I will never really understand some people. Honestly, I think I will never understand the woman in my life. I mean, when I see all the hub bub going on over this "royal engagement" over in europe just recently, I think of how my family handles my engagements. See my family has talked about, scrutinized and criticized all of my girlfriends in times past. Where is my, pardon me, our, television interview with Martin Bashir?
And I love all the poise these "royals" are displaying during this charade of pomp and circumstance. Me myself, have learned to sit back quietly while all the questions are flying about at break neck speed, sourcing information that may in fact only be relevant to grandmothers and great-grands. All of my poise comes at no expense of highly overpriced boarding and finishing schools. You just kinda have to let family be family and pray that your mate is strong enough to handle it. To date though, only a handful have been able to buffer themselves against the first sortie, and might have lasted quite long had that been it.
On a side note, I think it's a little creepy that they used the mothers' old engagement ring considering what happened to her in the end. Like they're almost explicitly announcing the next blood sacrifice, if you believe in that stuff. Or maybe the first wearer just wasn't supposed to wear it at all. Who knows. Just stretching my conspiracy theory legs out on that one.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
11.17.2010
11.12.2010
Breaking...
...My heart
Handing my lil one over
To a man who promised a dream
A family
A home
Love
...Broken
She screams
As she grips onto me locking her feet for security
She grabs at me
Eyes pleading
...My heart weeps
A scar for eternity
With blessings,
Liza
This was written by a very good friend. The sentiment to me is very real and quite relevant to many.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
Handing my lil one over
To a man who promised a dream
A family
A home
Love
...Broken
She screams
As she grips onto me locking her feet for security
She grabs at me
Eyes pleading
...My heart weeps
A scar for eternity
With blessings,
Liza
This was written by a very good friend. The sentiment to me is very real and quite relevant to many.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
11.02.2010
Penny for My Thoughts
Was just thinking to myself early this morning that for all of what it's worth, everything that I've ever wanted, ever needed in a woman, was fashioned, in the infinite wisdom of the universe, into the likes of you. Think I've mentioned to you once before that it felt as though I've waited my entire life to meet you. And if I have to wait another lifetime to be with you the way we've envisioned, I pray that God favours me with the strength, wisdom and patience to seek out the serenity that you represent in my life. I love you now and want to always and forever and a day.
Just my two cents....
Just my two cents....
10.01.2010
9.30.2010
Finding Real Love Ain't Easy
It's true, finding a real true love isn't easy. These days I guess you can scour the internet, though the traditional ways of meeting people still work. For me, I wasn't really looking when I met her. I was sort of just doing that flirtatious, cock in the hen house thing. But damn if the minute I met her I didn't know right away. Weird you might think. But the only thing strange to me was that it felt like for the first time in my life, I was present in the moment. Imagine a life of dealing with woman and never really feeling like you were involved in the day to day reality of that union. I mean of course I was around physically, but I never made myself emotionally or spiritually available to any of those woman before her.
She asked me once, "What is so special bout me?" I was surprised that it wasn't as clear to her as it was to me. Her spirit contained the breath of new life. I say that because I have never heard more people say to me since meeting her, just how much more human and I assume humane I seemed these last few months. Damn, that's bad. I mean, I thought I might have been a prick at times, and I know that's nothing to be proud of. But to not even seem human. To have no memorable qualities outside of a functional flesh bot. That's just sad.
Well anyway, to not get too long winded, I guess plenty of people, including myself, tend to write about love and the subject of love and relationships after the fact. So here we are. I think the only time I've ever felt this crappy after a break up was when I was a kid and felt unwanted. Yes it turns out that as a man I do actually have feelings, even if I tend to not let them rise to the surface. Still in a bit of a funk cause I really still do care about her. Been told it was my fault and for the first time I'll accept that. Lot of firsts with her. And I am very thankful for all of it. But getting back, I feel a sense of emptiness that I've never understood before and probably disregarded oft times when an old girlfriend would tell me she felt the same. Yeah the days do go on and sure after a while things get easier. But I didn't ask for this. Truly not what I wanted.
Maybe God does have other plans for me. I mean I know in fact that God has other plans for me. Was only praying that whatever my future plans, she would have been part of them. Part of them in ways friends alone could never be. But again, I do thank God that he brought her into my life in the first. She made me feel loved in a way I have never known. It complimented Gods' love in perfect balance.
