Hi Family,

My name is Mel Gibson, “F_ _ k  everybody!” Is this what the world is coming to? Tell me now! I’ll turn in my goodie-too-shoe pin. The nerve of Mel! That man is walking around the universe like he’s been bite by a rabid raccoon. I know you didn’t call me nigga Mel! If your gonna call me nigga Mel make sure it’s “Mr Nigga” okay. I’m not about to get upset because you called me Nigga. How can I get upset when enough of my own brothers are calling me Nigga. No I’m not trying to defend your irrational behavior Mel. No I’m not down with Whoopie either. I’m just saying you need to calm down a bit. You’re scaring a lot of the little children right now. If this is your way of letting Hollywood know that you want the lead role in the re-make of the “Shining” your doing a good job Mel. Thank God you still have some friends. I’m not at all surprised that Whoopie would step up to the plate to defend you. ” Oh no Mel is not a racist, it’s the alcohol”. Sit down Whoopie please! From all my experiences I’ve always known the alcohol to bring out the truth in people. It’s like a badge of courage. We start saying things we don’t normally say and expressing feelings that we don’t normally express.

I think in Mels case he’s suffering from a combination of things not just the alcohol. The money, the fame and the power can be such a destructive combination when it’s not balanced with any sense of spirituality. It’s kind of easy to get cocky waking up to a 40 million dollar house every night. Mix that with some alcohol and drugs and you have a Mel Gibson. Yes Mel has said some repulsive things that are offensive to people of all races and religions. I think the most damaging thing Mel has done up to this point is show that he has very little respect for women. This could have a very damaging affect on his career especially among his female following. It is also apparent that this women obviously rocked Mels world and he is very upset that he can’t have his sexual way anymore. In any event, I am never happy to see someones personal life played out in the media. So Mel if you ever need a Mr. Nigga to talk to I’m here,”Use Me”.

” Use Me ” a classic by Bill Withers. Who will the Cleveland Cavaliers use for this upcoming season? All the speculation is finally over. After seven seasons in his hometown of Ohio Lebron James decided to leapfrog to the Miami Heat. This entire situation has been the subject of much heated debate and will continue to be for a very long time. When looking at the King James picture, there is so much for all of us to learn. One of the most important aspects we need to look at is this word ” loyalty “. In this capitalistic society that we have created does it even exist anymore? There was so much talk going around about Lebrons loyalty. Well right now we have over 3 million people unemployed so lets go to their employers and find out why they’re out of work. Does it look like their loyalty to the job got them anywhere? Do you think the employers are loyal to all the hard work and hours people put in to support their families on a daily basis ? Do you think BP will be loyal to all the merchants that got screwed with this oil leak? Oil still seeping from the cap after 90 days. Has the city council in Albany been loyal to the people of New York State? Still walking around the chamber smelling each others butt without a budget. Over in Newark they may not even have toilet paper to wipe their butts if Cory Booker has his way. Cutting back on the purchase of toilet paper to balance the budget. My personal belief is that loyalty does exist today but it is an extreme rarity. If you feel that it exist in your life you are a blessed individual. Lets not get it twisted here, this had nothing to do with loyalty. This was about money and winning and nothing else.

May his soul rest in peace but who personified this mentality and philosophy more than George Steinbrenner. It was his philosophy that lead to some of the highest salaries we see in sports today.  When Lebron was drafted out of high school it wasn’t because Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers had a certain level of loyalty. It was because they wanted to make some money and win a title. They didn’t win a title but the addition of Lebron was a vast improvement. The addition of Lebron generated 150 million dollars a year for the Cavaliers. Lets times that by seven years. What is that? Close to a billion dollars? You have the nerve to write a slave master letter detesting a grown mans decision. All over the loss of some money. What Dan Gilbert wrote was totally reprehensible and a total embarrassment. Instead of showing your total arrogance Cleveland should be grateful for what Lebron did in seven seasons. The franchise was nowhere without him. Lets all respect his decision. Lebron is only 25 years old but he’s a precocious 25. The owners shouldn’t be upset because some of these young players have studied the game and done there homework. It’s called a power move. They sat down and came up with a better plan than the owners. Of course there will be a response from the owners because the free agency contract is up this year. I’m sure they will do whatever is necessary to put a stop to something like this happening again. In the meantime the N.B.A will have to live with a new super team. Yes Lebron, Wade and Bosch will all be singing that Bill Withers classic ” Use Me “. for the Miami Heat.

“Use Me” that’s something every living human being should be saying when they wake up in the morning. As I visit a steady flow of wakes and funerals I’ve learned to appreciate being used. I’ve come to realize that no one can be used in a casket. No one can fully be used in jail either. Just ask Lindsey Lohan. For a long time now many of us thought it would be Brittany Spears going through all of this. I guest she showed us all a thing or two. Back on track and looking great. To the contrary Lindsey has just stayed on that same collision course. Unable to get off of that destructive path that the Hollywood brat pack just loves to walk on. Here she is just crying her eyes out. The adults just talk, talk and talk until they’re blue in the face. Somehow the young people just stay on that inevitable path to learn the hard way. The Obama administration just learned the hard way. Firing a good woman Shirley Sherrod. All of us should pay attention to this because the bloggers and the media have set a precedent. They have put themselves in a position where they can sway the minds of the mainstream without presenting all the true facts. That is a powerful and dangerous weapon. As hard as it is to find a job here’s somebody fired based on the trickery of bloggers and the media. The Obama administration jumping to conclusions for the sake of being politically correct. Now they want to offer her job back. I don’t blame Shirley for saying I’ll think about it before I let you “Use Me”.

Hi Family,

I Hope everyone is managing to stay cool. Most of the weather was hot across the country  this week, a true testament that summer is here. It didn’t help that I was in Queens and watched in horror as a young lady walked down the street wearing those Australian boots. Let’s get real ladies don’t you think it’s time to take those damned things off your feet. If James Brown was still alive I’m sure he would say ” Please, Please, Please”. Honey it’s 90 degrees, don’t you think it’s time to put on some sandals. What made it worst was that the boots were pink and homegirl was walking up the block like she was hotter than Pam Grier. Give Poppa a break. It’s a shame that sometimes we’re just ” Stuck”, like a mouse on a glue trap. Unable to take our game to another level. Okay so the boots were the fashion statement for the winter but don’t you think it’s time to let your feet breath a little.

