Kindergartners Slated to Receive Misdemeanor Charges For Bullying

May 14, 2014 admin Leave a comment

California’s new crib to prison pipeline proposal

Reported by Dr. Samori Swygert

The school-to-prison pipeline is now expanding its eligibility criteria for its future inmates. According to articles on NPR and the Daily Mail, Carson City, CA is set to pass a law on May 20th that would charge kindergartners with a MISDEMEANOR for BULLYING.

Reports say that the city council members are in unanimous agreement for the new law.

Let’s not make any mistake about this, this is very serious! We’ve already seen how two police officers in Portland, OR arrested a 9-year-old girl and processed her with fingerprints and mugshots. What we’re witnessing is the streamlining and tailoring of policies that are steering youth directly into the penal system. We often talk about the “school-to-prison pipeline,” but this is almost starting a “crib-to-prison pipeline.”

Based on my readings, the proposals start at a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and then a misdemeanor charge for the third.

This proposal and others like it, automatically position a child for social and academic failure. I’m not even addressing the criminal record, but these will be documented in the children’s academic files. These strikes and infractions on their record will lead to future profiling of these kids. In turn, many kids may be potentially denied admission to certain academic opportunities, programs, and special schools based on behavior they may have exhibited from kindergarten into early elementary school.

I do understand that bullying is a serious issue, I won’t deny that. America has experienced some very tragic stories on the results of bullying. We’ve heard of kids and even college students that have committed suicide; and in some cases, the victims of bullying have resorted to taking payback into their own hands by killing their violators. However, I feel that this is something that should involve interactive dialogues and family and community intervention. Kindergartners typically mimic what they see in their immediate or domestic environment, but their mimicking has nothing to do with their true intrinsic character.

The proposal will umbrella physical, verbal, and cyber bullying. This also brings the issue of interpretation into questioning. The criteria would have to be very clearly defined because a child may “perceive” or “feel” like they are being bullied, but the other child can just be more assertive or aggressive in social activity, while another kid may be a very shy, timid, and a bit more sensitive to aggressive behavior. Feelings and perception are subjective and don’t bare true fact or evidence of bullying. The thought that a child may receive an “academic scarlet letter” based off perception is very dangerous.

This city proposal underscores the importance of consistent positive parental role modeling and family bonding. Moreover, this also illustrates the importance of families being involved in PTA meetings, school board meetings, and city council meetings. We must be more proactive and involved to intervene in measures like this. Lastly, this demonstrates the importance in filtering many forms destructive media that constantly bombards our TV, radio, and internet. Think tanks are working to criminalize from the crib and penalize the pediatrics. I do not believe that penalty-based punishment is the best measure to reduce bullying among children. The proposal also extends to the age of 25, so from the ages of 4-25 years old, Carson City will be accruing a lot of penalty-based revenue and criminal charges.

What are your thoughts? What other alternative methods do you think the city should have considered to thwart bullying? Click here to review the Carson City proposal on this issue

Global Issues, Socio-Cultural Commentary

China to build underwater railroad to United States

May 14, 2014 admin Leave a comment

China to build underwater railroad to United States

Reported by Dr. Samori Swygert

You have to marvel at China’s innovation, creativity, and ingenuity. You have to respect China’s hustle. They have brokered oil deals with Iraq and built their own airport in the desert to fly their oil workers into Iraq. China has successfully maneuvered their way into Africa to build new infrastructure, mines, and hospitals. They’ve also partnered with several Latin American countries for their resources (e.g. Lithium sands), and China is also pioneering new solar energy throughout Latin America.

However, the next item on China’s conquest is a Modern Marvel. This new endeavor will be a monumental and historical record for the ages. China has developed plans to construct an 8,000 mile railroad that will travel under water from China to America. Currently, the railroad is mentioned to traverse and possibly service: China, Russia, Canada, and America.

