also wish they did not bury this data under sports, as though arrests are akin to game stats.

Players, teams (coaches and owners), and communities should be embarrassed and ashamed of these criminal distinctions. For the record, drugs and assault seem to be the leading categories of violations - surprise!

Features for 2/27: Murder (1), Drugs (5), Assault (6), DUI (2), False ID (1), Driving (1), Fraud (1), Child Abuse (1).

James C. Collier

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Was Billy Crystal's Blackface Sammy Davis Racist?

Okay, we knew this was coming big time, even though Crystal has been doing Sammy from way back in the SNL hay-days. I say Crystal is cool with his Oscar Awards Sammy. Yeah, he had to put on black-face makeup, but this ain't the blackface that should have folks up in arms. He is an impersonator, and one of the best there ever was. He is doing his thing, and isn't it great that Sammy still lives, long after he's gone. Crystal is not mocking black folks, culture, or anything else, he is really paying homage, as one great entertainer to another (as I see it). Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle impersonating Jewish/white guys is cool too, even though the danger zone is clearly visible.

Having said this, all the white folks who think Crystal gives them license to paint themselves up as Gangstas'. Hell no. That dog don't hunt! Impersonating takes talent and a bit, mockery is just someone acting stupid and racist - and the world hopefully is getting better at knowing the difference.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Was Billy Crystal's Blackface Sammy Davis Racist?, Academy Awards, Justin Bieber, Kill Hitler, Racism, Acting White

Anti-White Racism, Hating on Whitey And The Myth Of Black Racism

Yesterday, on the heels of the Gainesville and Santaluces white girl rants (here), and Jeremy Lin'sanity', I asked myself why people care so much about what silly teenage white girls think about blacks. With little effort, I found numerous black rants about whites, including this recent tweet by a standout Maryland high school football star, Stefon Diggs (headed to U. of Marlyland), who could not help but tweet "Everybody need to get off Jermey Lin egg roll and dumplings he's good though". (here) That was pretty stupid and racist, but I doubt the boy will lose his scholarship. If he was white, however - not so fast.

So, the question of the day is why blacks can say just about anything about whites (or Asians), while even the nuttiest, immature, whites are held to a rather impossible (it seems) standard? Now, I'm not saying that whites be allowed to spout racism, but rather that non-whites neither benefit from, or deserve a free-pass to spew anti-anybody venom. I do not subscribe to the general principle that whites have somehow forfeited the protection of not being guilty of racism by mere ethnic association. Everyone should worry that what comes out of their mouths will be judged by the same standard - racist is racist, stupid is stupid.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Anti-White Racism, Hating on Whitey And The Myth Of Black Racism, Jeremy Lin, Stefon Diggs, Gainesville, Santaluces, Acting White

Racist Rant Part II: Santaluces HS Girls

Okay, I get it. Teen-age girls just want to be noticed, but is this really working the way they want? Should we expect more of this, because these rants are the best way to become socially popular in school? Are there a similar ilk of black, Latino, and Asian kids making these 'tubes' against whites and others, and we are just not hearing about it?

What is going on people?

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Racist Rant Part II: Santaluces HS Girls, Black Disease, Racism, Gainesville, White Teen Girls, Acting White

Gainesville FL High School Girls Go On Racist Rant

Much is being made of how these two young ladies chose to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame. Unfortunately, that fame will last a lot longer than their immaturity warrants - but hey, so did a scar I got on my face from running recklessly into a dark garage at age twelve - them's the breaks!

Anyway, I think parents of all ethnic origins need to pay more attention to what their kiddies are learning and spouting, from everywhere, and try to impress upon them how certain bells-of-behavior cannot be easily un-rung, if at all. Of course, first on this list is snot-noses not making more snot-noses. However, it gets tricky when kiddies are spouting dribble that their parents too casually toss about. What then?

Well, I think parents need to use disclaimers with their kids. It should sound something like, "Hey Johnny, Suzie, or Tyree, don't repeat the s_it you hear at home, out in public, unless you want to totally eff-up your life for an internet eternity". If they need more encouragement, they can google Anthony "Chink-in-the-Armor" Frederico, formerly of ESPN mobile.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Gainesville FL High School Girls Go On Racist Rant, Jeremy Lin, Racism, Anthony Frederico, White Teen Girls, Acting White

Knicks Win Streak Ends: ESPN Claims 'Chink In Armor', WTF?

YOU COULD NOT MAKE THIS UP, IF YOU TRIED!!! (here)

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Knicks Win Streak Ends: ESPN Claims 'Chink In Armor', WTF?, Jeremy Lin, Racism, Bigotry, ESPN Mobile, Acting White

Obama Politics: Banks Get To Steal Homes for $2,000

If it looks and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. Even if it is black.