I noticed the same problem with a longtime friend of mine. James Brown said,”Pappas Got a Brand New Bag”. Well he’s been in the same bag for the last 25 years. ” Stuck” like a mouse on a glue trap. I called him on my cell to let him know that I was coming up the block. I pull up along the side of the house. Here he is in the car with four other people. The first thing I noticed was the thick cloud of smoke escaping from the car . The smoke was thick and heavy and smelled like burning chemicals. I surmised that it definitely couldn’t be weed because not even ” Cush” or “Hydro” smells like that. He emerges from the car looking like he just got off the shuttle from outta space. His eyes bulging looking like a big eyed goldfish. Then he says: ” What’s up ?”. He could barely get the words out of his mouth. What do you mean “What’s up”? My brother you are “Stuck” on the road to nowhere, that’s what’s up”. Then he wants to know, when are we going to hang out ? Hang out for what. I can’t hang out with you my brother. You’re definitely not ready to hang out with me. I’m trying to win this race. You’re “Stuck” on the road to nowhere like a mouse on a glue trap.

The entire New York City was “Stuck” this past week celebrating the one year anniversary of the death of Micheal Jackson. As I was driving through Brooklyn the immense popularity and influence of Micheal was evident. As I pulled up to a red light the car on my left was playing Micheal. The car on my right was playing Micheal, and I was playing Micheal. Three different stations all playing Micheal Jackson. Is there any surprise that since his death Micheal has grossed 756 million dollars just in the United States alone. That doesn’t include overseas sales. Just last year 8.3 million in records sales. Easily out selling most of the current artist of today. Is there any wonder why he is called the “King of Pop”. At this point let’s face it, even that’s an understatement.

Despite all his accolades, in America even the “King of Pop” couldn’t live without controversy. Even in death his legacy continues to fan the flames of turmoil. Joe and Kathrine not at peace but at war and rightly so. They both understand Micheal is just an eternal money making machine. The very two people that brought Micheal into this world now giving us all a lesson in divisiveness. Regardless of how close or far their spirits are at the moment I would hope they don’t make the same mistake as the Elvis Presley clan. Giving up 85% of the Elvis legacy for 100 million dollars. I’m sure 100 million dollars seemed like a whole lotta money back then, but Elvis is grossing 50 million a year. Subtract expenses to maintain his estate and the 100 million was covered in a few years. So there are some keen business people in this world and I would hope that the Jackson family would control and maintain as much as his legacy as possible.

For the sake of Micheal let’s just be honest with ourselves right now.We must all concede that in death, Micheal is paying a lot of bills for a lot of people right now.I know this week was hailed as a celebration for the one year anniversary of his death but the truth is this was an unsurpassed tragedy. To this day it’s still an unsolved mystery. As we approach the beginning of Dr. Conrads trial we still don’t have a definitive answer just like we don’t have a definitive answer with Gary. A huge black hole, everything still a mystery. All the celebration in the world can’t undermine the truth that Micheal should still be living. Here we are on earth “Stuck” like a mouse on a glue trap still wondering what,when and how? Another point of interest is that New York just felt an earthquake for the first time in years. I find it very ironic that this was the same week of his one year anniversary. Bridgeport Connecticut was hit by a tornado and floods have ravaged Brazil and China. Too many tornados across the mid-west to even name. Does it sound like Micheal was celebrating? I’ve been making this point for a long time now. Do I sound like a fanatic or a crazed  man ? What else could explain the sudden change in the way the earths weather has been behaving. While we’re all celebrating Micheal is “Stuck” on trying to take a few of our asses out of here.

As we proceed into summer the State Legislator has been “Stuck” operating without a budget. Everyone in the senate playing a game of sabotage at the expense of the taxpayers. Thirty years of Republican control that has sucked all the resources dry. What is there to argue about now, something has to be cut. I would hope that the people of New York are not that stupid to believe that raising a pack of cigarettes to eleven dollars a pack will solve the problem. More people will just quit or go back to rolling there own cigarettes like in the old days. Many of the poor people will be at the mercy of the Arab stores in the ghetto. Buying a loosie for a dollar per cigarette. The best solution now is to quit and go to the gym. At those prices there’s no reason to stay “Stuck” like a mouse on a glue trap. Let’s not forget to factor in that 1.3 million people will be losing there unemployment benefits. Transit has an even bigger deficit than projected so expect fares to go up and service to go down. Thirty seven routes already eliminated or consolidated. The picture is no different in Washington as the Republicans repel all efforts to reform Wall st. and immigration reform. Yes there are many people still “Stuck” on trying to make a fool of Obama. It’s important for everyone that helped put that man in office to stay “Stuck” on making sure we prove those haters wrong.

To everyone that has supported this blog I am grateful. There have been a few inquiries on writing for other blogs and publications please leave a contact number or a valid e-mail. Some of the e-mails that are sent along with the comments are kicking back. Our regular e-mail is poppastep@verizon.net and contact number is 347-207-5440. Expect some new music soon and shout-outs to our Jango music family. Please visit jango.com/music/poppastep to view our growing music family. Love all of you……Poppas Out.

Hi Family,

I’m sure most of you have heard the news. Al and Tipper Gore are calling it quits after a 40 year marriage. Now I know some of you are saying, “Who gives a damned, I don’t even have a job”. Well I could understand that sentiment to a certain degree considering the way things are going in this U.S. economy and globally around the world. What I can’t understand sometimes is what even makes a story like this news worthy. Or in my case blog worthy. People break up all the time in relationships. So what makes the case of Al and Tipper so special ? For one, 40 years is a long time to be smelling someone else’s morning breath. Secondly, Al and Tipper Gore not only epitomize the American dream but represent the picture of what we all hope and live for, a solid family foundation.

Most of what we enjoy in the world today is the result of having a solid family structure. If we take a look back in history, family was the only thing that kept people going. What could be better after working long hours for barely a decent wage then sitting at the table with the family. Families were able to see the value in each other, but my God how things have changed. You’re lucky today if you can even get the family together at one table to have a meal. Everybody is so busy trying to play important with their blackberries. What about the language we hear coming out the mouths of some of the couples today. They’re in the supermarket, the movies, out in the street talking to each other with no respect at all. Most couples can’t even last a year without punching each other in the face or some other form of major drama. So what the hell happen? Have the men and women of today lost all respect for each other?

I would like to blame Oprah for all of this but I wouldn’t dare do that, not with her money. So what happen? Is this the result of the women making more money than the men ? Is this the reason why there is so much conflict in todays relationships? Or excuse me, “Relation-sinking-Ships”. Oh what is that? That’s what Al and Tipper just had. Forty f_ _ kin years down the drain. Oh, the dinner parties, the kids birthdays, sex all over the house. All that energy wasted. Nothing to show for it because they didn’t complete the vow that they originally took in the name of God. God is really upset right now. He saying what’s up with you Al? I almost made you the President of the United States, but I forgot I created George Bush too. What’s up with you Tipper? What, this man wasn’t good enough? I put him on the board of Apple and Goggle. You don’t have to worry about the money he has alot more than Poppastep. Why are we failing in our relationships? Why are most of us in a “Relation-sinking-Ship”.

