Ellington

Rapper Kamikaze and attorney Matt Allen will join Todd Stauffer on Radio JFP this Friday, Dec. 21, to discuss a new group of "young progressive minds" they have formed. Tune in at noon to WLEZ FM 103.7 FM or listen to a live feed here. An audio file will be posted here later that day.

Podcast is up: http://www.wlezfm.com/index.php/site/JFP_on_WLEZ/

Previous Comments

ID

97685

Comment

I am interested in this group, but am wary. I hope this is the voice of young new ideas and motivations in society and politics. I have been burned too many times on these groups, and in more than one state, not just in MS. I want to believe!!! Don't be 1. A bunch of stoned people talking about the commune, how all corporations are evil and weed is the alternative. Granted many left in SUV's that Mommy and Daddy were paying for.... Been to 4 groups that were this 2. The people who think meetings are the answer and politics is the problem. You need candidates, candidates that have a position, and can get elected. 3. The utter radicals. Let's blow up the system type. the system needs a LOT of change, education first and foremost, then the justice system. However, you must work within the system to have a voice. Sorry to be a wet blanket. I am burnt out. I actually heard a PAID member of one of the two parties, after a few of us were discussing what to do if election day had "problems" and remember a few that happened, both in our favor and against us, state "I can't believe there has ever been any election fraud in Mississippi, this is the first I have heard of this" and MEANT IT. I hope and pray this is a voice for young progressives in Jackson. I may just need a political detox. I have been around too many people who either have NO concept of how the political system works, or are so entrenched in it, they think it cannot be changed. Wish all the best, and like an addict, will be involved soon. AGamma627

Author

AGamm627

Date

2007-12-19T23:22:10-06:00

ID

97686

Comment

By Progressive, do you mean democrats-only? Or do you mean people with workable, modern ideas who happen to belong to either party?

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-12-20T08:49:03-06:00

ID

97687

Comment

Jeff Lucas needs to be a part of this group too. An old ganster can't wait to see if these young fellows can or will do anything. I share AGamm's pessimism about groups. Unless they're really about doing something, don't call me. I don't have any more time for styling, profiling, dranking, drugging, fronting or bullshooting. I've seen all of that before too many times. We old folks will be listening and looking to see if y'all are about anything.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T09:27:30-06:00

ID

97688

Comment

Thanks for the repsonses. First Off, the term "progressives" means the latter in your comment 'ghost. Democrat, Republican, conservative, Liberal, Black, White, Male, Female..people 21-35 of different backgrounds and beliefs with fresh, innovative ideas. Folks who under other circumstances wouldnt have even been in the same room with one another but all having voiced a desire to change things in Jackson. Hell, Matt's republican and me, well, Im an independent who votes for the best "person" and not party. Our elders have created a world ruled by parties and one where if you disagree with ones ideology they wont work with you. Even though in the end BOTH want whats best. This group plans to show up all the "politicians" and other civic organizations by actually DOING something. Everyone knows by now I hate "talk" and hate "rhetoric" Anything Im involved in will be about action and Matt feels the same This isnt going to simply be a social club that gets together to drink beers and cocktails once a month. Of course we want all to feel relaxed and meet new people and we're gonna have fun. But this is simply about our generation standing up and assuming the reigns of power and leading as we are destined to. We will shape this city's future. Because quite frankly, some of the elders have screwed it up. Its time for more than just old white men to be calling the shots in our town and our state. AGamma, I have often voiced your same concerns. Ive been to many such "groups" that started of with a bang and ended with a faint whimper. I understand that to change the machine you have to become a part of it. and we plan on powerplaying first off by introducing some new, fresh, diverse superstar candidates into upcoming elections. It won't be an elitist type of thing. Some will drive off in SUV's and some will drive off in less-than-new- pieces of crap LOL. But we all have expressed disgust at the path we are taking. I hope it works as well and using the failures of past groups of this type hopefully Matt and I can work out the kinks. hope you ARE watching RAY. Older folks are always skeptical of young folks and they're famous lack of focus:-). Two older guys laughed at me and Matt when we broought up the idea one saying "Youth is wasted on the young" Cute... but now watch as we clean up the mess you guys have left us!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-12-20T10:34:37-06:00