This is a big bold behemoth project that can throw a curve ball in the international economic balance. This can and will affect trade. According to the UK Guardian, it will travel at a speed of 220 mph hour. I haven’t read anything on the energy or source of fuel that would be required of it in a long term projection, nor have I run across information regarding the safety and environmental impact of it. However, I imagine they would be able to incorporate hydroelectric power somewhere in that scheme since it is water-based travel. I’m sure China’s engineers and physicists have contemplated the possibilities.

This is a game changer for trade because we’ve seen how geographical boundaries like the Bering Strait, Strait of Gibraltar, Suez Canal, Strait of Magellan, the spice routes, and other geographical barriers of trade impact commerce.

This presents an unprecedented alternative that China is wagering on. Furthermore, how does this plan by China fit or disrupt the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) that is still being designed, weighed, and planned? The TPP is the Geopolitical Elephant in the room. Several countries are involved in this agreement, and this just might be China’s Trump Card in the deal because America has expressed some skepticism about China’s role in the TPP.

Why would China plan to build such an extensive railway to America, unless it already has the “green light” from America to involve it as a destination on their blueprint? You can’t unknowingly include people in your collaboration without their permission, unless you have sufficient power to leverage over them. China owns a lot of America’s debt, manufactures the majority of America’s consumer-based economy, owns substantial real estate in America, and is the main supplier of Neodymium that America needs for its missile defense system, laptops, smartphones, and more. Maybe China will force America’s hand.

I mean Harriet Tubman worked the “Underground Railroad” (no not a real train) via intricate coordination among people along her trail, but this takes it to a whole new level.

What are your thoughts on this? Click here to read a summary of China’s global developments that I wrote about last year on Kulture Kritic.com….Peace

African American Legacy, Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

29th Anniversary of the Philadelphia MOVE bombing ( May 13, 1985 )

May 14, 2014 admin Leave a comment

29^th Anniversary of the Philadelphia MOVE bombing ( May 13, 1985 )

by Dr. Samori Swygert

Today marks the 29^th anniversary of the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia. On May 13^th 1985, Philadelphia Police engaged a house in West Philadelphia that was occupied by both adults and kids. The occupants of this house were members of a group called MOVE.

The group was labeled and targeted by the authorities and informants. According to various sources, the group was founded by John Africa, and the objectives were based on a retreat to natural living, communal growth, holistic medicine, animal rights, and was associated with the Black Liberation movement.

Some neighbors within the community complained to police and city officials about the group’s sanitary conditions. Complaints detailed how an increase in rats, roaches, and other vermin started to plague the community because MOVE had constructed a compost of rotten food and waste. Police and city officials also claim that some neighbors had grown irritated from loud bullhorn/speaker messages from the group during varying hours of the day.

City officials and police compiled a dossier of violations that would help justify engaging the group. Police records of the group and its affiliated members composed of: illegal possession of firearms, parole violation, contempt of court, and terrorist threats. MOVE members were socially labeled as radicals, and scrutinized emphasis was placed on their style of life and dreaded hair.

The confrontation and bombing stems from a historical feud between MOVE members, the police, and the late 1970s Mayor of Philadelphia Frank Rizzo. In 1978, an altercation ensued between MOVE members and police that resulted in a police officer (Officer Jim Ramp) being shot and killed, and nine members of MOVE (known as The MOVE 9) being incarcerated with prison sentences of 30 years to life. Frank Rizzo had given the “okay” to bulldoze and fire hose the original MOVE house in a demolition.

The Aftermath of Carnage

Seven years later, police officers had shot tear gas canisters into the new home, fired multiple shots, and reloaded their weapons and kept firing into the house while babies were crying. A helicopter was manned and the police dropped two one-pound gel explosives onto the house with the adult and children occupants inside. This maneuver accelerated an inferno that destroyed 61 homes — approximately four city blocks — and left nearly 240 people homeless. The final tally revealed the death of six MOVE adults, and five children. There were only two survivors: a child (Birdie Africa) and a young female (Ramona Africa). You ask “How did a bombing of one house result in the destruction of 61 house?”… The historical phrase “ LET THE FIRE BURN” was broadcasted over the communication between police and city officials.