Just my two cents...
Jah Courtney
She asked me once, "What is so special bout me?" I was surprised that it wasn't as clear to her as it was to me. Her spirit contained the breath of new life. I say that because I have never heard more people say to me since meeting her, just how much more human and I assume humane I seemed these last few months. Damn, that's bad. I mean, I thought I might have been a prick at times, and I know that's nothing to be proud of. But to not even seem human. To have no memorable qualities outside of a functional flesh bot. That's just sad.
Well anyway, to not get too long winded, I guess plenty of people, including myself, tend to write about love and the subject of love and relationships after the fact. So here we are. I think the only time I've ever felt this crappy after a break up was when I was a kid and felt unwanted. Yes it turns out that as a man I do actually have feelings, even if I tend to not let them rise to the surface. Still in a bit of a funk cause I really still do care about her. Been told it was my fault and for the first time I'll accept that. Lot of firsts with her. And I am very thankful for all of it. But getting back, I feel a sense of emptiness that I've never understood before and probably disregarded oft times when an old girlfriend would tell me she felt the same. Yeah the days do go on and sure after a while things get easier. But I didn't ask for this. Truly not what I wanted.
Maybe God does have other plans for me. I mean I know in fact that God has other plans for me. Was only praying that whatever my future plans, she would have been part of them. Part of them in ways friends alone could never be. But again, I do thank God that he brought her into my life in the first. She made me feel loved in a way I have never known. It complimented Gods' love in perfect balance.
Just my two cents...
Jah Courtney
9.21.2010
Sometimes you realize at the end of the day just how many lives you've touched, some with hugs others bruises. Not really sure what led me down this road, destroying relationships, damaging friendships. Not even sure I know how to make it up to those who entrusted me with their love and friendship. I do know that there is still a whole heap of love in this heart of mine. Took the love of a real good woman and a few close friends for me to see that I'm not the inhuman, non-emotional entity that I have been living like for far too long.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
8.13.2010
Apologies
Of all things we are supposed to have learned to do better than previous generations; of all the ways we as youth feel we have surpassed them, how is it some of us still call Woman bitches instead of endearing to them the titles and names most so richly deserve? ie... Princess, Empress and Goddess... Even the worst ...share little in comparison to the female dog...
And since you may not be aware which one is my wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and niece, please take a second moment and just simply smile. It would brighten their day and yours. Plus it's just plain good exercise.
JAH love and... guide
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
8.02.2010
Pen In Hand...
And still I write.
Write to forget.
Write to revive.
Write to relive.
Write to fulfill.
Write to love.
Right to love.
And still I write.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
Write to forget.
Write to revive.
Write to relive.
Write to fulfill.
Write to love.
Right to love.
And still I write.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
In The Secret Place Shall I Call To Thee
It has been a long time
from that which brought us into
remembrance.
Longer still from that
which set us each
on this road
separately.
But length of days
only strengthens my resolve;
makes more firm each footstep.
And still from time to time
I go down on my knees
and give thanks
for the solace
that each new day brings.
I had been lost a good while;
the world, my world
seemed destined to be
devoid of light.
Yet in the distance,
in the far off distance
beyond sight of these fleshy eyes;
a flicker only to be felt
in my soul.
In my spirit did I know your name.
And on your name
do I call all the day;
All the days of my life
do I call your name.
For it has called to me
and still calls to me
to raise up to witness;
to lift up to witness
the glory thereof.
Oh what a mighty thing
this love.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
from that which brought us into
remembrance.
Longer still from that
which set us each
on this road
separately.
But length of days
only strengthens my resolve;
makes more firm each footstep.
And still from time to time
I go down on my knees
and give thanks
for the solace
that each new day brings.
I had been lost a good while;
the world, my world
seemed destined to be
devoid of light.
Yet in the distance,
in the far off distance
beyond sight of these fleshy eyes;
a flicker only to be felt
in my soul.
In my spirit did I know your name.
And on your name
do I call all the day;
All the days of my life
do I call your name.
For it has called to me
and still calls to me
to raise up to witness;
to lift up to witness
the glory thereof.
Oh what a mighty thing
this love.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
7.14.2010
Today
I.
I am.
I am going to write a love poem.
And it will be simple.
Simple as the wind.
The wind that blows smoke from the north.
The wind that carries God's whispers
to raise Kings and also to
pierce the hearts of men.
