7 Days To Go

We're now only 7 days away from the presidential election and Sen. Barack Obama continues to deflect all of the criticism, and even assassination plots that are being lobbed his way.

Obama is now being described as a "Redistributionist" by the GOP, and their using a 2001 interview that he gave to a Chicago radio station as proof according to the Boston Globe. Also, federal agents broke up a Neo-Nazi skinhead plot to kill black high school students, and then assassinate Obama according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Barack Obama's mission to enact change upon our country is almost upon us. We all need to do our part to help him cross the finish line.

HIV in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the "City of Brotherly Love" has an HIV infection rate that's 50 percent higher than New York City, and 5 times higher than the national average. It's estimated that 16,000 Philly residents presently live with HIV or AIDS, and that 1,400 new people who are infected, are added each year.

A good 3 page read on what the public health community is trying to do to get people tested, and it's attempts to educate our people on a virus and disease that's ravaging our community.

Hudson Family Tragedy Continues

Jennifer Hudson had to identify the body of a third murdered family member over a 3 day period as she along with other family members identified the body of her nephew Julian King who was found slumped over in an SUV on the West Side of Chicago yesterday.

Hudson's brother in law, William Balfour, remains a person of interest in the murder of Hudson's mother, brother and nephew, but he has not been charged in the slayings. The Chicago Tribune reports what Balfour's motives may have been if he is indeed charged with these senseless killings. He's presently in custody for violating conditions of his parole, but he's not cooperating with police regarding the murders.

Prayers continue to go out to the Hudson family.

Jennifer's Tragedy

Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson suffered the worst tragedy imaginable when it was discovered on Friday that her mother Darnell Donerson, and brother, Jason Hudson, were both murdered by multiple gunshot wounds in Hudson's hometown of Chicago. Hudson's nephew, Julian King, who is 7 years-old, and the son of her sister Julia is now the subject of a national search.

I can't imagine the pain that the Hudson family is going through during this tragedy. Prayers go out to the family, and hopefully young Julian will be found safe. The family has offered $100,000 for his safe return according to the Chicago Sun-Times, and issued the following statement:

"Jennifer Hudson and her family are offering a reward of $100,000 for the safe return of her nephew Julian King, who has been missing since Friday, Oct. 24,'' the publicist said in a statement. "We ask that all inquiries be directed to the Chicago Police Department, Area 1 Detective Division at 312-747-8380. Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope with this tragedy and continue the search for Julian."

Say It Ain't So Zeke!!

It's being reported that Hall of Famer, and former NBA basketball player Isiah Thomas was rushed to the hospital Saturday morning after allegedly overdosing on 10 Lunesta pills. Thomas has issued repeated denials, stating that his daughter Lauren, who reportedly suffers from hypoglycemia wasn't feeling well.

Isiah Thomas it appears may be having a difficult time dealing with life out of the spotlight. Whether he was rushed to the hospital or not really is a "private family matter", but the fact that Thomas has spent nearly all of his life in the public spotlight makes this a national story. Those familiar with Isiah Thomas' story know that he rose from the poverty of Chicago to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The last few years for Thomas, who's still only 47 years-old, have been marred by professional missteps. Thomas was given the "keys to the kingdom" as president of the NBA New York Knicks, and simply botched the job, turning the Knicks into the laughingstock of the league with bad player personnel moves. He then was the target of a sexual harassment lawsuit by Anucha Browne Sanders, that cost the team almost $12 million. Brown Sanders tells the New York Post that Thomas had it coming to him. The New York Post also reports that Thomas' recent professional failures have taken a toll on his psyche.

Isiah Thomas is still owed $18 million from the New York Knicks from a previous contract, hopefully he will be able to accept to fact that his days of adulation are a distant memory, and begin the second act of his life with a purpose that he displayed when he was leading the Detroit Pistons to 2 NBA Championships.

Should Beatty Have Taken The Deal?

Yesterday, additional text messages were released concerning Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty. While the public viewing the messages will get caught up in the salaciousness of the content, Beatty is fighting to stay out of jail after rejecting a plea deal in her pending perjury case.

The Detroit Free Press reports that many are questioning whether Beatty should have taken the plea deal offered that would have required her to spend 150 days in jail. I've stated that I think Kilpatrick got off very light after taking the city of Detroit through all of this chaos. Beatty at least resigned her position, and presently is an unemployed mother. Yes, she made some bad decisions, and has to pay a penalty, but the city of Detroit needs to move on and attempt to negotiate a penalty that's acceptable to all parties if that's possible.

