Category Archives: Socio-Cultural Commentary

Section for cultural views, critique, analysis

Environmental, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Humanity’s future is locked in an Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault?

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Humanity’s future is locked in an Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault?

 

originally published on: http://themedicalblog.net/2015/03/03/vault-containing-thousands-of-seeds-could-save-humanity-in-a-crisis/

Eat to live.

That’s a simple clear cut statement. However, there is a cascading complexity behind that simple clear cut statement. The fruits, vegetables, grains, and the meat we eat all require seeds. The animals that humans consume, graze on grass, are fed corn, and other grain. The beer, wine, and liquor we drink is based off barley, hops, grapes and other grains that originate from seeds.

The medicine we take to cure or manage diseases and ailments, are plant-based because drugs are synthesized from plant based molecules in nature. The clothes we wear are largely based on cotton (from a cotton seed) and leather from animals that consume vegetation for the most part.

As humans we must become more concerned and cognizant of global food security. The lack of high quality seeds is directly correlated to our ultimate survival (or extinction) on Earth.

Science and technology have never waited on anybody, and never will. Researchers, scientists, and engineers have designed a DOOMSDAY SEED VAULT in the Arctic.

The SVALBARD SEED VAULT is located on an archipelago in Norway. The seed vault is reportedly built into the side of a mountain on one of Norway’s remote islands. The vault has amassed seed populations of over 800,000 diverse seeds from every inch of the globe. The rarest and most ancient seeds that date back thousands of years is warehoused here, along with the most recent addition, 21,000 Marijuana seeds.

The motive, intention, or impetus for constructing this DOOMSDAY SEED VAULT is centered on preservation of seed diversity in case of any environmental ecological catastrophe. The various articles I’ve read give diverse examples of what they are safeguarding the seeds from.   The developers cite natural disasters like the possibilities of tsunamis, volcanoes, asteroids, decreased water and nutrient availability, earthquakes, and pestilence. They also cite manmade disasters: war, population growth, and climate change.

This vault will serve as the agricultural hard drive of all seeds. Whenever an ecological disaster occurs, they have the seed back up to replenish and restore species of crops that would otherwise be permanently eradicated.

The vault is watched by the Norwegian government, but financed by various entities, and people like Bill and Melinda Gates. The overall management of the vault is claimed by the GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

A New York Times article describes it as the “Fort Knox” of seeds. The vault has been in construction for years and initially opened in 2008. Its been fortified in a manner to resist a nuclear disaster and asteroids. Expert predictions say that it’s built to last at least 1000 years. No one person has all the access codes to gain complete access. There is no full time staff, seed delivery dates are specific, and tightly controlled.

The researchers, scientists, engineers, and sponsors all think that it’s just a matter of time until one of the aforementioned disasters strike and devastate the planet. There are groups that have concerns about the warehousing of seeds, and the implications of global agricultural control.

I found this to be very interesting, personally. I think that it’s smart to have an agricultural contingency plan, and this is a proactive maneuver to combat permanent crop loss. I also have reservations about agricultural and nutritional control, because there is a human component to the process.

The human component always introduces the potential for corruption of power and control. We also have real time evidence of nutritional market control with companies like Monsanto and the “patenting” of what was placed on Earth naturally for all to enjoy. Remember in earlier times, seeds have been used in bartering, and currency. Wars have been fought over crops like the OPIUM WARS, Tobacco crops have generated hundreds of billions of dollars, and markets were established to facilitate the SPICE TRADE.

However, I feel that communities across America can network and develop other innovative and sustainable systems of agriculture themselves.

What are your thoughts on this?

Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Science & Technology, Socio-Cultural Commentary

The 21st Century Gene Wars, is your Bloodline ready?

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The 21st Century Gene Wars, is your Bloodline ready?

originally published on: http://themedicalblog.net/2014/11/06/dr-samori-swygert-emerging-biotechnology-may-allow-humans-to-have-genes-of-an-animal/

The race for ultimate genetic supremacy has begun. Does your family bloodline and gene pool have what it takes to survive this millennium? The preservation of a supreme generation or the elimination of a “lesser bloodline” is presently at stake.

The scientific and technological worlds have engaged in intercourse and given birth to “biotechnology.” The field of biotechnology is producing revolutionary and groundbreaking discoveries that will forever change mankind as we know today.

Many of us are familiar with Adolf Hitler’s obsession with the ultimate Aryan race, Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species, phrases like “survival of the fittest,” “ethnic cleansing,” “eugenics,” and other biological terminologies.

The A La Carte Baby

The future is here. Gene selection is a reality, and global discourse and discussions are taking place as I type. The Council on Foreign Relations produces a journal titled, Foreign Affairs. This past October issue contained an article by Jamie Metzel titled, “The Genetics Epidemic.”

The author detailed how easy it is now for individuals to select the genes they want for their babies. The choice extends to the baby’s gender, hair color, eye color, and basically anything you desire for your child. This is like creating your dinner from an A La Carte menu.

