By the time I went to bed last night, numerous news stations were broadcasting the Tom Brady contract extension of $72 million to be paid over 4 yars making him the highest paid NFL player in the league. When will it be enough?
I'd venture to say that about 90% of the paying fanbase will never see that amount of money in their lifetime. The EMTs and medics that came to his rescue when he crashed his vehicle yesterday in the Back Bay will definitely never see that amount of money even though they save lives. They earn about an average of $43,000 annually. What about the teachers who taught Brady over the course of his life in San Mateo, California and later in Michigan? Teachers who influence young lives never see that amount of money in their careers either.
I think we should change the way we view entertainers and athletes. Fans are the only reason that keep these people in business and yet we've allowed them to eclipse even the true role models people look up to because of talent. There are those that don't even have real talent but yet enjoy multimillion dollar salaries--look at the top ten artists on the Billboard charts.
And is it cheap to see attend an MLB, NFL, NBA or pop concert? No way! Most NE Patriot games start at $100-$1000 per ticket. So this is what fans should do...say something! Perhaps ask your favorite athlete to forgo part of his salary and donate it to a local public school, university, community center. All those kids walking around in Michael Jordan basketball shoes and #12 Jerseys need that money a lot more than they do!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Haiti + Wyclef=Progress?
It was announced that Wyclef Jean, hip hop musician extraordinaire has decided to declare his intent to run for President of the Republique d'Haiti. In my humble opinion, this may not be a good idea. Here are three reasons:
1. Inexperience
I know, I know. That was the first thing out of everyone's mouth when Obama as a freshman senator decided (with help, of course) that he would run for President of the United States. Here's the thing; How long has Mr. Jean resided in Haiti to understand the nature of politics that has placed a virtual blockade of progress for most of Haiti's years of independence. Dictatorships, self-appointed leaders, army generals have all had a run of the country and she has suffered because of this.
2. U.S Support
Most people (in my circle) know for a fact that the United States was behind the "kidnapping" of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The party, Famni Lavalas was not playing by the rules the U.S put forth when they agreed to place him in power. One must wonder why a leader chosen by the people would be forced to vacate his presidency and turn it over to someone chosen by another government.
3. Safety
Are we sure that he and his family will be safe from those who will undoubtedly threaten his well being while he attempts to transform the country. I believe that there are people unwilling to allow Haiti to flourish as it should. Those with economic interests has so far made it more than difficult for aid to be distributed fairly and safely. Will Jean be successful in changing this?
Even before the devastation caused by the earthquake, it was heartbreaking to hear of family members suffering because of lack of resources and opportunities to prosper in a country so full of promise and hope. My parents and other family members often talk about what would happen if someone became president, what would that person be like. Should he or she be American born? Educated internationally? The candidate should of course be of the people, supported by the people. Never in a million years did they think a musician would be a likely candidate. Let's look beyond the hype.
1. Inexperience
I know, I know. That was the first thing out of everyone's mouth when Obama as a freshman senator decided (with help, of course) that he would run for President of the United States. Here's the thing; How long has Mr. Jean resided in Haiti to understand the nature of politics that has placed a virtual blockade of progress for most of Haiti's years of independence. Dictatorships, self-appointed leaders, army generals have all had a run of the country and she has suffered because of this.
2. U.S Support
Most people (in my circle) know for a fact that the United States was behind the "kidnapping" of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The party, Famni Lavalas was not playing by the rules the U.S put forth when they agreed to place him in power. One must wonder why a leader chosen by the people would be forced to vacate his presidency and turn it over to someone chosen by another government.
3. Safety
Are we sure that he and his family will be safe from those who will undoubtedly threaten his well being while he attempts to transform the country. I believe that there are people unwilling to allow Haiti to flourish as it should. Those with economic interests has so far made it more than difficult for aid to be distributed fairly and safely. Will Jean be successful in changing this?
Even before the devastation caused by the earthquake, it was heartbreaking to hear of family members suffering because of lack of resources and opportunities to prosper in a country so full of promise and hope. My parents and other family members often talk about what would happen if someone became president, what would that person be like. Should he or she be American born? Educated internationally? The candidate should of course be of the people, supported by the people. Never in a million years did they think a musician would be a likely candidate. Let's look beyond the hype.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Beware of experts
http://together-apart.com/
These so called "experts" are everywhere...
