BUJU BANTON LOCKED UP

Just when I thought I was done with all entertainers getting locked up, I find out more disheartening news. Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie was arrested this week for allegedly trying to buy more than five kilos of cocaine from an undercover officer in Miami. Buju faces up to twenty years of prison time if convicted on charges of conspiracy with intent to possess and distribute. A confidential informant set up the entire negotiation and Federal surveillance was all over the scene when Buju showed up with two other people to make the purchase. Once he gave the nod after sampling the drug from a knife which was used to cut the package, Buju was placed under arrest along with his associates. I remember Buju Banton from way back in the days. He had alot of hits circulating through the reggae underground as well as radio smashes, one of my favorites was "I Wanna Be Loved". Buju preached alot of positivity in his songs so for him to be involved in something so out there is mind boggling. He currently is being held in a Downtown Miami Detention Center awaiting his fate. When the Feds smack you with a conspiracy charge, you better believe they're going to get a conviction. Feds dont make arrests unless they know for sure they got a case. Ninety five percent of their cases don't make it to trial, because your better off taking whatever offer they offer you. This kind of reminds me of rapper John Forte, who was recently given a pardon by President Bush for carrying two suitcases filled with over 1.4 million in liquid cocaine through Newark International Airport back in 2000. He was convicted on intent to distribute charges and given the mandatory minimum 14 years in prison. If it wasnt for people such as Carly Simon and senator Orrin Hatch lobbying for him, John Forte would still be in prison. You can never be too sure what people are going through in their lives. Just because they're famous doesnt mean they're not just as hungry as you and I are. Everything that glitters isnt gold so before you think about being a celebrity, just be thankful for life and what you have...

REVOLVING DOOR

The title of this blog is a term I'm sure you all are very familiar with. What inspired me to write this blog is the fact that I've been paying attention to whats been happening within the Hip Hop culture and it saddens me that these artists aren't smart enough to avoid the dreaded revolving door epidemic. Rapper Lil Wayne is set to get sentenced in February for gun related charges. He will receive a year in prison despite the mandatory minimum which is three years for possession of a firearm in New York City. A few years back, his tour bus was pulled over for suspicious activity. It is then, officers smelled the pungnant scent of marijuana coming from inside the bus. This gave them reason to search the vehicle and lo and behold, they found a loaded handgun. Noone stepped up for Lil Wayne, therefore leaving him to take sole responsibility of what was found. My thing is why is he hanging around people who aren't going to stand strong for him. He is supposed to be the bread winner of the entire clique. You would think someone would have more honor and loyalty to him than that. Another rapper who is also taking a trip to prison is Gucci Mane. After having beat a murder rap some years back, he finds his self heading back upstate on a parole violation. Lil Boosie is another rapper heading to prison after violating home arrest guidelines. He was to serve a two year sentence, but since he went past his designated area he is facing ten years. I dont know what made him think that his ankle bracelet monitor wasnt going to work, but for his lack of judgment he will have alot of time to think about that decision. Its like when one comes out, others are on their way in. This reminds me of how many comrades I've seen come in and out while I served my seven year prison term(which is 2,645 days to be technical). Can you imagine counting all those days on your calendar? On a brighter note, rapper T.I. is set to be released to a halfway house sometime in March of 2010. Since he completed 85% of his year long sentence, its customary that authorities place him in a halfway house so he can make the transition back into society. If he doesn't pose a threat to the community, T.I. will be back in no time and getting back to what he does best which is make great music. Theres never of shortage of beds for people who break the law which govern our society. Just ask Lil Wayne, Lil Boosie, Gucci Mane, T.I. and countless others who got Suspended In Time for their illegal activities.

CORRUPTION IN THE SENATE

Have you heard about Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno? He was recently convicted Monday on two of eight felony federal corruption charges. How many times have we seen this movie? Too many times those who are supposed to be upholding the law are the very ones who manipulate it to suit their selfish needs and finance their opulent lifestyles. I'm not the least bit shocked by this news because its been happening for a long time. These political figures take an oath but yet somehow down the road their head get a little swollen and they figure they're above the law. Bruno is now 80 years old and his conviction could land him in prison Suspended In Time for the rest of his natural life. I hope he thinks it was worth it. He was accused of depriving the public by using his status as one of New York's most powerful leaders to rake in $3.2 million in consulting fees and failing to disclose his conflicts of interest according to prosecutors. Bruno was also convicted for taking eleven payments worth $200,000 from two companies controlled by his friend and businessman Jared Abbruzzese for consulting work that was never done. He also was found guilty for receiving $80,000 from Abbruzzese for a horse that was worthless. These funds was a reward for Bruno's aide in obtaining state grants for another company linked to Abbruzzese according to prosecutors. In Albany, Bruno is labeled the Republican Kingpin. An upstate jury of seven women and five men took seven days to find Bruno guilty on two counts, and acquit him on five others. They came to no agreement on an eighth count. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each count and a $250,000 fine when sentenced March 31, 2010. Leaving the courthouse, a shaken Bruno, who did not testify at the trial, promised an appeal.

"It goes without saying that I'm very, very disappointed in the verdict that I just heard and the legal process is going to continue," he said. "In my mind and in my heart, it is not over until it's over. And I think it's far from over."

Of course he is now taking the role of the victim claiming that his conviction is a direct result of overzealous prosecutors. You be the judge, but I know how shady the business dealings of political figures as they've unfolded right before our eyes over the years. To those who think they're above the law, just ask Bruno what is Plan B. Even law makers are calling for stricter ethic laws but all this remains to be seen. Corruption is all over the world, especially in the hands of those who claim to be upholding the law.

UPDATE

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Mines was okay, I'm thankful for life. I've been extremely busy this past month, but I know alot of you probably wondered if I fell off the face of the Earth. After the loss of my friend, things haven't been easy as I'm sure you can understand. I've been staying focused, even got my CDL License so I've been doing that. I've been watching the news reports and I've seen alot of relevant topics related to being Suspended In Time. I promise to bring you some more interesting topics shortly. This month and the beginnning of the New Year, I will be even more busy with book signings I scheduled in Philadelphia, Alabama, as well as New York. If you don't see me blogging, its because of this very reason. I got alot on my plate right now and its only going to get more hectic as the days progress. With that being said, I need you to bare with me. I haven't forgotten about you all.

R.I.P MIKE BECK

I'm sorry I haven't been able to post nothing in a while, but I'm dealing with a loss right now. A few days ago, a good friend of mine was brutally murdered on the streets as a result of jealousy. I don't know the specifics of what transpired. All I know is Mike Beck is no longer here with us. This man was an aspiring rapper with lots of talent. He asked me to write a book on his life and this is what took place. I'm tired of the senseless killings and he's not the first person I've had taken away from me. I do know that his legacy will continue to live on because that's what he would've wanted so every person who had a personal relationship with this man will have to play their part. Last night I listened to Kay Slay play a song called "Self Destruction 2010". I understood why he played it. There are too many songs out here promoting violence and glorifying the street element. Alot of times these kids are so impressionable on this kind of music that they think that's what these artists are advocating. They don't know how to separate art from reality. Music is an art form! Its not supposed to make you go out and participate in random acts of violence. If that was the case, then every time you watched a violent movie you'd think that was the green light to do something crazy. If thats what you think then your Suspended In Time by thinking it. We've all seen Scarface, Boyz in the Hood, Menace to Society, Goodfellas, Casino, Heat, Terminator and countless other movies that depict what happens in the end. Noone pays attention to the message these movies or the music portrays. All they see is violence! I'm not here to preach to you, but I do know that God didn't put us all here on this great Earth to harm one another. We're supposed to love one another and treat everyone as equal but we all know that isn't the case. Racism still exists in many parts of the world, but good overrides evil any day. With that being said, I will continue to play my part and do what I was put on the planet to do which is to shed light and enlighten those in need of enlightenment. Rest in Peace Mike Beck, I will forever hold you in my heart. Watch over us and I'll see you when I get there.

FREE SHYNE!!

Many of you are familiar with the rapper Shyne whose raspy delivery catapulted him to the top of the charts during the mid 1990's. But the most important thing that you do remember about him is the fact he was sentenced to ten years in prison from an incident that occured in 1999 in Club New York. Shyne was charged with criminal possession of weapon and wreckless endangerment for the shooting that left several people injured. He was accompanied by Sean Combs during that time and apparently he was charged as well but his case was separated from Shyne's leaving Shyne to fend for his self. Shyne was the kind of person that rode for the people he rolled with and industry insiders claimed the incident was started by none other than Sean Combs. Out of desperation to save his friend from unruly patrons, Shyne did what he thought he had to do to back a friend. Only thing is he didnt get the same backing when his life was on the line. How many times have you heard of situations like this? His loyalty was put to the test and he showed his self worth. Its an unfortunate situation that happened and noone glorifies what transpired. I know he wished he used better judgment that night. I'm pretty sure he has a sour taste in his mouth after what occurred. Only the strong survive in a land where loyalty is no longer a priority out here. Loyalty is used very loosely these days where people are only looking out for themselves. But yet, so many people forget about what really transpired as if it never happened. Shyne has since been released from prison after serving a good portion of nine and a half years. Following his release, he was detained by Immigration pending his deportation status to his native land Belize. Teaming up with Professor Ogiltree from Harvard, Shyne awaits the United States decision of granting him citizenship. Although he was raised in the United States as a child, he is not considered a legal resident here. I never understood why the government uses our tax dollars to keep a man in prison only to deport them once their sentence is completed. Why couldn't they deal with this for the past nine years since he's been Suspended In Time? Why wait now? They had plenty of time to address this issue. I feel bad for him because now he has another battle to fight. There are alot of people who don't want to see him come back. I truly hope he gets another chance to become a citizen of the United States because Brooklyn is his home and we will always welcome his return. I hope he keeps his grass cut because when the grass is cut in the morning, only then will the snakes reveal themselves.

