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.