Kwanzaa

Happy Holidays and Kwanzaa y'all!  I was first introduced to this African American holiday in 1990 while in my first year at Merritt College in Oakland, California.  I was interested in African heritage and dis-satisfied with American holidays with no meaning.  I soon stopped celebrating Christmas because of it's materialism and the fact it is a pagan holiday in which Dec. 25th had nothing to do with Jesus's birth.  Kwanzaa was not meant to be a substitute for Christmas it was my personal choice, but this is not about Christmas it is about Kwanzaa!

Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to "give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and African heritage, rather than only have the dominate society's holidays."  Kwanzaa is Swahili for "first fruits of the harvest" in which Africans celebrated their harvest. Swahili is a East African language widely used on the continent and embraced by the Pan-Africanism and Black Nationalist movement of the 1960's.

I encourage you to see the first film on Kwanzaa by Maya Angelou "The Black Candle".  Please visit the official Kwanzaa web site @ http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

• Dec. 26th~Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
• Dec. 27th~Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves stand up.
• Dec. 28th~Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
• Dec. 29th~Ujamaa (Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
• Dec. 30th~Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
• Dec. 31st~Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
• Jan. 1st~Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

 These principles are celebrated each day with the lighting of a candle and discussion among family and the community on how to implement in our daily lives throughout the year.  The principles can be used by any person of any race, and have a positive effect on Blacks if we all participated daily, monthly, yearly throughout the generations for our upliftment in this country.

Peace, Love and Strength

T. Davis

 

Asses and Appendix

Upon finding out the male G spot is located in the butt, I wondered why our creator would put it there? I also began wondering about a lot human anatomy.  For instance, what is the purpose of the appendix?  For years it was thought to have little or no bodily function, it is still being studied and there are many theories.  It is the only organ we can live without so for me it is useless, but there has to be a reason God put it there.  This brings me to my topic of Assess and Appendix, the G spot being in the rectum seems useless since most men who are not gay don’t know it’s there or let alone will let someone probe the butt to find this G spot.  I now totally understand why men are gay;  they are getting the pleasure straight men don’t unless they too are getting anal penetration.  This brings me to another question, why are men so sensitive about their asses?  I strongly believe it you are comfortable with your sexuality you wouldn’t mind trying new things, most men I’ve talked to about it won’t even consider trying it even though they know it will give them stronger more intense orgasms.  That’s crazy to me, has our society been so shunned by homosexuality that straight men won’t even try to enhance sexual pleasure for themselves because they feel “gay” when it comes to their asses? 

I rarely question God,  but I wonder about assess and appendix, what is the purpose and will we ever know and understand the human body and the wonders it offers?   Just a random thought I wanted to share, please feel free to comment, especially men because I truly want to know why there is such a homophobic feel about anal penetration.

Peace, Love and Strength.

T. Davis

Sagattarius Season~ Happy Birthday to me!!!

Sagittarius sign is governed by Jupiter, a planet which is symbolically associated with temperate qualities which loosen, relax and expand. Sagittarius is also linked with the "element of fire," which represents outgoing, action-oriented energy that seeks spontaneous expression enjoys social contacts, meeting new people and exploring other cultures. We are said to be highly intelligent, broad-visioned, and tolerant in our views, mainly concerned with the "big picture" but with little patience for the details, enjoy social contacts, meeting new people and exploring other cultures. Sags are said to be highly intelligent, broad-visioned, and tolerant in their views, mainly concerned with the "big picture" but with little patience for the details, outwardly expressive, extrovert. These can lack in social graces and sometimes indicate coarseness and a poor appreciation for "niceties" and polite manners. They can also be a little inarticulate, caring more about making their point, than the elegance of the style in which it is made.   

Sweet Sagittarius, the archer sign and a fire sign we are tactless, the truth is the truth, with a combination of wit and intelligence, attracted to danger and fast living, frank and earnest with no malice, happy and generous but temper can flare, rebellion against authority and stuffy society, will never run from a fight...fears nothing.   It can't be denied that we are one of the most big-hearted signs of the zodiac.  Sags see the world and people for what it is, very independent, strong family ties, loyal, likes being chased but not hounded, will test you don't be weak, needs to be surrounded with beauty and cleanliness, BONUS my loyalty and trust are long-lasting whenever I give my love and friendship. DON'T EVER TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!! 

Happy Holidays~ Drive Safely not Drunk

Well folks it’s the holiday season that means hot toddies, buttered rum, cocktails and parties!