THE INDUSTRY

I just wanted to share with you my experiences within the industry of what so many people long for and have yet to fully comprehend. There are alot of people that aspire to be superstars and pursue their dreams of becoming America's Next Great Talent. There's alot of hard work and dedication that comes along with the price of fame. Many people who rooted for you when you didnt have a dime in your pocket are the same ones who are just glad you can provide access to them to backstage. They're still groupies, then you have the ones that weren't there from day one and want to be around you now that you got something good going. I've never been the type of person to change on anyone and consider myself to be well grounded in all aspects of life. I've stood next to people who consider theirselves to be icons and I see the look on their eyes as if they wanted to trade places with me. You'd be suprized! Seventy five percent of the industry is nothing but a bunch of backstabbers, cutthroats, and people you would rather not associate with on a daily basis. When all the smoke clears, you see for people for who they truly are. I keep a small circle of friends around me that I know I can trust. I don't socialize with everyone and would rather not because everyone comes with baggage. It takes years to cultivate a meaningful relationship, but these days people forget about that opting to settle. They compromise personal beliefs because the person they're rolling with can get them in the All Access Parties or the VIP treatment. Now this person becomes their best friend all of a sudden. I don't believe in all that, my friendship can not be bought. If you ride with me then I'm down with you, its just that simple.

ART IMITATING REAL LIFE

I wanted to speak on something which I find a little disturbing and has been becoming a trend in the past few years. Alot of rappers have fallen victim to weapons possession charges and being Suspended In Time for their actions. Alot of these rappers don't have any real reason to feel threatened and if so this why you hire security who has the right to carry weapons. You cant take it upon yourself or think that your above the law because your not. We've seen the same thing happen to T.I. who is currently behind bars for a year. Recently, Lil Wayne has been charged for an incident that occured in 2007 in New York. Cops raided his tour bus when he had a performance at the Beacon Theater and used a special DNA procedure to tie the gun to him. I guess he was under the impression that his gun license applies to all states like Plaxico Burress did. These dudes know damn well if they do have a gun license, it doesnt apply for other cities. Each city has its own rules and laws. What applies in Jersey doesn't apply in New York and what applies in New York doesn't apply in New Orleans. I guess their advisors didn't inform them of that little detail. I think alot of times these rappers try so hard to emulate this thug image that they allow their ignorance to supercede their intelligence. When art imitates real life then that's a serious problem. How can you be that neglectful and lack knowledge to the point where you put yourself in a predicament to be placed in prison for something that could've been avoided. If you need to carry a gun into a night club, then you probably don't need to frequent that club. If you need to bring a gun on your tour bus, then you need to hire real security. Its unfortunate all these talented young men have to sit behind bars for their actions, but hopefully they'll have time to reflect on their situation while they're there and come out a better person.

COMPETITION IS NONE

Why is that everywhere you turn there's a competition? I find it strangely odd that the media perpetuates this behavior and most of us feed into it for our own selfish entertainment. We are entertained by rappers having beef with each other. We love to watch Maury and see two baby mothers compete over a man that's no longer in their lives. I can go on and on, but where does this competitive nature come from? Is this innate or something that is conditioned? I have never seen so much competition in a world where every man has the right to create a lane for themselves to be successful. I particularly see this becoming a trend within the hip hop community and now its trickling down to R&B artists. I mean theres competition in everything, from politics, church, to your local grocery store. I don't see the relevance in people hating on one another when they're trying to get ahead in life. I believe in the concept of "Do unto others as you want others to do unto you". Where does all this hate come from? Well, I'll tell you what my conclusion is and then you can add your own theories. I think it comes from mental slavery. I say that because back then you had the field slave and the house slave. There was always competition amongst them to prove to the master who was the best slave. The field slave was the outcast while the house slave got the better treatment by sleeping in the house. They ate better food and were clothed properly. Somehow this mentality has transcended into what I now call modern slavery. You have your own people hating on you for whatever purpose. How many times have you seen a new rapper attacking the next? Its becoming routine and the media capitalizes off this. Whatever happened to getting to the top on your own merit? Why do people feel the need to drag the next man down to get ahead? We're like the only race (I'm black) that doesn't take care of its own. We have more dissension than unity. We have more cutthroats within our community than those outside of it. We are blackballed by our own people for better jobs and to be in positions of power. People are motivated by their own personal agendas. They don't see the long term effect of how this mentality has stagnated our growth as a people on a whole. Its not about black and white anymore, although racism still exists in this society. Last year, we nominated our first black President in Barack Obama and that in itself was a major accomplishment. I cried that night. I felt like there was still hope for our people to do great things. We voted for change but if we don't change our way of thinking then everything we've accomplished up until this point goes in vain. I believe in the human race, I don't look at color because like I said earlier your own people can hold you back (if you allow them). I wish there wasn't so much competition out here and people learned to live life as neighbors, but that would be nirvana. The reason why so much catastrophe has occurred in the past is because we take life for granted and not doing the things we're supposed to be doing on Earth. I'm not going to get spiritual on you, but these things were written. If we can nominate our first black President, there's nothing we can't do. It all starts with you though. Love thy neighbor and everything else will fall in place--don't be an individual whose mind is Suspended In Time....

SOCIETY FAILING OUR YOUTH

I was sitting here thinking about what to write and it hit me at 2:34 am on a Monday morning. I wanted to discuss the mentality of the grown folks within our communities. Why is that you live in a community and are afraid to speak to the kids that reside in it? Are they that much of a threat to you or do you have the "That's not my child" syndrome? I read a response from a good friend of mine and she is the one that inspired me to share this with you today. Society as a whole has failed our youth. We sit around and point fingers at the bad kids that are terrorizing the neighborhoods and we are quick to disassociate ourselves from them. Just because he/she didn't come from your womb doesn't give you the right to cast them off. I believe in the concept "It takes a village to raise a child", but over the years people have been reluctant to step up and intervene when they know a child is out there doing things they have no business doing. We turn a blind eye to them because we feel its not our problem. I have a news flash for you. It is our problem, especially when this child lives within your community and you see them regularly on a day to day basis. Most of these kids are simply crying out for attention but we don't heed to the warning signs. Any child psychologist can confirm to you what I'm saying. I was once a child myself and I didn't plan to get into trouble. It just sort of happened since noone was paying attention to me when I was at a vulnerable state. Some kids don't get to be as fortunate. Most of them are rotting away in a state prison somewhere while others have been buried at a very young age. I'm ashamed of the way society chooses to deal with our youth. They think locking them up and throwing away the key is the answer but research has proven time and time again that this method does not work in the long term. I remember growing up I used to be scared to cut school because I was afraid that one of my parents friends would see me and report back to my mother what I was doing during school hours. One time, I actually got caught and got a major beating for my actions but I was more impressed than embarrased. That incident taught me to stay in school, because someone was always watching. Its our obligation to raise the kids within the community as your own because you never know when one of those kids could bring grief to your home. You have to cultivate a relationship with them from early on so they can have a chance when they get older. If they're not hearing that you care, what makes you think they're going to care? Its time for us to stop acting like we're scared of the youth because noone wants to be Suspended In Time over a child that clearly needed your love and affection to begin with. You have to blame yourself when these kids turn to the dark side and its your moral duty to show them right from wrong. Stop pointing fingers, because you know what they say about a person who throws stones but live in a glass house...

TELL A FRIEND

I feel a little guilty for not posting up anything in a few days but as you all know, I always post two to three blogs a week for your viewing pleasure. I'd like this blogsite to expand but I can't do it without you. So I'm asking everyone on this site to tell one friend to sign up and pass on the same message to them. I want this site to grow daily. I noticed people go to the site but they're not signing up which distorts the number of views this site gets. I got something very special planned in a few weeks but I can't talk about it right now. I just wanted to let you know that I truly appreciate each and everyone of you and I will continue to talk about pertinent subject matter on this site for you. Thanks again for your committment to this site and please pass the word on to your friends and family so that we can continue to grow and help shed light on topics which affects all of us and our communities.

ANTI-SNITCH CAMPAIGN

There's been talk about this anti-snitching campaign for quite some time now. Alot of rappers endorses this idea which in a sense is a bit perplexing to me. For one, their ideology of what snitching is misconstrued and taken off face value. Especially for the youth that look up to them as their idols. First of all, let me be the first to say that those who talk about snitching are the same ones who be pointing fingers and telling on everyone to save their own asses. Real men don't gossip so when you have people concerned with what a person is doing, its disturbing. Everyone talks about keeping it real and the code of the streets, but I dont know what code they're living up to. If its for the glorifying of the same streets that costed me seven years of incarceration, I could care less about the streets. The streets don't make me! I may come from there but I'm not a by product of the streets. Aint nothing cute about that, but often times you have these fraudulent people trying to dictate to the young what their life should be about. Some of these dudes be grown ass men hanging out with kids half their age as if they're having a mid-life crisis of some sort. Instead of coaching them to do what's right like going to school and staying off the streets, these clowns infiltrate the young and steer them down a path of destruction. How honorable is that? On top of that, these same dudes don't have the discipline to sit down in a school setting but here they are training your kids on the code of the streets. Let me tell you this, half of what you hear from the media concerning rappers is not true. Its all a facade! These dudes are not as tough as they portray themselves to be on television. Its an act to draw attention and often times look like uncivilized beings. This is what your kid pays attention to and these are the images he/she praises. I know for a fact that ninety five percent of the people in the rap music industry could not survive the ordeal of being Suspended In Time for an extended period. They wouldn't know what to do. You have to have tough skin to survive so I don't buy into the anti-snitching thing because most of them would tell on me and you if the opportunity presented itself. Snitching is frowned upon in the inner city but alot of regular civilians think this rule applies to them. No its not! Its more so when two people do something together, one gets caught and tells on the next to save his own ass. Noone forced that person to do what he did, he had free will and knew the consequences but he still participated. Now he's on the witness stand testifying to lighten his sentence. On the other hand, you have a regular law abiding civilian whose been living in his apartment for the past twenty years and he witnesses a crime. Its their duty to say what they saw because they can be subpoenaed to court. Lying on the witness stand is perjury, you saw what can happen when you lie in the Lil Kim trail. If a person witnesses a family member brutally injured and testifies on their behalf, that is not the equivalent of snitching. That's caring for family. Everyone has their own concept of this word, but I just broke it down to you in the simplest form. Remember the first person to point a finger has three pointing back at them. Dont put yourself in a comprimising situation so you won't have to worry about all that. Remember the streets has no loyalty to noone so those advocating this whole anti-snitch thing are the same ones who maybe agents or police informants.

