Category Archives: Socio-Cultural Commentary

Section for cultural views, critique, analysis

America chooses gun control over hate control

July 3, 2015 admin Leave a comment

By Samori Swygert

Originally published at: http://yourblackworld.net/2015/06/25/dr-samori-swygert-america-chooses-gun-control-over-hate-control/

This is the house that hate built.

The nation will continue to ignore that there is a race problem. We’d rather redirect our focus on “gun control” and not “hate control.” We routinely and conveniently find a way to discuss “mental illness.”

Time and time again, we see the targeting of African-Americans, Hispanics, and Muslims. Heavy policing, high-tech surveillance, monitoring, stopping and frisking, excessive force by police. We are vilified and bastardized in the media before the nation, and globally.

The slightest form of resistance, disagreement, or inquiry into our rights has resulted in spines being broken, men being choked to death, shot at over 120 times, being kicked in vaginal orifices until death, the sanctity of young females being slammed to the ground in swimwear like a brute, and countless other atrocities of unarmed citizens being slaughtered by police that are employed with our tax dollars.

However, we also see young white males that commit mass shootings and receive delicate, sensitive, courteous cotton-soft handling while in police custody.

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

What does Ferguson, MO have in common with China?

September 21, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Was Ferguson,….. America’s Tiananmen Square?

by Dr. Samori Swygert

America has historically been at odds with the political philosophy of communism. As a nation, the American government has either been at military odds or competition with Cuba, Russia, and China. However, like the sport of boxing, each fighter adapts to and adopts the style of their competitor if they fight long enough.

I would like to summate the fusion of the events in Ferguson, Missouri and the 1033 military surplus program with the American school system and local police, and China.

The last few weeks of American media has placed its onus on the “militarization” of the police departments and school districts. This was a byproduct from the fallout in Ferguson, Missouri.

American citizens were in shock when they saw military-grade weaponry being used against legal tax paying citizens. Questions began to surface about excessive force and the origins of such weaponry.

Time progressed and news sources began to furnish official government documents about a program called “1033.” This program allows local authorities to procure surplus military grade weaponry. Scrutiny increased and it became apparent that police departments, local schools, and universities were equipped with mine resistant tanks, M16 assault rifles, grenade launchers, and a vast array of other munitions.

The public is now curious as to how the budget and allotment of weaponry has transitioned into our local backyards. Who endorsed, authorized, cosigned and approved this program? Clearly this was done without the consent of taxpaying citizens, and then exercised on tax paying citizens.

Are our Federal, State, and local governments using our own tax-based revenue to invest in methods to oppress us and suppress our feelings at the end of an M16 assault rifle?

I think Ferguson, Missouri can answer that fairly.

Whenever these authorities or local government feel that there may be an insurrection, rebellion, revolt, or perceived threat, the powers that be, can summon these war weapons at the behest of the local police chief or higher.

This is what happened in Ferguson and somewhere else that I’ll discuss further below.

What message is conveyed when our First Amendment rights are met with supreme firepower and deadly intimidation?

Treading dangerous waters

Various cities nationwide have become the benefactors of this military surplus program. Who are the targets of this weaponry, and when will this weaponry come into use?

Power is like a disease

America will cast aspersions at China for their political ideology of Communism. However, let’s look at this like a disease. Some people with HIV are asymptomatic, meaning they will not manifest all the trademark signs and symptoms of the disease. Yet, they are still infected with the same virus. Some people with HIV will display each sign and symptom that is characteristic of the disease. Ultimately, whether you display symptoms or not, both patients arrive at the same prognosis and fatal results.

America may not display each trademark sign and symptom of Communism in China. However, does that mean there isn’t some latent and dormant infection that is silently brewing, fomenting, and waiting for the opportune time to manifest?

Was Ferguson America’s Tiananmen Square?

I would like everyone to remember and research the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 in China. In June of 1989, almost a million Chinese protestors (students and non-students) had gathered to march in protest for a myriad of reasons.

Some of the reasons encompassed the integrity, validity, and freedom of press, freedom of speech, employee rights of industry, fairness of wages, labor conditions, government accountability, “corruption of political parties by the elite,” and economics. This was also underscored by the death of Hu Yaobang, a political reformer, that the younger Chinese demographic developed a sort of adoration or affection for.

