Occupy Oakland: How to Spoil a Good Cause

 

By Gregory K. Taylor

I ditched classes for the day to go see history being made at “People’s Park” on Dwight Way in Berkeley, California.  To those who don’t remember, this was ground-zero for the free speech movement representing a standoff between the Students, Board of Regents, and then Governor Ronald Reagan. 

The nightly news showed running battles between gas-masked police and protesting students.  The situation had grown so large, so exponentially in number, that the Governor activated the military police unit of the National Guard and deployed them to remove the students from the Park.  Once evicted a temporary cyclone fence was erected and the confrontation of words began.

 

I witnessed this battle of nerves first hand by squirming my way through the sea of people to the front of the fence.  On the other side, standing at port arms, were the Military Policemen holding M16 rifles and tear-gas launchers.  Standing next to me was this shirtless student who was screaming at the top of his lungs, and I’ve never forgotten his words, “Let’s tear this mother fucking fence down.”  Fearing the wrath of my mother if I got caught up in some melee and arrested, I squirmed my way back to the street and headed home.

This is a sign that's asking for trouble

Fast forward forty-two years, Oakland, California another occupation of a small park in front of City Hall and in stead of the “Free Speech” movement it is now “Occupation Wall Street.”  This blogger very much considers himself a 99%’er and my politics run left of center.  However, the nonsense that is going on with this group of Oscar Grant retread rioters, homeless people, and anarchists takes away from the justified peaceful protests against the 1%’ers. 

I had the occasion to visit “Occupy Oakland” ten hours before the police raid.  I was not impressed with what I saw.  Contrary to your usual protest people appeared to be cooling their heels as though they were at a KOA camp ground.  The smell, the unsanitary conditions, the dogs, food, and close proximity of the tents, to the untrained eye, appeared to pose a health hazard.

These people needed to be removed from this unhealthy situation for the good of all.  View my Youtube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vamb07HwcQ

Now, that Mayor Quan has reversed her own edict and allowed the squatters back in, how in the world will she ever get them out again?  I guess she figures the weather will take care of that.  Well, good luck on that one.

Ina’s Blog from South Africa, Part 1

By Ina Taylor

The actual flight time from New York to South Africa took a little over 15 hours. I had gone from daylight to dark and back to daylight again by the time I landed.  I left on Wednesday and arrived on Friday.  I was tired.  Funny thing, however, while in the airplane I did not feel an urge to smoke or use my e-cig, but the minute I got off the plane it was on.  

I retrieved my luggage passed through customs and ignored all those people holding up signs with names on them to get to the outside so I could smoke.  Afterwards, I went back inside and found the shuttle driver who was holding a sign with my name on it.  He was cool!  He told me that my name was very common in South Africa (go figure) and he drove me through town so that I might take videos of it including the Mandela suspension bridge.  

I attempted to upload the video, but now I can’t find it.  Words to the wise do not get an electronic gadget and not take enough time to learn all the things it can do.  So when I find them (if they aren’t stuck in cyber-space somewhere) I will download them for all to see. 

I was taken to the Village Green B & B.  It is beautiful. I went down the street to an

East Indian restaurant and ate with my roommate, Paula.  Now I am going to sleep.  When I wake up it will be Saturday and I will be fresh and vibrant (lol), then on to Soweto township!  See you guys then.  

Peace and love...Ina.

The Fall of Muommar Ghadafy (Either Regime Reform or Regime Change)

By Gregory K. Taylor

Whenever a corrupt regime comes to an end we reflect on how that regime controlled its people.  When the weight of oppression is finally cast off it often exposes a frightened pathetic-cowering Dictator.  As incredible as it may seem, when this blogger saw Ghadafi pulled from a drainage ditch bloodied, sullied, and balding, I felt a tinge of sadness.  Not for Ghadafy, because he only reaped what he had for forty years sowed, but for the absurdity and stupidity of all these tyrants.

Khaddafy, a behind the curtain caricature of a disembodied voice from the land of Oz, was simply another incarnation from a long line of self-aggrandized despots.  Witness Slobodan Milošević, Baby Doc, Idi Amin, Sadaam Hussein.   Will future autocrats l-e-a-r-n from the fate of these erstwhile dictators?

They all seem to have similar personality traits.  They affect self-important manners and dress with buffoonish regalia of medals, epaulets, insignias and swagger stick that have no more utility than the Captain’s rank on the lone security guard working the night shift at McDonalds.  They also possess a vanity which shrouds their true purpose that in due course becomes clear. 

How history would treat these dictators if they had spent their country’s wealth on, let’s say, the people can only be inferred.  What if they took a percentage of the country’s wealth to educate and employ the population establishing a society based on respect and the rule of law?   They would, today, be revered, respected, and probably deified with some not-so garish statue in the middle of town square.  But, that seems to be the exception not the norm.  The adage regarding power and its absoluteness speaks to the inevitable corruption in the human condition.  History is replete with corrupt rulers, but often ignored is the associated price they pay, a sword of Damocles to drop, if you will, and the inescapable jig at the bottom of the derrick.  Does it really have to be?