I've had 13 hour debate on facebook on simply this, people dub themselves or are proclaimed experts in a wide variety of subjects. But my number one pet peeve are relationship experts. From the clip in the website above, am I supposed to rely on a team of experts ranging from "celebrity groomers" and "Joe Trainer" to analyze and provide guidance on relationships. Reminds me of Mr. Steve Harvey...Do we know their relationship status? How many relationships did you have to go through before you finally got it right? Should you be dubbed a dating expert?
Where is the evidence that these people are worth the time listening to, like many of the talking heads on TV. Just because they get face time, where is the connection between what they are promoting and what they are living? We live in a world where everyone looks to others for some sort of guidance but if you're claiming you're an expert than I want to see how you got there. Yes we can learn from all---I'm sure the divorcee that is giving marital advice is dishing out stuff she learned along the way. But to me, I liken that to fitness gurus who model the latest diet or exercise fad and have never had more than 10% body fat in their lives but swear they're the best because all the skinny models stay skinny! I wanna see a 250lbs woman on TV and her healthy progression of weight lost! But I digress...we need to be looking toward our families, close friends, community and especially elders on advice that we can use.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Blueberries...the bougie fruit
I am annoyed...
Apparently all the fruits and veggies known as "superfoods" are now dangerous to eat because of the massive amounts of pesticides sprayed on them. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, celery are foods that have thin membranes and therefore absorb chemical treatments used to deter pests. Unfortunately, we are ingesting them daily because people have been told that they provide antioxidants and other organic chemicals to fight infections.
Has anyone seen the price of these superfoods? Shopping at Whole Foods, the prices are no surprise because they are supporting local farms (supposedly). Places like Shaw's, Stop & Shop or in the West Coast, Safeway--berry fruits cost up to $4.99 a pound! But the real issue is that now we're supposed to buy strictly "organic" fruits that have been grown in pesticide-free, conventionally grown environments.
So, now fruits have gone bourgeois. Buying organic isn't just about eating healthy foods, it also demonstrates your social status. I don't see local bodegas rushing to sell organic fruits and frankly, most low-middle income can't afford to buy a pound of bing cherries for $7.99 let alone those who subsist on government aid. Are organic fruits and veggies being distributed in food pantries? I doubt it. This is just another way to classify poverty, nutritionally.
If the government had any real power, this war on poverty and obesity would have an effect on this organic vs. regular foods and start changing the way people eat, poor or not! Why would a single mom with 3 kids buy a box of Kashi cereal for $4.59 when Fruity Pebbles cost $2.50? It's not because she doesn't know about good food, she's worried about having more money in her pocket!
Ughhh!
Apparently all the fruits and veggies known as "superfoods" are now dangerous to eat because of the massive amounts of pesticides sprayed on them. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, celery are foods that have thin membranes and therefore absorb chemical treatments used to deter pests. Unfortunately, we are ingesting them daily because people have been told that they provide antioxidants and other organic chemicals to fight infections.
Has anyone seen the price of these superfoods? Shopping at Whole Foods, the prices are no surprise because they are supporting local farms (supposedly). Places like Shaw's, Stop & Shop or in the West Coast, Safeway--berry fruits cost up to $4.99 a pound! But the real issue is that now we're supposed to buy strictly "organic" fruits that have been grown in pesticide-free, conventionally grown environments.
So, now fruits have gone bourgeois. Buying organic isn't just about eating healthy foods, it also demonstrates your social status. I don't see local bodegas rushing to sell organic fruits and frankly, most low-middle income can't afford to buy a pound of bing cherries for $7.99 let alone those who subsist on government aid. Are organic fruits and veggies being distributed in food pantries? I doubt it. This is just another way to classify poverty, nutritionally.
If the government had any real power, this war on poverty and obesity would have an effect on this organic vs. regular foods and start changing the way people eat, poor or not! Why would a single mom with 3 kids buy a box of Kashi cereal for $4.59 when Fruity Pebbles cost $2.50? It's not because she doesn't know about good food, she's worried about having more money in her pocket!