The students conducted hunger strikes, speeches, marched, and performed other forms of civil disobedience. What happened next was a benchmark struggle between governmental power and human rights.

The government eventually decided to crush the protestors, literally and figuratively. Thousands of military troops descended into Beijing and other parts of China. Hundreds of tanks were dispatched, heavily armed soldiers were sent. The student protestors were shot at and some were even trampled by tanks. This led to the iconic historical photo known as “Tank Man.” Tank Man was one individual that stood in front of the military tanks to impede the progression of the tanks into the crowd. He literally moved inch by inch in front of this behemoth of a man-made killing machine until fellow protestors grabbed him in fear of him being crushed.

The Chinese government had censored the media stream, kicked out foreign journalists, declared martial law, arrested the young protestors for demonstration, and removed government officials that empathized with the protestors.

Now Tiananmen Square is an event unto itself that doesn’t parallel directly to Ferguson, when you look at it numerically. However, when you examine and analyze the strategy, tactics, and willingness of the use of force by authorities on citizens, it starts to resemble Tiananmen Square.

America must be very cautious of our criticism and the sanctimonious disposition we espouse as a global leader. Ferguson, Missouri began to eerily resemble the trademark signs and symptoms of Tiananmen Square. Ferguson was about the unjust murder of Michael Brown, but it spoke to other social ills that many Americans feel daily.

The use of military weaponry as a response to Free Speech, petitioning of accountability, and reform is unethical, immoral, and unacceptable.

Let’s not be blinded in our ethos of liberty and justice for all. The same way a couple reaffirms their vows, America needs to reaffirm our vows, so that we’re not quoting empty historical phrases but actually practicing a true humanitarian doctrine for all. Otherwise, we can easily adapt, morph, and transform into the very system we’ve critiqued and ridiculed for ages.

Hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

Check these links below:

1033 Program PBS Documentary on Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Where are Officer Darren Wilson’s drug toxicology results?

September 21, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Where are Officer Darren Wilson’s drug toxicology results?

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

What are the toxicology report findings of police officer Darren Wilson? Was a toxicology screening performed on police officer Darren Wilson?

These are the pertinent questions that should also be posed. The authorities and forensic examiners have expedited the toxicology screen of police shooting victim, Michael Brown. These findings will definitely contribute to character profile of Michael Brown.

We’ve seen how Trayvon Martin’s image was transformed from victim to villain as his academic records, photos, and teenage social life were put on display. Trayvon was stamped as a “pot smoking thug” by many media pundits, and other outlets with ulterior motives.

However, just like in Trayvon’s case, the shooter has been granted a shield from scrutiny. They’ve allowed both George Zimmerman, and officer Darren Wilson the opportunity to evade public scrutiny, questioning, a chance to redesign their story, clear their body of illicit drugs and alcohol, and manipulate key evidence that could have been on their bodies, clothes, and other items classified as “their person”.

I posted an article for blackbluedog.com in January about police brutality and possible solutions to hold police more accountable for their jobs. I highlighted the fact that police should be drug tested frequently, and have quarterly mental health screenings, because if military soldiers can develop PTSD, a cop can also.

I strongly believe in frequent drug tests, and mental health screenings for police officers because they operate several apparatuses that are lethal weapons or have the potential to cause death if used irresponsibly. This would include guns, tasers, police batons, squad car, and mace. Officers shouldn’t be under the influence of anything that can mentally impair their judgement while performing tasks that may result in the loss of life.

I think that the department needs to be forthcoming with officer Darren Wilson’s toxicology results. More importantly, if, a toxicology screen was even performed, it should match the date in which Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown. If officer Darren Wilson tested positive he should then be charged with negligent homicide or something to that effect, in addition to other potential charges.

Now I don’t know if he was under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, but this aspect of the investigation needs to be executed.

Lastly, if a positive test result for Marijuana is enough to prove guilt worthy of public execution, then I assume there should be a firing squad headed out to Colorado where young people and adults are getting high as the Rockies. I also assume we will be asking for the resignation of pot smoking politicians that smoked weed in the 60s and 70s as hippies right?? Furthermore, I assume Heidi Fleiss (a white female who was busted for running a high end prostitution ring) should have been gunned down, or doing life in prison for illegally growing over 390 marijuana plants in her home last year, but that didn’t happen. http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/14/us/nevada-heidi-fleiss/

That’s just my opinion. What are your thoughts?