It will be the lilt I hear in your voice
as I read your letter
sitting in dungeons of
solitude with contemptuous peoples.
It will be the sparkle I see in your eye
when I hear your voice
in the shadows of winter's first frost.
Or the scent of your fragrance
that fills me
in the place you last stood
right over there by the
lotus blossoms.
It will be in the sweet honey elixir,
gushing through me
bringing to remembrance
that smile and those lips
and all their promise.
I am going to write a love poem
because it has been too long
and soon will be again.
Jah C
My two cents...
I am.
I am going to write a love poem.
And it will be simple.
Simple as the wind.
The wind that blows smoke from the north.
The wind that carries God's whispers
to raise Kings and also to
pierce the hearts of men.
It will be the lilt I hear in your voice
as I read your letter
sitting in dungeons of
solitude with contemptuous peoples.
It will be the sparkle I see in your eye
when I hear your voice
in the shadows of winter's first frost.
Or the scent of your fragrance
that fills me
in the place you last stood
right over there by the
lotus blossoms.
It will be in the sweet honey elixir,
gushing through me
bringing to remembrance
that smile and those lips
and all their promise.
I am going to write a love poem
because it has been too long
and soon will be again.
Jah C
My two cents...
7.08.2010
Qualitative Analysis
When I was young, the more you drank, even swill, the more you were revered.
Today, give me one quality pint and the time to sip and enjoy.
When I was young, the more parties you attended, the more popular you were.
Today, all I need is one quality evening with friends and family to fill my cup.
When I was young, the more women you had, the more you "scored", the harder they jocked you.
Today, you can keep all your dime pieces and all your chicks.
Just give me a Goddess,
reverent and beautiful,
and I will take quantity of years.
Jah C
My two cents
Today, give me one quality pint and the time to sip and enjoy.
When I was young, the more parties you attended, the more popular you were.
Today, all I need is one quality evening with friends and family to fill my cup.
When I was young, the more women you had, the more you "scored", the harder they jocked you.
Today, you can keep all your dime pieces and all your chicks.
Just give me a Goddess,
reverent and beautiful,
and I will take quantity of years.
Jah C
My two cents
6.28.2010
Psalm 87
Psalm 87
1His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Walter Benton--This is my Beloved
Entry June 12
Sleep late, nobody cares what time it is.
Sunday morning, coffee in bed . . . then love
with coffee flavored kisses. And your tongue dripping honey like a ripe fig.
I have been hours awake looking at you lithely at rest in the free
natural way rivers bed and clouds shape.
Your bedgown gathers up your full round thighs, rolls over your hips.
Your breasts are snub like children's faces . . . and your navel deep
as a god's eye.
Yes, your lips match your teats beautifully, rose and rose.
The hair of your arm's hollow and where your thighs meet
agree completely, being brown and soft to look at like a nest of field mice.
Praise be the walls that shelter you from eyes that are not mine!
Love, not prayers, shall be our offering this day.
We shall praise God with absolute embraces . . . our bodies shall sing Him
in His own incomparable tongue.
Prayer is humbleness, I cannot be humble with the wealth of you beside me.
Walter Benton--This is my Beloved
ENTRY May 11
Some see you in similes: Helen's rich curves
colors autumn has. You please them
as opium dream pleases, or you smile as the sun is rising ---
or you walk proudly like a woman courted.
But I see you best unrelated --- with not a metaphor to your name:
your hair not like the silk of corn or spiders but like your hair,
your mouth resembling nothing so wonderfully much as your own mouth.
Why should I say you are a like a slender water bird on wing?
This is but a side of you, a fraction. Or that your thighs are lilies ---
lilies are cold,
lilies are neither quick or scented --- they do not stain the night
with velvet musk ------ they cannot fire love and quench it.
I mean - - - compliments become you
as tinsel becomes a tall snow covered cedar in a mountain cedar wood.
6.25.2010
JAH always puts the right people in our lives
I haven't always properly given thanks for all the people that have come into my life. I mean how many of us really give thanks for ALL the people that cross our paths or whose paths we cross? I've met a few who if you had asked me then, I could swear up and down, that there was no point in my ever having known them. Today though, as I sit here realizing just how much growth I've seen in myself in the last year alone, I humble myself and give thanks. I give thanks that JAH has the saving grace to put each and every person in my life, some for reasons unknown to me at the time. For no matter the length of their stay, or even the very volatile and caustic nature of their visit, much was learned. Much more than my own two eyes could see, was gained.