PRISON RAPE

I wanted to shed light on a topic that most of you have misconceptions on. The biggest misconception is that everyone who goes to prison is a victim of rape. I know I have your attention now. This statement is far from the truth, although rape does occur in prison in isolated incidents. I've never witnessed it myself but I did see some things which were strange when I went to court. I recall this kid who was heading upstate getting serviced from a gay kid while someone played lookout. There were always gay individuals in prison who had that lifestyle way before they came to prison. Prison doesnt turn anyone gay, unless they're a weak individual and they had those tendencies within themselves. There are alot of people that have this distorted perception of men being turned into homosexuals and I attribute that to "Oz". Everyone remembers that from HBO! It was a show which depicted the life of prisoners behind bars and the sadistic behaviors that came along with it. They perpetuated ideas which the mind could not fathom, but thats all a part of ratings. Its called entertainment, but some people viewed that show as if that was the blueprint to what actually transpires inside the walls. I'm here to tell you that show was far from the truth. There are no such people like an Adibise running a jail! Its not reality and that would never happen! Prison rape is prevalent and very much real but you are who you are way before you get where your going. I read an article about a gay kid who remains nameless here. He was the victim of rape for 18months in a Texas prison. He asserts prison officers deliberately ignored his protests when he asked for protective custody from his predators. This kid was the legal property of numerous gang members in prison and is now suing The Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This kid was involved in a burglary which he says his boyfriend influenced him. So for that he received 10 years probation. In 1997, he failed to report for probation and that lapse in judgment earned him his first stay in jail. Two years later, he violated parole again, this time by bouncing a check for $300. For a misdemeanor charge, he was placed in a low-security prison in Tennessee Colony, Tex. He soon ran afoul of the staff, having been caught hoarding extra prison whites. "It's all the same clothes, but with my background, you know, being gay, you like clothes," he says. This is the straw that broke the camels back because after being warned twice, he was transferred to a maximum state prison. He was befriended by a local gang banger who was the leader of the Black Gangster Disciples. He was offered protection and in exchange for that he was told he had to have sexual relations. Once he tried to break off the relationship, this is when the same person who vowed to protect him auctioned him off to other gang members within the facility. He was passed on to the Crips as well as the Bloods whether he was interested or not. He was forced and had no choice in the matter since his vulnerability allowed predators to prey on his incompetence. For 18 months, he became sole property of the Bloods, the Crips, the Mandingo Warriors, and the Mexican Mafia, all of whom forced him to have sex with their members. They also sold his services to other inmates, usually for between $5 and $10. (A cigarette in Allred goes for $1.50.) On several occasions, he received letters from gang leaders—now part of the evidence supporting his complaint—informing him that if he did not comply with their demands, the punishment would be even more severe than the rapes. One of the letters promised to "smash your bitch ass ASAP" if he resisted. A few years ago, Congress passed the Prison Rape Reduction Act, which allocates $60 million to support rape-prevention programs run by federal, state, and local corrections staff and to aid investigations and punishment of perpetrators. The bill, which enjoyed bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, also requires states to collect statistics on prison rape. Backers of the legislation hope federal oversight will make sexual assault prevention a priority for jail and prison systems across the nation. But $60 million can only go so far in addressing an alarming problem. These things do occur in prison, but only to those who allow it. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime because not everyone is cut from the same cloth as was the case with this individual.

COLUMBUS WHO?

I felt it was imperative to jog something down today since its Columbus Day and many people still believe til this day he discovered America. As a student I remember my teachers feeding us their version of History. We have been indoctrinated to take everything we learned from school off face value, but knowledge is infinite. I read alot of books while I was Suspended In Time for seven years and the things I learned blew my mind. I read powerful books that intrigued and stimulated the mind. I didnt limit myself with a specific genre, I was into books like "Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery" by Na'im Akbar to "Mis-education of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson. It was these books that developed my mind to be a thinker and challenged me to become a better person. While everyone was busy trying to glorify the thug image, I busied myself with self exploration which allowed me to be free mentally. I learned things in prison that I would have never been able to know through self indulgence. I discovered my ancestry and realized my people come from deep slave roots. It was the Haitians that freed the slaves from the hands of the French colonial rule in 1791. Light skin french people were in positions of power through government and utilized their education and military status to do more harm than good. The racial prejudice these people endured was the catalyst for the Haitians to revolt, which was successful. Their victory trickled down to other islands in the West Indies like Trinidad, Jamaica, as well as Dominican Republic. Although Haitians are not given the credit they deserve, I know the history of my people and thats all that matters. Native Americans occupied the land in America long before Columbus sailed so fact is fact and if you question this, then your still Suspended In Time...

WHAT ARE YOU PROVING?

I wasnt going to post anything today, but after sending an email to a family member I felt compelled to write something. I wanted to talk about the young generation which is often referred to as Generation X. I've been doing alot of observations and I've come to the conclusion that these kids are all Suspended In Time. Respect is non-existent as these kids feel they can do whatever they want to do. When you speak to them, they think they have all the answers to everything. Whatever you say doesn't apply to them. I remember coming up in the eighties as a young teen in search of direction. I dont recall ever having an adult to put me up on game. Going to jail was something that was far fetched and nowadays its looked upon as an honor or rite of passage. This is a distorted perception of what life as a youngster should be. Kids aspire to get locked up as opposed to staying out of trouble and getting good grades. They try to outdo one another in hopes that they're recognized for their display of male bravado. Also alot of the young women around these impressional young men don't do anything to help out the situation. They encourage ignorance and violence so these young kids think thats what they need to do in order to get love from their peers. Young girls cheer them on by instigating and riling them up for after school fights, but when someone gets really hurt or dies thats when they wished they hadn't gotten involved. Instead of doing what's right, they do whats wrong. This is one of the main reasons Derrion Albert died in Chicago a few weeks back. Noone tried to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. They were right there cheering on the situation instead of protecting him from harm. Its sickening! I've done alot of bad in my life but beating a kid to death is not one of them. As a kid, I knew my boundaries, but these days theres no holds barred. Everything goes and it seems like everyone is trying to be badder than their counterparts. I dont know what they're trying to prove and to whom? They want people to remember who dealt the fatal blow as if they're competing for some kind of award. The only award you get out of being ignorant is a guaranteed spot in a state prison where your bravado will be tested on a much greater scale. I've seen so called gangsters in the streets turn to church mice once incarcerated. It doesn't matter what set you claim or how many people you hurt, its a brand new ball game once your in prison and your all by yourself. This is what these kids don't think about. I guess they'll think about that once they cross that bridge.

RAP MUSIC INFLUENCES VIOLENCE?

Do you think rap music influences violence? This question has been raised time and time again as media points rap music for fueling violence. Over the past few years, rap music has been blamed for random acts of violence amongst teens. The term "gansta rap" derived from a variety of rappers who talk about the harsh realities of growing up in the ghetto. Some of these artists include Tupac, N.W.A, Ice Cube, Ice T, Too Short, Scarface and a long list of others. These artist's utilize rap as a platform as most artists do to speak to people who identify with their vivid depictions of life as they see it. It doesn't matter if your a country singer, jazz, or into R&B. You have to separate art form from reality. Everyone has a story to tell so I find it a little odd to point fingers at Hip Hop for random acts of violence taking place all over the world. How can you honestly accuse Hip Hop for everything that happens and be content with your statement? Blaming the culture for society's wrongs is not right. Especially when there are movies out there that illustrate violence on a regular basis. Growing up, I did certain things which I'm not too fond of as an adult. I can't recall listening to a song and wanting to commit an act of violence. Music tames the savage beast. I can't speak for everyone else but when I listen to music whether its rap or reggae, it speaks to my soul. It makes me feel good. There's no correlation that Hip Hop directly affects people to do crime. I have yet to hear a study on this. This hypothesis has never been proven because I have yet to receive the memo. I just watched a vicious attack by several school kids in Chicago beating on a student recently. This kid lost his life, but I don't think its fair to say Hip Hop caused it. These kids have been having issues amongst one another for whatever reasons. The end result was a fatal blow to the head which took another young life. It saddens me to know that theres so much evilness in this world where parents are worried about sending their own kids off to school. This situation has gotten too far and these kids act like savages once let out from school. In order for a situation to turn out like that, there is clearly no school supervision and a lack of securtiy. No child should have to go to a school and be randomly attacked to the point where their life is taken. Raising kids start in the home so if the child isn't getting the proper home training and parents don't instill values, you have mayhem. Most parents rely on teachers to help in the rearing of their child since they spend a good amount of time with their children while their at work. If your one of those parents, your doing society a great disservice by thinking this way. And for those of you who believe rap music influences kids rage, your Suspended In Time for believing so. I don't believe it and I don't think I ever will support that ideology...

YOUTH KILLED IN QUEENS

How many times have you heard this story? The mother of a 13 year old boy greaves for her son pleading for witnesses to step up as her son was viciously shot and killed on his way to McDonalds Friday October 2, 2009. Kevin Miller was an astute student who kept his grades up and played basketball with friends in his backyard. No kid should have to die under these circumstances, but he did. At the ripeful age of 13, Miller was just getting to know what life is about as a freshman at Humanities and the Arts and Magnets School in Queens. He was given money for good grades and excelling in academics when he stumbled upon a fight on his way to McDonald's. As of today, the police have a 16 year old boy in custody as a person of interest, but he isn't being charged. I was a kid myself and I understand why my mother used to be so protective of me when I was coming up. Losing a child to the streets are every parent's worst nightmare. These things do happen and my heart goes out to the family but that will never compensate for their loss. "He was an innocent bystander, in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Donna Greaves, his mother, whose 35 fighting back tears as she recanted the story to reporters. In the thrill of watching a fight, Kevin Miller was shot in the head around 3 p.m. He was pronounced dead at Long Island Jewish Medical Center a short time after. Another kid was also shot in the leg during said incident and remained in stable condition yesterday. I dont condone violence nor do I tolerate it, especially when it comes to young kids. Its sad to know he will never get to experience his prom as his life came to an abrupt end at such a young age. I'm sick and tired of hearing these stories, because it just goes to show that no matter how much you try to instill values in these kids heads they still want to be gun toting thugs. I attended a rally with Al Sharpton not too long ago and T.I. was there along with several other guests. I remember Queen Pen stating to the crowd that we as adults need to take control of our children. We're afraid of our own kids so they run rampant on the streets causing mayhem and destroying families. If we don't give the kids something to look up to, there are gangs out there that will. It takes a village to raise a child, but these values are often lost and not enforced. The theme of the rally was "Responsibility is not a Choice, Its a Lifestyle". It was in response to two kids who were killed in Harlem in a span of a week last April. Christopher Owens was 13 years old as well and took a bullet to the head after a Lenox Ave. barbeque was interrupted by a hail of stray bullets. Taking a life doesn't make you powerful, in fact it renders you powerless since you have to go to those extremes to prove something. That mentality needs to change because when you end up in prison Suspended In Time for the rest of your life, you'll reflect back on what you did and kick yourself in the ass for something that could've been avoided. Life is precious, its not a game...