Ramona Africa is still diligently and relentlessly pursuing the release and vindication of the nine members currently incarcerated. Ramona still lives in Philadelphia, but travels all over the nation discussing the event and sociopolitical issues in America. She still embraces the group’s original philosophy. Sadly, Birdie Africa died in 2013, in a tub aboard a cruise at the age of 41.

The houses and surrounding vicinity of Osage Avenue were restored by developers and were poorly rebuilt — requiring renovation/rehabilitation. Some of the developers embezzled up to $200,000 from the construction budget. During the time of the bombing, Philadelphia was ran by an African American Mayor, Wilson Goode.

This story is very deep and should never be forgotten. This should remain within the annals of African American History, and the experience of being Black in America.

Here are some links for you to do your own research.

1) To order the documentary Let the fire burn, on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Fire-Burn-Michael-Ward/dp/B00HXT6O4C

2) A timeline of events surrounding the bombing:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hot_topics/93010634.html?c=r

3) PBS discussion of the bombing and an interview with Ramona Africa: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/let-fire-burn-fallout-29-years

Global Issues, Socio-Cultural Commentary

President Obama condemns anti-gay African nations but not the Saudis

May 14, 2014 admin Leave a comment

President Obama condemns anti-gay African nations but not the Saudis

by Dr. Samori Swygert

Homosëxuality has become one of the most divisive issues in America. I want to address it from a different angle. I want to address the infusion of homosëxuality with America’s foreign policy. Many are aware of President Obama’s relentless assertion that African nations should abandon their “anti-gay” philosophy. President Obama has mentioned that he is willing to impose economic sanctions on African nations that choose not to conform to homosëxuality reform. However, is this stance a fake strategy for an ulterior motive, or is this a show of favoritism?

Why do I ask this question?

Many people that embrace a very liberal position on sëxuality condemn African nations for stern enforcement of anti-gay policies. However, is this really about morality or more about money? One of America’s biggest allies and economic buddies is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia does and has been practicing Sharia law for ages. Homosëxuals in Saudi Arabia can be imprisoned or executed. However, where is President Obama’s public condemnation of Saudi Arabia for their anti-gay position????

What is America’s discretionary criteria for global anti-gay condemnation? How do we go to a foreign nation and demand them to change their philosophy? If we don’t agree with another nation’s social practices, then we should end all commerce and trade with the nation. However, our message must be consistent and constant at each and every endeavor. President Obama is selectively picking on African nations, but is completely mute about anti-gay policies with Saudi Arabia.

Why is America silent about anti-gay legislation with our partner?

Let’s look at economic resources:

Saudi Arabia has the LARGEST PROVEN OIL RESERVES IN THE WORLD. CNBC posted 2011-2012 Proven oil reserves for Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi’s had 262.6 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The United States had only 20.68 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Saudi Arabia is the 2^nd country on America’s list of oil suppliers that we import from.

Historically speaking, over the last three administrations, you can Google photos of former President Bush, Clinton, and now Obama, and you will see all three wearing gold chains from the Saudis, shaking hands, bowing, laughing, and smiling with the royal Saudi family. President Obama has yet to publicly condemn King Abdullah about the anti-gay component of Sharia law.

This forces a needed discussion. Why is Saudi Arabia exempt from American chastisement for anti-gay policy? How does King Abdullah escape U.S. ridicule and critique, but African nations get lambasted and bold economic sanctions levied on them? Is our foreign policy hypocritical or bipolar when it comes to homosëxuality, race, and economic power? Where is our consistency?

Can the Saudi’s economic might buy President Obama’s and America’s silence on anti-gay policies? Should America simply leave sëxuality out of its foreign policy and stick with trade, commerce, and military strategy if we can’t be consistent in theme?

Does sëxual preference belong in geopolitical affairs, if so, who legislates the criteria? Is it fair to let a nation starve because they don’t share the same sëxual ideology? How do we want resources from African nations, and negotiate development of drone bases in African nations but tell them how to govern sëxual activity?

I don’t have the answers, but these are very serious questions. This is an international double standard imposed on African nations that isn’t discussed. Is this really a matter of morality or money? Where is the tough guy talk with the Saudis?

What are your thoughts?