Today has been one thing after another. This most recent of JAH's accomplices has been most instrumental in helping me see things more clearly, even beyond the range of Lenscrafters glasses. I would be remiss if I didn't say to her often just how much she means to me. So I don't let the opportunity pass me by. And I have learned through my own faith, and the faith and charity of countless others, never to forget to give thanks to The Almighty daily, for any lesson, any reason, any person who has taken a little time to share a little light with me.
I had been weak as a child. As a man I have fallen short, the number of times I dare not count. I awoke this morning and gave thanks to The Father who has reminded me that I was born in His likeness. That as I grow cold and tired, the warmth and comfort in the folds of His garment gather themselves round about me. I was reminded that an army of angels compassed me about, from the time of my birth. Even when I saw them not. Even as I knew them not. It is only now that I know myself, that I have favour to know them also. And the light of the One He has set and groomed just for my witness, is so bright, so full of Godly love, that I rejoice not to never, ever again turn mine eye.
Mine eye is ever looked toward the hills from which cometh mine help.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
Today has been one thing after another. This most recent of JAH's accomplices has been most instrumental in helping me see things more clearly, even beyond the range of Lenscrafters glasses. I would be remiss if I didn't say to her often just how much she means to me. So I don't let the opportunity pass me by. And I have learned through my own faith, and the faith and charity of countless others, never to forget to give thanks to The Almighty daily, for any lesson, any reason, any person who has taken a little time to share a little light with me.
I had been weak as a child. As a man I have fallen short, the number of times I dare not count. I awoke this morning and gave thanks to The Father who has reminded me that I was born in His likeness. That as I grow cold and tired, the warmth and comfort in the folds of His garment gather themselves round about me. I was reminded that an army of angels compassed me about, from the time of my birth. Even when I saw them not. Even as I knew them not. It is only now that I know myself, that I have favour to know them also. And the light of the One He has set and groomed just for my witness, is so bright, so full of Godly love, that I rejoice not to never, ever again turn mine eye.
Mine eye is ever looked toward the hills from which cometh mine help.
Just my two cents.....
Jah Courtney
6.18.2010
Hebrews 7
Hebrews 7
1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Micah 4
Micah 4
1But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
6In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;
7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.
8And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
9Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.
10Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.
11Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
12But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
13Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
1But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
5For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
6In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;
7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.
8And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
9Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.
10Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.
11Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
12But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
13Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
6.17.2010
And their heads should roll...... literally.
I'm gonna catch hell for sure after this but it needs to be repeated. It is something I have been saying for a few years now. Probably why I can't catch a flight without getting harassed. Anyway, in the wake of this whole mess with BP I feel I can once again resoundingly utter: Not until the petite bourgeoisie and the proletariat start hanging these corporate pricks at the gallows will big business get the message. I hate to say it like that because InI teach love, love, love. But these people refuse to humble themselves by any measure. Their love of money has become the bane of our existence. Someone should shear off their heads and kick them around the soccer pitch. Now that would make a World Cup that the entire globe would watch.
I mean isn't there a way to earn money, to successfully earn money, that is also socially responsible? This land of america so fervently fought communism, and maybe justifiably so, it (communism) too has flaws in reason. ( Let it said though that there were ulterior motives for fighting the "Red Scourge".) But capitalism for all it's worth has a flaw all it's own. For the only way to reach the pinnacle of success as a capitalist, mass quantities of people have to shoulder the burden, carry your load. Either as labour or consumer. My father showed me something growing up and I am content to live by it. You can only be comfortable while eating, if everyone else is eating. Otherwise all you ever do is watch who's watching you eat.
Listen, I'm not knocking people earning money (only the mint "makes" money unless you are counterfeiting), but C'MON SON. All that money BP is making and CEO Tony Hayward can't even buy a decent enough personality; if even just for the purposes of making the prerequisite "I've been a dickhead but we're are going to manage this problem" television ad campaign.
And trust me, I know people are going to sit here and defend capitalism til the cows come home. That's fine. There really isn't any truly perfect system. I'm also sure that someone, in their infinite wisdom, will begin to poke all sorts of holes in my rationale and that's cool. These are just a few of the thoughts that come to mind each time I hear these corporate giants talking on the news this past decade. Again I am not advocating for anyone to take Tony Hayward, or any of the rest of the worlds corporate pricks for that matter, by the hand to the gallows or shooting range. Just saying I will certainly understand when they start to do just that. Whatever became of the guillotine?