Well I think in most cases the relationships are doomed from the very start. I can use my own life experience as a perfect example. Fourteen years of marriage right down the drain. In all honesty, I can’t say that my ex-wife wasn’t a good women. She definitely did alot of good and helped mold me into the man I am today. Yes we had plenty of wonderful times together and she gave birth to my oldest daughter whom I am very proud of. Unfortunately I was never in a relationship. I was in a “Relation-sinking-Ship”. I received a wake-up signal early on but was too mesmerized by my ex-wife’s chest and butt to see it. I’ll never forget the day my sisters woke me up from bed. This was before I actually got married. They said,” Don’t get upset but come outside”. I get out of bed and go outside and see yellow paint on my car and sugar in my tank. Please ladies don’t read this and get any bright ideas, some of you are really grinning right now. I won’t tell you what I did but the point is that this is a woman I shouldn’t have married. The physical attraction super-ceded everything else. This is a problem most men have until they mature, being so overly attracted to the physical. Lets face it women have that problem too. Don’t let that man have some chest and arms and a big d_ _ k, what! Women will forget everything they learned in the church service. Yes that physical attraction can most often be the prelude to our “Relation-sinking-Ship”.

I’m sure most of us can remember the lyrics to that soul classic from the “Stylistics”. “Break up to Make Up, that’s all we do”. “First you love me than you hate me that’s a game for fools”. Why is a lyric that is over 30 years old so relevant today? Is it our approach from the very beginning? Oh he looks good, has a house, good job and a nice car. Did he tell you that he has three other women on the side. Did he tell you that after a few drinks he’s ready to slap you upset your head. Did he tell you that he was in bed with a few men before he met you. Did she tell you that shes been in bed with half the neighborhood now she’s ready to settle down and marry you. Could the problem be we’re just not asking enough questions? Where is the communication? The very foundation of any relationship. Well I would like to ask my readers,what do you have? Did your birthday just pass and you didn’t even get a card. Have you been together 20 years and never had breakfast in bed. Is he or she hanging out all night at the club coming home drunk? Was you able to find the cell phone that’s being hidden in the trunk of the car (sorry guys)? Maybe it’s time to do a check list. You could be suffering from the illusion of a relationship but really be in a “Relation-sinking-Ship.

Hi Family,

Hope all is well with my blog family around the world. I was just here wondering how in the world am I going to get my bowl of Louisiana shrimp gumbo now that the entire Gulf of Mexico is turning black. If I could only convince the Republicans and “The Lipton Tea Party” to take a dip it would serve them right. They would really know what it feels like to be black. The only thing they would need is a good stocking-cap and a wave brush. There would be no need for Nu-Nile grease because there would be enough oily gunk to help slick down that hair. I would love to see the look on their faces as each one made their way to the oily beach for an informal barbecue with Clarence Thomas. When will some of these politicians and right wing radicals come to their senses. The only thing destroying America right now is their mentality. Years and years of political gridlock in Washington and Albany that has done nothing but make us all suffer. Now we have a natural disaster that will exceed the magnitude of the Exxon Valdez in Alaska. Half a million to a million gallons of oil pouring into the Louisiana waters per day. As of now 39 million gallons total. Nothing could infuriate me more than the dumbfounded look on the faces of all the executives while they try to explain. It’s quite clear that they don’t have a clue on how to stop this leak.

The look of despair and desperation on the faces of all the people whose livelihood is being affected is even worse. This will undoubtedly turn out to be one of the biggest screw ups in American history. As the oil ascends from the bottom of the ocean floor to the top in four hours we may never know the full ramifications of this disaster until years to come. It seems like Louisiana just can’t get a break. Not even with a Superbowl win or the “Essence” music festival. What was ” The Big Mistake “? Corporate greed of course. To put a pipe in the ocean floor and suck up every drop of oil without ever thinking to put a safety mechanism in place should something go wrong. Every BP executive and every engineer that helped design and build that platform should be fired. Billions of dollars a month in profit and only one machine in existence that may have a chance to stop this leak. Now they feverishly attempt to use a solution that has only been used above ground. How stupid and greedy can human beings get. The beautiful ocean that God gave us to enjoy now being ruined by man. Taking everything for granted that God has given us that’s ” The Big Mistake “. To blame Obama for this is an even bigger mistake.

Speaking of mistakes ,we just had a recall of the “Miley Cyrus” jewelry from Walmart. The jewelry was deemed unsafe because of toxic materials. Well what is “The Big Mistake”in this debacle. Made in China, that’s the bottom line. As I write this blog let me randomly look at five items and tell you what country they’re produced in. A pair of “Nike’s” in Vietnam. Yamaha keyboard made in “Japan”. Television in “Mexico”. VCR made in “China”. Microwave in “Korea”. So lets get real with ourselves for a minute . Either we’re plain crazy or we just don’t want to work because all the American jobs are overseas. Since when did we think that giving a job to someone else would create a healthy economy for us. Every unemployed person in America should be scratching their head right now even if you have a little dandruff. Just think of all the tax breaks these corporations have been getting year after year as they produce these products from the work of slave labor. Entire cities throughout the United States can not produce enough jobs for the people that inhabit them. The only incentive we’re giving young people today is to go buy a pound of weed and cut up an eight ball from Washington Heights. Don’t you think it’s time for America to get back to those old-school principles that made it such a great nation. I think some of the problem is that we have gotten plain lazy. Do we really want to do anything besides collect a check?

Speaking of a check, Lawrence Taylor just signed a check his ass couldn’t cash. Oh, what Lawrence am I talking about? Big,Bad Lawrence. The one with all those sacks.Linebacker for the New York Giants. If I ever saw a big black man look like a puppy dog it was the look on Lawrence’s face while in the courtroom. It was a look, oh so familiar. I’ve seen it on the faces of black men many times before. Not even the media was aware of what that look on Lawrence’s face meant. ” When I get home that black woman gonna kick my ASS “. That is just a reality that no black man wants to come home to. No black man wants to come home and get hit upside the head with one of those black heavy iron frying pans.You know the frying pan I’m talking about. The one that has to be treated so the food doesn’t stick. Those pans are heavy and they will bust a hole right in your head. In the case of Lawrence I think he got really lucky. He is in the hands of a good black women. Although I have never met this women I did hear some of her comments regarding her husbands issue. I was proud to hear that woman tell the media,”I’m gonna protect what’s mine”. I was relieved to know that there are real black women still around. We have become disillusioned with the image being portrayed from these reality shows. There are some really good women out here and the men have got to step up to the plate and do a better job than this.

