” Stuck “

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.