ID

97689

Comment

Kaze defines progressive as we do, even as many people are so locked in partisan boxes that they don't know how to believe it. So watch and learn. As for the social component -- it is important to realize that many schemes are hatched over breaking bread and fellowship. When we do our faith forums, the most important part is where everyone gets together to eat and drink afterward and "fellowship." I mean, churches have been doing it forever. "Youth is wasted on the young," my ass. Watch, indeed. Go, Kaze and Matt.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-20T10:45:52-06:00

ID

97690

Comment

Well, as of right now, me and a few friends will come by later, after the meetings, to see how much money we can make on recycling from 40 ounce bottles, wine bottle, beer cans, black and mild wrappings, reefer sacks, and paper wrappings. We might even peep in to hear and see some of rap music and nasty dancing this generation is known for.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T10:53:27-06:00

ID

97691

Comment

Right. I can just Matt Allen down on the floor. Ray, this one is a rather nasty sarcastic streak ... I'm assuming it's meant with love and admiration.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-20T10:56:19-06:00

ID

97692

Comment

It is, I think!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T10:58:24-06:00

ID

97693

Comment

It has to be..Sal and Mookies doesnt even sell 40 ounces. LOL

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-12-20T11:03:42-06:00

ID

97694

Comment

A read of a very good book on the movement in Mississippi in the sixties is "Local People" by John Dittmer. Many of the same things that were true then are true now --- minus the violence and segregation. The natural constiutiency for SNCC organizers was people from 15 to 30 AND people over 65 who were fed up and were willing to risk the few years they had left. BUT...there were many heros over 35 like Fannie Lou Hamer who was 43 when she became active, Amzie Moore, Medgar Evers, C.C. Bryant who died recently at 90 years old. For every rule there is an exception and it is often those exceptions that make a big difference. The best measure for participation in a grassroots effort is commitment to change by any reasonable means necessary.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2007-12-20T11:50:05-06:00

ID

97695

Comment

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” --- George Santayana

Author

FreeClif

Date

2007-12-20T11:57:55-06:00

ID

97696

Comment

I have a copy of that book on the shelf in my office. I'm proud of the young folks for making this effort.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T12:02:13-06:00

ID

97697

Comment

I was very reassured about the future seeing all of the young people who went to Jena. I had begun to doubt whether younger people cared anymore to get out and demonstrate like I did when I was in my teens and twenties. Our issues then were challenging the elimination of programs to provide remedial assistance to students from low-income backgrounds, protesting against investment in apartheid South Africa and counter protests against Nazi marches (this was in the Chicago area). Young people led the way in the sixties and they can again. And there will be new Ella Bakers, Amzie Moores and Fannie Lou Hamers to support them.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2007-12-20T12:12:21-06:00

ID

97698

Comment

So an 18 year old army guy/female who has just returning to Jackson for 4 days from Iraq can not attend these functions. I guess Nelson Mandela would not be welcomed. His ideas about voting, freedom, the difference between an imprisoned body and an imprisoned mind, economics and world peace would not be topics that this young group could relate to because "he is too old"????????? My challenge for this "select: group of young people" is to stop throwing out accusations about what older people did that was wrong: Just the fact of your being able to say this without a hangman's noose around your neck deserves some credit. There are many young people who fit the model and are very successful. Some younger and some older. Just as we were given the list of those who did not "serve," another list is needed for the acknowledgement of people who have made and continue to make great contributions to this society. Don't get this thing twisted with "AGE ONLY CRITERIA." This becomes as detrimental as discrimination based on color. Think about it.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-12-20T12:31:50-06:00

ID

97699

Comment

Ooh Kaze- I just turned 36 but already RSVP'd. Do I get a pass???

Author

urbangypsy

Date

2007-12-20T13:06:25-06:00

ID

97700

Comment

You know, justjess, I'm not offended by the "old" talk. Frankly, younger generations have been so dumped on that they get to fire back a bit. And I know Matt and Kaze well; they want to work with people of all ages (including folks like Matt's daddy). It kind of reminds me of suburbanites getting offended when we city folk fire back at the anti-Jackson insults. Look for the positive in it all, you know? I think it's great, and I'll be there watching from the sidelines, sipping my Bada Bing and giving whatever support they need, although I've aged out of the demographic myself. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-20T13:30:13-06:00

ID

97701

Comment

(Y'all know that Sal & Mookies has one of the best cocktail menus in town, right? Including a full virgin version. Big fun. And they're renovating their bar, which is going to be tres exciting to all us "young" folk who like to imbibe time and again.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-20T13:31:50-06:00