The Obama Administration just pushed through a $26 billion settlement with the banking industry for 'improprieties', calling it a win for the victims of the Wall-street engineered, mortgage-backed securities, scam! Ha! How is getting your home stolen away by the bank, for a measly $2K, a win? That's something like a penny returned for every dollar stolen! The reality - it's an election year and Mr. Obama needs to manufacture some smoke to blow up Democratic voting butts, and this is it. Get ready to hear about this alleged win, over and over through November, until you puke.

A statistical sample audit of foreclosures in California showed that 85% were illegal, meaning the banks broke that law in 85 out of every 100 cases (here). AND NOT ONE BANKER HAS GONE TO JAIL! Has anyone seen Mr. Eric Holder, the Attorney General?

Considering that black people, voting for Mr. Obama in mass (past, present, and future), are at the front of the long line of hues getting ripped-off by the banks, Obama and Holder need to return their cards, and go sit in the box with Ward Connerly. After all, a duck is a duck, regardless of the color of the feathers.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Obama Politics: Banks Get To Steal Homes For $2,000, Foreclosure, Fraud, Settlement, Banks, Acting White

NY Knicks/NBA Standout Jeremy Lin Earns Spotlight

Harvard Alum and Knicks basketball star Jeremy Lin has earned all the positive attention he is getting, despite comments from idiots like boxer Floyd Mayweather, who try to detract from his recent media recognition (here).

Now I ask, how is it fine for Black folks to beam with pride from the attention received upon members challenging all manner of barriers, but if somebody else does it (in this case someone Asian), 'it ain't no big thang!'? That's just ignorant and racist. And don't tell me folks can't be racist, either.

While Mayweather clearly does not speak for all folks, his comments resemble others who are similarly stupid.

If someone says Jeremy in Oakland, the only question is if it's Black Jeremy, White Jeremy, or Asian Jeremy? - as it should be.

Hopefully, this will give nationally ranked Cal Basketball standout guard, Jorge Gutierrez (here), some inspiration in his game, too.

A wet-behind-the-ears rookie from Harvard winning an NBA game with a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer - now that's LINsane! (here)

James C. Collier

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Artistic Savant: Stephen Wiltshire Draws Tokyo In 360 From Memory

"The autistic savant is one of the most fascinating cognitive phenomena in psychology. "Autistic savant" refers to individuals with autism who have extraordinary skills not exhibited by most persons. Historically, individuals with these exceptional skills were called 'idiot savants,' a French term meaning unlearned (idiot) skill (savant). In a 1978 article in Psychology Today, Dr. Bernard Rimland introduced a more appropriate term 'autistic savant,' which is the current label.

The estimated prevalence of savant abilities in autism is 10%, whereas the prevalence in the non-autistic population, including those with mental retardation, is less than 1%.

There are many forms of savant abilities. The most common forms involve mathematical calculations, memory feats, artistic abilities, and musical abilities. A mathematical ability which many autistic individuals display is calendar memory. They could be asked a question like: 'What day of the week was May 22, 1961? and they can determine the answer within seconds--Monday. Others can multiply and divide large numbers in their head and can also calculate square roots and prime numbers without much hesitation.

Examples of some memory feats include: remembering everything about presidents (birth/death, term in office, names and birth dates of family members, cabinet members, etc.), memorizing the U.S. highway system, and remembering everyone's birth date, even after meeting the person once and not seeing him/her for 20 years.

Some autistic individuals with savant abilities are incredible artists. Dr. Rimland's son, Mark, is quickly establishing himself as an excellent watercolor artist. A child named Nadia drew beautiful pictures of horses, and her drawings have been compared to those of Rembrandt. Interestingly, she lost her drawing abilities when she started to learn to speak. Another artist with autism, Richard Wawro, who was described in an issue of Reader's Digest, is legally blind and draws in crayons. His works sell for up to $10,000, and even the Pope owns one of his paintings.

Music is another common savant ability. Many performers with autism have perfect pitch and also have a great memory for music. In some cases, a person can hear a classical piece once and play it back in its entirety. Tim Baley, who also has Fragile X, is a concert pianist and the piano player for Hi Hopes, a musical group of singers and performers with autism and/or mental retardation. Hi Hopes played at the Los Angeles autism conference a few years ago and have even played at the White House. (Tim's mother wrote a book about his life. If you would like to obtain a copy of her book or learn more about Tim, you can write to: Mrs. Baley, Box 8207, Anaheim, CA 92812).

The movie Rain Man exposed millions of people to autism as well as the autistic savant phenomenon. (Unfortunately, some people now have the impression that all autistic individuals have these abilities.) In the movie, Raymond displayed a great memory for ball player statistics, memorized parts of the telephone book, and counted cards in Las Vegas. One wonders why this year's national autism conference is being held in Las Vegas!