Advances in genome sequencing allows each gene inside the human body to be decoded, and scientists can literally “swap out” or “interchange” desirable or undesirable genes.

The crux of the matter

Like any argument, there are pros and cons in the debate. There is the initial problem that needs to be solved, and then there are the ramifications or potential unintended results that create new problems.

Globally, there are several genetic disorders that create debilitating physiological conditions. Certain disorders such as: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Down Syndrome, Huntington’s Disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Hemophilia, or Tay-Sachs disease, are more prevalent in some people.

Gene therapy is a field of biotechnology that uses alterations of your genetic code to prevent these conditions and currently to repair the genetic defect that causes these conditions.

This seems favorable and desirable because most parents would love to prevent their offspring from succumbing to conditions like the aforementioned. You simply “swap out” the defect for a correct version of the gene.

However, the blurring of lines and gray areas begin to surface once we can select genes. Why shouldn’t a parent select their child’s eye color, hair length and texture, height, or muscular build? However, it gets deeper than this.

Researchers have decoded the human genome and are now on the new “Brain Project.” This project is currently underway by the government, where scientists are trying to discover all the inner-workings and biological intricacies of the human brain. This includes any and all genes or undiscovered wonders that may code for intelligence or facilitate the ease in which learning and intelligence are developed.

The journal article says that the speed in which this is and has developed is so fast that the science has arrived before any laws can be made to govern and regulate genetic manipulation. I agree with the author in the article. There needs to be a global conference to establish boundaries of genetic manipulation when it has nothing to do with correcting or preventing a genetic disease.

Money Matters

Here’s my position on this matter: What happens if and when they do discover some gene or physiological breakthrough that permits use of 100% of our brain (otherwise unable to use without a manipulation)?   Individuals with access to unlimited amounts of cash and wealth, like 1%’rs, can use this as a method of stratifying humanity on a whole new level. This stratification wouldn’t be based on money, or color, but basically…species of human.

What happens to poverty-stricken families and struggling middle class families that lack the financial power for gene manipulation to compete in the “genetic Olympics”? Do you think it would be fair, equal, and balanced if your child has to compete with some genetically altered super baby? Will your child be outclassed for professional careers, ownership, and sheer dominance of humanity?

The Foreign Affairs article even goes as far as discussing the option to swap out human genes to interchange with other animal genes. So imagine a child with the muscular fibers of a lion or the genetic arrangement for the vision of an eagle.

What are your thoughts? Are you ready? Are we ready?  Should this be legal?

Hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

Health and Fitness, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Mental illness can lead to mass disarmament of Americans

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Originally published on: http://themedicalblog.net/2014/11/06/dr-samori-swygert-mental-illness-may-lead-to-mass-disarmament-of-americans/

 

Would you feel safe and comfortable sitting next to a person that is in possession of a firearm, and diagnosed with a mental disorder?

Would you feel safe and comfortable with your kids playing in the household or within close proximity of an individual in possession of a firearm and diagnosed with a mental disorder?

Depression, major depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar-schizophrenia, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and Munchausen syndrome, are all classified as mental illnesses.

The topic of mental health is one of the prominent issues that American society and politics is currently wrestling with.  Many citizens are trying to find out why there has been such a surge and proliferation of mental illness on a national level.

Two valid questions about mental health:

1. Has mental illness always been this prevalent, and we just ignored and under diagnosed some of the disorders?

                                                         OR

2. Have associations, boards, and committees designed the diagnostic criteria to the most minute detail, characteristics, signs and symptoms, that the average citizen would be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point throughout their daily routine?

The seriousness of mental illness

If we were to tabulate the total number of mental disorder diagnoses from the various kinds of mental disorders, we would be looking at tens of millions of Americans.  The issue hits homes in several ways.  First and foremost, people love their family and friends and hate to see them suffer from debilitating conditions.

Secondly, there is a social stigma attached to people with mental disorders.  Who wants to be called or hear someone they love being called loony, crazy, nut, psycho, off their rocker, etc.?

Third, this is an expensive burden on families and individuals.  Medication is expensive, and individuals require routine checkups,  evaluations, counseling, and in some cases, hospitalization.

Fourth, this can be an impediment to family, social, professional, and educational progression.  Some of these disorders make it difficult for some patients to engage in some routine life activities.

Lastly,  we’ve seen the impact of mental illness manifested in countless mass murders, homicides, and suicides.  We’ve seen some of the most gruesome, heinous, and unimaginable events like Colombine, The Colorado Movie Theater Shooting, and Virginia Tech.

Gun legislation and mental illness- ta ying it all together

It’s only logical that discussions on gun legislation and policy are conducted on a national level when you do the statistical analysis of mental illness diagnoses and gun violence.

However, with any legislation, you must specifically address the issue at hand without infringing on the rights of citizens.

What is the New York State Safe Act?

The S.A.F.E. Act is a New York State legislation. The acronym stands for: Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement act.