Hit me on twitter: @docswagg06

My other article on police brutality:

http://blackbluedog.com/2014/01/news/dr-samori-swygert-how-do-we-fix-police-brutality/

Socio-Cultural Commentary

Are blacks being setup as Zombies worthy of destruction?

September 21, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Are blacks being setup as Zombies worthy of destruction?

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

I’m a very keen observer of subliminal undertones and messages. Many times individuals or groups will use caricatures to subtly convey plans, or feelings about other individuals to avoid directly offending them or the revealing of plans.

I can’t help but wonder if the media has already conducted this psychological trick about African Americans by using Zombies.

That may sound kind of far fetched, but walk with me mentally before you discard my hypothesis. Have you noticed this cascading trend and pervasive media infatuation with Zombies over the last 3 years? This genre of Hollywood production has garnered the attention of kids to adults.

We’ve seen commercials for the AMC TV show, The Walking Dead, and trailers for the movie World War Z. A whole financial empire has almost been developed around this theme from DVDs, books, movies, and clothing paraphernalia.

The setting or plot typically involves a segment of the population that has been exposed to some highly contagious virus that invades the human body. Once the human has been infected, their mind and body is completely under the power and influence of this invasive virus.

The script portrays zombies as a creation unworthy of the right to engage in human negotiations, dialogue or resolution. Zombies are automatically perceived as a threat that must be quarantined, neutralized, or “purged” without consideration of discussion. In the TV shows and movies, the zombies are exterminated with extreme prejudice, devoid of sympathy and undeserving of empathy.

Heavy emphasis is placed on killing and annihilation, to the point that it looks like a sport and viewers actually cheer as zombies are slaughtered in various manners.

The zombie character is portrayed in such a evil, fearful, and negative manner that the humans in the film are basically encouraged to kill them at will in their own vigilante enclaves in order to save and preserve humanity.

The killing of zombies is rationalized, justified, condoned, and endorsed by all humans because the zombies have been officially vilified and declared a “deadly threat”. The approval from any authority is unwarranted in the movies.

However, we are seeing this same theme occur with increased frequency in our streets in real life.

When vigilante citizens and mercenary cops kill African Americans with impunity like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Gardner, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, Yusef Hawkins, Oscar Grant and more, do they see humans or some sub-human creation?

If the media can make us appear sub-human, does that make our homicide justifiable, acceptable, and socially palatable?

Now let’s translate

Suppose that the zombie forming virus is really…….. a philosophy, an idea, a belief that invades the mind and psyche and then spreads uncontrollably. Do you remember how the philosophy, idea, and belief of “Black Power” spread like a virus in the 1960’s?

The feeling of “Black Power” resonated with millions of African Americans. The idea of “Black Power” evolved into a threat. The threat evolved into fear, loathing, resentment, and hate. The idea that millions of African Americans were now speaking out, and fighting back against a system of injustice, and disturbing the peaceful privilege enjoyed by whites and wealthy elite, shattered centuries of comfort. This viral threat of “Black Power” had to be neutralized. This lead to the indiscriminate killing of African American leaders and Civil Rights supporters by vigilante citizens, and police.

Official plan to handle zombies

Please understand that there is an official government plan (CONOP 8888) in place to handle “zombies”. At the end of this article, I will furnish coverage by CNN, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other reputable news sources that discuss the Pentagon’s plan for a Zombie Apocalypse.

The titles of these news articles captivated my attention, because I found it rather interesting that the Pentagon would devise a plan for “zombies”. However, upon reading more of the articles, they weren’t necessarily referring to Hollywood Horror genre type zombies.

They were using the term “zombies” to denote a targeted group that may pose a threat or probable insurrection, and the term zombie was used as to avoid labeling any specific race, faith, political group, faction and any other kind of demographic. This means the term zombie can be applied to: African Americans, Muslims, Undocumented Immigrants, Skinheads, Neo-Nazis, Protests like Occupy, and etc.

The point is, there is a plan in place. This really got me thinking about how Ferguson, Missouri was handled. Ferguson can be analyzed as a case study of crowd control, and mobilization of deadly force against a people that are deemed as an uncontrollable threat. What are your thoughts on this???….

Hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

Here is a Youtube video by one of my favorite rappers: Nas. The song is called: Black Zombies, listen to the words.

http://youtu.be/8zHMmvYrLNo

CNN article:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/16/politics/pentagon-zombie-apocalypse/

Forbes article:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2014/03/18/is-the-cdc-really-preparing-for-a-zombie-apocalypse-not-exactly/

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) article:

http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/

Washington Post Article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/20/whats-wrong-with-the-pentagons-plan-to-thwart-the-zombie-apocalypse/

National & Local Politics, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Gov. Bob McDonnell: Separation of purse and state

September 21, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Gov. Bob McDonnell: Separation of purse and state

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

We are familiar with the phrase, “a separation of church and state”. This phrase is intended to differentiate and demarcate religious ideology from governmental affairs.

However, we still manage to blend and incorporate religion into the political and judicial arena. This is evidenced by the swearing in of the president on a bible, court oaths on a bible for testimonies, the printing of “In God We Trust” on American currency, and the quote of “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” during the Pledge of Allegiance.

So although “a separation of church and state” is espoused, we still manage to operate with a kind of hybrid influence of church within governmental affairs.

Well what about the “separation of purse and state”? Recently, Virginia Republican Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen were found guilty of several charges of political corruption. It’s reported that the prominent political family were the willful recipients of hundreds of thousands of dollars, luxury items, trips, shopping sprees and showered with other posh pleasantries from a wealthy vitamin supplement company owner (Johnnie R Williams, Sr).

The jury found him guilty on 11 of the 14 counts against him. It’s reported that he plans to appeal the convictions, and that he may not receive the fullest extent of his punishment, but he faces well over a decade in prison for his guilty verdicts.

My thoughts

I think this is nothing new or novel. I feel this culture of corruption is rampant and more pervasive than America admits. The problem is the secrecy, power, and influence that prevents more politicians from facing charges. I’ve written several articles about the overreaching of corporate influence into politics. Many people are aware that there are lobbying groups, and that politicians must raise funds for campaigns.

However, where is the fine line drawn, who tracks the integrity of corporate-political activities, and who blows the whistle? A fiduciary obligation is inextricably linked between the American Citizen and elected officials to conduct political affairs with honesty and integrity. Once we permit corporations, wealthy elite, and personal obligations to mitigate legislative policy, we’ve effectively compromised our system of democracy that we champion globally.

There is no place for this kind of misconduct in politics. This happens on a frequent basis, but who can pinpoint it?

When dollars and gifts are furnished with the expectations of favors, toward a group of people, what happens to individuals that lack financial power? The poor and middle class become voiceless because they’re considered penniless compared to the wealthy elite that can purchase legislation and skew regulations in their favor. Bob McDonnell’s convictions highlight the perversion, corruption, and compromise of government by money. There needs to be a separation of purse and state.

Lastly, I think this is an important lesson to a lot of our young black students in college and early stages of their careers that wish to pursue a career in politics. Do not compromise your integrity for the allure of cash, luxury, and prestige. Your dignity and legacy should never be for sale. There is a litany of politicians that have succumbed to greed and lust for luxury. This has affected both African American and White politicians. Work hard, keep your nose clean, and represent your electorate with the best of your abilities. You will succeed, you will go down in the annals of history, and leave a legacy to be marveled.

Governor McDonnell will be sentenced in January 2015, his family has been crippled, and his reputation has been permanently tarnished. This is the perfect cautionary tale of, the separation of purse and state.

hit me on twitter@docswagg06

Audio Visual commentary, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Battered Wife Battered Life a Poem on domestic Abuse

September 21, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Battered Wife Battered Life

Below is a poem on Youtube by Dr. Samori Swygert. This is an anecdotal narrative on domestic abuse that highlights he complexities and intricacies of domestic violence and told in poetic fashion.

This is definitely a topic that needs to be addressed, because this era of American history is fostering a culture of violence and feeding an appetite for abuse via music, movies, reality shows, and increased drug and alcohol use. Take a listen to this poem with undivided attention and travel step by step with the author as he transplants himself into the shoes and household of a battered wife.

What are your thoughts?