The reason why some autistic individuals have savant abilities is not known. There are many theories, but there is no evidence to support any of them. For example, Dr. Rimland speculates that these individuals have incredible concentration abilities and can focus their complete attention to a specific area of interest. Admittedly, researchers in psychology feel that we will never truly understand memory and cognition until we understand the autistic savant."

From Autism.com...

James C. Collier

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Shit People Say In Oakland

A Sista' from Oakland sent this to me, saying it was hella'-funny! If you know the town, she is right.

James C. Collier

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Whitney Houston: 1963 - 2012

"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long, and you burned very, very brightly...", from Blade Runner.

James C. Collier

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Distorted Reality: Steve Jobs, Barack Obama et al

Much is being made about Steve Jobs, and his penchant for 'distorting reality'. This includes contributions from FBI interviews, when he was alive. Not that he needs defending - and I never personally worked for him - but I have worked closely or directly for five CEO's and feel I have good experience from which to speak.

Distorting reality is such a consistent feature of CEO's, it's almost ignorant to proper it as a negative, or dis-qualifier. I submit that the ability to do it well, however that's defined, makes it a prerequisite to extraordinary results, good and bad. Who is to say that distortion is not required in order to go places, where no one has gone before. I'm sure people thought Einstein was distorted.

The better question is if this distorted leadership is taking us someplace good - particularly in the case of our political leadership on both sides of the aisle. In this case, and whether each knew it or not, at the end of his life Jobs was definitely the teacher, Obama the student.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Distorted Reality: Steve Jobs, Barack Obama et al, FBI Interviews, Bomb Threat, Mental Health, Leadership, Acting White

Michigan's Hoekstra Delivers Anti-Asian Debbie Spenditnow Ad

The problem with this ad, as I see it, is not the challenge it makes of US policies that support and encourage rampant thirst for cheap goods made overseas, but rather it has a Chinese woman deliver the message sarcastically, making it too easy for many dumb Americans to errantly blame Chinese people, the world over, for US troubles.

James C. Collier

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Mitt Romney: Mormon Baptisms For The Dead

"Mormonism (or the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) teaches that baptism by water is a necessary ordinance for people to return to God their Heavenly Father. Mormons assert that the ordinance must be performed in the proper way and with the authority of Christ's priesthood.

Many people have died without receiving a valid baptism, and they cannot undergo this precious ritual as mere spirits. "Because all on the earth do not have the opportunity to accept the gospel during mortality, the Lord has authorized baptisms performed by proxy for the dead. Therefore, those who accept the gospel in the spirit world may qualify for entrance into God's kingdom" One thing that should be made perfectly clear about Mormon baptisms for the dead is that each deceased soul has the personal choice to accept or reject it. There is nothing in Mormonism that states that the person who is being baptized by proxy must accept this ordinance; he or she is simply given the opportunity to choose."

More from the source...(here).

James C. Collier

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Random Blackness: Two-Minute Bass-Percussion Jam At NAMM 2012

Enjoy nearly two minutes of two instruments that we rarely get to hear or see up front, by two greats. Making it up on bass is my friend Nathan East, chasing some serious digital percussion by David "Fingers" Haynes. Turn up the volume and enjoy.

James C. Collier

H/T:Patrick Telev-Karanfilovic

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Random Slovakianess: Musician Rolls With Nokia Ringtone Punch

Some comments to this entertaining video argue that the musician's response is staged, but I think they miss the point, altogether. Staged or not, the editorial and lesson is both witty and good for all to hear, if they might avoid the cynic's vortex.

...and Nokia, once the shining star of Finland, presently needs all the help they can get.

James C. Collier

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Cobb GA Mother Arrested For Tattooing 10 Year-Old Son

From the video above, it is clear that Chuntera Napier, the arrested, while well-meaning, is also very ignorant. At minimum, the recipient of such needs to be eighteen to legally bear the risk of contracting any number of potentially fatal diseases, like hepatitis, from getting a tattoo. The misdemeanor charged Ms. Napier clearly misunderstands, like many folks, that all rights, including those of parenting and religion, derive from the constitution, not the bible, the Koran, the Book of Mormon, or the back of a cereal box. This is a good example of where children, and their desire to make adulthood decision, need protection. I hope the example of Ms. Napier's prosecution sends a strong signal that tattoos are for adults, period.

UPDATE: Police are looking for the alleged tattoo artist, but Ms. Napier is not cooperating, so far. The artist could face criminal charges, and so could Ms. Napier, for obstruction.

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Cobb GA Mother Arrested For Tattooing 10 Year-Old Son, Chuntera Napier, Child Ink, Parental Rights, Funds Abuse, Acting White

Ward Connerly Facing Misdeed Allegations By Former Staffer

I continue to believe that Affirmative Action needs a revision, to focus on the greater inclusive group of economically-disadvantage Americans, rather than race, gender, or otherwise. This would exclude well-off minorities, while including those whites held-down by their meager economic background. Anti-Affirmative Action crusader Ward Connerly was never about this kind of fairness, but rather lining his own pockets, and it seems that it is all catching up to him (here), via a credible insider.