Okay so Lawrence didn’t commit the rape. What the hell we’re you doing in a hotel room with a sixteen your old girl, my brother ? We as black men have got to put ourselves in better situations than that. There are a million other things a man of L.T.’s stature could be doing other than being in a hotel room with a 16 year old girl. The one thing that strikes me with the L.T. case is the hotel room. I start to see a pattern of the black athlete being set up in the hotel room. One of the most infamous being the second O.J. case. So what is “The Big Mistake”. Not learning something from the mistakes of others. God puts it out there for us to see in black and white everyday. Somehow we go about our way everyday and never pay attention to the picture God is presenting. Everything else is more important. Somebody like Lawrence Taylor should be out in the community trying to help these young men stay right. What is ” The Big Mistake”. Thinking with the wrong head. Yes men, we have got to stop thinking with the wrong head.

As we approach what I believe will be one of the most violent summers in cities across the country, what is really ” The Big Mistake”. Quite frankly I believe it is the failure to concede that all the races will need to ban together to help us get out of this mess. I’ve been listening to our next New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with his clean up Albany rhetoric. Haven’t we heard this all before. Even the once untouchable Andrew Stein is being accused of being a part of a ponzi scheme. This misuse of public trust has been going on for years and will continue. Lets not be fooled into thinking that we’re going to wake up to a completely righteous world. Yes there are plenty of people here doing the “Electric Slide” straight to hell. Unfortunately many of those same people wind up in a position of power. It is causing unrest all over the world. In Bangkok, Greece, now Kingston Jamaica. Violence is becoming a way of life. Just in my town a shooting over a cigarette. The collapse of the famous “Cromwell Center”. The biggest recreation center on the north shore of Staten Island. The lack of money is wrecking havoc on our infrastructure.  The shooting in Detroit of a 7 year old girl by police. A set of 13 year old twins just jailed for killing there mother. Now I hear child star Gary Coleman is in critical with a head injury. Details are sketchy but it sounds to me like it was a little more than a slip and fall. So lets all ban together because the worse is yet to come. Lets not make “The Big Mistake”. To forget that life can be so good and full of joy……Stay Alert……….Poppas Out

Hi Family,

I know it’s been a minute guys but please don’t start a rumor saying I’ve been hanging in the hotel room with Whitney. That would definitely be a bit cruel. That would be a lot worse than how we’ve been treating New York’ Governor Patterson don’t you think .We talked about the precarious state of Whitney’s voice how many blogs ago guys. Is this a true testament to the fact that a lot of what we write on this blog has a certain level of validity? Didn’t we write about the wrath of “Micheal” ? Has any of us ever witnessed this level of back to back earthly devastation in modern times. As we try to find a way to survive in this complex world the “King of Pop” is at rest in peace. Does anyone find it peculiar that “Micheal” is making more money in death then in life ? A 250 million dollar mega record deal and now the subject of his own circus to be split 50/50 with his estate. Is it fair to say that some people wanted this man dead so they could get paid. I think that says a lot about the moral character in today’s society. Is it actually better to be dead  then alive in today’s world? Sometimes I really wonder.

As we all wake up with the uncertainty of a tornado, earthquake, stable economy, terrorist attack and trustworthy politicians, there is still a purpose for all of us. No matter what race, creed, color, country, city or continent, we all have the same thing in common. Each day we have to make ” Choices”. Those “Choices” will ultimately determine whether we succeed or fail. Unfortunately some of us are not making the best ”Choices”. Whitney didn’t make the best ” Choice” by taking her god-given voice and putting it through years of abuse. Micheal didn’t make the best ” Choice” by choosing to put that syringe in his arm. It shouldn’t  be too hard to find the stroller parade. The incessant spins of ” You’ll think I Invented Sex” finally becoming a reality for so many young women. Or maybe it’s the high from a few hits of that “Maxwell” crack. A high so powerful it will definitely make a sister open up her legs. So many of our young women making the wrong “Choice” of having sex too early. As we approach another long hot summer cities across the country will be filled with people making bad “Choices”. With that being the reality I still wake up with a certain level of confidence that  some good “Choices” will be made to help us endure the tough times ahead.

When we voted Obama into office the American people made a good “Choice”. In spite of the critics and people that just can’t accept a black man as President, doesn’t it feel good to wake up and have an educated, intelligent man in the White House . We put so much emphasis on education in this country. Well now we have two people in the White house that are well educated. What more could the American public really ask for. In light of this recent immigration issue taking place in Arizona Obama had enough foresight to appoint a minority to the Supreme Court. That has got to give the immigrant community a certain level of solace.This is a man that understands the principles of chess. To always look a few moves ahead. He made an excellent “Choice” because he understood and cared enough about the demographic of the country. How much longer can we continue to be swayed by the ideology of a hand full of people that want to promote white power. The last I knew we we’re all busting our butts to keep this country together. We can not continue to let the High and Mighties use us like there prostitutes. The nerve of the “Lipton Tea Party” and right wing radicals to spew there racist venom. I couldn’t believe that I turned on my T.V. and saw a scene from 1960 during the health-care debate. The only thing missing were the dogs and the hoses.

Just recently I was in the supermarket and an elderly white lady needed help reaching an item because she was too short. I didn’t look at her and say,” I’m not helping you because your son could be a Republican”. I helped her get the item like any good person should. It didn’t matter what color she was. She was an elderly person that needed some help. It’s one of the hardest things about being a black man in America. We have to forget about all the injustice and still help out. This is what the Republicans and the Lipton Tea Party assholes need to understand. This selfish ignorant mentality is largely responsible for the reason why most of us can’t get on The 1 train or go to 42nd st. and feel safe. It has created such a negative sentiment around the world against innocent Americans. Many people are still dissatisfied with the election of Obama and they simply need to get over it. Every person in America of goodwill should stand firm with conviction to repudiate this overt racist mentality that has resurfaced since Obama took office. No one should have to wake up in 2010 and feel like they’re living in 1960. We have become a country that is chasing its own tail. A country filled with people that have thought about nothing but there own selfish gain. As Americans we have some serious “Choices” to make. We have to decide whether or not we’re going to stay on this course of self sabotage.