McCain's Precarious Path To The White House

The Washington Post reports that Sen. John McCain's path to the White House is becoming extremely difficult if polling in the battleground states is any indication. The paper reports the following:

"The numbers are startling. Obama leads by 12 points in Ohio, 11 in Pennsylvania and 13 in Wisconsin. In Michigan, where McCain's campaign has pulled out, Obama's lead is 22 points. In Indiana, a strong red state, his lead is 10 points, larger than in other recent polls.

Quinnipiac University also released polls yesterday from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida that show Obama leading in all three. In these surveys, his lead in Pennsylvania is 13 points. In Ohio, which is a must-win for McCain, Obama's lead is 14 points.

The one bright spot for McCain, if you can call it that, is Florida, where his opponent's lead is just five points and slightly narrower than it was the last time Quinnipiac surveyed the state. But that's not really a cause for celebration: McCain can't afford to lose Florida any more than he can afford a loss in Ohio."

Early voting has begun in most states, and this election has mobilized millions of people to vote. McCain is a fighter, so don't be surprised about anything that might happen between now and election day.

With 11 Days Unitl The Election McCain Will Stick With Socialist Slant

With only 11 days until the presidential election, and the polls showing Sen. John McCain trailing Sen. Barack Obama with regard to the potential popular and electoral votes tallies, the Los Angeles Times reports that the remaining days will days will consist of the "socialist tag" being spread on the campaign stump regarding Obama. I wonder how McCain would categorize the bailout plan that he voted for recently.

Additional Text Messages To Be Released Today In Detroit

The Detroit Free Press reports that at noon today, more potentially explosive text messages will be released involving Chistine Beatty and Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Beatty's lawyers didn't have enough time to appeal a judge's decision to release the messages. In hindsight, perhaps Beatty should have taken the original deal offered to her.

Obama Pays For Own Clothes

Gov. Sarah Palin made news this week, when it was announced that the Republican National Committee has paid an estimated $150,000 towards her makeover. The Chicago Sun-Times reports the following concerning Sen. Barack Obama:

"Obama ordered five new suits from Chicago-based menswear maker Hartmarx. Obama paid full-price, spokesmen for Hartmarx and the Obama campaign said Wednesday. The suits retail for $1,500 apiece."

At least we can't associate Obama with any wrongdoing with the Hartmarx clothier. I assume it's OK that they went to his home for the fitting.

Economic Distress!!!

The Washington Post reports on the continued job lob losses that are hitting our economy, and suspects that the worst is yet to come. Just this week, Merck, Yahoo, National City Bank, and Comcast all announced job cuts. Now is not the time to be taking anything for granted from a job standpoint. If it's just bagging groceries at the area supermarket, be thankful.

A McCain Win?

Steven Stark writes about the "Long National Nightmare" scenario of a John McCain victory on Nov. 4th. What if all the polls are wrong? What if young people decide they don't want to stand in long lines to vote?

Bottom line, is if we're registered we need to vote, our struggle has been too long and painful not to exercise our right to vote.

Police Prepare For "Civil Unrest" If Obama Loses In Large Cities

If Barack Obama loses the presidential election on November 4th, and black people suspect foul play in the election, will black people riot? TheHill.com reports that police departments around the country are taking precautionary measures just in case Sen. Barack Obama loses fearing the worst of responses from our people. At this point in the process, nothing would surprise me in terms of results, the presidential election is alleged to have been rigged in the past. I would hope that our people would behave civilly if Obama doesn't win, but who knows.

Detroit Activists And Police Attempt To Stop School Violence

Nationally, school violence in our inner cities is rarely profiled. Unless you live in Detroit, you're probably not aware that Christopher Walker was shot and killed outside of Henry Ford High School last week, and three others were injured. The Detroit Free Press reports that Detroit politicians have enacted 2 new resolutions in an effort to curb the violence in Detroit schools.

I'm of the believe that everyone deserves a chance to get an eduction. It's disturbing that parents can't send their children to school without fear that any child may become just another murder statistic.

Philly Violence Continues

The City of Brotherly Love could be celebrating a World Series Championship in a couple of weeks, by the violence in the city of Philadelphia sadly continues. The Philadelphia Daily News reports that "Urban Street Terrorists" as described by police are targeting local Duncan Donuts locations in broad daylight with the culprits being described as "black males in their 20s". The other even more disturbing occurrence is being reported by Philly.com concerning a 22 year old black female being raped and beaten at 3:15 in the afternoon by someone being described as a "black man in his 30s".

