Finally Over

I'll write more about Kwame Kilpatrick this weekend, but the Detroit Free Press chronicles his rise and fall.

I will say one thing about Kwame Kilpatrick. He's a talented and smart brother who owned up to his errors in judgement. I wouldn't even be surprised if after settling his penalties that he serves again as a public servant.

Obama and O'Reilly

Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama appeared on the Bill O'Reilly show last night, in the first of what will be a four part interview.

Bill O'Reilly was respectful, and Barack Obama more than held his own as O'Reilly questioned him about national security issues. O'Reilly, however, did get Obama to reluctantly admit that the surge is working in Iraq. The New York Daily News provides a more detailed analysis of the interview.

What A Mess

I have to be honest and state that I did not watch the fiasco that was the Republican National Convention last night( I was watching my favorite Williams sisters play each other at the U.S. Open, Serena won by the way). I have seen clips of Rudy Giuliani, and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin's speeches. All I saw was constant slamming on Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama.

I hope that Barack was smiling as he watched the slam fest. He had to be happy watching also ran Rudy Giuliani slamming him on experience and anything else that came to his mind. I might be mistaken, but didn't Barack just finish receiving over 18 million votes and having his acceptance speech viewed by over 38 million people.

I really don't have anything to say about Sarah Palin, and she does appear to be a competent politician who can deliver a good speech. I just hope for her sake that John McCain has not done her a disservice by putting her into this position. She's only been on the national stage for a week, and already had surprises pulled from her closet. The next 2 months will be very interesting.

The End Is Near For Hip Hop Mayor

Well after my countless posts concerning Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, it appears that an end to his contentious reign as mayor is nearly over. According to the Detroit Free Press the mayor may plead guilty to various charges today and face the following:

As it stood Wednesday night, the deal, according to a source familiar with the negotiations, calls for the mayor pleading guilty to two felonies -- both counts dealing with obstruction of justice by committing perjury, four months in jail, $1 million in restitution, and five years' probation during which he would not run for office. The mayor also would turn over his state pension to the City of Detroit. The source stressed the situation remained fluid. James Thomas, one of Kilpatrick's attorneys, said Wednesday evening that the mayor was negotiating jail time, which would be a change in Kilpatrick's earlier reported stance that he would not agree to any deal that would put him behind bars.

Kilpatrick had previously rejected any offers that contained jail time, but it looks pretty obvious that he will be facing some time behind bars. Kwame at one time was a rising star in the Democratic Party, and as much as I've criticized him, it's tough to see a talented brother's career go down in flames. He's obviously very smart and talented, so I hope when he resurfaces, and he will, he'll be a better man.

Hip Hop Mayor Removal Hearing Scheduled To Begin Today

Unless his attorneys can stop the proceedings, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will begin hearings today to determine if Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick should be removed from office.

If everything goes as expected and the the hearings commence, at some point soon Detroit residents should be saying good riddance to Mr. Kilpatrick.

Obama To Appear On Bill O'Reilly Show Thursday Night

Democratic Presidential Nominee, Barack Obama is scheduled to appear on the Bill O'Reilly Show on Thursday night, the same night that Sen. John McCain will be giving his speech at the Republican National Convention.

The Washington Post profiles a meeting that took place between Obama and Fox News executives 3 months ago in which Obama expressed concern over the networks coverage of his campaign.

Appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show is a must for Obama. He promised the talk show host that he would appear on the show at some point, and Thursday night is as good a time as any to introduce himself to O'Reilly's viewers.

With A Friend Like Joe

Sen. Joe Lieberman was the Democratic choice for Vice-President 8 years ago. Now an Independent, Lieberman spoke at the Republican National Convention last night. Lieberman said the following about Sen. Barack Obama during his speech:

"Sen. Barack Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead," Lieberman said. "But my friends, eloquence is no substitute for a record — not in these tough times for America."

It's amazing to watch all of these politicians who've made failed attempts at the office of President criticizing Barack Obama. I just hope Lieberman sleeps well at night despite completely turning his back on his former party's presidential nominee. Talk about hate!

"The Recession"

The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles Atlanta Rapper Young Jeezy, whose new CD "The Recession" was released yesterday. Below is Jeezy's take on the title of his new release:

• “The Recession.” “I don’t know how this president defines it, or how he says we’re not in it — then again, I’m quite sure he wouldn’t know. Anyway, I’m just meeting the people, the streets, where they are — in ‘The Recession’ — hard times. … A time where you could look at a young man doing something great, like just getting out of college, and still not be surprised that he ain’t looking so happy. Half of his family just lost their jobs. The other half is worried they’re about to lose their jobs.

Young Jeezy's CD is expected to top the Billboard charts next week. I'm glad he's using his voice to bring awareness to the plight of his people. Hip hop artists often are criticized for the content of their material, but I respect Young Jeezy's hustle, and he's doing it his way.