FRIEND OR FOE (HATERS)

I almost lost focus for a minute, because when your doing constructive things there are two forces in the universe. I represent the good side, I've done enough destruction in my past so by bettering myself I added balance to my life. But sometimes when your doing so good, people will come at you from all angles of the hemisphere. If its not positive, I'm blind to hate. I know how to detect phony people. I've stressed the importance of loyalty in previous blogs so you know how I feel in regards to that issue. Some people have ulterior motives and hidden agendas and will say anything in their power to try and assassinate your character. Who are you to judge me? Only God can judge me! I dont give people like that any importance so it baffles me to know that I'm the topic of their conversations. When miserable people don't have anything to talk about, they will dig deep in attempts to get underneath your skin. I acknowledge the publicity stunt so from now on, I vow to ignore people who don't have anything beneficial to talk about. The blind will always lead the blind. I don't need anybody to validate my existence, especially when they haven't accomplished half of the things I have in life. Hate comes in all forms, people hate on you for bettering yourself. They hate you for getting your degree, they hate for you to be in a position they wished they could be in. But these are the same people who are your biggest fans. They want to keep tabs on you to make sure your not doing better than them. I learned a long time ago "Dogs that bark don't bite". When your a threat to people, they will do anything in their power to drag you back in the bucket you worked hard to overcome. I dont associate with the crab in the bucket mentality so if your not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Friends can be your worst enemies so keep your eyes on the prize before you end up Suspended In Time.... --"You talkin' bout millions Or you talking bout mine/What we talkin' bout/Cuz I aint got time For what people be talkin' bout all the time.." Jay Z Blueprint 3--What We Talkin' About...

UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS!

Several weeks ago, I received an email for an upcoming job fair and didn't know what to think nor did I know why they chose my email address to relay the information. I've been to several job fairs in the past and the results were always disheartening for me. Millions of people have been laid off or fired from their jobs in the past year or so. I thought for a second that the city was finally providing an opportunity to its citizens to get back on the work force during the plight of our economic crisis. I was somewhat elated, but I didn't know what to expect. I decided to give it a shot. What else did I have to lose? When I arrived, I was shocked at what I witnessed. I reached there about 1pm so I was at a clear disadvantage compared to all the people who stood online for countless hours waiting their fate. I've seen lines for these events before, but not of this magnitude. You would've thought they were out there waiting for a Jay Z concert as the line that started on 7th Avenue wrapped around 31st Street down to 30th Street. I had a dilemna on my hands as I plotted on how to get in. Once I figured that out, I was in the building and I apologize to everyone for jumping ahead but nice guys finish last. After a brief confrontation with the security guard, I spoke to him pleasantly and we reconciled our differences. In an article by Patrick McGeehan, he clearly states the unemployment rate in NY city exceeds 10%. This number has been steadily increasing over the past several months and will continue to climb unless the city does something to curb this crisis. The number of people unemployed statewide is at a staggering 874,300 as of this month. So close to a million people are Suspended In Time caught in the matrix chasing their tails around trying to figure out how they're going to pay their mortgage, car notes, child's education, daycare expenses, health care, and some people struggle to put food on their table every night. The basic necessities needed in life in order to survive are almost non-existent in most cases. Of course, you wouldn't think there was a problem when you attend parties and see the amount of people that loyally come out in droves to escape reality of what's transpiring in their real lives. People cope differently, some of us worship and put our faith in the Lord during trying times and others indulge in night life activities. In the morning when they sober up, the same problems exist. Other Western civilizations like France take care of its citizens. The organizers of these Job Fairs are clever, because they receive millions of dollars to coordinate a fair. They don't have your best interest at heart, because if they did the results would show. The unemployment rate would drop below the national average. There is no quantum measure of statistics indicating those fairs work and there needs to be a system implemented to monitor the rate of success of these fairs. If not, they need to be dismantled completely. You wait on line for countless hours and when you're finally afforded an opportunity to meet with employers, its empty. You get to the booths and passed another piece of paper informing you where you can go register online. For that, they could've passed one out to everyone that was diligently waiting outside. What's the purpose of having people wait to not give them an opportunity to interview? Millions of dollars of tax payers money support these programs, but what does the tax payer get when they're truly in need? I wonder how long will America continue to allow its people to suffer in silence. How long are we going to sit back and allow these injustices to directly affect us and our families?

SEX WITH A MINOR IS RAPE

In my last blog I talked about the case of the Hofstra students who were cleared of fabricated rape charges. Today I want to talk about Director Roman Polanski who has been a fugitive for the past three decades. His ordeal dates back to 1978 when he was convicted in California for the raping of a 13 year old girl he had lured into the Hollywood Hills home of Jack Nicholson. This poor girl was under the impression she was going for a photo shoot and unfortunately for her turned out to be a victim of rape. Polanski has been living in Europe for the past three decades and is regarded as one of the most famed directors. His short fame came to a cease when California authorities learned of his whereabouts. Known for directing movies, "Chinatown", "The Pianist", and "Rosemary's Baby", Polanski was scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award in Switzerland. Upon landing in Zurich airport, he was arrested and led away without provocation. How ironic is that? You go from fugitive in the United States to iconic figure in Europe. I don't know about you, but I believe in karma. In 1969, his pregnant wife Sharon Tate was killed in their home by Charles Manson's cult believers. God has a plan for everyone in this world whether you believe it or not. There are no cutting corners in life! The woman he raped, Samantha Geimer has testified in court he gave her quaaludes as well as champagne to intoxicate her and do as he pleased. He was 44 at the time of said incident and forced his self on her and later sodomized her. She even went public by suggesting prosecutors to drop the charges and feels his 30 years in exile suffice for the crime he committed. There is a ten year statue of limitations on rape, but it was Suspended the minute he fled to Europe. The maximum amount of time one can receive in California on charges of rape is eight years. Knowing this, he fled to France who prides itself on protecting its citizens from extradiction. In 2003, he was nominated for best director winning an Oscar for "The Pianist". The ceremony was held in California so he did not show for fear of arrest. How clever? This is clearly a man who is conscious about the decisions he make. By alluding the hands of the law for the past thirty years, it is clearly evident he acknowledges guilt but doesn't want to be Suspended In Time for his actions. He was riding a wave that finally brought him back to shore and now has to face a moral dilemna. You never know what skeletons one may or may not have in their closet. This man is a poor excuse of a human being so whatever happens to him will rest on the jury's decision when he goes to trial. That is if he ever goes to trial! He may never spend a day in prison for his transgressions since he's such an iconic figure in Europe. Polanski has a propensity for sleeping with women who are minors, his reputation caught up with him again when he slept with another young actress by the name of Nastassja Kinski. She was 15 when he casted her for a role in "Tess". Is this the action of a man who is remorseful? I don't think so! As he awaits his fate, he is currently fighting extradition which could drag the process of him being extradited into U.S. territory where he is to be arraigned. He could be Suspended In Time for the next eight years for something he could've owned up to many years ago. The Zurich Film Festival indefinitely postponed the presentation of Polanski's lifetime achievement award, but planned to go ahead with a retrospective of the director's work. I wonder did they include the fact that he's a pedophile in their program. Good luck with that! You do crime, you pay for the time. No one should be exempt from the judicial system, it doesn't matter how famous you are!

HOFSTRA STUDENTS CLEARED ON RAPE CHARGES

Several weeks ago, we all were informed by the media about an incident that occurred in Hofstra University. It was the subject of all media outlets from the newspapers to the internet. Four college students were allegedly accused of raping a fellow student at a college party. This young woman adamantly told the police she was raped which subsequently got four boys arrested. Raping a woman is regarded as the most degradable form of offense a person can be associated with. In prison, when your a person whose arrested for something of that magnitude-you're considered a germ. No one wants to be around you and there are times when you will be attacked once the opportunity presents itself. Prisoners make clear examples of rapist, they are not welcomed with open arms. This reminds me of the Central Park Rapist many years ago. I was an adolescent during those times and I remember clearly how he was directly the constant victim of ongoing threats and reprisals. One day the C.O.'s tried to put him in the same cell as us, but everyone voiced their concerns. They took turns spitting on him before he got a chance to come in. Realizing he was unwelcomed, officers put him in a cell by his self to prevent the possibility of attack from unruly prisoners. Now in the case of these four Hofstra students, they were about to be Suspended In Time had it not been for the leakage of phone records and video. Each one of them could've spent an easy four years plus behind that offense. Their entire families would have been impacted and directly affected unjustly. This is a clear example of how easy it is for you to get caught up if you don't choose better friends and make better career decisions. Luckily for them, the truth was revealed after the accuser recanted her story to authorities. Besides, the footage that was unfolded clearly depicted her as enjoying the events that transpired between her and the men in the bathroom stall. She was never a victim in this case, but four men were wrongfully accused. As we all stood in our homes shaking our heads in disbelief, only they knew the truth of their case. There's an old saying that goes: "Never believe half of what you hear or anything you see for that matter. We're presumed innocent until proven guilty, but society has it the other way around.