This was designed with the specific intent to reduce and prevent irresponsible and illegal use of firearms.  The legislation encompasses domestic violence, gun safety tips, school violence, gun violence, hunting, and more.

A subsection of the New York State Safe Act is called MHL 9.46.  This corresponds to the subsection 9.46 of the act on Mental Health.

This portion of the act requires psychologists, psychiatrists, registered nurses, and licensed clinical social workers to forward the diagnoses and evaluations of patients that are diagnosed with mental disorders to the Director of Community Services.

This is especially mandatory if practitioners consider a patient to be a harmful risk to themselves or others.  This report is then cross checked against New York State gun license registry.  Individuals diagnosed and considered a threat to themselves or the community with a gun and gun permit  must have their firearms confiscated, and gun permit voided.

This sounds good theoretically, especially if you ask the questions I posed at the opening of this article. However, will this lead to the mass disarmament of millions of Americans?

What are the future ramifications of policies like this? We must consider children are being diagnosed with disorders in the 1st grade. Theoretically  speaking, millions of future adults (who are children right now) can be ruled unfit to possess a firearm before they even reach the age to legally purchase a gun.

This is crucial because two things in this controversial topic are subjective:

1. The writers, authors, and framers of the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V have made the diagnostic criteria so expansive that any American can have a mental disorder.

ALSO

2. The subjective judgment and interpretation of the psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and registered nurse can permanently brand a person for life.  How do you account for bias and/or lack of professional experience of the individuals assessing and diagnosing people?

Are they distinguishing between some temporary moods from a bad day,  bad break up, death of a loved one, or financial crisis, from something more permanent like chemical imbalances and neural abnormalities?

Since 2012, New York State has put 34,500 New York residents on its “NO GUN LIST.”

What are your thoughts?

Hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

Sources: 1, 2

African American Legacy, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Dr. Samori Swygert: Football strategies that can be used for black empowerment

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Football strategies applied to Black Empowerment: Let’s Play!

by Dr. Samori Swygert

  originally published on: http://www.brothersonsports.com/dr-samori-swygert-football-strategies-that-can-be-used-for-black-empowerment/


It’s football season and for the most part, many Americans are attentively tuned into Sunday afternoon and Monday night football.  People will always ask you, ” Yo, did you see the game?”  In my head, I’m like “Are we saying the real game that’s being played 7 days a week, 365 days a year in perpetuity on Black America?”

Standing on the shoulders of our elders and scholars

I saw a very interesting video by Brother Amefika Geuka. He presented a brilliant analogy of black progress with football.  I thought his analogy was very intriguing.  I pondered over it while looking at a game earlier.  I began extrapolating further into his theory and I would like to put some more meat on the bone he presented.  So understand that this concept is not my original idea. I always believe in giving the appropriate credit and acknowledgement where it’s due.

What’s the objective?

The objective in this real life game is to score as many points possible to achieve independence and power that uplifts, sustains and advances Black America.

Routinely politicians and pundits ask that we lift ourselves up by the bootstraps, so it’s important that we devise and develop our own strategies of play.

Who are the players?

This is how I look at it:

The Line of Scrimmage- The line of scrimmage is anywhere African Americans live and operate

The Football– The football is equivalent to power, freedom, independence, capital, and autonomy

Quarterback- The quarterback are the parents in each family.  Parents must study, study, study, study and orchestrate the best plays.  They are responsible for ensuring that the football (please read what the football is above) is protected at all times and ultimately makes it to the end zone for a score.  Sometimes the parents have to do the rushing if they see a clearer path that wont endanger the children (A.K.A. wide-receivers).

Wide-receiver-  The Wide-receivers are our youth.  The same way wide-receivers break away from the path and run down field to catch the ball and score, is symbolic to our kids that engage the future and position themselves to receive capital, power, and support to score.  This is like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. His parents designed and positioned his path in such a way that he was ready to exploit the opportunity to score BIG once he received the ball.

Wide-receivers (A.K.A. our children) also can get the ball via inheritance and fortune if their quarterbacks (A.K.A. parents) have designed an effective play.

Running back- The Running back is our political strategist and community activist.  Like in regular football, they need to be quick, slick, versatile, and agile.  They can maneuver in and out of pockets with their wits, networking, and oratorical skills.  Their position is to help get many of our plans in motion all the way from grassroots level to the political arena where we can establish yardage in policy and legislation.

Linemen and Linebackers– The Linemen and Linebackers, like during an actual football game, have some size on them — we have offensive and defensive linemen.  Let’s say that our linemen are: black media outlets (TV, Radio, Internet,etc), Judges and Lawyers, Business Owners, HBCUs, Fraternities & Sororities, Scientists & Researchers, Mentoring Programs, Churches/Mosques/Temples, Civic Organizations, and Banks.

In staying true to a lineman’s big frame, we equate his physical size to a large membership or participant involvement in Black America.  So our strength would be an overwhelmingly high numerical participation in each category.  This means we want an exponential amount of black lawyers and judges, black banks and bankers, business owners, etc.  We need all of our linemen to be HUSKY WITH African Americans that are committed to the cause of black progress and independence.