You can also read this article at: http://naturallymoi.com/dr-samori-swygert-battered-wife-battered-life-a-poem-to-ponder/

http://youtu.be/Ll7DbLWjeWE

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Dr. Samori Swygert :How Ferguson police called the bluff on “thug rappers”

August 20, 2014 admin 1 Comment

How Ferguson, Missouri called the bluff on thug rappers

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

Where are these rappers?

I was doing as President Barack Obama told me to do, and I was “reflecting” on the situation in Missouri. I started thinking about the countless numbers of rappers that inundate the airwaves, and fill our playlists and entertainment shelves with their CDs.

I started getting angry because I think of all the “wolf-tickets” they sell our youth in their verses. Consistently there is a consistent segment of the rap community that chooses to demonstrate their bravado and machismo by brandishing a plethora of guns on Youtube, World Star Hip Hop, and Music Videos.

This segment of rappers will spend each line of a 48-bar rap song talking about how “gangsta” they are, how they will kill anybody, how they’re a thug, how they’ll leave slugs in you, how they’ll empty a whole banana clip in you. They feel the need to constantly remind us that they have a “gang, click, posse, crew, squad, goons, clan, set, mafia, unit, hood, and army”. Rappers will scream “Fu*k the Police!”, they’ll make all these songs about what they would do to the “PIGS”. They always “REP DA’HOOD!”

Well dammit as T.I. said, “Bring em out”!

It’s convenient, trendy, and a sales strategy to intimidate and invoke fear into competition, but guess what, the Ferguson Police Department has just pulled your card. Where is the tough guy talk now? I’m not talking about posting a “TWEET”. Where are these tons of guns, and battalion of goons that will “body a n*gga”, ……..that looks just like you and going through the same socioeconomic struggle like you?

See it’s easy to talk “greasy” about guys on the block in an interview or in a studio, but what happens when you face a police precinct with military grade weaponry, state of the art body armor, tear gas, tanks, helicopters, night vision, gas masks, riot shields, tactical assault rifles, physically train for combat with paramilitary techniques, and have the permission from local chiefs.

No, you rappers don’t want it. These rappers “ain’t built like that”. Your young black loyal fans and their family are out protesting for their lives and yall won’t dare “STRAP UP AND RIDE ON” the police department. So to me your hood pass has been officially revoked! I’m thinking we would see clicks and gangs crossing state boarders on some N.W.A. influenced effort.

Don’t talk like gorilla killers to impressionable young youth and neighborhood citizens, and you won’t even step up to defend them, participate in their demonstration, and support them in their struggle. However, you’ll make a song about how you’ll kill young black youth. However, these same youth have paid $12.00 for your album download. Maybe your corporate DON has told you guys to not get involved, but for now keep your hypocritical vocals and bars off the airwaves.

To the young black youth that read this, ask yourself “where are these gangster thugs”? Don’t imitate these guys, because Ferguson, Missouri has just exposed how real these rappers are, or if they even care about the customers that look just like them (you). As Jay-Z would say, “we don’t believe you, you need more people”.

hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

HERE IS A POEM I CREATED IN 2007 I DEDICATE IT TO THESE FAKE RAPPERS AND BET (BLACKS. ENTERTAINING.THEMSELVES):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1E3gRjgv0I

There is a sprinkling of profanity but it’s strictly for the purpose of demonstrating what these rappers sound like. Please enjoy.

I also remember when rap sounded like this, and rappers addressed black on black crime:

http://youtu.be/jxyYP_bS_6s

Socio-Cultural Commentary

President Obama’s “calm reflection” pacifies community outcries

August 18, 2014 admin Leave a comment

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

Why does President Obama address the African American community with pacifist verbiage? Okay, I probably just pissed off some of you, and in the same breath, I also validated and endorsed the feelings of other African Americans. We’ll talk about it.

President Obama’s response to the George Zimmerman verdict- “calm reflection”

Below is the White House Press release of President Obama’s official statement on the George Zimmerman verdict in the murder of Trayvon Martin. It’s imperative that you read the link to understand my article.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/14/statement-president

President Obama’s response to the killing of Michael Brown- “reflection”

Below is the White House Press release of President Obama’s official statement on the killing of Michael Brown by a Missouri Police Officer.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/08/12/statement-president-passing-michael-brown

There is a recurrent theme that consistently buoys to the surface of President Obama’s speech when addressing these hard hitting issues. Why are we repeatedly being told to be calm, and just “reflect”? We must remember and commemorate our murdered youth with “reflection”. Excuse me but you don’t get to dictate the manner in which people mourn the tragic, violent, and untimely death of their children.