Ughhh!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
What's the fascination with relating Barack with his European decendants?
Obama and Brown are distant cousins, Boston researchers say - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
Obama and Brown are distant cousins, Boston researchers say - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
Ever since the man decided he was going to be president of this country, newspapers have been publishing these (in my opinion) wacky genealogical connections between his family and former presidents. For example, this morning's article from the Boston Globe stated that Obama, has links to seven presidents, including that _____, George W. Bush. I mean really, it's that important to show America that yes, we have a Black president but the truth is, he's more related to us than you think!
I can take these reports so many ways, but I think there are some racial undertones to the continuing research into Mr. Obama's family history by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. I haven't heard them linking Dubya to anyone else in history. No one's doing Ronald Reagan's genealogy to verify his family blood lines. Could it be that everyone else (meaning "Whites") are taken at face value while people of color need to be researched to find out their *gasp* fascinating linkage to white America?
We have always been related to each other, no matter how much we are disliked, feared or misunderstood. "People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn should be required read for all.
This country NEVER ceases to amaze me.
Obama and Brown are distant cousins, Boston researchers say - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
Ever since the man decided he was going to be president of this country, newspapers have been publishing these (in my opinion) wacky genealogical connections between his family and former presidents. For example, this morning's article from the Boston Globe stated that Obama, has links to seven presidents, including that _____, George W. Bush. I mean really, it's that important to show America that yes, we have a Black president but the truth is, he's more related to us than you think!
I can take these reports so many ways, but I think there are some racial undertones to the continuing research into Mr. Obama's family history by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. I haven't heard them linking Dubya to anyone else in history. No one's doing Ronald Reagan's genealogy to verify his family blood lines. Could it be that everyone else (meaning "Whites") are taken at face value while people of color need to be researched to find out their *gasp* fascinating linkage to white America?
We have always been related to each other, no matter how much we are disliked, feared or misunderstood. "People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn should be required read for all.
This country NEVER ceases to amaze me.
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Help That Haiti Needs...
Blog from the NY Times 1/14/2010:
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/
My response:
The help that Haiti needs isn't the kind that bashes the populace for the decisions of their government. Reading some of these comments remind me of situations where people often blame the victim because they have no one else to blame. Not everyone in Haiti was destined for poverty. My response is heartfelt because I still have family there who has struggled everyday in every which way creatively to survive on that island. My parents who luckily left before Baby Doc came to power found their way to NYC just like any other immigrant and managed to attend & graduate college, buy homes and raise a family. What they remember about Haiti is not always mentioned in news reports about the poverty of Haiti. They remember a land that was properous, a booming tourist island, every child attended school paid for by the government and relative calm. No some did not have running water or modern latrines, but they were proud people. My grandparents owned tobacco fields for decades before they were burned for deforestation.
The media oftens fails to describe the other part of the island where Europeans (and some Americans including foreign diplomats) summer during holidays. Some people are not so fortunate to have this including those that live there. "Experts" love to discuss how the Haitian government is mismanaged and corrupt, as if we have a clean history with the island!
Today Haiti is a severely indebted country whose debt to export ratio is nearly 300 percent, far above what is considered sustainable even by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Both institutions are dominated by the U.S. In 1980 Haiti's debt was $302 million. Since then it has more than tripled to $1.1 billion, approximately 40 percent of the nation's gross national product. Last year Haiti paid more in debt service than it did on medical services for the people. Haitian officials say nearly 80 percent of the current debt was accumulated by the regimes of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, Doc and Baby Doc.
It is now well known that the primary source of Haiti's chronic impoverishment is the reparations it was forced to pay to the former plantation owners who left following the 1804 revolution. Some of the white descendants of the former plantation owners, who now live in New Orleans, still have the indemnity coupons issued by France. So in fact, at least part of the reparations paid by Haiti went toward the development of the United States.
These indemnity payments caused continual financial emergencies and political upheavals. In a 51-year period, Haiti had 16 different presidents - new presidents often coming to power at the head of a rebel army.Nevertheless, Haiti always made the indemnity payments - and, following those, the bank loan payments - on time. The 1915 intervention by the Marines on behalf of U.S. financial interests changed all of that, however.