Like linemen in football, we need them to provide protection and support for the quarterback when society is making plays against us.  Lobbyists, corporations, special interest groups, hate groups, police brutality (unnecessary roughness), the prison industry, and discriminatory policies/legislation are all trying to “sack the black quarterback.”

We need our linemen to also bust open and bombard glass ceilings and closed doors of systemic and institutional racism and discrimination so we can run through the opening.

Speaking on injuries and attitude

Injuries can damage a team and diminish performance, and ultimately result in loss.  I equate injuries to losing any of our players to death, public scandals, political censure, incarceration, removal from office, blackmail, etc.  We must protect all players at all times and also know when to substitute players as to avoid fatigue and burnout.

Attitude is everything.  We can’t have any showboats that operate out of arrogance, selfishness, and ego.  Ball-hogging is not allowed.  We have no time or room for “Willie Beaman,” like on “Any Given Sunday.”  Know when to pass off on a lateral to another teammate that can execute or finish the play if you’re coming under heat or see a better opportunity arising to score.

Speaking on Fumbles and Turnovers

Fear, uncertainty, unpreparedness, failure to pay attention, and failure to communicate, often lead to fumbles, drops, and turnovers.  This affords the opposing team an opportunity to capitalize on our mistakes.  This is like failed legislation that should be specifically pertinent for the advancement and empowerment of blacks but somehow gets used against us and empowers everyone else. An example of this is affirmative action.  We dropped the ball on that and everyone else benefits from it.

And for God’s sake STAY OUT OF THE WAY OF EACH OTHER WHEN WE’RE ABOUT TO SCORE! 

I could go on and on but that would be too long if I elucidated all positions and different plays, but think about it.  Once again, this is just me building and adding on to Brother Amefika Gueka (shouts out to you).

Hit me on Twitter and let me know your thoughts: @docswagg06

Click Here to see the video by Amefika Gueka

Business & Financial News, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Dr. Samori Swygert: Black America Practices Group Economics Every Sunday, Where’s the ROI?

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Black America Practices Group Economics Every Sunday, Where’s the ROI?

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

originally published at: http://financialjuneteenth.com/dr-samori-swygert-black-america-practices-group-economics-every-sunday-wheres-the-roi/

How many times have you spoken with friends, colleagues, or family about forming an investment club, starting a business, purchasing real estate, or some other financial endeavor to generate alternative sources of income?

Many times these dreams of group economics fail to launch because your potential business partners are fearful, lack desire, or lack the knowledge. Many times the dream won’t work because your partners don’t believe, are too self involved to participate, or consumed with jealousy because they’re not the originator of the idea.

I’m going to share the perfect real-life case study of how wealthy mainstream America moves to make financial gains and solidifies generational wealth.  The power of group economics and aggregated money speaks volumes.  Dr. Claude Anderson can’t say it enough.

WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?

Five young tech entrepreneurs had a dream of purchasing THEIR OWN MOUNTAIN.  This idea or dream sounds absurd to the common mind that accepts mediocrity and chooses to wallow in doubt and disbelief.

Powder Mountain is a vast 10,000 acre swath of land located one hour outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.  These entrepreneurs consolidated all their assets, and solicited the monetary help from 50 investors. One investor was the founder of Paypal and a consortium of other heavy-hitters that included sports stars. This conglomerate was able to purchase Powder Mountain for $40 Million dollars.

They want to construct approximately 500 home sites on the land.  The land will serve as a multipurpose venue where they’re converting a portion of it into a ski resort (500 inch average annual snow precipitation).  The other portions will be for domestic living, business retreats, and other private functions of their wishes (because they own it).

5 QUICK TAKEAWAY LESSONS

1.  Own your dream, and pursue it with vigor, fervor, and tenacity despite how insane it seems to the “common consciousness“.

2.  ONLY network with individuals that share your belief in the dream and are willing to commit their personal assets to help transform the dream into a reality.

3. Have a well thought-out plan that’s meticulously documented and explainable so potential investors can feel the tangibility of your dream.

4.  LAND IS KING, Earth is a finite mass, you can’t grow more Earth.  Once each inch of Earth is purchased or owned, the only way to acquire it is by trade, purchase, war, or bequeathing of property.

5.  Wealthy investors saw younger entrepreneurs trying to elevate their circumstances, and took a chance to give back by investing in the dreams of these young men.

GROUP ECONOMICS THAT WE IGNORE

We’ve seen the impact of group economics in several aspects of our life.  The mafia practiced group economics and they called it “THE COMMISSION“.  Although Hollywood glorified the lifestyle in cinematic theatrics, this was a real conglomeration of individuals that divided up sections of real estate and established supply chains and trade policies that would enrich all five mafia families for decades. Greed and power were their only downfalls.