Maybe it’s simple, easy, and convenient to utter these carefree phrases of pacification because government officials have 24 hour security detail, and travel with an entourage of well-trained, and well-armed combat personnel.

However, what the President should note is that he’s observing the tip of the iceberg from decades of suppression. African American communities are growing intolerant of the police brutality, excessive force, and misconduct by their local police departments.

The Game

Citizens are growing tired of “feel good rhetoric”, because empty promises are made, and there is no true permanent reform. Policies are not revised to the point of any substantial impact, police officers are typically put on paid administrative leave, an investigation takes place, a rally occurs, false ad-hoc black leaders are given 15 seconds of attention and news coverage, the case goes quiet for a few months, the news forgets about it through “convenient amnesia and media ADHD”, and typically the officers are found not guilty.

Justice is denied, and the community retreats back to their respective neighborhood in frustration. Feelings of dissatisfaction and underrepresentation with the system we finance with our tax dollars begin to ensue. Police officers, and other offenders can go back to living a normal life, while our families are forever shattered.

So it’s hard to be told to have “calm reflection”!

Calm and Reflection

Let’s briefly discuss “calm” and “reflection”. Are these police officers “calm” when they engage the victims of these brutal killings? The majority of these cases involve officers engaging individuals that were minding their own business, however the officers provoke the incidents in an “un-calm” fashion.

Did these officers take time to “reflect” on their training in the police academy? Do these officers “reflect” on the actual laws, policies, and legalities in the performance of their duties, or are they just acting off pure emotional vigilante privilege? The behaviors displayed by these officers doesn’t distinguish their behavior from the average street thug. There is a fiduciary obligation for officers to conduct themselves with a higher standard of behavior and decorum.

Expanding on “reflection”, the President needs a mirror to look in and visualize his reflection. Embrace his reflection and understand that there is a different standard of care, appreciation, and acknowledgement of blacks than whites. Let me make my case!

Michael Brown was unarmed and gunned down by authorities. However, let’s look at Cliven Bundy, the Nevada cattle rancher that allows his cattle to graze on federal land without paying. Cliven Bundy said he isn’t paying any money to the government, and teams of heavily armed predominantly white militia came to his rescue, and conducted an armed barrel-to-barrel stand off with authorities. Nobody was shot dead, Cliven Bundy is still on his ranch, and still refusing to pay. When has it been okay to draw AK-47’s and AR-15 assault rifles at federal agents with no recourse?

See Amadou Diallo and Sean Bell were shot over 50 times, because police “THOUGHT THEY HAD A WEAPON”.

What message does that send? It sends a message of privilege and a race based value scale of human life in America. When an unarmed black teen is gunned down because of a verbal spat, yet a white cattle rancher, and a legion of “armed and aimed” white militia are allowed to live and continue unlawful activity, …..that’s a racial double standard. Reflect on that!

Also, let me be crystal clear. In no way am I asking for an armed revolution because that would be futile in effort, and historically speaking, it has always resulted in the damage of our own African American communities and economic enclaves.

I’m saying, cut the small talk and applause ready phrases. Do a complete overhaul of the policing system in America. We can reform Healthcare, then we can reform national police policy. We can reform “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, then we can reform national police policy. We can make executive orders, and push for “Comprehensive Immigration Reform”, then we can reform national police policy. What we are asking is nothing new or groundbreaking.

When tragedy strikes white America, legislation gets discussed, and laws are created in the name of the victim. When Colorado and Newtown occurred, President Obama wasn’t talking about reflection, he started talking gun control legislation. When little white girls go missing, we get AMBER ALERTS. When little white girls get raped and murdered, we get Megan’s Law. Amber alerts and Megan’s law weren’t created during Obama’s term, but Mr. President we need sweeping police legislation executed with the importance and priority of the aforementioned.