SUBWAY MASSACRE IN MEXICO

I was surfing the web as I usually do when trying to find articles of relevance pertaining to this site when I came across something that truly disturbed me. On September 19, 2009 a mexican man opened fire on a commuter train in Mexico after he was confronted for doing graffiti in the subway. The man was identified as Luis Felipe Hernandez Castillo, 38, and was arrested carrying a .38-caliber revolver. Instead of a minor infraction, he could be facing the remainder of his life Suspended In Time. An officer was killed during the dispute as well as another man who tried to intervene. Five others were also wounded in the attack. This reminds me of a situation that occurred in 1993 with a man by the name of Colin Ferguson. Both of these incidents transpired in a subway station and involved the use of guns causing bodily injury. In the Ferguson case, this man walked down the aisles of a Long Island Railroad train leaving from Penn Station heading into Hicksville, New York and randomly opened fire on passengers. Six people died, while 19 others were wounded before he was subdued by others. Ferguson was delusional claiming someone else was responsible and was deemed mentally competent to stand for trial. He fired his lawyers opting to represent his self in his own defense. For his blunder, he received 6 consecutive 25-years-to-life terms for the murder conviction; 19 additional 25-year sentences for each count of attempted murder. Carolyn McCarthy, who represents the U.S. House of Representatives 4th District was directly affected by this incident. Her husband was one of the victims who lost his life during Ferguson's rampage. This prompted her to campaign for gun control asking law makers for stiffer penalties for people caught with guns. After years of campaigning, her message was finally heard in Congress. Recently, she was met with fierce opposition from the White House as plans to allow commuters to carry guns on Long Island Railroad trains are set to be repealed. With the state of our country, its sad to see that law makers are only concerned about pleasing lobbyist as opposed to doing whats in the best interest of the people as a whole. God bless this country!

ATHLETES GONE WILD!

If you thought Michael Vick, Popeye Jones, and Plaxico Burress are the only professional athletes who had encounters with the law, think again. The Associated Press reported on September 17, 2009 another prominent sports figure was in trouble with the law. This time its Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West, who was pulled over and arrested after cutting off a police cruiser while riding his motorcycle. The incident occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland at approximately 10pm. When he was searched, officers found three guns on his person. One in his pocket, one in his pants leg, and a shotgun in a guitar case which was strapped around his back. West was charged with speeding and weapons possession and later released on his own recognizance. This particular incident reminds me of famed rapper T.I. who was recently sent to federal prison for a year on weapons possession. You would think inspite of all the news surrounding T.I.'s case, people would be more responsible by not following down that same path. But every now and then, you get someone who thinks they're above the law and perceive themselves as untouchable. I don't know if it's carelessness or just plain stupidity. To get to the NBA is probably the hardest thing to accomplish. There are countless kids in the inner cities honing their skills to be the next big ticket so for a person to actually be in this position and not care baffles me. I'm not here to judge West, but I have to ask myself when do you take responsibility for your own actions. As a player, there are strict codes set in stone for all to abide by. No one is exempt from these rules, but people are human and do make mistakes. I should know. I blame the NBA to an extent for the simple fact that if they know West suffers from depression, they should know that in the off season he is vulnerable. This is a man whose a time bomb waiting to explode. I dont think the NBA does enough to ensure the well being of its players. They give them these lucrative contracts and sign on bonuses but they fail to get this man into a mental health program. Which is something West needs. Its obvious he needs attention and this is his way of getting it. I remember doing the same senseless things as a kid because noone wanted to pay attention to me. I indulged in criminal activity which eventually Suspended me in Time for many years. I truly hope West can overcome whatever it is he's battling, because he has a promising career ahead of him. For him to throw that all away and be Suspended in Time would truly be a waste of talent. Shout out to Kwan for putting me up on the news!

LEGISLATORS CASH COW

Prison is big business, the reason I say this for the simple fact it costs $40,000 to house an inmate according to a Census Report of 2000. This number has skyrocketed since then I'm sure. Instead of resources going to housing and education, they typically go towards housing inmates. The stimulation of the economy comes from services rendered from housing prisoners. I remember being 19 yrs old being shipped off upstate to serve the remainder of my time. I didn't understand the dynamics nor the politics that I was clearly a pawn of. I was part of an experiment and a lucrative business idea as prisoners were shipped off like cattle to upstate prisons. The population would suffer had it not been for us occupying the space there. The benefits of having prisoners upstate is the fact that they're counted in the census as residents, but yet we don't have rights to vote. The census reported in 2000, 108,000 prisoners were Suspended In Time. Multiply that number by $40,000-you get $4,320,000,000 dollars of revenue from the government.
An article entitled "Imprisoned In New York", by Andrew Beveridge in February 2004 states: Criminals are among New York City’s most popular exports. According to a recent study, about 44,000 state prisoners, or two-thirds of the entire state prison population are from New York City. Yet only 3,000 of these inmates are in state-run jails that are actually located in New York City. The rest are trucked up to state-run prisons upstate. While inconvenient to their relatives, their relocation is a huge benefit, both economically and politically, to rural counties upstate – at the expense of New York City.
They reap the benefits while we're Suspended In Time! While the local population looks forward to people doing crime in the inner city to boost up their economy, there's also a grave consequence that arises. Overpopulation of prisons have also blossomed over the years compelling some wardens to double-bunk prisoners. Fortunately for me, I never experienced that but I remember when double-bunking was being implemented upstate. I witnessed it for seven years. Friends told me of the horrific conditions which they faced and subject to on a daily basis. Bad enough your in a 8 by 6 cell, now you have to share that with another individual. God forbid this person has poor hygiene. The people who come up with these ideas clearly have no compassion for prisoners because they're not the ones who have to smell the stench of a bunkie using the toilet. Legislators are driven by monetary gain. The more people they can clump into a cell, the more money they can bargain for from the government. The resources that are awarded to them are supposed to go towards mental health, medication, food, clothing, and whatever other neccessities a prisoner may need during his stay. Honestly speaking, do you really think those resources are being allocated to the right places? When some of the inmates needs are met, the surplus goes in greedy legislators pockets. Even the person in charge of regulating funds has his hands in the pie for his cut of the proceeds. A recent survey by the Vera Institute of Justice discovered 26 states slashed its funding for corrections this year. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington have all cut back. Of course this does not come with strong opposition from prison unions. In Tennessee, plans of reducing the amount of resources spent on inmates include offering them less milk and meat in their daily meals. Kansas has proposed to rehabilate and is opposed to the idea of locking people up to earn a dollar. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) is also committed to a $1 billion dollar cost cutting plan which was announced a month ago. Governor Paterson has also been criticized for closing ten prisons and adding to the overpopulation in prison. Correctional officers have to deal with twice as many inmates, which exposes them to more danger and the possibility of riots erupting due to a lack of officers. This dilemna has prompted some states to cut prison funding by 10-22 percent from their previous budgets. In Oregon, a voter-approved plan to hand longer prison sentences to those who commit property crimes was delayed by state lawmakers who said they could not pay for it. Prison population has ballooned to 2.3 million people. One out of every 100 adults will be Suspended in Time! This harsh reality is forcing state lawmakers’ hand to cut programs. Greedy prison unions and legislators will have to find theirselves a new pie to eat from since their current opulent lifestyles have been altered. They are now literally Suspended In Time. Karma!

DOUBLE BLINDED LINEUPS

How many times have you been told to come down to the station for a lineup? If you have yet to experience this consider yourself fortunate. From experience, I've been in that situation before and I know I was not the perpetuator they were looking for. The police insisted I was as result of my criminal history but that was overt bias on their part. During this time I was in college taking Sunday courses and went to work directly after. I remember that day as vivid as yesterday. The reason I wanted to expound on this topic is the fact that over 72% of prisoners have been wrongfully accused by the hands of witnesses. This is a disproportionately enormous number and you wonder why the first thing that comes out of prisoners mouths is "I didnt do it!" The process of a standard lineup is bias and rigged. Research has proven that police officers provide hints to eyewitnesses as to whom to pick out from a lineup. When pictures are shown to a witness, they often feel pressured to choose someone even if the person slightly resembles the actual perpetrator. They're reluctant to base their conclusions on their own account of who actually did them harm. Nine times out of ten, some unfortunate person will be the fall guy of police misconduct. Eyewitnesses often make false accusations and assumptions that the perpetrator is someone in the lineup. How unjust is that? We live in a society where your supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but the reality is quite the contrary. Your guilty until proven innocent as a result of incompetent officers who are not properly trained. Your best interest is not their concern as long as someone is Suspended In Time whether they actually committed the crime or not. All they care about is a collar and going home at the end of the day. So now your locked up as a result of this simple fact and until you can prove otherwise, that is where you'll remain. To further compound the situation, your then appointed a court appointed lawyer who works with the judicial system. Unless you can afford a private lawyer, your doomed. The Innoncence Project supports a series of reforms to improve the accuracy of witness identifications. These reforms have been recognized by police, prosecutorial and judicial experience, as well as national justice organizations, including the National Institute of Justice and the American Bar Association. The benefits of these reforms are corroborated by over 30 years of peer-reviewed comprehensive research. I have a good friend serving a 25 year to life sentence and has been Suspended In Time for the past 19 years as a direct result of witness intimidation. Hopefully this new reform will substancially decrease the number of wrongful convictions ensuring fair lineups in the future.

1. The “Double-blind” Procedure/ Use of a Blind Administrator: A “double-blind” lineup is one in which neither the administrator nor the eyewitness knows who the suspect is. This prevents the administrator of the lineup from providing inadvertent or intentional verbal or nonverbal cues to influence the eyewitness to pick the suspect.
Today the Innocence Project released a new report entitled Reevaluating Lineups: "Why Witnesses Make Mistakes and How to Reduce the Chance of a Misidentification". The new report discusses several attempts at reforming lineups, including:
• Double-blind presentation: photos or lineup members should be presented by an administrator who does not know who the suspect is.
• Lineup composition: “Fillers” (the non-suspects included in a lineup) should resemble the eyewitness’s description of the perpetrator and the suspect should not stand out. Also, a lineup should not contain more than one suspect.
• Witness instructions: The person viewing a lineup should be told that the perpetrator may not be in the lineup and that the investigation will continue regardless of whether an identification is made.
• Confidence statements: At the time of the identification, the eyewitness should provide a statement in her own words indicating her level of confidence in the identification.
• Recording: Identification procedures should be videotaped.
• Sequential presentation (optional): Lineup members are presented one-by-one (by a “blind” administrator) instead of side by side.

ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

New York legislators were concerned about the influx of drugs and how they were tearing communities apart during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Drugs were accessible to nearly everyone on the streets and it spread like wildfire prompting legislators to react swiftly before the problem got out of control. Statistics showed that 560,000 users were on drugs nationwide. Even the police department saw a thirty one percent increase in drug related arrests during that time. Gov. Nelson Rockefeller who was a liberal Republican enacted the Narcotic Addiction and Control Commission which was geared towards aiding addicts get clean. Once the program proved to be inept, New York launched the Methadone Maintenance Program. This program failed as well because it didnt deter addicts from using. In 1973, calls for stricter penalties had grown too loud to ignore, prompting Albany to enact legislation that created mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years to life for possession of four ounces of narcotics — which is the same as a sentence for second-degree murder. The statutes became known as the Rockefeller Drug Laws — which we are all too familiar with. New York Department of Corrections had saw a swift increase of prisoners jump from 11% in 1973 to 35% in 1994. Low level drug offenders received harsh penalties as a direct result of these laws inhibiting judges to use their discretion when sentencing offenders. People with no priors received mandatory 15 years on convictions related to drugs which posed a problem as prison population doubled. I was incarcerated during these times and saw the constant influx of prisoners, especially first time non-violent offenders receive unfair sentencing. If they fit the stereotype, it didnt matter. They were going to be Suspended in Time for a very long time. Although there was an increase in drug convictions, crime was still abundant in the streets. In January, during his State of the State address, New York Gov. David Paterson said: "I can't think of a criminal justice strategy that has been more unsuccessful than the Rockefeller Drug Laws."
This law has since been rescinded and ammended by Gov. Pataki in 2004 after increasing pressure from activists. People like Russell Simmons and many others have stood up for the cause stating that there is a racial disparity with the law which targeted Blacks and Latinos. Ninety five percent of those Suspended In Time for drug related offenses were black and hispanic. While whites received a slap on the wrist for having cocaine on their person. The Rockefeller Laws is one of the biggest debacles in the history of the United States. I say that for the mere fact that it targeted those who were drug dealers trying to find means to sustain themselves. When there are no jobs and ex-offenders are discriminated against for their past they are forced into a system that has no love for them. People are going to do what they know best in order to survive. Society has forced them into a matrix and once caught they are penalized for the very same system that got them in that position to begin with. I dont think its fair and I've seen for myself first hand the damage the Rockefeller Laws has caused. Young kids were railroaded time and time again as a result of this. Although the sentencing guidelines has been reduced to 8 to 20 years under the new laws, there are alot of families suffering from the fiasco put in place over thirty years ago from the Rockefeller Drug Laws. If you want to target the Nino Browns of the world, then target them but don't take an entire village of young kids. They're better off in a treatment program as opposed to being in prison. These kids are used at the expense of kingpins since they are fascinated with material wealth. Those who were sentenced prior to the amendment are still Suspended in Time hoping on lighter sentencing from their appeals. Judges now have more discretion in sentencing by eliminating mandatory minimums for some higher-level drug offenders and making lower level offenders eligible for treatment. This is a step in a positive direction but the damage has already been done....

CANDIDATES FOR MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY

This morning I was tuned in to channel 7 watching a debate between Leslie Crocker Snyder, Cy Vance Jr, and Richard Aborn who are all running for Manhattan District Attorney. Robert Morgenthau, whose tenure is up will be replaced by one of these three candidates. I listened to them voice their issues regarding some serious issues that has plagued our communities over the years. The issues which were addressed were the Rockefeller Laws, Illegal Guns, Drug Offenses, police misconduct, racial bias in sentencing laws, prostitution, DWI, contractors, white collar crimes, anti-corruption. All three candidates had very similar responses within the debate. In some instances, they sounded like carbon copies of one another. The candidate who impressed me the most was Democratic Candidate Leslie Crocker Snyder whose twenty years of experience in the courtroom as a prosecutor has polished her for the position. She is often referred to as an aggressive prosecutor with a temperment, but in one word she describes herself as passionate. Critics often criticize her for her demeanor labeling her mean, but if she were a man she would be praised. There's a double standard when a woman is knowledgeable, strong, and effective to be held accountable for doing her job. Snyder talked about incorporating specialized units to respond to police misconduct and anti corruption offenses. She states that cases such as Bernie Madoff will be vigorously investigated. By being cooperative with Feds, white collar crimes will be prosecuted at all times. Smaller cases are also important for New Yorkers, such as credit card scams, illegal immigration, and identity theft. Synder endorses the protection of financial integreties of the markets so that these offenses are dealt with accordingly. She also touched on the fact that women have not been treated fairly in the criminal justice system in the past. I personally like this woman for the Manhattan's District Attorney office. Times have changed, many years ago it was absurd for a woman to be placed in these high ranking positions. I like the idea of giving a woman the same equal opportunity to effect change and implement new ideas which will subsequently make the world a better place by convicting those who need to be Suspended In Time and ensure less wrongful convictions. Trained in all issues related to these issues, she represents the many faces of women such as Hillary Clinton who is our Defense Secretary and Sonia Sotomayor who was recently appointed by President Barack Obama as the first Hispanic Supreme Court Judge. Men should not be solely responsible for governing this country. There needs to be balance. Women in government office equates to this world moving in a positive direction as long as her mission is to enforce the views of the people and be committed to them.

THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING BEHIND THIS SEVEN LETTER WORD. FOR OTHERS, THE PRICE OF LOYALTY IS PRICELESS. LOYALTY IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU CAN COUNT ON A PERSON AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THEM THROWING THINGS BACK IN YOUR FACE. LOYALTY IS BEING ABLE TO SLEEP COMFORTABLY IN YOUR TOUR BUS. LOYALTY HAS COSTED MANY PEOPLE THEIR FREEDOM, INCLUDING ME. PRODIGY OF MOBB DEEP HAS TO SPEND THREE AND A HALF YEARS IN PRISON BECAUSE HE'S LOYAL. AUTHORITIES WANTED HIM TO SET 50 CENT UP AND SUSPEND HIM IN TIME BUT HE OBLIGED THEIR OFFER. LOYALTY IS NOT ABOUT WHO BUSTS THEIR GUNS THE MOST. THAT'S WHAT COSTED SHYNE EIGHT YEARS OF HIS LIFE BEHIND BARS. NOR IS IT ABOUT HOW MUCH FIGHTS YOU WON. PEOPLE OFTEN MISCONTRUE THIS CONCEPT WHICH IS WHY THE WORLD IS IN SUCH DISARRAY NOW. LOYALTY IS TREATING OTHERS THE SAME WAY YOU'D WANT TO BE TREATED. LOYALTY IS BEING THERE FOR A FRIEND IN THEIR TIME OF NEED. LOYALTY IS ABOUT PULLING THE YOUNG UP AND TEACHING THEM RIGHT FROM WRONG SO THEY WON'T MAKE THE VERY SAME MISTAKES WE MADE GROWING UP. LOYALTY IS YOUR FAITH IN GOD. PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY BECAUSE OF THEIR LOYALTY TO THEIR RELIGION OR THEIR PASTOR. LOYALTY IS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THERE WAS A TIME IN MY LIFE WHERE I THOUGHT I HAD LOYAL FRIENDS. I THOUGHT THESE DUDES WOULD BE WITH ME TIL THE END OF TIME BUT THAT FANTASY IS SHORT LIVED. EVERYONE ISNT CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH AND YOU CAN'T MAKE PEOPLE BE LOYAL. ITS AN INNATE CHARACTERISTIC THEY MUST HAVE THEMSELVES. I LEARNED THAT LESSON MANY YEARS AGO. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE PRICE OF LOYALTY IS PRICELESS.

REMEMBERING 9/11

Today marks the eigth anniversary of the victims and the heroes of that horrific day many years ago. As we mourn the legacy of those who were affected by this incident, take the time to reflect back on your life and be thankful. I know we're not exactly living in the best of times as a result of this economy being in a recession. Just know that as long as your alive with a roof over your heads and the basic necessities needed in order to sustain, your blessed. I remember that day as vivid as yesterday. I was on my way to school when my brother called me in his room to show me what was transpiring in our own back yard. I recall being briefly suspended in time for the moment. I immediately made a stern decision not to go to school that night. Alot of people are still mentally and emotionally affected by this tragic incident so my heart goes out to them as well as the many firefighters and volunteers who gave up their lives with their heroics. Some are still affected by the fumes they consumed during cleanup. It just goes to show that although New Yorkers may be aggressive at times, when it comes to coming together for a cause people band together in order to make things happen. The same way I'm out here fighting and inspiring the youth is the same kind of passion those fire fighters had during times of utter distress and total chaos. Lets celebrate the lives of the lost as opposed to mourning them on this day. Be thankful for your life...

GANGBANGING 101

The gang situation in New York city has blossomed over the past two decades and its only getting worse. Growing up as a kid in the eighties, there were no gangs. It was more so groups of guys who grew up on the same block or went to the same schools. If anything, they were more like cliques but they werent gangs. There wasn't any initiation process to be a part of a clique. The cliques I remember from back then growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn were M.O.B., Troopers, Gremlins, V.I.P, and S.T.P who were from my block. Our thing was to protect our block. The purpose of bringing this up is the fact that I witnessed something the other day that truly disturbed me. I was at the Labor Day parade and one particular gang ran into someone who was obviously their rival. This poor kid received a severe beating by the hands of this gang. He was by his self and probably didn't realize he was in enemy territory. They kicked him, punched him in his face and when he did get up he received more sucker punches from others who were lurking for him. To me its pretty childish if you ask me. The fact that you decide to choose a ninety nine cent rag over your own life puzzles me. As a New Yorker, gang banging was never our thing. I am often apalled by these kids attitudes these days because they have no idea what they're getting into. The point of getting in a gang these days is not to protect a block from unruly kids. Its all about catching wreck on a weaker opponent. What's the point? I strongly urge you to drop your flags because those same friends your repping for will not be there for you when you're Suspended In Time...