Many of us practice group economics every Sunday morning.  Millions of parishioners fill the pews of sanctuaries of numerous religious denominations on Sunday morning.  The collection of tithes and offerings nationwide amount to hundreds of millions of dollars each week.  That is group economics.  You regularly and consistently make a financial contribution and participate in a common belief.  This money is used to finance all the associated expenses and projected goals of the church, such as: food and clothing drives, retreats, repairs, schools, nursing homes, etc.

Here’s an example of group economics that hits closer to home: Do you scroll through your Facebook timeline and see a myriad of your friends on vacation together?  Well, that’s group economics.  They’ve taken time to save money and plan out lodging, activities, travel, and other amenities that they all can enjoy together for that time.

WHAT AM I SAYING?

Ultimately, it’s time for us to evolve into a more serious realm of understanding money.  We can find ways to come together and spend money on temporary, short-term enjoyment like vacations, but they have no true monetary return on investment.  We can tithe, but realistically speaking, tithing won’t pay our property tax, mortgage, student loans, credit cards, car notes, child support, etc.

I think it’s fine to contribute to vacation plans and the faith of your choice, but we must set aside money and coalesce as a group to procure real assets that can generate revenue and leave something for our children and their children’s children.  The last takeaway message that I feel strongly about is the reaching back of wealthy African Americans to support the dreams of young African Americans to help transform dreams into true products, services, assets, and wealth.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR FAMILY WITH EITHER A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT, OR A AN ACTUAL MOUNTAIN!

What are your thoughts?  Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

15 acts of injustice that could lead America into another civil war

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15 Acts of Injustice That Could Lead America Into Another Civil War

The Slaughterhouse of the Justice Systemoriginally published at: http://yourblackworld.net/2015/05/25/dr-samori-swygert-15-acts-of-injustice-that-could-lead-america-into-another-civil-war/

 

The law enforcement, justice system, and penal system have become a modern day slaughterhouse and cesspool of corruption.  It’s time to stop handling these tragic events and miscarriages of justice as isolated incidents.  Let’s connect these bones to a body of evidence.

The citizens are sick of this biased media that sculpts the national narrative, selectively reports and exploits issues that plays into the agenda of character assassination of African Americans.  The same media will dismiss, deny, ignore, and censor equal or worst atrocities and scenarios when done by White Americans, celebrities, coveted politicians, elite people of influence, and even our international allies.