Also, I encourage you to review THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE OF 1820. This is the same state that wanted to be admitted into the union as a slave state (meaning it was okay to conduct slavery). So understand that the roots run deep.

http://www.history.com/topics/missouri-compromise

Whether fastfood or protests, there’s always BEEF when we RALLY.

hit me on twitter: @docswagg06

You can also read this article at BlackBluedog.com:

http://blackbluedog.com/2014/08/uncategorized/dr-samori-swygert-president-obamas-calm-reflection-pacifies-community-outcries/

Business & Financial News, Socio-Cultural Commentary

How the rich protect community wealth in, “THE HAMPTONS”

August 2, 2014 admin Leave a comment

How the rich protect community wealth in, “THE HAMPTONS”

by: Dr. Samori Swygert

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was a nationally syndicated TV show that aired from the mid 1980’s to 1995. Many remember the host Robin Leach, he spoke with a distinct accent as he showcased the enormity of opulence, and excess of wealthy individuals.

Nestled deep in the most posh, and private enclaves of high society, rests “The Hamptons of New York State”. This locale is home to some of the wealthiest in New York, and America. The caliber of residents in the Hamptons extend from some of the most ostentatious to the more reserved and humble, but the common denominator is wealth. Jay-Z and Puffy even brag about splurging in the exclusive and decadent luxuries of the Hamptons.

However, there is more to this side of town than mansions, and costly estates. It is important to understand the philosophies, strategies, and practices that the wealthy implement to protect their lifestyle. I read an interesting article in this past Friday’s (8/1/14) New York Times.

The article detailed how the residents of East Hampton defend their economic territory from outside chain or “formula stores”. They defined a formula store as a store that has at least 15 other stores nationwide, and have “the same merchandise and decor”.

The majority of the residents patronize community owned businesses. They have a rapport and an economically intimate relationship with the community’s proprietors. The devotion to the community is goes beyond unspoken trust, and familiarity.

This wealthy community institutes economic policies that guarantees the recycling and filtering of money back into the community.

The strategies

The following strategies were discussed. First, the East Hampton community sets forth town zoning code. This code stipulates that any outside business that wishes to buy/rent to establish operations within the town must first get a permit that encompasses detailed planning. The company must submit to a complete “architectural review” from the town. A public hearing must be conducted for all to judge and evaluate. A traffic study must be conducted to see how conducive the business operations are to traffic flow and city transportation. Lastly, a 2% preservation tax is applied to each and every real estate transaction. According to the article, this has amassed a whopping $250 Million dollar coffer, for a town population of 21,000.

The author of the New York Times article, Joseph Berger, noted how they utilize the $250 million dollar preservation tax. The $250 million dollar preservation coffer is “used to buy woodland, wetlands, farmland, and waterfront property; more than 40% of town land is protected”. In essence, this solidifies and guarantees the sustainability of the town.

Dr. Claud Anderson

Many people are familiar with Dr. Claud Anderson, and he has a growing following each day. This is exactly what he’s been telling African Americans to do since he wrote his first book, Black Labor White Wealth. He’s given step by step application on how to practice and master group economics and community security. He goes further in depth with his follow up book, Powernomics.

This article caught my eye as I read through the detailed strategies of how they manage their community economics. When you permit chain stores, and outsiders into your community without any economic accountability to the community, your money may leave, and never comeback. That is a siphon.

However, when the majority of businesses are operated by the residents, and resolutions are passed to procure a percentage of revenue from outside business, that’s recycling of dollars.

The author also gave an example of a 7-11 convenience store that tried to open in Montauk, a town over. Residents constructed a Facebook page devoted to a strict boycott of the 7-11, and the local Chamber of Commerce even “protested”.

The residents expressed an overwhelming sentiment to preserve the community identity and reflection of the culture.

I will attach the story below so you can read at your leisure and share. This was really insightful and made me wonder, “why does Dr. Claud Anderson get so much push back from some segments of the African American community, when wealthy communities successfully institute the exact same practices to ensure their survival?”

This is how we are to protect the “supposed” $ 1.1 Trillion dollars that we’re purported to spend in the upcoming year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/01/nyregion/a-fight-to-shackle-the-chain-stores-in-east-hampton.html?_r=0

African American Legacy, Socio-Cultural Commentary

2 Reasons why we haven’t advanced socio-politically

August 2, 2014 admin Leave a comment

2 Reasons why we haven’t advanced socio-politically

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

Dr. Boyce Watkins wrote a great article for the website Financial Juneteenth. He discussed 5 reasons why he feels black men haven’t advanced over the last 40 years. I want to add an additional car onto his train of thought.