ID

97702

Comment

UrbanGypsy..you get a pass.. See ya tonite! Justjess -didnt mean to offend. Defintiely not the intention. Of course we plan to defer to the wisdom of those who proceeded us. And the plan was to have young folks who were emmersed in the professinal worlds of entertainment, politics, law, journalism, activism, education etc. And most of those folks are at least over 21, outta college, and have been in the workplace a few years. If you go beyond that then you dont exactly have a "YOUNG" progressives group now do ya LOL.? This is the pool that this city needs to get its future candidates from IMO. One of the problems is that in their wisdom, those that have come before us don't like to acknowledge that we DO live in a world that THEY made. We are thriving off of their sacrifices, YES!. for that we are greatful. But we are also stuck with their mistakes, their prejudices, and their outdated ideals. The same way you feel that we are excluding them(which we arent per'se) is the same way they have and STILL exclude young people from all political processes. Politicians dont take us seriously. hell, as I said above, older folks dont even take us seriously. And its time out for the older generation to rest on the laurels of what they did in decades past. We thank you. We Love you. and we Respect you for it. But...Its time for the new new. We're here to assume charge and make you proud.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-12-20T13:34:20-06:00

ID

97703

Comment

I'm all for it. Take the ball and run like hell with it!

Author

GenShermansGhost

Date

2007-12-20T13:38:54-06:00

ID

97704

Comment

Amen Kaze, but if we find out y'all ain't about crap but further diminishing and degrading the progress we fought hard for, we will soon be cussing y'all's freak-nasy dancing behinds out. I'll give y'all the benefits of all doubts so far, until there isn't any doubt left. My great worry is that the current group of republicans whose mantra/creed is to win and dominate at all cost, won't be open to any ways, ideas or modes not their won. This is where I expect the failure and divide to exist or come about. I don't share yours and Donna's optimism about the possibility of these neo-cons being open to mutual agendas beyond their own. I haven't seen any proof that they are thus far. Remember that money and power corrupts. Before you know it, you will be drinking wines you couldn't afford, going places you haven't been and doing things you haven't done. This to be followed by your announcement and commercial that you're not independent after all, but indeed a a duly purchased republican who hates poor folks, civil rights, universal health care, social security, unemployment insurance compensation, aid to dependent children, Ray Carter and trifling negroes, which they all are you've recently learned. Otherwise, carry on, and good luck.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T13:53:12-06:00

ID

97705

Comment

Kaze, I believe one of the reasons younger people are not taken seriously is because youunger people have not been active participants like they need to be...Hopefully, you all are taking a step to change that. While blaming the older generation (I'm not yet old enough to accept my membership in it --- though maybe I should), young people must take an empowering point of view and assume responsibility for what they are not doing to get more consideration in the political process. It is disempowering to place all of the blame for one's situation outside of one's self when there are things one should have been doing already that have not been done. There is power waiting to be taken by just getting busy. You must have the attitude that "It is your world. You must seize the time; you won't be under 35 forever" :-).

Author

FreeClif

Date

2007-12-20T14:08:14-06:00

ID

97706

Comment

Ray, in my opinion, respectfully, the tone of distrust in your post is an exact reflection of why we need a group like this. There is so much distrust between and among different groups, whether those groups are defined by race, politics, neighborhood, economic status, etc. That distrust is, in my opinion, often the result of one thing: a lack of communication. What we want to do is turn conventional wisdom on its head. It is easy to associate with those you agree with. Here, we want to provide a forum where friendships can be made between and among people who otherwise - because of the way the world as we know it clips along - would not communicate with one another and simply distrust them. These are all people who love Jackson. They want to see Jackson flourish. They will be from all different stripes. But by opening the lines of communication now, at a relatively young age, we can, hopefully, foster friendships between and among different people, who otherwise would have clipped along through life not knowing each other. And by opening those lines of communication now, hopefully we reach a better result down the road.