In the end, the ignominy of being dragged out of a spider hole or drainage ditch, berated and spat upon, shown the bottom of a shoe, unshaven, unkempt, and often stripped of clothing, and then ultimately executed should give the tyrant pause while he lavishes himself in the riches of the people whom he mistreats.  

Muammar Gaddafi has now joined the pantheon of thugs and tyrants in despot hell.  The contract that he signed that gave he and his family a privileged life was, and always is, based on a bad deal with the devil.  It always has in the fine print a sunset clause strictly and violently enforced.

Ina's South Africa Adventure Begins

By Ina Taylor

This is my first visit to sub-Sahara Africa and I am excited!  I am on my way to South Africa and I have mixed emotions about it.  It has been 16 plus years since the end of Apartheid and it has been said that old habits die hard and they can be generational.  I have heard stories of black-American students being snubbed, but I’ve also heard of older people being treated well.  Who knows!  I guess I will, shortly.

Since I’ve gotten older, I’ve opted for comfort on such long flights--so I checked the various airlines for seat width and seat pitch along with leg room.  Contrary to most American airlines I found that South Africa Airways isn’t obsessed with cramming people into their airplanes (thus my choice), and in the past, I’ve had some luck with being bumped up to first/business class—who knows?

I will be leaving from San Francisco (SFO) and flying the first-leg to New York (JFK).  After a brief stopover, I will board South African Airways for an 18 hour flight to Johannesburg. 

It’s going to be a long nearly 24 hour tedious flight, but I have brought a few weapons to combat this tedium. I have an Acer Notebook, which will keep me occupied, and soy nuts/fruits for snacks.  However, my greatest weapon against these long flights is my love for sleep.  Oh, and for those who know me and my dirty lil habit, I have an electronic cigarette in case things get a little rough.

I am a seasoned traveler and have learned how to pack.  I was able to put all my stuff into one large suitcase, one ordinary backpack, and a purse.  This includes toiletries and school paraphernalia for a village we will be visiting.  I will be traveling with a small group of people (8 to 12) through an agency called Presence of Heart. 

It will be a good trip and a great adventure.  I invite you all to follow me for three weeks on-line at :  http://www.newsarticlesandevents.com.

Love and peace,Ina.

Should BART Have Dedicated Cell Phone Cars?

By Donna Seelbach

During my childhood, I always loved new adventures and experiences.  I still do as an adult.  Repetition and tediousness can be a soul crusher for me. So when I accepted a new job in San Francisco, I was actually excited with the prospect of taking BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) every day. 

I had worked previously in the South bay, so I always drove to work.  Bumper-to-bumper traffic was an all too familiar grind for me. The thought of taking the “Train” seemed romantic and so big “Cityish."  This was going to be FUN!!  I fantasized about relaxing and having the time to myself enjoying my own private thoughts.  I could reflect on the day ahead, or perhaps, just read or simply “People Watch” on my way to work.  I would arrive in an almost “Zen” state of mind secretly smirking at the people who had to drive.

I even welcomed the walking I’d get to do to and from the BART station as a wonderful bonus, allowing me to sneak in a bit more exercise each day.  Now, here is where I think it’s appropriate for me to insert Wikipedia’s (the free online encyclopedia) beautiful one liner about manners--which says, “... [the] unenforced standards of conduct which demonstrate that a person is proper, polite, and refined.”  Music to my ears!  My blood pressure goes down just reading that line.

Here is where my blood pressure starts to rise.  I now have six months under my belt as a daily BART rider and there hasn’t been a day that someone hasn’t taken a cell-phone call and talked the entire distance to my destination (an hour each way).  So much for my fantasy of peace and relaxation!!!

What has happened to us as a people?  It’s as if everyone is walking around in their own isolated bubble-- never taking the time to realize that they occupy space on this planet with billions of other people.  In that vain, I really don’t want to hear your phone conversation ALL THE WAY to San Francisco.  I think we can all agree that if you get a call from your child, or other close relative, and you think it might be an emergency, absolutely, take the call.  I’m a mother, I know how it is, but come on…otherwise, please show a little consideration!

There have been many times when I’ve gotten a phone call (with my phone in the vibrate mode) while riding on the train, but I have yet to take a call because I don’t want to disturb my neighbors and I like my privacy.  I don’t want everyone eavesdropping on my conversation.  What do I do?  I simply text them and say, “Hey, I’m on the train, I’ll call you when I get home.”  Now, was that so bad?  With that simple text message, I was able to do my part to help maintain peace and tranquility for my fellow BART riders.  As you see, my mama taught me a little something about manners.  Thank you Mom!!