Just my two cents.....
I mean isn't there a way to earn money, to successfully earn money, that is also socially responsible? This land of america so fervently fought communism, and maybe justifiably so, it (communism) too has flaws in reason. ( Let it said though that there were ulterior motives for fighting the "Red Scourge".) But capitalism for all it's worth has a flaw all it's own. For the only way to reach the pinnacle of success as a capitalist, mass quantities of people have to shoulder the burden, carry your load. Either as labour or consumer. My father showed me something growing up and I am content to live by it. You can only be comfortable while eating, if everyone else is eating. Otherwise all you ever do is watch who's watching you eat.
Listen, I'm not knocking people earning money (only the mint "makes" money unless you are counterfeiting), but C'MON SON. All that money BP is making and CEO Tony Hayward can't even buy a decent enough personality; if even just for the purposes of making the prerequisite "I've been a dickhead but we're are going to manage this problem" television ad campaign.
And trust me, I know people are going to sit here and defend capitalism til the cows come home. That's fine. There really isn't any truly perfect system. I'm also sure that someone, in their infinite wisdom, will begin to poke all sorts of holes in my rationale and that's cool. These are just a few of the thoughts that come to mind each time I hear these corporate giants talking on the news this past decade. Again I am not advocating for anyone to take Tony Hayward, or any of the rest of the worlds corporate pricks for that matter, by the hand to the gallows or shooting range. Just saying I will certainly understand when they start to do just that. Whatever became of the guillotine?
Just my two cents.....
6.07.2010
6.01.2010
Joel 2 (King James Version)
Joel 2
1Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
3A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
4The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
6Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
7They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
8Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
9They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
11And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
19Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
20But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
21Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
22Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
32And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
5.28.2010
Over once and for all, Please!
From a friend:
I admit: I am not Jamaican. I've never been to Jamaica. But there are some things that are just so wrong as to offend one's basic sense of justice and decency no matter what piece of ground you are standing on.
On one thing I have to disagree with the consensus - "over soon" is not what I hope for. "Over once and for all" is the only thing that will save Jamaica.
I mean seriously, even right now Golding's people are looking for some legal loophole that will allow them to not have to extradite Coke. Since when did corruption and cowardice pass as "leadership". Why do the decent and upstanding people of Jamaica, of which I have had opportunity to meet many, allow criminals to control their lives?
From what I can see, Jamaica has no leader. It has a RULER, perhaps, and if so his name is Christopher Coke. But even that gives him too much credit, he is but one gangland warlord among many. Big bad men. Gunmen. Rubbish. Even they are just pawns of a perverted system created by the invisible hand of the market to feed America's insatiable thirst for drugs.
If ever there was a need for revolution, this is it, and I don't mean a revolution of violence and bloodshed. As several have pointed out, the government is by no means legitimate. But at least it is something that makes an effort to occasionally pretend. But when the next election comes, this is one example where what I have to say next comes into play.
What I believe in is a revolution of the mind (America needs one too, by the way, but I'll save that for another day). History offers very few potential turning points, but they do happen. If the Jamaican people as a society harnessed the anger they feel over this ongoing tragedy and finally decided that they deserve to live free of the threat of violence, free of the control of criminals, and united against the forces that corrupt Jamaica - then and only then will change come. Will it come from a corrupt government that is part of the problem? No. Will it come from the media? If only. If you're asking "why don't they tell us the truth?" then you're asking a question which deep down you already know the answer to. No, change can only come from... well, from people like some of you deciding to spread a message of change at any price. The power of change is within each person. It doesn't come from outside, it doesn't come from someone else.
In the world as it is, every Jamaican has a choice: 1) adopt an attitude of submissive acceptance, turn a blind eye to the problems and hope they go away 2) vigilance, whistleblowing, organizing, demonstrating (peacefully), asking the uncomfortable questions, and taking a courageous stand wherever the opportunity arises. I'm not going to lie to you: what I'm talking about here is a dangerous thing. Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy - an assassin's bullet found its mark on all of them, and more than a few of their followers suffered or paid the ultimate price. A path of confrontation, true confrontation on the things that matter, does involve sacrifice. But before you let those words "at any price" scare you, let me ask a question. How many of you know people, good people who minded their own business and lived decent lives, murdered for no reason? The price is being paid either way, and it is a heavy one. We are all going to die one day, nothing will change that, but accepting it gives you the strength to say anything that is necessary, and do anything that is necessary to fight for what really matters to you, for what you believe in. The question then merely becomes what are you willing to die for? Are you willing to die for Jamaica?