Author

MAllen

Date

2007-12-20T14:19:20-06:00

ID

97707

Comment

MAllen this is an excellent reply. I was to a large degree joking with Kamikaze, but I wanted to see what he would say. Donna too. However, I don't know that anyone could have written a more poignant and responsive reply than this. Also, I wanted to give Kaze something to laugh at and ponder too becuase it does have some serious connotations.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T14:27:29-06:00

ID

97708

Comment

There is so much distrust between and among different groups, whether those groups are defined by race, politics, neighborhood, economic status, etc. That distrust is, in my opinion, often the result of one thing: a lack of communication. Amen to that. Obviously, there will be instances when the needs and interests of different groups are in conflict, or have to be prioritized against each other, to determine what issues and problems will be focused on at any particular time. In our time, affirmative action has been a prime example of that necessity. But what I like about this concept is that even when different groups have conflicting interests, if they are in communication with each other they can negotiate those conflicts and move forward together.

Author

GenShermansGhost

Date

2007-12-20T14:27:33-06:00

ID

97709

Comment

Everybody, actually, I am hopeful everything will turn out fine. Even the meeting is a step beyond where we are. I'm pulling for y'all. I expect Kamikaze to represent like good Alpha men have before - Douglas, DuBois, Robeson, West, King, Marshall, et al. I'm out of y'all business for a while.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T14:47:09-06:00

ID

97710

Comment

I *AM* somewhat offended by the implication that people over 35 can't and/or don't have "young progressive minds", and it is NOT simply because I fall into that category. Both major parties have long had their "Young" faction within their structures, and look where that's gotten us. The Young Republicans gave us Nixon and Reagan and Bush 43 and Barbour, and the Young Democrats have given us inertia. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Kamikaze is an promising emerging leader who has a lot of positive attributes, but his perpetual vocal intolerance for the "elders" is not one of them. In fact, Kamikaze and many of the "young progressives" gave us Frank Melton. Thus, I agree with much of what both Ray Carter and WHIT have said. And following Kaze's line of thinking, I'm sure it is safe to assume that upon the very day he turns 35, he'll totally and immediately absolve himself from the group.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-20T15:22:07-06:00

ID

97711

Comment

I *AM* somewhat offended by the implication that people over 35 can't and/or don't have "young progressive minds", and it is NOT simply because I fall into that category. I'm well over that line also, Kacy, but I think it's a good thing for them to have their own group. That is an age group, in particular, that has had racially separate upbringings and education (at least through high school), and it can only be a good thing for them to compare notes and think about the future. Having said that, I'm all for forming some kind of over-35 (over 40?) group of progressives. After the election there was talk on the JFP of starting a progessive "think-tank," but made up of everyday folks who wanted to dream new approaches to public issues. Did anything come of that?

Author

GenShermansGhost

Date

2007-12-20T15:41:34-06:00

ID

97712

Comment

Again..the intention is NOT to offend. so my apologies Kacy. the age thing was just a target to work from. Young Progressive can be a mindset that not only means age but ideology as well. Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result.; We elect the SAME people to the SAME positions. Hire the SAME type people to the same jobs. and do them the SAME WAY. Same thing Obama is encountering on the campaign trail with this b.s. "experience talk. Its time to think outside of the box. Look at the median age of our council..Then look at the house...the senate. The Govenor's cabinet...State officials...Its not an intolerance for my elders Kacy. In fact up above I said that I love and respect them. Iam greatful to them. However, my passion comes out of their constant berating of us, their constant refusal to include us in the political process, their lack of desire to learn and embrace our culture, our music, our swagger. they dont wish to learn more about it, yet choose to condemn it. the same attitude that had someone say to me "youth is wasted on the young". They wont give us our shot because they have a death grip on the reigns(Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton ya listening?) Trent Lott leaves and instead of looking to a younger more viable replacement we're gonna get the same thing again. A candidate who doesnt undertand why he/she needs to talk to group of hip-hop artists, a candidate who doesnt understand why he has to be familiar with MySpace or Facebook. A candidate who will think that the answer to all of young folks ills is to pass a law requiring them to pull their pants up and take the earring out of their ear. Its a new day, a new breed of young person and the "elders" don't want to acknowledge it. THAT's WHY THE PASSION Kacy! I thank you for you words. I appreciate them. Ive just gotten so frustrated that Ithink its time to take this political thing to a new level. "This Town needs an enema!" - The Joker