  1. How long can we call this a system of justice a “right to due process” and a “right to a speedy trial”?  These quotes are hypocritically incongruent, because over 400 citizens are locked up in Rikers Island, NY for over two years without being convicted of a crime? Source: http://www.npr.org/2015/04/14/399641445/new-york-mayor-announces-plan-to-reduce-rikers-island-jail-population
  2. Why are 2,500 cases pending review of people imprisoned by faulty forensic hair samples that span well over 20 years?  The justice system has permanently confiscated the lives of individuals and destroyed potential families from faulty lab results. Incorrect specimens yield incorrect court testimonies from “forensic experts,” which resulted in wrongful convictions. Souce: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/fbi-overstated-forensic-hair-matches-in-nearly-all-criminal-trials-for-decades/2015/04/18/39c8d8c6-e515-11e4-b510-962fcfabc310_story.html
  3. How do we call this a system of justice, when we have “CASH for KIDS” judges?  Judges Mark Ciavarella and Mike Conahan in Wilkes-Barre, PA purposefully sentenced youth to correctional facilities for pay from a private prison owner. They earned $2.6 million in illegal kickbacks from the private prison owner. Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/23/pennsylvania.corrupt.judges/
  4. What kind of corrections are we expecting to see in correctional facilities? We have KKK members plotting to kill black inmates in Florida’s Department of Corrections.  We have hate groups that have infiltrated and infested the entire legal system.  This puts all people of color on American soil at risk right now.  However, we’re spending billions to “try and find terrorists overseas.” Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/04/02/three-kkk-members-who-worked-in-a-florida-prison-accused-of-plot-to-kill-inmate/
  5. Do we have law enforcement officers or an extortion ring going on nationally?  Civil asset forfeiture and highway interdiction have generated BILLIONS of dollars by confiscating personal property of citizens with claims of guilt on confiscated property.  Citizens aren’t being charged or convicted of crimes, but must spend thousands of dollars to fight their case to retrieve their property. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html
  6. Are we American citizens or detainees in Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib prison?  The American citizenry can’t tell the difference because of Blacksites in Chicago like Homan Square.  This is where citizens are arrested and taken to a secret site to be interrogated, harassed, and physically assaulted.  They aren’t taken to central booking to be processed, finger printed, and held for court. Chicago must now pay over $5 Million in reparations to these victims.  Is this America that we’re living in?     Source: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/24/chicago-police-detain-americans-black-site
  7. Again…… Are we American citizens or foreign enemy combatants?  When cries and pleas against police brutality are ignored, and we’re only left to protest, we’re treated like foreign enemies.  Tax-paying citizens are met with: Tear gas, tanks, assault rifles, grenade launchers, bayonets, and other sophisticated/tactical high-caliber weaponry.  Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/18/politics/bayonets-police-white-house/
  8. What type of policing is going on when a whole Police Department is disbanded?  Jennings, MO had to disband a whole police department due to corruption charges.  What does that say about the number of arrests made, and people sentenced while under their administration? Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/darren-wilson-jennings-police-department_n_5704133.html
  9. What kind of predatory policing and booby trapped laws are we under? Police will arrest people for feeding the poor, Texas has devised a system of debtors prison for pay day loan defaults, police are arresting elementary school kids for temper tantrums, and we’re throwing men in jail for child support (like they can make money in jail and pay for court fees).  Source 1: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/texas-payday-lending_n_6355602.html Source 2: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/justice/georgia-student-handcuffed/ Source 3: http://6abc.com/news/man-may-be-jailed-for-not-paying-child-support-for-son-who-isnt-his/490355/
  10. Are we healing the sick or killing the sick?  How many stories do we have to see about an officer that has shot and killed individuals that are mentally ill?  The officers are informed of the mental status in the majority of the cases.  Family, friends, or neighbors typically call 911, but when police arrive, the person is almost executed immediately.  Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2999731/Chilling-moment-cops-shot-dead-mentally-disabled-man-wielding-screwdriver-caught-body-camera.html
  11. Are we meticulously scrutinizing and screening the moral integrity of the officers we employ?  We had an officer selling crack to inmates in New York.  We’ve seen the big case of Baltimore correctional officers supplying drugs to inmates in a prison drug ring.  The same female officers in Baltimore wound up pregnant by prison inmates.  Who are the criminals: Baltimore protestors or officers on the city payroll?Source 1: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/four-female-prison-guards-impregnated-by-same-inmate/ Source 2: http://nypost.com/2015/05/11/correction-officer-charged-with-dealing-crack-to-inmates/
  12. How do we swallow the phrase “protect and serve”? From 2012- April 2015, Maryland state records found that over 2,600 citizens arrested in Baltimore sustained injuries so severe that they required emergency medical attention before they could even be booked and processed. Maybe there’s a duplicitous definition of “protect.” Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/sun-investigates/bs-md-gray-jail-rejections-20150509-story.html#page=1
  13. What kind of fair, equitable, and non-biased policing can we expect from our officers?  We can talk about Montgomery County, Ohio, San Francisco, California, or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Nationwide, our officers are getting busted transmitting vitriolic, racist, and homophobic texts to fellow officers.  How does America expect us to feel safe?  Why do you think we’re paranoid and run at the sight of cops?  We don’t know the intentions behind their badge, and in their heart.  The trust is completely gone. Source 1: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/16/us/miami-prosecutor-reviews-cases-of-police-officers-who-sent-racist-emails.html?_r=0 Source 2: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2860975/I-hate-N-Police-officers-caught-exchanging-racist-texts-placed-administrative-leave-investigation-gets-carried-out.html Source 3: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/san-francisco-police-fire-racist-texts-31063267
  14. What kind of justice can we expect from the courts?  Time and time again, police are exonerated in the killing of unarmed black men.  We routinely witness the partnering and cozying of the District attorneys with the Police department.  The Police unions double down on their positions. They pressure the city mayors and media into a position of sympathy and guilt.  Evidence and jury activity is either completely sealed, or evidence is purposefully leaked to the media to compromise the case, sway public opinion, or taint potential jurors.
  15. Justice is truly blind right?  How can we expect any form of justice, even with the use of body cameras?  There are countless citizen videos that catch cops choking citizens to death and beating civilians. Cellphone, dashcam, and other surveillance footage routinely fail to find police guilty of anything.  We even have policy makers pushing legislation that restricts the release of body camera footage.  Individuals that record video end up harassed and incarcerated themselves, and the vilification of the deceased victim ensues. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/mayors-plan-to-shield-body-camera-footage-from-public-faces-objections/2015/05/06/94a891f6-f419-11e4-84a6-6d7c67c50db0_story.html

And again, not all police are bad, but the good ones need to speak up!

So what are we to do?  What are your thoughts?

Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06

Also, check out my $0.99 audiobook topics on Amazon and iTunes, and a $0.99 music single off my upcoming poetry and jazz erotica album:

“Speak On It!!…. Mandatory Conversations for Black America” (Amazon)– http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Mandatory-Conversations-Black-America/dp/B00KQPJIQG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432060852&sr=8-2&keywords=samori+swygert

“Speak On It!!…. Mandatory Conversations for Black America” (iTunes)– https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/speak-on-it!!….-mandatory/id883372156

“A Portrait of – http://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Lovemaking-Remastered-Explicit/dp/B00NJMOYXA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432060852&sr=8-1&keywords=samori+swygert

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/portrait-lovemaking-remastered/id918581093

National & Local Politics, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Dr. Samori Swygert: What Would Happen If US Political Candidates Submitted to Live Polygraph Tests?