Stay Tuned.

James C. Collier

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Seven White Attackers vs. One Asian Teen In Chicago

Wow! Watching this horrible scene made me wish I was there to even things up a bit. Who would be surprised if the Asian kid started carrying a gun after a beating like this? Who could blame him? Very sick. Very tragic. And on top of it all, repeatedly calling him a Nigga' speaks to the universal standard that demeaning blackness has achieved, and that's everybody's fault (within/without).

1/18 UPDATE: A Sun-Times article (here), sheds some weird light on the 1/15 attack. The attackers were white AND Asian (predominantly), with the oldest attacker, Raymond Palomino (17), whose face was visible in the assault, charged as an adult. Palomino's father is a Cook County sheriff. One attacker was female, and lured the victim into the assault. The attack may have been random, and there remains no explanation for the 25 instances of the term nigga' use against the victim, captured in the video by one of the attackers, via their cellphone. Tragic and weird!

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Seven White Attackers vs. One Asian Teen In Chicago, Asian Assault, White Gang, Chicago Attack, Asian Called Nigger, Acting White

Slavery Math Taught in Georgia Elementary School

As reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution..."Gwinnett County (Georgia) parents and activists have blasted the school district’s response following reports that students at a Norcross elementary school received a math worksheet that used examples of slavery in word problems.

School district officials said the principal at Beaver Ridge Elementary School will personally work with teachers to come up with more appropriate lessons and will offer more opportunities for staff development following the uproar created by the worksheet that included questions such as the following: “Each tree had 56 oranges. If 8 slaves pick them equally, then how much would each slave pick?” and “If Frederick got two beatings per day, how many beatings did he get in 1 week?”"

I hope 'work with' is a euphemism for 'escort from the building'.

Full Story (here).

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Slavery Math Taught in Georgia Elementary School, Norcross, Racist Math, Bigotry, Georgia Ignorance, Acting White

Southwest Airlines Parodies Black NFL Players

Is this as cool (with folks), as it is funny? I think so, what about you?

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Southwest Airlines Parodies Black NFL Players, Touchdown Celebration, Dancing, Black Thing, Ignorance, Acting White

Shit White Girls Say...To Black Girls

I thought this was well done, entertaining and thought provoking (more importantly).

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Shit White Girls Say...To Black Girls, Franchesca Ramsey, chescaleigh, Racism, Ignorance, Acting White

Obama Blows Hole In Constitution: Hero or Traitor?

The “New and Improved” National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is now the law – so don’t drop the soap folks!

Seriously, let me get this straight, Mr. Obama. As president, sworn to uphold the US Constitution, you sign a law, bearing your fingerprints, on the day of the year (12/24), at your choosing, when the citizens are most distracted, and then promise that you will never use the “unconstitutional” parts to do what you surreptitiously demanded the right to do. Sounds like something Bush/Cheney would have pulled, right? Well, yes, they definitely pulled some three-quarter-Monty crap like this, but in this case it was you, Barack Obama, and this is definitely the full-Monty (buck-ass-naked).

The Huffington Post (here) cleverly apologizes for the President on this tearing down of citizen rights, as they make it seem like he was somehow forced (by bad people?) to sign the law against his will, which is not true at all. The Huffington ignores that Obama insisted that American citizens be included in the indefinite detention language, or he would veto the bill. So in reality, that which the Huff and the President said he was against, jailing Americans indefinitely without trial, he is absolutely for and directly responsible. Politics and the media doing the nasty out in the open! A-friggin-mazing!

Like I said before (here), no politician in their right mind would bastardize the constitution, if they did not think they needed it – as the original laws have served the rich and powerful very well for 200+ years. The reason Obama specifically thinks HE needs this change is that the world-wide economic poop could hit the fan in 2012 (here), and the blood on Main streets won’t be on some fake Hollywood movie set. In fact, the ‘debt-storm’ has already begun.

If you think things are bad now, stay-tuned folks. The year 2012 marks the calendar, in US history, where life-expectancy is going down and the times definitely went from bad to worse. When you know the game’s about to change and you want to preserve your position on the sinking ship, you change the rules. Happy New Year!

James C. Collier

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Walter "Sweetness" Payton: Timeless

This time of year (on Sundays) I always remember one of the greatest to ever play any game. Sweetness was his handle, but 'air' was his domain. Check out two YouTube minutes of the man, if you doubt me. (here)

James C. Collier

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Technorati Tags: Walter "Sweetness" Payton: Timeless, Chicago Bears, 1985 Super Bowl, Hall of Fame, Football Legend, Acting White