RANDOM

This is a little random, but I do feel the need to speak on it. This site is called realbktalk so its only fitting to speak on what's real. A few years ago, I was downtown Bklyn talking to a few vendors regarding business. I got a few good responses but my thing is why are our people walking around this earth in a complete stupor? I don't understand why so many of us don't like to help out our own kind. This is a serious problem within our communities and the only explanation I can give for that mentality is that most of us are Suspended in Time mentally. Its not about black or white either. I call it the crab in the bucket mentality. I've supported all artists over the years (no bootleg). Everyone is preoccupied with Jay Z, Beyonce, and Weezy F. Baby but the truth of the matter is life is bigger than that. They place these people above God. I'm not chasing the fame, my mission is to help save the youth by giving them an alternative. If your not doing something from the heart, then what's the point? I understand the concept of doing for self because I didn't get this far by a handout. Everything I got, I earned! Some people don't want others to get ahead but that's the same cycle of ignorance that's been passed on to them. They don't know any better. I learned one thing from the entertainment industry. When your on top, people praise you but when you slip up like Chris Brown did, they slander your image and everything you stand for. They forget the fact that people are human and are not perfect which is why Tupac motto was "Only God Can Judge Me". Dont throw stones when your house is made of glass...

CASE DISMISSED!

From the title of this blog, I bet your probably thinking to yourself what case right? To make a long story short, I was in family court this morning as a result of a particular individual who wanted an order of protection from me. This individual just so happens to be my stepdad and that title alone isnt befitting of him. He doesnt fit the description, never did and never will. I guess he wanted me to be Suspended In Time over something minute, but the truth of the matter is he spites me to get back at my mother. I even had to cut my vacation short just for this sole purpose. Everything felt so surreal as I spent the entire day awaiting my fait in court. The same system I fought so hard many years ago to get out of. Here I was again as a grown man going through the same riga moro. I don't like my name being dragged into the court system, especially when I haven't done anything wrong. Apparently this man will do any and everything to make me miserable. That's how it's been from the day I knew he was psychotic by trying to throw me out the window as a kid. I saw all kinds of juvenile kids in there whose temperment was too much for their parents to handle so they seeked help from the courts. My heart ached for those kids as I envisioned myself being in their shoes for that split moment. I saw fear and contempt in their eyes as they faced stiff punishments from the judge. These kids were no more than sixteen years old and most looked like they were thirteen and fourteen.
I reminisced about my own childhood and saw the same vicious cycle of hate in their eyes. They longed for adoration and affection. Their deviant behaviors are a cry for help but most parents don't understand this concept. As a child, you want your parents to protect you and give you unconditional love no matter what the situtation is. Not to send you off to the justice system because it only gets worse from that point on. Once that loyalty bond is broken, there is no reconciliation. Although my case was thrown out without prejudice for him not showing up, there is no guarantee that this same degenerate bastard won't try to do something again. I dont think he'll ever be satisfied unless he can Suspend me in Time, which is highly unlikely...

BEING THANKFUL

I must apologize for not being on here in quite some time, but I've been away. As my 37th Birthday is steadily approaching in two days, I thought it would be a great time to let you know how grateful I am for being able to see this far in life. I am truly blessed and if it wasnt for the grace of God, I would not be here today. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young and this is the message I convey in my writing. I have friends I know who are no longer here as a result of choosing the streets over their own life. I also have good friends who are spending the rest of their lives behind bars. I could've ended up the same way but God had a better plan. I am a living testimony that you can make a mistake and take total control of your life and change it for the better. I don't believe in crying over spilled milk so I channelled my energy by turning a negative into a positive. My goal is to inspire those facing similar circumstances and making them understand that life is not to be taken for granted. People ask me all the time what does loyalty mean to me and I say to them its the single most important factor when establishing lifelong relations. People are still confused as to this concept but an old man told me a long time ago: "You can bring a horse to the river but you can't make him drink from it". There are three kinds of people in this world. Those that don't know what happened, those who wonder what happened and people like us who makes things happen! Shout out to Bushwick Bill...

LETTER TO GENERATION X

People often wonder why the younger generation have no loyalty and dont respect their elders. The only thing I can come up with is the fact that those before them didnt do a great job at instilling those values in them. It takes a village to raise the young, but in this day and age elders have given up on the young because they feel they're Suspended in Time. The blind is leading the blind, especially when the older cats throwing up gang signs to those younger than them. Instead they should be showing them how detrimental that path can be. Most of these kids are misguided and are looking for something to follow. I just wanted to let all the eighties babies know I apologize for not being there for ya'll. In the eighties, I was out there running wild in the streets so I neglected my duty to you as a man. It's me you looked up to and aspired to be but at that time, I was not in the right frame of mind to do what I was put on this earth to do. It is the elders that are supposed to teach those under them but we were also neglected from our elders. So the vicious cycle of hate ensued, therefore creating what we now call generationX. I paid those debts in confinement and I'm here to tell you that I will never stray away from the young again. This is a new day and era so if your not about empowering your own people, then your part of the problem! I dont associate the crab in the bucket mentality. That same mentality has held our people back for a long time. If we can come together to nominate our first black president, then we can accomplish anything. Back to the youth, I got love for you but in order to know your future-you must know your past... Straight!!

ATHLETES CATCHING A BAD RAP

I KNOW I'M A LITTLE LATE ON THIS ONE BUT I HAD TO COMMENT ON IT SINCE IT IS RELEVANT TO THE SITE. LAST WEEK, ONE OF MY FAVORITE NFL PLAYERS PLAXICO BURRESS (I'M A DIE HARD GIANTS FAN), ACCEPTED A TWO YEAR PLEA DEAL FOR AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR. THAT ISNT MUCH OF A PLEA BARGAIN IF YOU ASK ME. THERE WAS A TIME WHEN PPL RECEIVED PROBATION FOR THAT OFFENSE, ESPECIALLY WITH NO PRIOR CONVICTIONS. THE SENTENCING TO ME SEEMS A BIT HARSH AND EXCESSIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS ISNT THE KIND OF PERSON WHO POSES ANY THREAT TO ANYONE. IF ANYTHING, HE POSES A THREAT TO HIS SELF SINCE HE SEEMS TO BE A LITTLE TROUBLED. I DONT KNOW WHAT HE'S BEEN THROUGH SO I'M NOT GOING TO SPECULATE OR DRAW CONCLUSIONS. AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, PLAXICO BURRESS WAS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING ON AND OFF THE COURT BUT IT NEVER TOOK AWAY FROM HIS PLAYING ABILITY. HE IS THE PERSON WHO CAUGHT THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN TO BEAT NEW ENGLAND DISMANTLING THEIR NEAR PERFECT SEASON. I'M NOT SAYING HE WAS RIGHT FOR BRINGING AN UNREGISTERED WEAPON INTO A NIGHT CLUB. THAT WASNT THE BEST THING FOR HIM TO DO. AND ON TOP OF THAT, HE ENDS UP INJURING HIS SELF. THAT IN ITSELF PROVES TO YOU THAT HE ISNT A GUN TOTING THUG. THE MESSAGE HERE IS NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE. WHETHER IT BE AN ATHLETE, RAPPER, OR CONGRESSMAN THESE ARE REGULAR PEOPLE WHO ARENT EXEMPT FROM THE LAW. ITS BEEN PROVEN TIME AND TIME AGAIN. THIS TIME ITS WITH A STAR PLAYER WHO WAS HAVING A BRILLIANT CAREER. FOR NOT MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION, HE HAS TO PAY SEVERE CONSEQUENCES AND SUSPENDED IN TIME FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS IN A STATE PRISON. ITS A SAD SITUATION BUT HOPEFULLY HE'LL MAKE THE BEST OUT OF IT AND LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES AS MICHAEL VICK DID. HOLD YOUR HEAD PLAXICO!

YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS ONE!

I HAVE TO APOLOGIZE BECAUSE I HAD THIS POSTED ALREADY. BUT I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU SOMETHING I'M JUST FINDING OUT. THE TRUTH ALWAYS COMES OUT. ON MY SECOND PAROLE BOARD APPEARANCE, I HAD 5 YRS IN AT THE TIME AND THEY CONTACTED MY HOME TO INFORM THEM OF THEIR INTENTIONS OF RELEASING ME IN 1994 AND THIS IS WHAT THE DEVIL DID. I WAS ON MY WAY OUT THE DOOR PPL!! WHEN I SPEAK OF THE DEVIL, I'M SPEAKING ON MY MOTHERS HUSBAND. HE ADAMANTLY TOLD THEM HE DIDNT WANT ME IN HIS HOUSE, THEREFORE THEY HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HIT ME WITH ANOTHER 16 MONTHS. OF COURSE MOMMA LOVE WASNT THERE TO INTERCEPT THE CALL. THIS IS HOW SPITEFUL AND VINDICTIVE THIS COWARD OF A MAN IS. HE HATED ME FROM THE DAY I WAS CONCEIVED SO EVERYTHING HE DID TO ME WAS TO SPITE MY MOTHER. I DIDNT UNDERSTAND WHY THE BOARD WAS BRINGING UP FAMILY ISSUES WHEN IT DIDNT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY CASE OR HOW I WAS CONDUCTING MYSELF IN PRISON. I WAS STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE AND ENROLLED IN COLLEGE. IT DIDNT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME. AS LONG AS IT ISNT HIM IN JAIL WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? WHAT IF I HAD GOT KILLED DURING THOSE EXTRA 16 MONTHS HE COSTED ME? HE WOULD'VE BEEN SATISFIED! I KNOW UR SHAKING UR HEADS BUT THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH. I HAVE NO REASON TO CONCOCT A STORY. THIS MAN HAD ME SUSPENDED IN TIME FOR EXTRA YEARS WHEN I WAS OUT THE DOOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE SO CRUEL AND EVIL? I DONT HAVE THE ANSWER TO THAT, ALL I KNOW IS GOD IS WORKING ON THAT PERSON. IF IT WASNT FOR MY STRONG WILL AND GOD PRESERVING ME, I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY MY MOTHER NEVER REVEALED THIS INFORMATION TO ME UNTIL NOW. BACK THEN, I WOULD'VE PROBABLY BEEN SUSPENDED IN TIME JUST FOR REVENGE. I WAS RELEASED IN 1997, THREE YEARS LATER. THE LESSON HERE IS NEVER ALLOW SOMEONE TO BRING YOU OUT OF CHARACTER NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE.