What’s the solution to this problem?  Perhaps we need to have designated cell phone cars on BART.  Then all of you people who feel it’s appropriate to yak away on your phone can do so to your heart's content.  That way, all of us other BART riders, who want to enjoy the peacefulness of our ride, can do so!!!   

Ahh, now my blood pressure is coming down again.  

Actor Blair Underwood, El Debarge, and Friends Shine at Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion

By Carla Thomas

The paparazzi clamored for moments with actor/director Blair Underwood and during show time the audience screamed to the passion filled songs of Ginuwine as the singer passed out red-long stem roses to two dozen lucky ladies in the VIP area.  It was truly a star-studded red carpet night in Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion where guests enjoyed the performances of singer Robin Thicke, Faith Evans, El DeBarge, Jermaine Dupri and debut artist Sydney Nycole.  The event, presented by The Headline Company, boasted a fine mix of fashion, music, and charity with the philanthropic and partnering legacy of actor/director Blair Underwood at the center of it all.

El Debarge & Sydney Nycole

During the pre-show reception, The Richmond Police Activities League Ensemble performed in a fashion show supporting the Blair Underwood Health and Wellness programs.  Serving foster youth the Independent Living Skills Program Director of Training--Robert Jemerson spoke of Underwood’s commitment to the community while recognizing local leaders.

Blair Underwood & El Debarge

“Blair Underwood has a number of community programs and his commitment is endless,” said Jemerson referring to Underwood’s partnerships with the Richmond Police Activities League, the Berkeley Youth Alternatives, and El Cerrito High School’s James Morehouse Project.

Vice President of Development at the Aoki Diabetes Research Institute, Leon Woods III discussed the establishment of the Blair Underwood Diabetes Research Center launched in May.  While Woods celebrated Underwood’s’ involvement with his organization, he offered the crowd some startling statistics with regard to diabetes, “If you were born in 2003, the records show that one in three people will be diagnosed with diabetes,” he said.

While Underwood manages an on screen life, his off screen life is filled with supporting great causes, but foster children are close to his heart.  “At a very young age I was aware of the foster care system and what my adopted sister went through,” he said referring to his adopted sister Melissa.  To further impact his partnerships, Underwood is using his new clothing line, B.U. to debut exclusively in K&G stores this November.  “The proceeds from all suits will benefit various partnering organizations in the community,“ he smiled.

 

Carla Thomas & Blair Underwood

Aside from the new fashion line, Underwood says fans can check him out starring in New York on Broadway in January next year in Tennessee William’s “A Street Car Named Desire.”    Local VIPS’s were Tracy Vaughn of Take Wings, Cathy Adams of CDA Consulting, Barbara Taylor of Taylor Communications, Jackie Wright of Wright Enterprises, and Jacquie Taliaferro of LaHitz Media.

“This is a really great night for the community,” said Tracy Vaughn of Take Wings.   “The youth of these organizations are really blessed,” added volunteer Debra Batchie.

Is Bally Total Fitness Playing the Musical-Race Card?

 

 By Gregory K. Taylor

 There’s an old trick that some nightclub owners employ when a change in, let us say, demographics occur in their establishments.  Fearing costly lawsuits for blatant bigotry, the club owner flies under the radar by simply changing the music.  The pretext for this change of music is often attributed to economic concerns, issues of safety, and customer complaints.

 

Bally total fitness club in Hayward, California has elected to make such a music change because, according to my sources, ONE person complained about the music!  The previous music was an eclectic mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Rock--pretty much representative of the club’s ethnic membership of Hispanics, Asians, Blacks, and Whites.  The music now being played is pure “Rock” which caters mainly to a white audience.  We’re not even talking about current Rock for God’s sake; they are playing Kenny Loggins’ “Top Gun” song and the 1987 Guns N Roses “Sweet Child O’Mine.”

Who is this person that complained, and what gives her the authority to realize such a change that impinges on the rights of all the other paying members?  Whose decision was it to make the default music Rock music?  If I complain about Rock music will this music autocrat make the default music Jazz to suit me?  Where is the fairness in this decision?

My sources state that this unilateral decision was made by District Mgr. Conny Gordeau who was unavailable for comment at the time this article went to press.

When a business deals with a diverse public it cannot make decisions that affect that diversity by imposing one group’s whims and desires (let alone one individual) on the group at large.  These decisions have to take everyone’s taste into consideration.  This isn’t rocket science the correct decision is to play a mix of music that represents each group's taste.  This type of thoughtless decision making leads to misunderstandings about the motives behind the decision.  Thus, the title "Is Bally Total Fitness Playing the Musical-Race Card?"

District Mgr. Conny Gordeau you should apologize to your diverse membership and reverse this poor decision.