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Dr. Samori Swygert: What Would Happen If US Political Candidates Submitted to Live Polygraph Tests?

by Dr. Samori Swygert

originally published: http://yourblackworld.net/2015/05/26/what-would-happen-if-us-political-candidates-submitted-to-live-polygraph-tests/

Presidential candidates and congressmen should submit to a public polygraph test, i.e. a lie detector test. You may think I’m being facetious or sarcastic, but I’m not cracking one smile. It may seem unrealistic, but slow down and ask yourself, “Why not?”  What do ballot-casting citizens have to lose by candidates taking a public polygraph?

It’s easy for the government to implement and subject citizens to various voting requirements and restrictions when convenient. Historically speaking there was the poll-tax, literacy exams, and more. Currently, we’ve witnessed the ushering and implementing of other voting nuances such as Voter I.D. laws, computer voting ballots, changes to early and weekend voting. As citizens, we’ve also seen the recent thumbs up approval of “Soft Money” campaign contributions.

When we can have various changes and voting stipulations imposed on the voting demographic, I think that we should add some higher requirements and election criteria for our Presidents, and congressmen.

The bar must be raised to a new level. This must go beyond political resumes, track records, Town Hall debates, state to state stomping, patting dogs, shaking hands, strategically planned photo-ops, purchased endorsements, backdoor deals, fundraiser dinners, and kissing babies.

WHY DO I SAY THAT WE NEED PUBLIC POLYGRAPH TESTS OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES?

First, the people can only hope, believe, and have faith that candidates will do what they promise once in office.

Do you remember Bill Clinton’s infamous, “I did not have seχual relations with that woman” statement? Do you remember Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love child with his house keeper? Do you remember George Bush, Cheney, and Colin Powell and their Weapons of Mass Destruction propaganda? What about New York’s Anthony Weiner lying about being hacked after pictures of his genitαlia were exposed? How do you feel about “read my lips, no new taxes,” being sung by George Bush Sr? Are you comfortably satisfied about the answers to Benghazi? Was it that hard of question for Jeb Bush to understand about the war in Iraq?

These are just a few examples of blatant lies, white lies, half-truths, and deceit.

AS CITIZENS…

As citizens it’s imperative that we hold elected officials to a higher standard of scrutiny and integrity. Our presidents and other elected officials are situated in positions of power that have tremendous and profound effects on our lives, family, and future of our nation. Yes, there is a fiduciary responsibility and obligation that “elected officials” should subscribe to.

Moral character, integrity, veracity, forthrightness, and consistency are unspoken expectations. However, in the “Politics as usual” mind-state, candidates are audio-pimping the masses. Audio-pimping, saying any and everything the electorate wants to hear. Candidates and their teams will cleverly craft the wording of speeches so that their candidate is sonically palatable and pleasing. When candidates are sworn into office, they don’t hold up their end of the bargain in many instances. Their actions don’t match the promises they’ve made to the voters.

More often than not, congressional leaders are strangled by the “python-like” grip of corporate lobbyists. Our elected officials practice “political adultery.” Their loyalty and commitment lies in bed with corporations and not the marriage between their electorate.

Human lives are special, delicate, and fragile. We can’t have politicians beating “the war drum” for ulterior motives and private interests of gain. These are our children, fathers, mothers, and cousins being sent to war.

I’m also aware that polygraph tests are not conclusive. They can vary depending on different factors. However, I feel the people should have as much evidence as possible that all decisions and promises are genuine and sincere. A person that has nothing to hide should welcome a public polygraph test.

It’s even more appealing to me because the NSA, other government agencies, corporations, and credit bureaus collect mountains of data on the average American citizen and create a profile on them. These profiles can prevent you from getting a job, housing, cars, place you on “no fly lists,” etc.

We’ve now allowed society to create this “all knowing” profile of the average American citizen that just wants to be left alone and live a normal life. Thus, the public is owed the deep scrutiny of candidates that will be propelled into positions of power that participate in the life altering decisions of “We the people.”

Didn’t George Washington say, “I cannot tell a lie”? Hmmmm lol… Can we have a Town Hall polygraph session with candidates where the public can tweet and pose their questions in real time?

Check out the Youtube links below and think about a polygraph test for the 2016 presidential candidates and other elected officials.

What are your thoughts???? Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06

You can also check out my audio book and music single on Amazon and Itunes:

http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Mandatory-Conversations-Black-America/dp/B00KQPJIQG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432597336&sr=8-2&keywords=samori+swygert

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/samori-swygert/id883372162

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiIP_KDQmXs (Bill Clinton sexual relations speech)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6WuTSTyS8 (Colin Powell and WMD speech)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LylBfNPUtNI (Anthony Weiner, watch timestamp 3:16)

https://youtu.be/RZtaZTEO3jA (George Bush Sr: No New Taxes)

Socio-Cultural Commentary

Dr Samori Swygert: The Media is instigating a cultural genocide

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By: Dr. Samori Swygert

America’s cultural melting pot has transformed into a volatile cauldron of racial and religious anarchy. The American news media consistently engages in fear-mongering tactics that propagate hate. The news media is complicit in the fomenting, conjuring, and summoning of national panic and hysteria.