Two very disturbing alleged acts of violence coming from the City of Brotherly Love.

Baltimore Tries To Attract Developers To Inner City Shopping Centers

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Baltimore Neighborhood DrillDown study shows that the city has $1.2 billion more in total income that originally estimated. City leaders are using these figures to solicit developers to impoverished shopping centers within the city in an effort to revitalize communities.

This should be monitored by all cities, as Philadelphia in recent memory has been successful in bringing in new merchants into the inner city.

T. Boone Pickens To Donate $5 Million To Renovate Dalls YMCA

The Dallas Morning News reports that billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens will donate $5 million from his foundation to renovate a Dallas, TX YMCA. I never want to tell rich people how to spend their money, but this is a noble gesture by Mr. Pickens, and perhaps Oprah, and Bob Johnson are taking note.

Labelle Is Back

One of the great R&B female vocalists groups of all time is back today with thr release of their new cd titled "Back To Now". Labelle, which consists of Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, an Sarah Dash hasn't released a new recording in over 30 years, so this is definitely a treat for old fans, and hopefully young folks will support the trio who's signature hit was "Lady Marmalade". The New York Daily News caught up with the trio, who used Lenny Kravitz, famed production team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and Wyclef Jean as producers on the project.

It's interesting to note, that Hendryx was the primary songwriter for the group in it's heyday, and of course Patti handled the vocals. This is a testament to working together for the common good of the group, and leaving egos at the door.

Patty Jackson's 411 Report

In this week's report Patty writes that there may be trouble in in paradise for Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri; boxer Evander Holyfield's continued baby mama troubles; and Terrence Howard reportedly talking himself out of a role in the "Iron Man" sequel among other topics.

Christine Beatty Back In Court And It's Not Good News

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that former Kwame Kilpatick Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty is in jeopardy of having additional text messages released after a judges ruling today. Beatty's attorneys have until Thursday to ask an appeals court to block the order. Beatty rolled the dice by previously declining a plea agreement in the Detroit Text Messaging Scandal.

I'm actually pulling for Beatty to survive this fiasco with a minimum penalty, but it appears that the judge in the case may have a different idea.

Obama Leaving Campaign Trail Thursday and Friday To Be With Ailing Grandmother

Sen. Barack Obama will halt campaigning on Thursday and Friday to be with his ailing grandmother Madelyn Dunham, who is gravely ill according to the Washington Post.

R.I.P. Rudy Ray Moore

Rudy Ray Moore, comedian, and self proclaimed "Godfather of Rap" died Sunday night in Toledo, OH from complication due to diabetes according to the Los Angeles Times. He was 81.

Moore, in many circles was the alternative to Richard Pryor in his heyday to the urban community. His comedy has influenced a plethora of rap stars and comedians. His talent will live on in his movies and records.

A "Transformational Figure"

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, for president on yesterday, breaking from party lines. Powell acknowledged that he's known Sen. John McCain for 25 years, but stated that he wasn't comfortable with McCain's ability to handle the economy, his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate, or the negative tone that McCain's campaign has taken in recent weeks.

Powell's endorsement is a major coup for Obama. Powell is probably the most respected military authority in this country, and has openly and honestly criticized President Bush regarding his handling of the war, while still respecting his authority as the the President of the United States. Powell's endorsement also give Obama instant credibility in his belief that bringing the troops home gradually from Iraq is the right thing to do for our country.

As one might expect, Rush Limbaugh has a different take on the Powell endorsement. Here's a link to Mr. Limbaugh's view is of the endorsement.

Anticipation, Hope, Pride And Fear

The Los Angeles Times reports on the anticipation, hope, pride and fear that black people have with 15 days left until the presidential election, and Sen. Barack Obama possibly being the first black president.

If it does happen, it will be a culmination of centuries of struggle. If it doesn't happen, with the polls trending the way they are, black people will feel hoodwinked and probably never believe in the voting process again.

BET Hip-Hop Awards 2008

The BET Hip-Hop Awards were held on Saturday in Atlanta, GA. Highlights included Lil Wayne, the preeminent rapper of today being chosen the MVP of the Year and Lyricist of the Year. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on the awards ceremony, which will be telecast this Thursday, October 23rd on BET.