The young people of New Jersey just made a good “Choice”to stand up for there education. A huge walkout and protest down at the City Hall. Can we blame the young people for feeling outraged because their future is being short-changed. What are we supposed to do with the next generation of leaders that can’t even write a decent paragraph ? Well that was a dumb question just put them with today’s leaders, but you know the point I’m trying to make. Something had to give and it finally did. We finally drove ourselves to the brink. In June we will wake up to a city that is totally broke. All of us now the victim of unscrupulous politicians that have done nothing but borrow, borrow, borrow. Fifty billion dollars just in paying back debt alone. The city being too heavily dependant on the 22% income of the very people that put us in this mess, the crooks on Wall st. They knew the city needed the revenue from the bonuses this year so what did the geniuses do? They gave out stocks instead of cash which can’t be taxed. That created an even bigger shortfall for New York City.

The city just had a major hospital St. Vincents closed down. Now the M.T.A. is poised to layoff 800 bus and subway workers. Gas is already over 3.00$ a gallon if you can even drive down the street because of the potholes. So we all have some “Choices” to make. Can we seriously look in the mirror and blame the immigrants for all of this ? When in fact all of us are immigrants to a certain degree. Can we blame our black President for this mess? Who by the way has just been doing an outstanding job considering what he inherited. Can we blame our black Governor Patterson for doing the best he can with the curse of Spitzer. Did anyone really expect him to succeed after such a powerful man went down the tubes. I know I didn’t. When we wake up in the morning every living person should take one hard look in the mirror. Stop pointing your finger at the next person or group. We all have some “Choices” to make. From this point on lets try to make some good “Choices” for a change our children are depending on us.

Let me quickly thank my family in Amsterdam, especially the young lady on the night shift that sent in a comment recently. I have been in the studio finishing material but it was your comment that gave me a push to get back on this blog. Amsterdam and Australia have been very supportive and I am thankful. Even Poppa needs a push sometimes. Please visit www.jango.com/music/poppastep to view our music family around the world. Love all of you guys, stay strong…………Poppa

Hi Family,

What a Superbowl game ! Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints on a game well executed. Both teams played really well and all the players involved should be proud because statistically history was made on several occasions.

It felt really good to sit back and watch an entertaining game. I even made myself a Superbowl dinner that consisted of baked salmon, baked barbeque wings, candy yams, mac n cheese, collard greens, and rice. Okay guys you can

all stop salivating at the mouth because everyone is invited to my place next year when the New York Jets play in Superbowl XLV. No, I’m not crazy that could really be a reality. Please don’t sleep on the New York Jets. They definitely

showed some ” Jimmy Castor ” potential. As we all cool down from Superbowl fever it’s time to face the reality that we have a hard road ahead. Not only are we facing huge deficits in New York and cites around the country but we continue

to rely on “Chuck the Groundhog” to predict the weather. Why are we relying on a rodent to predict the weather when you could just ask Poppa. Just drop me off in the middle of the turnpike with my bald head and I’ll tell you if we’re

having six more weeks of winter. Or maybe we can just ask one of the “Statue of Liberties” walking around the city. Why in the world do we continue to exploit our children like this around tax time. Can’t we figure out something

better to do than have them dress up like the “Statue of Liberty” in the middle of the winter. I just came from Brooklyn and seen the “Statue of Liberty” dancing like Micheal Jackson. This is the reason why half the city is drunk and high

all the damned time. I need to see the “Statue of Liberty” when I’m on the ferryboat. Not when I’m stopped at a red light. This city is enough to drive a sane person bananas !

To make matters worst I recently received a knock at my door. I opened the door and it’s one of my neighbors pacing from left to right, left to right. I asked her what was wrong and she says:” I just ran

out of tampons can I borrow eight dollars”. Now wait a minute, did anybody hear President Obama mention Poppa Step as being part of the tampon bailout program. I need all the legislators in the city, pastors and politicians to please

take note. When women start knocking on your door asking for tampon money we are in a crisis. The first thing I did was look down to see if anything was dripping in front of my door. I wasn’t about to clean up no mess. She had the

nerve to have on some loose pajamas. At least if you have on some skinny jeans it will come down a lot slower. What really pissed me off was that I gave her twenty dollars and said bring back my change. Sister girl handed me ten dollars.

She had a lot of nerve to take two extra dollars and not even offer me a two dollar lap dance. Doesn’t everyone realize that nothing in these times is free. Not even a tampon loan.

As we wake up in the city and live out “Billy Preston’s” “We’ll Go Round in Circles ” lets not underestimate the ramifications. Just a few months ago the legislators made it very clear that they could care less if the

city fell apart. The Transit Authority suddenly discovered a bigger deficit than the one originally anticipated. There was even talk of rescinding the student metro card. Lets not even think about the chaos that would have created around the

city. On one hand we’re telling our kids to get an education, on the other helping them stay less educated.  How much longer can we continue to live off the principal of “Lets Rob Peter to Pay Paul” . There was even talk of putting a tax on

sugary beverages. What’s next a piss tax ! We wake up get a paycheck, pay the mortgage (in some cases),  throw on the latest gear, make sure the car is running, have a little sex (can’t forget that ), eat a meal and damned we’re on top of

the world ! Well hello world we’re busting at the seams !

We just had 19 schools close in the city. Of course this will save the city some money but the bottom line is some of those teachers will not be rehired. Instead of laying off some of those teachers shouldn’t they be

laying off this idiot that was running his version of the UFC in the classroom last week. This is an agency that has been plagued with favoritism and nepotism for years. That’s not the only problem.  I was in complete shock when I went

into the teachers bathroom and seen all the s_ _ t in the toilets. What kind of education do you think you’re getting if you’re being taught by someone that doesn’t even flush the toilet. Don’t let me forget those fat corrupt bums over in the

School Safety Office. I really enjoyed walking straight in the school last summer while security nodded out at the desk. I’m looking forward to the day when all the parents rise up and say, ” We’ve had enough of this crap” !

As if the cities public relations image could get any worse. Another drunken brawl with the firefighters over in Brooklyn. The most infamous firefighter brawl happen a while back in my town Staten Island.

This is what happens when one group gets a hand-out over the others. They don’t even have any respect for the job. I am appalled by how many firefighters I even see smoking. Shouldn’t one of the requirements be to be a non-smoker. I

may have to carry him in an emergency. I wish some of my brothers knew what it felt like to train for months pay your hard earned money and get cheated right at the door. The city just reached a settlement for knowingly discriminating

against minorities. How can that make up for all the careers that never got a fair chance. To my firefighter brothers next time you’re at the bar drinking with a $87,000 3/4 pension think about us. The brothers that never got a fair chance.

In closing I would just like to thank everyone that has supported this blog. I would also like to thank Jango Radio for giving my single “In This Together” a chance to be heard in various parts of the world.