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-12-20T15:58:14-06:00

ID

97713

Comment

After the election there was talk on the JFP of starting a progessive "think-tank," but made up of everyday folks who wanted to dream new approaches to public issues. Did anything come of that? No, this is the closest thing to it so far. I've talked for years about the need for a progressive think tank in Jackson, as well as a group to motivate and perhaps target and train younger progressives (of whatever party) to run for office. We could certainly consider doing a progressive think tank, but I'd in no way want to cut out people under 35. Let's see what happens with this group and then figure out where to sprout more leaves from here. I think all of this is good, even the debate part. It's the energy and passion that matter. I remember when The Collective started, which was more about arts. The JFP stayed on the sidelines, but offered whatever support they needed (and later helped the group become a subgroup of the Arts Council, meaning bringing some dollars to their table). It's still their thing, but we can give them support in their goals. Empower but don't take over. And I've seen that happen too many times to younger people—even well-meaning people try to take over the conversation. We had that happen once with a group of people (who will remain nameless) who were going to help us do a youth voter rally. I was out of town when they met with our young organizers (who came up with the idea), and apparently just took over the meeting, telling them/us what we could and couldn't do (and, Kaze, part of it involved not having rap music). Our organizers were furious and hurt when they told me about it. I called and backed away from their direct support as a result, although we allowed them to participate and promote their own piece. There are many ways to silence, and condescension is one of the biggies. I always hate to hear older people belittling younger people, or vice versa. The most successful efforts draw on people of all ages—but, again, there are different roles to play, some more central and some more sideline. The way I feel about this is that I don't have to be the targeted member to do what I can to help the group succeed. Anyway. I've talked enough. Glad to see all the energy brewing out there. Sho nuff.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-20T16:22:36-06:00

ID

97714

Comment

Justjess and Kacy, don't sweat the small stuff. I suggest we just observe for a while then start our own group if these young folks turn out to have no vision, plan or sense of direction for the benefit of the masses. I'm looking for results that makes a difference in the lives of people of all natures and kinds. We will see if it's just a social group for young people trying to make the system work for just them or otherewise. As we all know from experience, too often people who form groups do it for selfish reasons and limiting or limited reasons. In recent years, we have seen what a particular group well financed by corporations and rich people can do to the masses of the population through political maneuvering. We have to be thinkers, academicans and scholars concerning what going on around us. Many people still don't have any idea how one political party dominated for several years without having the interest of the masses at stake. I understand it though. What's worse in my view, is that lots of people do know what has happened but won't admit it or do anything about it for selfish reasons. Frankly, I have a hard time trusting anyone who equate or don't see a great differnce between the interest of both political parties at this point. The parties and people who run them are as different as night and day, and no honest person, in my view, can deny it. Yes, I have my suspicions about motives, but I'm willing to be proven wrong, although I don't expect any such thing to occur.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T17:00:38-06:00

ID

97715

Comment

There IS no difference Ray..Its all a part of the matrix LOL. The parties lines are blurred Depending on what side you're on, one whispers sweet nothings in your ear and the other slaps ya in the face. Until we start looking at people instead of politicians we're going to always be disappointed regardless of the party. Its not meant for you, Kacy or justjess to to take it personally. Frankly, you should be glad that this is being done.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-12-20T17:08:59-06:00

ID

97716

Comment

They are no different if you look at it from a personal standpoint or myopic view, which I'm not, and you are. I bet you can't defend your position, and you won't find many in your community who would agree with you!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-20T17:12:49-06:00

ID

97717

Comment

After all that brother Kaze, I do understand where you are coming from about all those old fogies :-). Some people just don't know when to quit. Think about Roy Jones vs. Felix Trinidad :-).

Author

FreeClif

Date

2007-12-20T17:54:46-06:00

ID

97718

Comment

Kaze, I forgot all about that email you sent me, so I apologize for not responding. Could you let me know when the next meeting will be? If you email me again, I promise I'll respond. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-12-20T18:49:09-06:00

ID

97719

Comment

Kamikaze I might need to pull out my junior high yearbook but aren't you over 36? Maybe I'm misunderstanding the age limit. There is an age limit right?