PASSING A TEN YEAR BACKGROUND CHECK

HOW DOES A PERSON PASS A 10 YR BACKGROUND CHECK AFTER SERVING THE PAST 15 YEARS IN PRISON? THIS IS A PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES ONCE THEY'RE RELEASED AFTER SERVING AN INSURMOUNTABLE AMOUNT OF TIME BEHIND BARS. PRE-RELEASE DON'T TELL THEM THE REAL CHALLENGES THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FACE ONCE BACK IN THE REAL WORLD. THEY DONT PREPARE THEM FOR THAT! I REMEMBER I LOST MY HOSPITAL JOB AT DOWNSTATE FOR LYING ON THE APPLICATION OR SHOULD I SAY I MISREPRESENTED THE TRUTH! I WAS FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION AND THE PART THAT SAYS: "HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME? IF SO, THIS DOES NOT BAR YOU FROM EMPLOYMENT". YEAH RIGHT! AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME I WAS NOT GOING TO VOLUNTEER INFORMATION. I ERRED IN DOING SO, BUT ATLEAST I GOT THE JOB. MANY ARE FACED WITH THE SAME SITUATIONS AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO TELL THE TRUTH. THERE'S NO SHORTCUTS IN LIFE AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL COME OUT. IT'S BEST FOR YOU TO COME CORRECT AS OPPOSED TO YOUR EMPLOYER FINDING OUT YOU LIED ON YOUR APPLICATION. NOW THEY CAN'T TRUST YOU AND THAT GIVES THEM AMMUNITION TO FIRE YOU REGARDLESS OF HOW GREAT OF A WORKER YOU ARE. I WORK EXTREMELY HARD SO I WAS SHOCKED WHEN THEY CALLED ME IN THE OFFICE EXPLAINING TO ME WHY THEY WERE LETTING ME GO. I TRIED FOR THE AIRPORT BUT I WAS LIMITED TO CERTAIN JOBS AS A RESULT OF MY PAST. ONCE YOU HAVE A FELONY, SOME OF THE DOORS WHICH WERE OPEN TO YOU PRIOR TO YOUR INCARCERATION ARE PERMANENTLY CLOSED SHUT. EMPLOYERS DONT WANT TO CHANCE HIRING AN EX-FELON. AFTER YOU'VE PAID YOUR DUES TO SOCIETY, YOUR STILL BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR PAST SO WHERE'S THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY? THIS IS WHY ITS SO IMPERATIVE FOR YOU TO STAY OUT OF PRISON BECAUSE THE CHALLENGES YOU'LL BE FACED WITH UPON YOUR RELEASE CAN SUSPEND YOUR MIND IN TIME MAKING YOU WANT TO GIVE UP. SO THINK BEFORE YOU REACT BECAUSE YOU DONT WANT TO BE IN THAT SITUATION. THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAY IMPACT YOUR FUTURE.

RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT

WHY ARE SO MANY ADOLESCENTS FACED WITH SERIOUS JAIL TIME? AN ASTOUNDING 93% OF THE YOUTH ARE CHARGED WITH FELONIES ACCORDING TO A SPEECH GIVEN BY THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPARTMENT CORRECTIONS, MARTIN HORN WHO SPOKE IN CITY HALL IN 2008.
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD OF A PERSON BEING VIOLATED OF THEIR RIGHTS? WE HEAR THESE STORIES ALL THE TIME ABOUT AN ADOLESCENT WHOSE BEEN IMPRISONED ONLY TO TELL ON THEMSELVES. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NOTHING, BUT TOO OFTEN THESE KIDS ARE PRESSURED AS A DIRECT RESULT OF LACK OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE SYSTEM AND POLICE TACTICS. I KNOW YOU WATCH 48 HOURS. 95% OF THOSE CASES ARE SOLVED BECAUSE THE PERSON DON'T KNOW THEIR RIGHTS AND FLAP THEIR GUMS. AS A CITIZEN, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE FIFTH AMENDMENT. YOU DONT HAVE TO SAY A WORD TO THE POLICE WHEN THEY DETAIN YOU. LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS! THEY TELL YOU IN ADVANCE: "YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN THE COURT OF LAW". HOW CAN YOU MISS THE FIRST FEW WORDS? THEY KNOW YOU HAVE THAT RIGHT, BUT AS AUTHORITY FIGURES THEY TEND TO BEND THE LAW TO SUIT THEIR NEEDS. HENCE, THE GOOD COP BAD COP ROLE. THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO QUESTION YOU WHEN YOU PLEAD THE FIFTH. IF THEY'RE STILL INTERROGATING YOU, THAT SHOULD SIGNAL TO YOU THEY HAVE NO CASE. 95% OF THE TIME, THEY DON'T! THEY'RE WAITING ON YOU TO VOLUNTARILY OPEN YOUR MOUTH SO THEY CAN USE YOUR WORDS AGAINST YOU. THE POLICE ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS, REMEMBER THAT! I DONT CARE HOW MANY SLICES OF PIZZA YOU ATE IN THE PRECINCT. THESE ARE TACTICS TO MAKE ANY JUVENILE WARM UP SINCE THEY DON'T REALIZE ITS ALL PART OF THEIR TACTICS. SAY NOTHING I SAY! IF YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH, YOUR ONLY INCRIMINATING YOURSELF. THEN YOU'LL BE SUSPENDED IN TIME FOR WHATEVER THEY SAID YOU DID WHETHER YOUR GUILTY OR NOT. I KNOW FRIENDS RIGHT NOW SERVING 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR A CRIME THEY DIDNT COMMIT. YOU ASK WHY? BECAUSE THEY DIDNT EXCERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT. ITS THAT SIMPLE! ONCE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH, YOU LOSE THAT RIGHT AND IT BECOMES A CONFESSION. SO THE NEXT TIME YOUR KIDS OR MAYBE YOU GET IN A SITUATION, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. BE QUIET, ASK FOR A LAWYER, AND BE PATIENT. TRUST ME, I KNOW!

THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

What does the price of loyalty mean to you? For me, loyalty is priceless! This trait must be embedded in you from birth. As a kid growing up, I understood this principle to the fullest extent. Back in the eighties, this is something that we prided ourselves in. In 89, my loyalty was tested. Instead of taking the sucker way out, I stood tall and bit my tongue for friends. This decision resulted in me being Suspended In Time for many years. Many people I came across during my incarceration did the same which solidified our bond as years progressed. One of the many people I met during my imprisonment was Maino. We all know what the harsh reality of what that life may bring. It's years of heartache, pain, abandonment, helplessness, and bitter anger. Being locked away from your family and loved ones can cause an average person to snap. Although we been there, we have utilized our experiences and turned it to a positive. Loyalty means everything to me still til this day, but those I was loyal to didn't have the same level of committment as I had. These same individuals are no longer a part of my life but there's no love lost. As you grow older, you wisen up. I no longer want to perpetuate the gangster image. I'm not here to glorify prison because those were the most miserable days of my life. All seven years of it. I'm thankful to God to have made it out in one piece, because if it wasn't for Him I would not be here today. The choices you make in life determines your future so with that being said, I urge you kids out there to be loyal to yourselves in essence. No one cares about you when your Suspended In Time. Don't allow people to misguide you as I once did, because it's you that have to bear the burden when its all said and done. I tell you this cause I was once in your shoes. I had to go through this experience in order to have a relevant voice on the subject. Shout out to my homie Bobby Johnson, he put me up on game everyday!

What Do These People Have in Common?

What do Nelson Mandela, T.I., Shyne, Lil Kim, Bernie Madoff, Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress and countless others have in common? If you haven't figured it out, its the fact that every single one of them have experienced and are currently experiencing a life behind bars. In other words, Suspended In Time. Prison doesn't discriminate no matter what the case. Whether your taking a stand for something you believe in or you got caught red handed, prison is a multi-million dollar business. Many people don't understand the dynamics of this concept, but its reality. Without having prisoners to occupy their prisons, there would be no jobs for the warden, Correctional Officers, and the countless number of people which help run a facility. There is no special treatment when it comes to you violating the law which has been set out for you to abide by. It took Nelson Mandela twenty seven years for his liberation against speaking up against Apartheid. T.I. has to spend a year and a day just like Lil Kim in a Federal State Prison for charges brought against him. Shyne just spent the past eight years in prison and will soon be released this year. All these people have been Suspended In Time at some point in their lives. Prison doesn't discriminate! Some people think they're above the law until it finally catches up with them and they realize their fame or social status will not prevent them from being Suspended In Time. The bottom line here is no matter who you are, there is always room for you if you don't abide by the laws which govern our society. It's business, never personal!

SUSPENDED IN TIME

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT A SERIOUS ISSUE TODAY AND THAT TOPIC IS BEING SUSPENDED IN TIME. ALOT OF YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEAN BUT I'M HERE TO SHED LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING MOST OF US. WHETHER YOUR LIVING IN WISCONSIN, TO ALABAMA, GEORGIA, OR AS FAR AS JAPAN, PPL ARE INCARCERATED EVERYDAY AS A RESULT OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT OR THE FRIENDS THEY KEEP. REGARDLESS OF THE UNDERLYING DYNAMICS THAT PLAYED AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR UNFORTUNATE SITUATION, PRISON IS BIG BUSINESS! BEING SUSPENDED IN TIME HAPPENS TO SOMEONE EVERY TEN SECONDS AND THE ONES LEFT BEHIND ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF HAVING THEIR LOVED ONES TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM. SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE, I PERSONALLY KNOW WHAT THAT LIFE IS ABOUT AFTER SERVING SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON. THE PROBLEM HERE IS THAT PRISONERS DONT HAVE VOICES ABOUT THE MISTREATMENT AND ABUSE THEY SUFFER FROM THE HANDS OF THE SYSTEM. A SYSTEM THAT CLAIMS TO REHABILITATE, BUT MORE OBSESSED WITH MONETARY GAIN BY HOLDING AN INDIVIDUAL HOSTAGE WHEN THERES NO NEED FOR IT. THIS IS A MACRO PROBLEM WHICH I WILL BE ADDRESSING ON THIS SITE. TUNE IN NEXT TIME FOR UPDATES, THIS IS THOMAS ALLEN SIGNING OUT...