No matter what country, no matter what culture, it doesn't matter where you are, this rule is always the same: standing up to bullies is the only way to defeat them. And make no mistake: either you defeat them, or they defeat you.
Jesse Rogers
I admit: I am not Jamaican. I've never been to Jamaica. But there are some things that are just so wrong as to offend one's basic sense of justice and decency no matter what piece of ground you are standing on.
On one thing I have to disagree with the consensus - "over soon" is not what I hope for. "Over once and for all" is the only thing that will save Jamaica.
I mean seriously, even right now Golding's people are looking for some legal loophole that will allow them to not have to extradite Coke. Since when did corruption and cowardice pass as "leadership". Why do the decent and upstanding people of Jamaica, of which I have had opportunity to meet many, allow criminals to control their lives?
From what I can see, Jamaica has no leader. It has a RULER, perhaps, and if so his name is Christopher Coke. But even that gives him too much credit, he is but one gangland warlord among many. Big bad men. Gunmen. Rubbish. Even they are just pawns of a perverted system created by the invisible hand of the market to feed America's insatiable thirst for drugs.
If ever there was a need for revolution, this is it, and I don't mean a revolution of violence and bloodshed. As several have pointed out, the government is by no means legitimate. But at least it is something that makes an effort to occasionally pretend. But when the next election comes, this is one example where what I have to say next comes into play.
What I believe in is a revolution of the mind (America needs one too, by the way, but I'll save that for another day). History offers very few potential turning points, but they do happen. If the Jamaican people as a society harnessed the anger they feel over this ongoing tragedy and finally decided that they deserve to live free of the threat of violence, free of the control of criminals, and united against the forces that corrupt Jamaica - then and only then will change come. Will it come from a corrupt government that is part of the problem? No. Will it come from the media? If only. If you're asking "why don't they tell us the truth?" then you're asking a question which deep down you already know the answer to. No, change can only come from... well, from people like some of you deciding to spread a message of change at any price. The power of change is within each person. It doesn't come from outside, it doesn't come from someone else.
In the world as it is, every Jamaican has a choice: 1) adopt an attitude of submissive acceptance, turn a blind eye to the problems and hope they go away 2) vigilance, whistleblowing, organizing, demonstrating (peacefully), asking the uncomfortable questions, and taking a courageous stand wherever the opportunity arises. I'm not going to lie to you: what I'm talking about here is a dangerous thing. Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy - an assassin's bullet found its mark on all of them, and more than a few of their followers suffered or paid the ultimate price. A path of confrontation, true confrontation on the things that matter, does involve sacrifice. But before you let those words "at any price" scare you, let me ask a question. How many of you know people, good people who minded their own business and lived decent lives, murdered for no reason? The price is being paid either way, and it is a heavy one. We are all going to die one day, nothing will change that, but accepting it gives you the strength to say anything that is necessary, and do anything that is necessary to fight for what really matters to you, for what you believe in. The question then merely becomes what are you willing to die for? Are you willing to die for Jamaica?
No matter what country, no matter what culture, it doesn't matter where you are, this rule is always the same: standing up to bullies is the only way to defeat them. And make no mistake: either you defeat them, or they defeat you.
Jesse Rogers
.........................................................
A lot of people share these sentiments. We must and can do better. The fate of the Diaspora depends on it.
Just my two cents.
5.17.2010
Long time nuh chat
My 12 year old says to me last night that, "Nikki Minaj is mad wack..." Give thanks to JAH that I've been teaching her to recognize foolishness in all its forms from the day she was born. Never too early to start teaching lessons and principles. Foreign language and music lessons aren't the only things that children learn better the earlier you start.
Now for all those who like Nikki's music, I'm not knocking choice. Matter of fact there are quite a lot of songs, quite a bit of everything out there that can be quite relevant to people. Trouble is seems that many people seem to have forgotten the scripture that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."(Proverbs 22:6)
I was raised learning ABCs and 123s. Now we as a society are bombarding them with "Shake it like a salt shaker." and it's derivatives. I'm all for artistic expression but hell, junk in junk out.