I am very humbled by the fan sign-ups that I have received in just six weeks. A few students around the world are using the blog in their studies. Glad I can help. Thanks to Tehretta at “TiBi” for inviting me to fashion week at Bryant Park

last night. Truly an amazing experience (see myspace.com/poppastep for pics and video). I need to share something personal with you guys. Last month a very close friend D.J. Dennis and protege of legendary D.J. Tony Humphries was

the victim of a push in robbery. Many New York partygoers will remember him as the house D.J. at club “Ones” on Hudson street in Manhattan. He suffered a broken jaw,8 stitches to the head, 5 stitches to the back of the ear and  had his

car stolen.Thankfully the perpetrators have been caught. Last week another friend an employee for Verizon 20 years and known as the king of the dance called the “Hustle” was brutally murdered. He came home and discovered his

landlords son breaking into the apartment. The young man only twenty three years old killed him and even moved the body. I’m very sure I know the family of the killer which makes it even more tragic for me.

Words couldn’t describe the look on peoples faces as I looked around at the wake. We have talked about these days in various post. I just never thought the reality would be so close to home. As we live out our days of “It’s all about me” lets

take a little time to pray for each other. This was an attack on every hard working citizen in America. We all need to put our heads together to come up with solutions for this epidemic of violence around the country. I would also like to

applaud the congressmen that retired from congress. Why be a part of the total travesty that has been responsible for running the entire country in the ground. The dysfunctionalism of Congress, inept politicians across the country and

insensitive city legislators are largely responsible for creating this unsafe climate. Please be cautious be safe and stay alert………much love……..Poppa

Hi Family,

I was just here savoring the Jets win on a Martin Luther King Day weekend in New York. The mood in the city is very calm because many people were affected by the recent tragedy in Haiti. New York has

the second largest Haitian population in the U.S. to Miami. This is also a weekend to reflect on life because it’s a celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we sit back and relax lets not forget that everybody

was not in favor of making Martin Luther King a national holiday. It was something that the people of good-will had to fight for. The fight is not over. Each day we have to co-exist and live with people that have a back of the bus

mentality. I can remember being a young black boy growing up in the 60’s when Martin was gunned down. I walked into my mothers beauty salon and noticed all the beauticians with black bands around their arms.

I had only come into the shop to ask my mother for ten dollars to buy a new pair of Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers. Yes, they were only ten dollars at the time. Everybody in the shop had a look on their face like it was the

end of the world. I asked my mother why everyone had black bans around their arms but she never fully gave me an explanation. I understand now that she was just protecting the purity of my mind. She quickly handed me

the ten dollars and off I went to buy a new pair of sneakers. My mother understood that my mind was much to fragile to handle the complexities of what was going on in the 60’s.

As we move forward, it’s time to ask ourselves are we really moving forward in the spirit of Dr.King ? Or are we using Dr. Kings legacy as a commercial window dressing ?

Just last week we had senator Harry Reid all over the news because of comments he made in reference to President Obama. He stated that Obama could win the presidency because he was light-skinned and didn’t speak

with a negro-dialect. Why was everyone so upset ? We should all know by now that this mentality is here to stay. I can’t get upset at Harry because his mind is operating on Windows 95.  In 2010 we’re using Windows 7.

Sometimes change can be frightening . Harry and his co-horts need to understand there’s no reason to be frightened over the mosiac of different shades in America. This was definitely one of Dr. Kings visions. To look

out into America and see every shade working toward the common good. Even as we wake up to our light-skinned non negro-dialect President so much of Dr. Kings vision seems to be unfulfilled.  We are constantly reminded

everyday that  there are some people in the country that have no problem seeing you in chains and shackels. I just recently talked to someone in Penn. She was telling me about the crosses that have been burned in front of her

house by the K.K.K. for dating a black man.  What about that debacle thats been going on in Springfield, N.J. for a few years now involving the racist Police Chief. I wouldn’t even repeat what he called his only black officer.

I actually heard the governor on the radio this weekend. He was talking about his wife growing up in my town Staten Island, N.Y.  She and her brother had to move from Staten Island because of  ” Nigga Day ” .  ” Nigga Day”

was the day people came after you with bats because of the shade of your skin. Who would ever think that we would have a governor that could tell a story like that. There is a bright side to such a horrific story.  The first black

councilwoman just appointed in Staten Island history Debbie Rose. Still so much work to be done. Each day all the shades have to work together to keep Martins dream from becoming a nightmare.

In the spirit of Martin we have to turn our attention to Haiti. I’ve been fortunate to meet quite a few Haitians and I will say on record that they are some of the hardest workers I’ve seen. I was

glad to hear that a young Haitian singer that was working in the studio made it out two days before the quake. I also felt good for my Haitian friend Mel. He was looking terrible that Wednesday because there was no phone communication.

When I arrived the next day he was very happy. All four of his relatives were alive and his house was still in tact. The two houses next to his collapsed and the one across people were buried inside. I talked to my Haitian doctor

Sunday and I could hear the tremor in her voice. She hadn’t had any contact with her brother and feared he was dead. My other Haitian friends I haven’t seen at all and they’re always at work. I wish I could take Pat Robertson or

Rush L. by the hand into my world. Maybe they wouldn’t make such insensitive comments in a time like this. They both need a stroll through the Haitian community to feel what these people are going through. Haitians are very

strong people. They are one of the only groups to free themselves from slavery. Two of the major problems that have impeded growth in Haiti have been corrupt government and lack of support from outside nations. Port-au- Prince

one of the main areas hit by the quake was originally intended for 50,000 people. It is now home to 2 to 3 million people. Ports, airports, and government building have been destroyed. Bodies are all over in mass graves. People may

never get a decent burial or find loved ones. People with injuries like a broken leg could die from lack of medical treatment. They will need billions and billions in help. We have to honestly ask ourselves how much is there to give ?

We lost another legend in Teddy Pendergrass who started out as a drummer with Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes. If I had to make a ladys favorite top three it would be Teddy. Marvin Gaye and

Al Green. Some may argue Barry White and Isaac Hayes but Teddy was it during the 70’s. We will never hear another voice like his. Also goodbye to Willie Mitchell producer for Al Green. Producers never get enough credit but they are

the backbone. We had a request from Amsterdam for twitter and we are up @ twitter.com/poppastep so you can tweet and follow. Shout out to Jonson a student from Australia for his comment………poppas out

Hi Family,

I hope you guys didn’t think I was still somewhere hungover from New Years Eve. Not at all. Actually most of the people I came across in New York were too petrified to drink. ” Leandra’s Law”

a new law in New York State that makes driving intoxicated with children an automatic felony really had an impact. Even the normal alcoholics were drinking soda and juice. I was really impressed

when I saw one of the normal alcoholics sober driving the other drunk people home. Now there’s a man that has actually learned something. He’s determined to get two thousand ten off to a good start.