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-12-20T21:28:20-06:00

ID

97720

Comment

I'm not taking it personally, as you put it, Kaze. Far from it. I'm merely saying that one cannot bemoan others' intolerance of rappers and hip-hoppers when one's mantra appears to be intolerance of those over 35. Plain and simple. It's exclusionary and it's wrong, no matter how you frame it. The fact is this is a common refrain in all too many of your postings, especially those about rap and hip hop, and it suggests that it is your personal belief (which you are surely entitled to have). Few people believed that the racist, misogynous comments Don Imus made were mere slips of the tongue. It was IN him and it came out. It was IN Dog 'Bounty Hunter' Chapman and it came out. What appears to be elder-bashing that keeps coming out of you suggests that it is IN you. I'm inclined to believe that you really don't feel that way, given the intolerance you've experienced as an artist, but I owe it to you, as a brother trying to better our community, to say that you surely come across that way. For many people, that will diminish the sincerity of your message, in my opinion. Racism practiced by whites against blacks is equally as wrong and personally appalling to me as racism practiced by blacks against whites. And this is a black man talkin'. As to your statement that we "should be glad that this is being done", I'm not one who depends on others to compel or goad or persuade me to do that which I firmly believe is my OWN civic duty and responsibility. I've voted, campaigned and donated money for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; men and women; black and white; "youngbloods" and "elders" (as you've styled them in previous thread posts). I do my own listening, reading, research and mulling to arrive at who or what I think is, for me, the best candidate or course of action. In all of those cases, my decisions have been both good and bad, but less of the latter because I rue the day when I need someone to speak for me, or more importantly, to have them THINK there is a need for them to do so. As I and so many others have said, you have tremendous promise as a leader, and I'll have no problem following when we are of like mind, toward a common purpose, for the greater good. So, my brother, step on out there and seize the moment by personifying what every good leader has innately known: in order to be a leader, you will (and must) also be a follower.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-20T21:52:31-06:00

ID

97721

Comment

Say what, msgrits????? Say it ain't so, Kaze! :-)

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-20T21:56:37-06:00

ID

97722

Comment

One more thing, Kaze. I think the record will show unequivocally that a greater percentage of the VAP between 18 and 35 DO NOT vote as regularly as those over 35. Donna has often pointed out the upswing in the young vote during the 04 presidential election in Mississippi. Politics 101 teaches us that gaining one voter simultaneous to losing another gets us no closer to our objective unless, of course, the opposition loses two while gaining only one, in which case we're still on the treadmill and ain't really moved an inch. Since the over-35 group has a greater propensity to vote, we know who most likely stands to lose. Again. Ciao.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-20T22:13:51-06:00

ID

97723

Comment

He could have a skipped a grade or two. He's always been smart like that. I He might be exactly 35. It just that I remember APAC and I remember junior high and I remember him being older than me. If they are being strict about the age limit. I'm still coming to the next meeting. They'll just have to eject me. :)

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-12-20T22:14:48-06:00

ID

97724

Comment

You go, girl. As they say, bread is sweeter when eaten in the dark!

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-21T00:58:23-06:00

ID

97725

Comment

Any of us who is 35 or older, including Kaze, probably has at least one parent who's still living who would be deemed as 'elders' by Kaze's standards. Do we dare desecrate, minimize or trivialize their contributions? Their sacrifices? Their motives? Their courage? Hell no! We should be celebrating them and thanking whichever higher power we believe in, that they (the so-called 'elders') were who they were, when they were it, and THAT they were it. Some wise soul once said, "The first degree of folly is to concede oneself wise; the second, to profess it; and the third, to despise counsel." Couldn't have said it better myself. Amen. And amen.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-21T01:24:55-06:00

ID

97726

Comment

Excellent commentary Kacy. I'm requesting that NewJack attends the meeting also, for I know too well, that he who sits on barbed-wire fence (Kaze) is all too often silent and still, for he fears movement might cause him to lose a ball or two. He, he. Sho Nuff and watch out there now! We need Democrats and Republicans engaging to bring about change. We need Independents too but they will have to honest ones, and I clearly admit that I question their utility or value.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T08:52:15-06:00

ID

97727

Comment

We could certainly consider doing a progressive think tank, but I'd in no way want to cut out people under 35. Let's see what happens with this group and then figure out where to sprout more leaves from here. Sounds good to me.