 D.U.I.’s increase during all holidays that means the drunks and the police will be out.  I want you to be safe during this holiday season and every time you drive.  Here are some fun facts on D.U.I.’s:

·        

•  40% of all fatal accidents are alcohol related 
•   Approximately every 2 minutes someone is injured in alcohol related accidents 
• Alcohol is the number one impairment factor for people in jails and prisons (during commission of crimes)
• About 2/3 of D.U.I. convictions are for first time offenders
• One person is killed every half hour due to drunk driving (whether they kill themselves or others)

I warn you not only because of the obvious safety issue for yourself and others, but a D.U.I. is costly.  It will run about $2,500 not including lawyer costs.  How is that you say? 

Well in California the mandatory fine is $1810, then you have to install a interlock device which has to be blown into before car will start, this device also need to be checked and they charge to 

            1. Install    2. Check every 60 days (mandatory)   3. Monthly usage fees.

Then there is mandatory jail time which can equal loss of job and/or wages, but if you choose to do community service instead, they charge per day for that.  Not to mention your insurance rates automatically go up.  The courts mandate you attend D.U.I classes which are expensive, and the whole thing will be on your record for up to ten (10) years.

So one night on the town partying can cost you lots of money, and almost ten years to get over.  I am a die-hard party girl, but them odds ain’t right!

Here are 12 questions to ask yourself to see if you have a drinking problem, realistically if you drink and drive you have some type of problem, it may be judgment or alcoholism (I’ve done it lots of times so I am not judging!)

1.      Have you ever decide to stop drinking for a week or so and was unable to do so?

2.      Do you wish people would stop telling you about your drinking?

3.      Have you ever switched form one kind of drink to another in hope that this would keep you from getting drunk or better control you’re drinking? (example from hard alcohol to wine or beer?)

4.      Have you had to have an eye opener experience to question your drinking habits?

5.      Do you envy people who can drink and control it without getting in trouble?

6.      Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?

7.      Has your drinking caused problems at home or with your loved ones?

8.      Do you every try to get extra drinks before last call, or party to ensure you get enough?

9.      Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you continue to drink and get drunk?

10.   Have you missed work, school or appointments because you were drinking, drunk, or hung over?

11.   Do you or have you had alcohol black outs?

12.   Have you ever felt that your life or problems would be better if you weren’t drinking?

If you answered YES to 3 or more questions you may have a problem with alcohol according to AA. (***this is not a professional diagnosis…I am not a alcohol professional I used the standards set by AA**** seek professional help/assistance!!!!!!!)

Please be safe and healthy!

Peace, Love and Strength

T. Davis

Faith: Spirituality vs. Religion

Is there a difference between religion and spirituality? Most people, as well as the dictionary give different explanations.  Religion is described as a system of beliefs, values and practices of worship.  Spirituality is often described as having a personal (spirit) relationship with God, having the nature of spirit and soul.

The Qur'an simply states "and they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah (Arabic for God); offering Him sincere devotion, being true in faith, to establish regular prayer, and to practice regular charity; and that is religion right and straight".  Surah 98:5
Whether you call Him Jah, Allah, Jesus, Jehovah or Yahweh, Tom,  Derek and Harry .... He will answer.  The Bible tells us not to get caught up in religion but to develop your won personal relationship with God.
II Corinthians 3:6 "Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter (law, religion) killeth, but the spirit giveth life".
Follow your heart and conscience, some believe that is your spirit communicating with God. So yes, I believe there is a difference between religion and spirituality.  The first is man-made and the other is God-given.  Me personally am of no religion, I believe in prayer, my own relationship with God, my background was raised Christian Baptist yet as an adult I studied Buddhism, and Islam.  I have read the Bible and Qur'an twice, the Torah, Jehovah and Catholic books.  I've done research on theology and  I encourage you to establish your own relationship with a higher power regardless of religious affiliation.