This is definitely a year to be on top of your A game. Unfortunately some of us are in the game but still don’t know how to play the game. Of course nobody is perfect but I think their is a thin line between

imperfection and plain stupidity. I really thought all the black athletes learned something from the Plexico incident. No sports enthusiasts can deny that the Giants are a better football team with Plexico in

the lineup. What we also should have learned is that no one is indispensable. There’s a person right next to you that wants your house, car, man and woman.  I am sick and tired of these modern day

cocky athletes that take their careers for granted. When did we ever hear of Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Walt Frazier, Dr.J ,Willis Reed or Hank Aaron come into a locker room with

a gun. Someone please tell me what was on Gilbert Arenas mind. Activist in communities across the country have been working diligently to deter our youth away from guns. Here we have two of our

so-called role models in the locker room acting like two thugs playing cee-lo on 125th street. Then again I can’t even use that analogy because they’ve moved our black asses out of Harlem. A ratio of

ten whites for every four blacks. Now that’s a damned shame but so is this incident. Commissioner Stern was quick to initiate quick punishment in the form of an indefinite suspension. That adds up to

147,000 dollars per game for ” Gun- tot tin- Gilbert “. When I listened to Gilbert talk about the incident he mentioned that everyone knows he’s a jokester. Well brother 147,000 dollars ain’t no joke in this

kind of economy. Now I don’t know about the rest of the family but Poppa could use 147,000 dollars right about now. That’s not some little bit of dough. What a way to start off the New Year Gilbert !

To my brother, former N.B.A. star Jayson Williams the only thing I can offer is my prays. Just charged with drinking and driving for crashing into a tree along the F.D.R. drive in N.Y.C.

I’m sure most of us remember the incident with the accidental shooting of his limo driver. I guess the worst part about that incident was that he tried to cover it up. Well anybody that

doesn’t believe in karma maybe you will now. Anybody that believes that they can violate another persons life and continue on without repercussions is mistaken. Just ask Micheal Jackson.

Didn’t the father of one of his child molestation accusers drop dead. I can vividly remember one of my own experiences years ago. Fired by my jealous forty year old boss unjustly. Didn’t he

drop dead a few years later from an undetermined illness. Here I am still here by the grace of God. Making music and writing on this blog looking forward to a blessed 2010. If you treat people

right nothing but blessing will flow your way. I’m not here to wish bad luck on Jayson. It’s so ironic because I just took a photo with him three weeks prior to the incident during his birthday

celebration in Jersey.Very nice brother but it’s time for him to wake up and smell the coffee. Be a man and take responsibility for your actions. To jump in the passenger seat like he wasn’t driving is

so cowardice. Some of these young brothers really need advice. Talk to comedian D.L. Hughly who loves to drink but has sense enough to take a cab home. Don’t  you think the limo driver is rolling

over in his grave saying,” Jayson you could have used me last night huh”.

We ended the year with the ” underpants bomber ” and now we’re starting the year with a bang. Who would ever think that it would involve ” Chicken McNuggets. A woman

in Toledo, Ohio bashing out the drive-through window because the McDonald’s ran out of  ’Chicken McNuggets”. Now I never met this woman in my life but I know she’s over three hundred pounds.

This is not the women you want to marry. God forbid if we run out of groceries at the house. I know for sure I’m getting my ass kicked. What direction are we going in to react this way over a food that’s

not even healthy. This story is very comical but also very tragic. It demonstrates the frustration level that exist in the world. People are ready to jump into a rage at the slightest little thing. Heck one of

George Bush’s lawyers just beat up on his wife in New Canaan, Conn. A broken nose and jaw. What about music producer Teddy Riley bashing his daughters with the Guitar Hero. Homeboy wanted

another hit. Another incident of rage evident in Las Vegas recently. A shooting because a mans social security check was reduced. Just traveling around the tri-state area I couldn’t tell you how many

times I’ve over heard, ” I don’t wanna have to go to jail tonight “.We have definitely reached a boiling point. Yes there is a very serious morals breakdown in our society right now. There has even been a

report of a couple getting caught having sex in the church. Now you know that’s nasty and a true sign that we could all be headed to Hell. Now I’m not about to let all this hard work of being good go down

the drain and sit in Hell cooking marshmallows for the rest of my after life. The Temptations had a hit called ” Ball of Confusion “. They say the only safe place is on an indian reservation. In 2010 the only

safe place is on the moon. We all may need a one way ticket just to keep our sanity. We all may need a ” Trip To The Moon “………………….Rest in Peace Percy Sutton.

Hi Family,

It’s kind of congested in New York City right now. For some strange reason we just can’t get out of the habit of doing everything at the last minute. The overall vibe that I’ve been getting around the city has been mixed. The usual

holiday spirit that I’ve felt in the past is absent this year. I feel kind of bad myself because this is probably the first time in eleven years that I didn’t put up a tree for the kids. I felt really embarrassed when I walked in today and

they had lights on the giant tropical plant. My daughter said:”Daddy this is the first year you broke tradition”. Kids please forgive me I was just too damned tired. I was also feeling the affects of being single. Being single around

Christmas time is the worst. I mean what could be better than having your women in some Victoria Secret under the fireplace on Christmas Eve . Maybe a nice glass of wine and a back message as we listen to the Temptations

“Silent Night”. Okay I’ll stop hallucinating, I didn’t even come close this year but I did manage to get the gifts. I also decided to make a special batch of Poppa Step “collard greens”. As I write this blog the smell of the collard greens

permeates the air. I’ve had two recent request for my collard green recipe but have decided to keep it a secret. Only God knows if I’ll need to sell the recipe to stay out of debt.

Speaking of debt, as we enjoy the holidays lets not lose sight of the trails and tribulations that lay ahead. A national debt of seventeen trillion dollars and climbing. The president is closing in on the passage

of the Health care bill. The house democrats and the senate democrats each have different versions of the bill. They must reach common ground in order to gain passage of the bill. From my viewpoint it looks like this package is being

put together too quickly. I don’t honestly think it’s possible to effectively tackle a war, bad economy, and health care bill all within one year. One area will be lacking. This health care bill needs to be looked at more closely. I’m afraid

it’s being stuffed down the throats of the American public and somewhere down the road we’re all going to pay. A good analogy would be like buying a new car that’s been on the market for one year. Five years later there’s a recall for

defective seat belts. This is the situation we may find ourselves in with this bill. I find it mighty peculiar that some of the senators received perks for their states just for a vote. Did they vote for passage because the bill was good for

Americans or because of the perks? Obviously it’s not good for New York because the Mayor and Governor are up in arms. The city can not stand another billion dollar bill and that’s exactly what will happen if this bill is passed.