Author

GenShermansGhost

Date

2007-12-21T09:25:17-06:00

ID

97728

Comment

On the radio show, Todd just talked about the "cultural creative" approach to politics that rejects the left-right spectrum. Here's a story he wrote about it in 2003. Good stuff. Let's reject the partisan junk that keeps us all divided!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-21T12:57:02-06:00

ID

97729

Comment

I love listening to Matt and Kaze—this is exactly what needs to happen, instead of all the finger-pointing across racial and economic barriers. Let's work together, people, and reject the backward thinking of both the WPS and the BPS. Love it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-21T12:58:53-06:00

ID

97730

Comment

I enjoyed the show too. The only thing I didn't like was the comments about a wacky defense attorney. I knew Matt was a defense attorney but I object to Todd and Kaze calling or referring to him a wacky defense attorney. Surely, he has feelings, too. The ideas behind the get-together seem good. I wish both persons, and the group as a whole, the best of fortunes. I may continue to give unwanted advise or commentary even if done rather humorously, far out, and strangely. After all, I don't flow like everyone else does. Cheers.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T13:09:29-06:00

ID

97731

Comment

methinks Ray protest too much. :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-12-21T13:11:14-06:00

ID

97732

Comment

I forgot to say that Kamikaze shows a much wider viewpoint and pattern of thought on radio than he does in his writings. I wonder if he does it on purpose like I do. I admit I take the hard left approach to balance out the game or discussion and to find out what the opposition really thinks. Matt did an excellent job as well.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T13:15:49-06:00

ID

97733

Comment

I'm not protesting, Ironghost. I'm merely joking. Partisan or not the proof is in the results and whether there is any endurance. I'm out.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T13:22:56-06:00

ID

97734

Comment

Iron, understand though that I was only joking about the comments regarding the show. Not the other things I wrote earlier. They're the gospel, in big words, too.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T13:32:20-06:00

ID

97735

Comment

I forgot to say that Kamikaze shows a much wider viewpoint and pattern of thought on radio than he does in his writings. I've noticed that, too. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-12-21T13:51:17-06:00

ID

97736

Comment

I loved the talk about inviting people to speak from different spectrum of the wider viewpoints, for lack of a better word. There is much misunderstanding and confusion from both sides because people are too afraid to say wht they think and feel, to afraid to risk being wrong, and to afraid to engage people unlike them. Few people can accuse me of being afraid to engage, of saying what I think and feel and of being proven wrong. To engage is too learn and grow. To grow is to be all you can be.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T14:19:27-06:00

ID

97737

Comment

I hate I missed it...another office Christmas luncheon. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like they're trying to build bridges, not barriers. That's what I like to see, and that was my issue earlier up-thread.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-21T16:03:46-06:00

ID

97738

Comment

I hate I missed it...another office Christmas luncheon. If you mean "missed the radio show" then you can click the link to the podcast page and then listen online. http://www.wlezfm.com/index.php/site/JFP_on_WLEZ/ if you mean "missed the dinner" then, yeah, there's not much I can do for you. :-)

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2007-12-21T16:29:23-06:00

ID

97739

Comment

Yeah Kacy that's how I saw it from the beginning. I actually knew kamikaze would do a good job. The reason I wrote all the emails to him were to make sure he understood that you can build bridges without throwing away the car, train, slide, mule and buggy that brought you to the place to build the bridge. Also, I wanted to make sure that the bridge was built with wood and nails that both sides brought to the work site, not just one side. Oftentimes, the apperances of mutually built bridges exist while one side had to give up everything to their detriment or peril. I remember how excited we blacks were about the intergration of the schools to soon learn that we would lose nearly all our principals, caring teachers, neighborhood schools, coaches, counselors, band directors, and yet still be discriminated against by many teachers who hated us and so on. You know what I'm talking about! Kamikaze does an excellent job of listening to and ignoring me. However, I'm sure he gets the convoluted messages I send his way, which is why I like him, and expect marvelous things from him. I had no real idea who Matt really was before today either except to know I had this talent for unnerving him. I do have skills you know, but it's all done in love.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T16:49:22-06:00

ID

97740

Comment

I meant posts on here to Kaze, not emails. From now on I'm staying out of young folk's business. Merry Christmas everybody. I'm sending everyone a present. Look for it in the mail. "Santa Claus, go straight to the ghetto." James Brown.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-12-21T17:07:32-06:00

ID

97741

Comment

Great, iTodd. I'll check it out. Thanks.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-21T20:32:21-06:00

ID

97742

Comment

Make it a point to stay in all the business on this site, Ray. You bring so much wisdom and perspective, not to mention the humor and satire that characterize most of your posts. Sometimes I have to go back and re-read something you've written and then I uncover the message. He he, as you say! Merry Chirstmas and Happy Holidays, especially the JFP peeps, for making this forum available and 'keeping 'em honest'.

Author

Kacy

Date

2007-12-25T16:21:52-06:00