Jacksonville Jaguars Football Player Shot

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Jacksonville Jaguars football player Richard Collier was shot this morning and is facing life threatening injuries.

Collier is only 26, and allegedly was waiting for an unidentified woman inside his car with teammate Kenneth Pettway.

Gustav Spares New Orleans

Thankfully Hurricane Gustav was not the second coming of Katrina for the residents of New Orleans. Mayor Ray Nagin, however, remains cautious by recommending to residents that they wait a few days before retuning home.

Sen. James Meeks Plans To Initiate Chicago Public School Boycott

This is a story that's been around for awhile, but definitely worth discussing. Sen. James Meeks of Chicago, who is also a church pastor will initiate his boycott of Chicago Public Schools by busing as many as 2,000 city students to a suburban school that boasts affluence and academics.

Meeks has been focusing for months on the inequities in funding for the Chicago Public School System, and tried unsuccessfully to get a commitment of $120 million from the state in in increased funding. Now the boycott begins, and the Chicago Tribune provides additional details on the controversy.

I applaud James Meeks for taking on the establishment, and requesting increased funding for schools that need the money. Education will be the only way for many students in Chicago to rise above their circumstances.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Laid To Rest Over Weekend

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was laid to rest over the weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. Sen. Barack Obama, attended the services held on Saturday, as did Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer provides complete details on Tubbs Jones' funeral and great career.

16 Year Old Former Football Star Returns To School After Losing Right Leg In Shooting

While school begins anew for students today all around the country. Former high school football star, Christoper Williams has even more reason to smile. Christopher is returning to school for the first time since losing his right leg in a shooting while attempting to protect his younger sister, one year ago.

The New York Daily News profiles the courageous youngster's journey back to normalcy.

Eternity Gaddy Brain Dead In Chicago

13 year old Eternity Gaddy was shot in the head this morning while standing outside innocently in a Chicago neighborhood, and is now brain dead. Gang violence is the suspected cause of the shooting.

Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for providing details of this sad story that is all too familiar in our communities.

McNabb Healthy

My favorite N.F.L. quarterback, Donvan F. McNabb, begins his 10th season with the Philadelphia Eagles next week. McNabb's completely healthy for the first time in 2 years, and should be poised for a great year.

The Philadelphia Inquirer indicates correctly that this will be a make or break year for McNabb regarding his tenure in Philly. McNabb, who turns 32 in November has plenty of thread left on the tires. Hopefully his surrounding cast at wide receiver will provide him with the support that he needs to have a standout year.

Palin's Mother-In-Law May Vote For Obama

The New York Daily News reports that Faye Palin, Sarah Palin's mother-in-law may consider voting for Barack Obama for president. Faye Palin also admits that she doesn't agree with her daughter-in-law on everything.

Dissing Obama

Sen. John McCain stayed true to his maverick image by picking Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Opinions are all over the map regarding whether this was a good choice or not, but Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity sure are elated with the pick.

All of a sudden Democratic Nominee, Barack Obama is now the Community Organizer according to Sean Hannity, and the fact the Obama ran a near flawless campaign over the last 18 months to dethrone the Clinton Dynasty means nothing. All Republican pundits that I've listened to, jokingly state that Palin has more experience than Obama, when the fact is if she'd even thought of running for President of the United States 18 months ago, she wouldn't have lasted 6 months before pulling out of the race from a lack of support.

Barack Obama is clearly being disrespected with all of the new rhetoric, but he will handle it with the grace and aplomb that has gotten him this far. As African American we can't allow our elation to hide the fact that he's going to need every vote that he can get to become President of the United States. We're obligated to do are part to ensure that he gets there.

305 Posts Later

I started my blog 3 months, or 305 posts ago. I went back to read my very first post, which was my Introduction just to see how things have evolved. So far so good. Thanks to the readers who think my posts and commentaries are interesting and have some value. I still have a lot to learn, but I think the next 3 months will be even more enjoyable.

Thanks for the support!

Kilpatrick Trying To Negotiate Settlement Deal

According to the Detroit Free Press, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilparick is vigorously trying to negotiate a settlement in the text message scandal. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, however, wants Kilpatrick to serve jail time, and has rejected all settlement offers.

Kilpatrick's legal team has made an offer consisting of the following according to the Detroit newspaper:

Kilpatrick would automatically lose the mayor's office and his law license. Under the proposal, he would also sign over his state pension and benefits to the City of Detroit, do 300 hours of community service with homeless and disabled people, and serve up to five years probation, according to a source familiar with all aspects of the negotiations.

Kwame Kilpatrick is trying to reach a settlement before Governor Jennifer Granholm is granted authority to hold a hearing to remove him from office. It looks like Prosecutor Worthy will probably get her wish, and he'll be removed by the Governor and still could possibly be required to stand trial. Things are not looking good for the hip hop mayor.