Just my two cents.
Now for all those who like Nikki's music, I'm not knocking choice. Matter of fact there are quite a lot of songs, quite a bit of everything out there that can be quite relevant to people. Trouble is seems that many people seem to have forgotten the scripture that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."(Proverbs 22:6)
I was raised learning ABCs and 123s. Now we as a society are bombarding them with "Shake it like a salt shaker." and it's derivatives. I'm all for artistic expression but hell, junk in junk out.
Just my two cents.
1.13.2010
Toussaints' Peoples Will Not Be Moved
How is it that Haiti and her people suffer so? I question not the God within us, just the humanity. I heard of the tragedy while I was working. A customer of mine casually mentioned that there was an earthquake in Haiti. My own daughter informed me that her own godfather had family that was caught in the quake. I remember shortly thereafter that I was hit even closer to home because I too have family from the island. Family both by blood and by choice. I prayed so last night that the destruction, the calamity, spared as many as could be spared. I prayed that this too will soon pass as tragedy has done so in the past.
But then I also remembered that Haiti is of a strong and mighty peoples as well. Toussaint would still be proud of the peoples he helped liberate so many years ago. I won't begin to allege that I know her full history. I won't behave as though I know the half. What I do know is that while seemingly amidst great tragedy always, the peoples of Haiti have always shown me great love and affections. Their pride is strong yet balanced. Their resolve has always been and will remain strong, maybe even stronger today and tomorrow. I pray that her people suffer little.
For all of my friends and family who have close ties to Haiti, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. JAH Love Protection and Divine Guidance
My 2 cents
But then I also remembered that Haiti is of a strong and mighty peoples as well. Toussaint would still be proud of the peoples he helped liberate so many years ago. I won't begin to allege that I know her full history. I won't behave as though I know the half. What I do know is that while seemingly amidst great tragedy always, the peoples of Haiti have always shown me great love and affections. Their pride is strong yet balanced. Their resolve has always been and will remain strong, maybe even stronger today and tomorrow. I pray that her people suffer little.
For all of my friends and family who have close ties to Haiti, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. JAH Love Protection and Divine Guidance
My 2 cents
1.06.2010
Time for us to grade you Mr. President
Housing: fail...People still getting a hell of a hard time from banks. How does it make sense that banks hold on to their properties instead of selling them to people willing to buy them in this economy? Wouldn't they get them back at some point anyway if buyers default down the road?
Jobs: fail... Do you realize how many people are still out of work? What is to be expected when the quid pro quo was for many years to send jobs and companies overseas only so that millionaire CEO's could fatten their pockets even more?
Healthcare: fail... It still costs me less to feed myself better and exercise than any healthcare plan your government can come up with. Yes, in the event that I need emergency surgery I might be flat busted, but hell at least I won't go broke the 10 or 20 years prior paying for benefits that I never use. Apple a day, brush your teeth and get off the damn couch...
I really don't think much in this world will change until the heads of these companies who have been fleecing the public generally and poor people specifically are called to and held accountable. If that means publics hangings or executions of another nature, well that will probably be the beginning of new corporate attitudes. How much damn money do you need in your pockets? When your employees can't afford to take care of their bills without having to work extra hours, extra jobs and put spouses to work as if they are being put on the stroll, how is that any different from SLAVERY? The emperor only has new clothes.....
MY 2 cents...
Jobs: fail... Do you realize how many people are still out of work? What is to be expected when the quid pro quo was for many years to send jobs and companies overseas only so that millionaire CEO's could fatten their pockets even more?
Healthcare: fail... It still costs me less to feed myself better and exercise than any healthcare plan your government can come up with. Yes, in the event that I need emergency surgery I might be flat busted, but hell at least I won't go broke the 10 or 20 years prior paying for benefits that I never use. Apple a day, brush your teeth and get off the damn couch...
I really don't think much in this world will change until the heads of these companies who have been fleecing the public generally and poor people specifically are called to and held accountable. If that means publics hangings or executions of another nature, well that will probably be the beginning of new corporate attitudes. How much damn money do you need in your pockets? When your employees can't afford to take care of their bills without having to work extra hours, extra jobs and put spouses to work as if they are being put on the stroll, how is that any different from SLAVERY? The emperor only has new clothes.....
MY 2 cents...
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