By the time Duvalier grabbed the presidency of the world's first Black republic established by formerly enslaved peoples, Haiti had experienced more than 150 years of chronic impoverishment and discriminatory lending policies by the world's leading financial institutions and powers. The economic forecast for Haiti has not improved, even with the democratic election of Jean Bertrand Aristide, since he has been consistently demonized in the U.S. and world press.
But enough of the history lesson. I agree with #25-CDOYLE...
1. Offer Haiti grants NOT Loans.
2. Eliminate the debate. How much longer should France benefit from the money this poor country sends.
3. Lift the trade embargo. Haiti must be able to sell their items in a free market system once they have provided for themselves.
4. Foreign companies must pay taxes to the country. It happens in America...a business must invest in the community it works in. Why not the same policies for Haiti?
5. Have a leader that has real power to provide a FUNCTION government. Haiti does not need another figure head.
6. Solar power IS the way to go, stop the deforestation.
We need to allow the country to rebuild itself with international assistance in order to see the true beauty Haiti once had.
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/
My response:
The help that Haiti needs isn't the kind that bashes the populace for the decisions of their government. Reading some of these comments remind me of situations where people often blame the victim because they have no one else to blame. Not everyone in Haiti was destined for poverty. My response is heartfelt because I still have family there who has struggled everyday in every which way creatively to survive on that island. My parents who luckily left before Baby Doc came to power found their way to NYC just like any other immigrant and managed to attend & graduate college, buy homes and raise a family. What they remember about Haiti is not always mentioned in news reports about the poverty of Haiti. They remember a land that was properous, a booming tourist island, every child attended school paid for by the government and relative calm. No some did not have running water or modern latrines, but they were proud people. My grandparents owned tobacco fields for decades before they were burned for deforestation.
The media oftens fails to describe the other part of the island where Europeans (and some Americans including foreign diplomats) summer during holidays. Some people are not so fortunate to have this including those that live there. "Experts" love to discuss how the Haitian government is mismanaged and corrupt, as if we have a clean history with the island!
Today Haiti is a severely indebted country whose debt to export ratio is nearly 300 percent, far above what is considered sustainable even by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Both institutions are dominated by the U.S. In 1980 Haiti's debt was $302 million. Since then it has more than tripled to $1.1 billion, approximately 40 percent of the nation's gross national product. Last year Haiti paid more in debt service than it did on medical services for the people. Haitian officials say nearly 80 percent of the current debt was accumulated by the regimes of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier, Doc and Baby Doc.
It is now well known that the primary source of Haiti's chronic impoverishment is the reparations it was forced to pay to the former plantation owners who left following the 1804 revolution. Some of the white descendants of the former plantation owners, who now live in New Orleans, still have the indemnity coupons issued by France. So in fact, at least part of the reparations paid by Haiti went toward the development of the United States.
These indemnity payments caused continual financial emergencies and political upheavals. In a 51-year period, Haiti had 16 different presidents - new presidents often coming to power at the head of a rebel army.Nevertheless, Haiti always made the indemnity payments - and, following those, the bank loan payments - on time. The 1915 intervention by the Marines on behalf of U.S. financial interests changed all of that, however.
By the time Duvalier grabbed the presidency of the world's first Black republic established by formerly enslaved peoples, Haiti had experienced more than 150 years of chronic impoverishment and discriminatory lending policies by the world's leading financial institutions and powers. The economic forecast for Haiti has not improved, even with the democratic election of Jean Bertrand Aristide, since he has been consistently demonized in the U.S. and world press.
But enough of the history lesson. I agree with #25-CDOYLE...
1. Offer Haiti grants NOT Loans.
2. Eliminate the debate. How much longer should France benefit from the money this poor country sends.
3. Lift the trade embargo. Haiti must be able to sell their items in a free market system once they have provided for themselves.
4. Foreign companies must pay taxes to the country. It happens in America...a business must invest in the community it works in. Why not the same policies for Haiti?
5. Have a leader that has real power to provide a FUNCTION government. Haiti does not need another figure head.
6. Solar power IS the way to go, stop the deforestation.
We need to allow the country to rebuild itself with international assistance in order to see the true beauty Haiti once had.
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