"Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill it teaches the whole people by its example.
Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a law breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself."
–Supreme Court Justice Brandeis

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fathers, You Should Probably Pick Someone Other than Nas to Represent You for Father's Day

(from the awesome blog of Randi James]

I have to laugh cuz I just blogged and twittered this nas- lmao  guess ROCK  meets humanity?

Fathers, You Should Probably Pick Someone Other than Nas to Represent You for Father's Day

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/06/19/nas_father_s_day_tribute

"We deserve the love! Becuz (sic) we don't even expect it, we do what we do regardless! With no signs of a reward for it. We put up with everything, standing true to what's real and letting life take its course protecting our household, our woman, our children, our family. Shout out to my pops, a great man! Biggest shout to my son on the way! It's a GREAT DAY!"

Why does he sound like a 15 year old?
I have done a post on Nas and Kelis previously. I suspected something was suspicious when a couple decides to divorce before the baby even gets out. Domestic abuse often begins during pregnancy--not to mention homicide is the number one killer of pregnant women.

The hip-hop star is currently battling his estranged wife Kelis over their unborn baby, with the rap star last month urging a judge to deny his ex's request for spousal support and legal costs. The former couple is also warring over custody arrangements for the baby.

This sounds like a great father classic abuser.

part three:

Legislation to Help Deadbeat Dads Get Back in Control of Their Families

http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_terrehaute_fathers_help_200906191751

Senator Evan Bayh presented President Barack Obama with legislation that would help fathers who aren't involved to take responsibility...

Because, after all, you need laws to get you to do the "right" thing.
But why aren't they involved?

"Get them into a job so they can pay their child support. Get them cleaned up if they have an alcohol or drug problem so they can be a decent role model for their child," he added.

Because, after all, we do want them to address their "issues" first, before they start becoming involved with the kids.
But what's the incentive? (The media isn't reporting this part.)
Waive some or all of the child support arrears that are owed to the children, so the fathers can get a leg up.
But what happens to the children?
Well, they won't get the money that was owed to them, and then, they get to have a previous (or current) criminal in their lives as role models.
At least they'll have a father.
And the states will have more money...grant money from the Administration of Children and Families, no more welfare monies being distributed, and unlimited potential from the family court system.
Senator Bayh, you are brilliant!!!
Fathercentricism.

Part two:

Dear Alonzo Mourning,

From Obama to fathers: Be involved in your kids' lives:

One of the mentors, retired basketball star Alonzo Mourning, told a group of boys: "You'll be dads one day. Help your kid develop the comfort to speak to you about anything. ... Anything."

Is this the best thing you have to say to our young men?
No, Alonzo, they all won't be dads,...unless you're assuming that 100% will have sex with women...that will be unprotected...or protected and will fail...or maybe they won't have sex with women...they will be gay...and adopt...or not be gay, and adopt.
You do know that being a dad is optional?
Fathercentricism.

Part one:

Obama and His Fathercentrism

It has become more than apparent that our President has some psychological issues related to his father being "absent."
But is it really that serious? And does he have to make the rest of us suffer with him?
We all know that the President, in spite of having an absent father, turned out quite well. In fact, President Obama said that his mother was "frequently absent." So, where does this leave us? Is this such an atrocity because of the racial issues? Because we knowz dat da man keeps telling us dat da Black family be damned 'cuz of all of dem single momz.
Obama's father was an "intellectual" who pursued his goals, including attending Harvard. He was like many men who are committed to education and career first, and thus leaving the family behind. He may not have been "there" for Obama but Obama can still attribute some of his own success to his genes.
How many other Black boys and men can say the same?
And don't go blaming single Black mothers, again. If these fatherless kids end up as troublesome youth and adults, you can likely attribute that to the characters of their fathers, coupled with the constraints of life in poverty.
Obama described his own father as "volatile and vaguely threatening." Would he have wanted someone like this in his life full-time?
What Obama is doing and preaching is unfair, because he is coming from a position of privilege.
Didn't Obama make his family secondary to his career?
The fact that he remains married and participating in his household [as a "father"] is related to the resources that he has had available to him (education and money for both Barack and Michelle, and a patient wife whose number one duty is the kids), coupled with his value system and self-esteem issues related to his family of origin.
I respect that as a role model, our President is intent upon helping up reach the mountaintops through speech directed at fathers. But we would be better served if Obama focused on our educational system and jobs, respected different family styles and values, and licked and healed his wounds on his own dollar and time. By giving people the tools they need to reach their potential, everything else will fall into place. Stop legislating the family.