MATH PROBLEMS

"Visualize WEALTH and put YOURSELF in the pictuuuure!" - KRS ONE, 1997

I admit that it has a lot to do with luck when it comes to "getting" math. I am one of the lucky ones. I got it from an early age with enough ease to coast through high school into college, financial analyst in the AF, loan officer, now caseworker. All these positions included the manipulation of numbers in some way. I guess it's more the economic-side of math, versus the scientific-side.

But I've definitely experienced those around me and those I work with struggle with math(or numbers), and it's powerful. A good majority are intimidated, and have a fear of numbers. I'm sure those are the old classmates from grade school who struggled even then. Frustration grown into discomposure. I guess they call them problems for a reason.

I attended public school, so I can't talk about private school, but in my classes the teachers seemed to teach to the students that already understood. The ones who had the better memories, and could memorize enough to keep up, got by-but without an understanding, you have a hard time applying math to the real world. To them, and the others practically ignored by the teachers, it becomes a lifelong burden. It seems to me that we would see an improvement in our math scores if we would just switch the term "problem" to something more positive.

Without an understanding, or at least a willingness to understand, your entire world view is different. When the only math you do is at the end of the month, trying to pay the bills(with very little math problems), you fail to see bigger (math)problems like:

BETWEEN 50-55% OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS, DON'T VOTE.

I understand math enough to NOT be a gambling man. But as a consultant I would say it's a pretty safe bet that the majority of the non-voters are not those prospering. It's debatable whether this majority has been manipulated into this apathetic state by the prosperous-or not. Just think if even HALF of these non-voters would vote in their best interests (which would be either Democratic OR third party), the country would change rapidly.

HIP HOP SECRET SOCIETY

As one who truly believes that Hip Hop is a culture, of which I am a part, I see its effects. We've come a long way and have undoubtedly made an enormous impact on the world. From the beginning, Hip Hop has promoted tolerance, and artists like the one in the video have lasted so long because of his subject matter-TRUTH.

Something I DO NOT consider debatable is the effect on society of Hip Hop. That being the opening of minds of whites towards blacks. And I don't think it would even be possible for Barak Obama to be considered for president, let alone the frontrunner, if it wasn't for Hip Hop.

Within the first two generations of Hip Hop Culture, there is a great possibility of a Black President. I think credit is due. Not that I agree with the extreme portrayal of Hip Hop through radio airplay and video, but like anything there are those "on the edge" on both sides.

My point is that the NUMBERS(population) are in our favor. And if we can realize that our personal math problems can be solved within the greater math problem, we have a great chance to mold this nation into something to be proud of. Where we all prosper.

Educate your friends on your local leaders. These elections are much more important than the president. They make a more significant impact on your daily lives. The same PROBLEMS that turn people away from politics can be solved by participation. Solve the long division.

If you think voting doesn't make a difference, just look at those who prosper. How many millionaires do you think don't vote?

BLACK QUARTERBACK

Although I've pretty much given up on the MLB, NBA, and I think the NHL is still on strike, I just can't let go of the NFL. The Eagles specifically. And it's not just the fact of the compounded stress that comes from supporting the Mets and Sixers ON TOP of the Eagles. Baseball just consumes too much time. 4 hours per game; 162 regular season games. The NBA has become an entirely different sport of basketball. I stopped watching it for the same reasons I stopped playing it. When you get looks of amazement because you PASS, the game's passed you by.

I admit I have an emotional attachment to the Eagles. It's the home team; and when you're away from home it acts as a reminder (of home). From 99-04, the birds did quite a bit of winning and gave an impression that things "were OK at home." But the problem I have with the NFL is the exploitation, corruption, and overall similarities to slavery.

Slavery? These guys makes millions of dollars! True, but they're also the bottom-feeders of this "business." The white men writing their checks are making billions. The rules in place for the "sanctity of the game," in reality keep them in line. The fines are outrageous. This past weekend, DeSean Jackson AND Quentin Demps got fined $10K for a TD celebration.



Drug testing, curfews, dress codes, mandatory media participation...

The Black QB paradigm, and more specifically 5. This guy is the Rosa Parks of black quarterbacks. He's been in the league since '99 and has actually lived through much of the "progress" that has been made for black qb's. McNabb has always been a "company guy." To me, he often tries so hard to be "accepted" by the mainstream that he looks awkward. That may be him...but that would make him a pretty corny guy. And even that, I'm OK with. I respect the guy for what he does ON THE FIELD.

But that's also where this morphing occurs. Crossing over onto the field. What made the fans who boo'd him on draft day change their minds QUICKLY was his combination of run/pass abilities. It could be argued that his injuries in recent years is the reason he isn't running anymore, but 1) the running curtailed before these injuries, and 2) history proves differently. Akili Smith, Andre Ware, Byron Leftwich, Mike Vick, and God bless Kordell Stewart.

The stereotype used to be open: black quarterbacks don't have the mental capacity to play the position. The energy it takes to constantly fight this stereotype, on and off the field, cannot be disregarded. It's a fact, whether you want to admit it or not. If these guys say it on a consistent basis that it's more difficult, than it is. Stay in the pocket, read the defense, stick to the script, don't run too much.

McNabb has adjusted to fit the mold. And it seems to be to his detriment. Athletes get paid the money they do because they perform in ways the average human cannot. And it's because of their natural ability, instincts, and talent. These are rare human beings, capable of amazing physical feats. Systems don't make players; players make systems.

All of us would like to think that we get equal treatment, but we don't. I tried to find the video clip of Rush Limbaugh from 2003, but it's nowhere to be found. Anyone knows that it is tougher to do anything when Lyin' Limbaugh is on the other side. I was able to find a replacement though...

"GOV'T OF THE PEOPLE(OF THE GOV'T)"

From where does it come?
Plenty doe to fight wars,
While the poor get the crumbs
700 billion dollars - so ho-hum

CORPORATE WELFARE - we ain't THAT dumb!

No healthcare for all,
That law always stalls.
Before you vote this year,
Don't decide too quick - pause.

Don't vote for wins.
Vote for help.
Burnt to the crisp from others' sins.
Full clip in the mind; go for self.

YOUR best interests.
Right in the mirror.
We're all different.
Much smaller than the full sphere.