I’m postulating that 2 big reasons most socio-political movements within the black community fail are due to 1) an addiction to money and consumerism 2) the increasing focus on individualism versus community oriented efforts.

Why do I feel these 2 reasons are responsible for incomplete socio-political achievements in the black community? I’ve taken time to survey the numerous movements, marches, boycotts, vigils, prayer breakfasts, and protests. The duration of action, or the staying power of our efforts are typically ineffective because a substantial portion of us are not willing to sacrifice, endure discomfort, and be inconvenienced for a protracted period of time.

Addiction to money and consumerism

The addiction to consumerism and patronage debilitates any and all efforts when trying to accomplish goals. The Montgomery Busboycott was only successful because the African American demographic in that area refused to ride the buses for several months. This resulted in the crippling and dismantling of the transportation authority in Montgomery, Alabama. Our ancestors were committed to the cause in lock-step fashion. Were they inconvenienced? Did they have to make due through bad weather? The answer is yes to all of the above questions. However, their temporary sacrifice led to a permanent change in the bussing policy.

We must be completely committed and dedicated to boycotts and divestment of funds in institutions, facilities, and stores that either exploit, disrespect, or permit the subjugation of our people. This is exactly what the Anti-Defamation League does, the same thing the LGBT community does, and etc. Sure a store or brand may sell your favorite shoes, handbag, suit, sneakers, jewelry, cuisine, liquor, and etc. However, is that material item worth your human dignity?

Are we willing to financially empower the very people that seek to keep us subservient and noncompetitive? Can we tame our appetite of consumption? Fashion designers will spew an assortment of disrespectful intolerable comments about blacks, but some of us will still patronize their goods as if they weren’t talking about us, just to look fly.

We can’t give any credence to black entertainers, “purchased politicians”, or media-types. They have slick explanations why they won’t support boycotts and divestments. Many of them are defectors because they have endorsement deals or contractual obligations with these companies. Thus they will never offend the companies responsible because their money is at risk. Their loyalty is to the hegemony, not their heritage. Companies will create various incentives and bait to lure you away from your agenda. The moment we acquiesce and succumb to the allure, we demonstrate that our humanity is for sale.

This was illustrated with the California NAACP leader with Donald Sterling. He wasn’t able to forgo his addiction to cash. Also, we can have an excellent movement and all it takes is some dumb bought and paid rapper to go against the grain that co-opts the mind of impressionable youth that will side with him, but his only intention was to get paid by his corporate DON.

Individuality versus Community

Our attempts are also sabotaged by self-inflicted wounds of individuality. Our ego, narcissism, and selfishness prevents us from achieving in formidable success. Many of us take 100 mg of “Vitamin I” every morning, everything has to revolve around “I”.

This compromises and undermines any potential movement or progress as a group. Smart individuals understand that politics is a game of numbers. Show me your vote count from City Mayor to the President of the United States. I’ve seen us self-destruct and politically implode because of temporary short-sighted issues. We focus on the small issue which divides and derails us from achieving the main goal. When we lack solidarity and cohesiveness, we weaken the urgency and seriousness of our message.

Parents may disagree but they must show a unified front on house rules to the children. The parents then mitigate and resolve the other issues in isolated private time.

The LGBT and Latino community are highly successful to their goals because they’re unified, uncompromising, and relentless to their commitment to task. A dedicated and unified front forces their issues and agenda to the forefront of a nation’s itinerary.

This focus on self will weaken our collective voice politically, and economically. The focus on self dissolves our community and makes us susceptible to predatory and oppressive entities that seek to dominate us. Many socio-politico factions champion our regression to the “good ole days”, which weren’t good for us at all.

In closing, I feel we need to identify the major things we can agree on that will propel us forward by economic first, and secondly by politics. We are in a very fragile state of existence. Gentrification is happening all over the country, civil rights achievements are being reversed regularly, the prison industrial complex is booming, black unemployment is still at a critical level, college costs are rising, and global competition is at critical mass. We must put aside our ego, help our brethren, be receptive to help, appreciate help, be ready to sacrifice pleasure for an extended period of time, and MOVE!