The President, Democrats and Republicans need to take their time and get this right. They need to stop playing Russian roulette with the lives of the American public.

While were on the subject of New York lets be thankful that the snow is over for now. It wrecked havoc on the tri-state area earlier in the week. The usual nightmares occurred. People stuck on trains

and planes for hours, mass cancellations at the airports. Jay Z and Alicia talk about a concrete jungle where dreams are made of in their hit “Empire State of Mind”. What they didn’t talk about was how this city is almost becoming

unlivable. Please don’t get me wrong like Frank said “I love New York”, but the truth is the truth. They just did a survey about the tri-state area. The survey says that we could be the most trifling place in the country.  I wish I could

dispute that and totally disagree but I can’t. Yes New York has a bunch of really cool people but it has its fair share of idiots too. I would never mislead my blog readers into believing that New York is a total euphoria. Just look at this

despicable incident this week. Two EMS workers refusing to assist a pregnant young lady because they were on break. Mother and child both deceased. Does it get any more trifling than that ? Now both workers could be facing criminal

charges. There was another incident with an assistant producer at one of the major radio stations. Mugged and punched while he slept on the train. Torn ligaments and fractured wrist. I seriously wonder where his mind was if he

thought he could sleep on a train in New York and wake up in tact. Lets not forget the two female teachers that were caught butt naked in a Brooklyn High School a few weeks ago. The weird thing about that incident is that they both

could be mistaken as quote unquote role models by looking at the photos. What other city in the country would allow a teacher to be butt naked in the classroom and still have a job after. Ironically that could be a good reason to come to

New York. The city that never sleeps. In spite of all its woes I’m still here right in the belly of the beast. I’ve seen many people come and go but I refuse to leave. “I Love New York”

This has really been a good year and I was very glad to make some new friends around the world. I appreciate everyone that has taken time to read this blog and send a comment. We had a request from

Amsterdam to follow on twitter so we will be posting our twitter info after the new year. Shout Outs to all the states across the country that have been checking in especially Texas. Thanks to everyone that attended the X-Mas

party. Big-ups To Jill Criscuolo on her new single and T.V. pilot. Comedian Bill Bellamy always a pleasure to see you. Look forward to sharing some more thoughts soon……..Peace and Blessings

Hi Family,

Glad to be back . Old man winter has finally arrived and it’s no joke. It’s freezing in New York right now. This is the kind of weather that really makes one appreciate having that special someone to snuggle up with

all night. For others it can be a living nightmare. There’s nothing worst in this weather than waking up with no heat and hot water. I can tell you about plenty of days growing up with the oven on and big pots of water on

the stove. There were plenty of days my mother had to work two and three jobs to keep the bills paid in the house. I still don’t know how she did it but it taught me to never underestimate the power of a women. How some

of these artist can address women as bitches and hoes is beyond comprehension. Have they forgotten that some of these women carried them in the womb for nine months. So as we approach 2010 I hope that all of the artist

at least  think about what they’re putting out there. I know it’s all about the money but then again sometimes it’s not all about the money. It’s about our commitment to what is right for the future of our children.

Speaking of music, the Micheal Jackson song “This is It” is becoming very prophetic. Always a man ahead of his time could he have said it any better. As we approach a year of the Obama

Presidency expect the war against good and evil to intensify. Forces are working everyday to stop  progress. They are working in every bureaucracy in America. No longer can we afford to,”Lean Back” as Fat Joe said. This is a

time for every decent person still breathing to look in the mirror. The mismanagement of the country has gotten all of us into a huge mess.We’ve been so busy worried about everybody elses backyard our own backyard is full of debris.

New York is actually in the process of being sued by the homeless. Are we doing bad as a city if we can’t give the people with nothing a bed and a square meal?  A billion dollars in the red by the end of the month. The governor

threatening to withhold payment to localities. Mass transit in a three hundred and fifty million dollar hole that probably got lost somewhere in between the two sets of books. Here I am paying eleven dollars to go over the Verrazano bridge

littered with potholes. Why don’t they do us a favor and raise it another dollar ! The M.T.A mismanages more money than any agency in existence. It still manages to escape the radar of srutiny. Many projects still unfinished and facing a

serious threat of having to cut bus and train service on many lines. If you can’t see the seriousness of this picture than maybe it’s time to skip a few days of your favorite blunt wrap. “This is it”. No other words could be more accurate.

As we make our way out of our favorite watering holes for the holidays. Be sure to take a few things into consideration. There may be quite a few gypsy cabs that drive by your ass in the freezing cold.

There may be an extra hour wait for the train or bus. As you leave the train station and walk up the stairs to exit there may be someone waiting with a Mac 10. Yes you heard me right, I said a Mac 10. Am I the only one worried that

we have 23 year old children on the streets of New York with that kind of fire power. Did we ever really need ” The Guiding Light ” and ” Days of our Lifes ” in the first place? We have all the soap opera a person needs in New York.

Just open up your damned door ! I wouldn’t want to imagine being a tourists in New York for the first time. What a New York welcome. Here we are  broke and making ourselves broker because the tourist are to scared to come spend some

money. Is it hitting home that we’re in a crisis not seen since the existence of mankind. James Brown had a song called ” Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto”. Does Santa realize he may go to the ghetto and come out and have no reindeer

because they’re in the oven with a mac-n-cheese. That’s the point we’re at right now. I hope that at some point these politicians can stop there silly game of twist and turn and start getting this country back in order.

The holidays just seem to bring out the worst in people. I just got off the phone with a friend telling me that someone broke into her house on Friday. She says she thinks she knows who it is.

I guess she was a little embarrassed to tell me it was her sleazy ass brother. Who else would know to go exactly to the money and jewelry and leave everything else in tact. People can’t even go to work to pay the mortgage because

there own family members are plotting to rob what their working for. When I talked to her about the incident I liked the fact that she had a certain amount of faith. It wasn’t the end of her world. In spite of everything that’s going

on we all need to proceed with a certain level of faith. What else can we have to help us endure these times. I know times are hard when I hear “Sly & the Family Stone” are ready to release another album. Slys been high how many

years now? A talented man that has sat idle so many years because of drug use. I look forward to Slys return. I would love to see Larry Graham on the set too. In any event lets keep the faith. It seems to be the only thing we have left.