Peace, Love and Strength
T. Davis

Poor crimes vs. Rich crimes

Our American so-called justice system was designed for safety and to protect our rights.   There are laws to govern social control and the criminal justice system is to enforce them.  Since the criminal justice system a reflection of our society, it holds the same problems like racism, sexism, classism and other  -isms.
Poor crimes or "street crimes" such as drug dealing, theft crimes against people and property are often the result of poverty,  mental illness, addiction and lack of opportunities.  The people who commit low level street crimes are often uneducated victims of social discrimination, poor, non-whites.  Although they may be valid reasons for criminal activity, there are no excuses.   It is the responsibility of the criminal justice system to identify the reason and offer preventative, proactive solutions, rather than just punishment.
Rich crimes or "white collar" crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, violation of corporate and business laws, insider trading, bribes and kickbacks are often committed by brokers, politicians, CEO's bankers and government employees.  Criminologist Edwin H. Sutherland describes white collar crime as "a crime by a person of respectable and high social status in the course of his occupation".  The biggest frauds are with insurance and medical, false coding, pharmacy fraud, false and double billing, "ghost" patients, psychiatric schemes, home health care and medicare/aid benefits, according to a report in Mother Jones (3/4/95 by L.J. Davis).
What are the reasons, excuses or causes of white collar crimes?  Well, these criminals tend to come from middle to upper class families and communities, are educated and highly intelligent with ample social opportunity to be law abiding citizens.  Our American culture is also to be blamed, because we are materialistic, narcissist and lack  moral values that affect others.   Western society and capitalism tends to promote the me, me, me attitude.  Most Americans value achievements defined as wealth, material things which is often consider better than honesty, fairness, integrity and humanity.  White collar crimes affect us all in a sense that as taxpayers we pay the cost for these crimes.  The Savings and Loan scandal costs approximately $500 BILLION (with a B) to half a trillion (with a T) dollars, compared to the entire cost of World War II which was $460 billion.
White collar crime clearly affects us more than all street crimes because of larger number of victims at one time.  Take drug dealing for example, it's both a rich AND poor crime, but current laws focus mostly on street level dealers rather than large scale operations.  Statistics show that 75% of drug users are white and those incarcerate are non-white, stereotypical drug dealers.  Yet rich white bankers, business men and investors are major traffickers.  Police often focus on non-white, urban neighbourhoods, while white bankers and business men are making millions in the drug trade.  This practice of racism and classism puts more non-whites behind bars, yet does nothing to tackle the drug problem in America. These street criminals, non-white defendants are over arrested and under defended due to lack of financial support to fight the criminal justice system vs. the rich counterparts who may never see a courtroom let alone get convicted.  Since most white collar crimes are committed by upper social class individuals, the criminal justice system seems to favor and take pity on them, legal defenses are covered by corporations and wealth.  Judges are often biased against poor, non-whites and reluctant to put members of their own social class behind bars, instead offer heavy fines (which are easily paid, sometimes with taxpayer dollars) and alternative sentencing, thus supporting the good ole boy system of justice.
What happened to Equal Protection of the laws as guaranteed by the 14th amendment of the U.S. constitution?  Justice in America is clearly defined by race, and social class.  It seems to be tipped in favor of the rich and the poor are on the lower end.  It's hardly surprising though since the American criminal justice was designed by rich, male, white land owners.  Thus racism, sexism and classism is woven within this system, the rich get richer and protection and the poor go straight to jail without collecting $200 or a get out of jail free card like in Monopoly.  It's known that street crime is often the result of poverty and disenfranchised communities.  Aristotle said "Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime".  The social breakdown of morals and crime as a whole affects us all, and all criminals should be held accountable to the same standards regardless of race, sex or social class.
Is there truly liberty and justice for all in America? 
"If government becomes a law breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself.  It invites anarchy".  Justice Louis D. Brandeis

Peace, Love and Strength
T. Davis

America Behind Bars

Currently in the United States there are over two (2) million citizens incarcerated and hundreds of thousands on parole or probation.  Americans hold the highest rate of incarceration in the history of the world.  Some major factors are mandatory/minimum sentencing laws, poverty, the so-called war on drugs, and breakdown of families and communities as a whole.

Since the 1980’s the incarceration rate of women is the fastest growing population with 70% being non-violent crimes, or drug offenses, but yet they receive hard sentences.  Many female inmates are head of households and/or sole providers of their families, and approximately 80% are mothers.  This is a dangerous trend of incarcerating women due to the impact it has on families, it is NOT reducing crime but continues the cycle of broken families and communities. 

Separation from their children is the hardest punishment of all; because incarcerated parents are leaving behind over a million children.

Studies show Blacks are over arrested and under defended.  The so-called war on drugs is racist and is a war on poverty stricken Americans.  It has been proven that Whites use drugs at a higher rate than Blacks, yet Blacks led in drug arrests and convictions.

We as Americans need to address the way we handle crime and punishment, especially drug and non-violent offenses.   We seriously need to consider alternative sentencing, repeal minimum/mandatory sentencing laws, mental health and drug/alcohol treatment, also explore more productive rehabilitation policies.   Women especially need alternative sentencing due to the impact it has on children and families.  Many women are victims of abuse and are in co-dependent, financial relationships that cause them to make bad decisions, which leads to incarceration.

God please bless America.