The relentless sensationalizing of stories and reckless rhetoric by news anchors, pundits, and other correspondents instigate conflicts and stoke a dangerous national paranoia.

Approximately a week ago, over 240 predominantly-white citizens converged on a Muslim Mosque in Arizona. Many of these citizens were heavily armed. The Muslims in the mosque hadn’t broken a law or harmed anyone; they were innocent of any misdeed or violation. However, the ever-present news headlines and 24-hour news cycle once again served as a brainwashing mechanism.

Why would more than 240 citizens march to a mosque in confrontation and protest of people they’ve never met and have no intimate relationship with? Why do you need a firearm to engage in discussion? Are these 240+ citizens threatening innocent citizens by bringing guns to their place of worship? These are only citizens — they are in no legal position of authority.

Irresponsible journalism has converted many Americans into overzealous vigilantes who are engaging in self-righteous witch-hunts. This is no different than having a Salem witch trial lynch mob roaming the streets and forcing people to prove their patriotism and denounce their faith because the news has created a climate of discomfort. Citizens are removing the right to due process, trial by jury, and legal investigative proceedings … IF THERE WAS A CRIME AT ALL.

Would the news media outlets be culpable and complicit if one of these “quick-tempered” and “trigger-happy” protestors got so excited that they started shooting at some of the Muslim worshippers and initiated a fusillade? The media is heavily invested in xenophobia, but it’s repackaged as some sick form of “neo-patriotism.”

Preemptive killing and suppression by threats of violence against Muslims in America is an increasing trend that is being ignored. The persistent mantra of the “War on Terror” and war-cry of “patriotism” permits this type of armed militant threat on innocent civilians.

I’m not a Muslim, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what’s happening. My questions and point of view are only affirmed and confirmed as I back track to past stories that occurred.

 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF ROBERT DOGGART — A 2014 TENNESSEE CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE

Robert Doggart ran for Congressional office in Tennessee in 2014. He’s also a Christian minister. He was busted for planning the massacre of an entire town of Muslims in New York. The town is called Islamberg, and it’s described as a relatively small town where mostly Black Muslims reside. They have their own schools and other facilities to meet their needs.

Doggart was caught recruiting armed militias via social media posts and by phone to destroy Islamberg. He informed them to bring machetes, M-4 assault rifles, build fire bombs, and completely destroy the town in the name of God.   These individuals were minding their own business, and government investigation already revealed that the activities within the city were peaceful and not considered a threat. Doggart was arrested in April 2015 while en route to Islamberg.

THREE MUSLIM STUDENTS SHOT IN THE HEAD NEAR UNC

On February 10, 2015, three Muslim students from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill were shot and killed with a bullet to the head by Craig Hicks, a white male neighbor. The victims’ ages ranged from 19-23 years old. The story was convoluted on so many news sites, because they make the argument that it wasn’t a hate crime, but an argument over a parking space. The fact is that three unarmed Muslim students were all shot in the head by their neighbor, who walked to their apartment and shot them dead. Hicks’ social media posts have proven to be controversial in regards to religion. The case is currently being investigated as a hate crime, and he’s been charged with first-degree murder.

WISCONSIN SIKH TEMPLE SHOOTINGS

On August 5, 2012, Wade Michael Paige, a white supremacist, went to a Wisconsin Sikh Temple and discharged a barrage of gunshots that killed six temple worshippers and wounded four. He ultimately killed himself after suffering a gunshot injury to the stomach by local police.

I’m not sure if he distinguished between the Islamic and Sikh faith, or if he even cared. However, it’s clear that he was on a mission and had clear ties and affiliations to white supremacist groups. The individuals at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple did nothing to Paige, but he felt it was his duty to intervene on their worship and destroy their lives.

DIET COKE AND A SMILE ON A PLANE

Tahera Ahmad, a Muslim Chaplain who works at Northwestern University, was on a United Airlines flight. She asked for an unopened can of Diet Coke. She was denied the can because the flight attendant said she could use it as a weapon. The flight attendant then gave a white male passenger an unopened can of beer just a moment later.

When Ahmad pointed out that the white male passenger was given a can of beer, another white male passenger told her to “shut the f*ck up” and “you know you would use it as a weapon.”

 

The media industry has created and contributes to a powder keg minefield of racial and religious intolerance, where the wrong step can ignite and incite the biggest civil war in American history. Ratings-driven reporting and shock-jock radio hosts are creating a dangerous environment for the country. Consumers of news should be cognizant and responsible with the content that’s distributed. It’s easy to sensationalize the Muslim killed by Boston police with a knife, but why didn’t you hear about Robert Doggart on CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS and the like?

 

Article originally published at: http://yourblackworld.net/2015/06/07/dr-samori-swygert-the-media-is-instigating-a-cultural-genocide/

 

 

Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06, and checkout my audiobook on iTunes and Amazon. Peace!

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4