Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr...Day 4

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an Uncle Tom? Uncle Tom’s name in the same breathe as Dr. King’s, Jr., who is considered by many as the all time martyr of civil rights, would more than likely bring on looks of disdain from those hearing the question. Just to utter the name as a description of the historical figure who is the ultimate representative of the American-American community is an insult.

But recognizing that fact, leaves me trying to understand as to why one seldom bats an eye upon hearing the dreaded N…word that is so loosely used in the hood. The first word represents an African-American who is a sale out. The other word represents a certain status of an African-American. Both terms, are haunting reminders of the legacy of slavery. Both terms are negative labeling placed up on those who are found among the diverse African-American community. Especially when we profess to understand the struggles of our ancestors. Because it is so easy to do, unconsciously.

So, why am I labeling Dr. King, Jr. a "Tom"? Answer, because it is so easy to do. Was Dr. King a sale out? I didn’t think so. Was he an Uncle Tom? An Uncle Tom seeking to expose the powerbrokers for what they were, self-serving manipulating racialists? Yes. Dr. King, like Beecham’s Uncle Tom, understood the master’s cruel and brutal ways. Dr. King, Jr. nonviolent approach was a tactic used to expose the racialist for what he or she including the do-good racialists truly felt in their hearts.

Beecham’s Uncle Tom master‘s whip was the symbolic tool used to show the cruelty of man desire to bring another man into submission more so than God himself. As long as Tom was doing the whipping the master could say stop. But if the master had the whip, there was no legal tool in place to prevent the master from whipping those who were enslaved to death. So Uncle Tom saved lives by being Uncle Tom.

I am simply saying that Uncle Tom was not a sale out. Tom was the alternative to an inhumane master who would kill an enslaved just as quick as a mad dog. Tom understood his role was to challenge the master beliefs about the enslaved, which in turn enabled Tom to save lives. Dr. King, may indeed be labeled an Uncle Tom, as he gave his life challenging the belief that he too like Uncle Tom was more than a mere boy but a man with rights guaranteed and protected under the Constitution. Dr. King, Jr. challenged the racialists hearts and ultimately gave his life in demanding that the nation take notice that all of America's Americans were still not free.


Many will not celebrate his holiday, because they do not believe in judging a person by their character. Many. Dr. King, Jr. will be called names..but Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was simply Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. King,Jr. only asked that we be the best that we could be...and a simply thing like watching what we call each other could be a starting point.

Ellen DeGeneres/Wesley Autrey

Ellen was taken by Wesley Autrey fate in saving another life without thinking of his own. Ellen showered Autrey and his two girls,Syshe and Shuqui, with gifts. Autrey was truly appreciative for Ellen honoring him on her show. Autrey won't need those subway token with the gift of a new SUV vehicle, from Chrysler.

Rick Stevenson, Wayne Township Trustee

An editorial, titled Wayne Township Trustee Takes Actions about Rick Stevenson can be found on Fort Wayne. com The action taken was to remove folks with little and placing them in a better position. Rick Stevenson, made a decision that no matter the fact that folks were down and out, they did not have to settle with living with rats and roaches and busted in walls.

And that Stevenson was not going to reward folks who did not do right by the folks with the taxpayers dollars.
To read more about this story check out Frost Illustrated Newspaper.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together-Ole Boy Republicans

My blogspot is down, but I was able to get around it to blog..or should I say gossip. When I started blogging, I was attacked. I did not know why. I guess Fort Wayne bloggers were to be men only. But, I have since learned that there is a group of male bloggers who support each other in the blogosphere. In real world this would be called the good ole boy network.

I recently read that a cypersquatter took the names of potential candidates running for mayor in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Now think about it. How would a student in Bloomington just by coincident pick the names of the two candidates?


On November 16, 2006, Peters officially announced he would run for mayor. Peters announcement came after forming an exploratory committee on October 12,2006, two day after Kelty officially announced he would run for mayor. The more confident Kelty formed an exploratory committee during the early spring of 2006.

Second, why would a student with no connection to Fort Wayne purchase domain names of the Fort Wayne candidate names?

According Fort Wayne Observed it was on a dare. Stay with me. Why? Well, it is what it is ...Matt Kelty is not the republican favorite son. And if you are not the republican's favorite or favor, they love to play silly games. But this type of antics sound more like something crafted from those who are active in the blogosphere. Oh yeah, they have a various blogs under different names, different parties, different whatever, but they know and support each other in stupid stuff. Now, I did not say all, but there is a group. Yes siree bob.


I think they were trying to throw a wrench into the program of Matt Kelty. But, Kelty, and I don't know him, outsmarted them. This releasing of the domain name is not doing Kelty a favor. The man has a website already!!! So who would benefits? Or was getting lawyers involved would mean naming names behind this little prank? The man is just too smart(Kelty that is).

Chuckle, Chuckle.

Now, you are wondering how did I come to my conclusions. Prove me wrong. When you are attacked you remember things. And it helps to have a friend with a photographic memory. I just wonder if the domain name prank will get Nelson Peters some free air time? That's what it was all about was it not? Prove me wrong.

Douglas Foy and the Ethical Republican party

I wonder what the hard working donors have to say about this story in the News-Sentinel?

On Monday, the party announced an audit revealed he also diverted nearly $10,000 worth of party funds for his own use. Foy repaid the money Monday and covered all costs associated with the audit, said Mark GiaQuinta, the party’s attorney.

It gets a little fuzzy as to why political stealing is not the same as regular stealing:

GiaQuinta said party Chairman Steve Shine noted a number of checks made out to an establishment where the party did not hold an event. A pattern began to emerge.

Foy apparently cashed the checks and used the money on what GiaQuinta said were “frivolous expenditures.” GiaQuinta did not have specifics, but said Foy told the party he used it on recreational activities.

Party members did not press him for more details because he agreed to pay back the money, GiaQuinta said.

Only in America, or should I say in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Can you imagine, if Douglas Foy, was to raise his right hand and agree to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? It would probable be dirty laundry flying every which way, you think. Maybe that is why, he is able to escape prosecution for criminal activities. Or is it because he is close friends with the Republicans? I thought the law was no respective of who you were. Oop forgot this is man made law, and the man can do whatever they want when it comes to their friends. Love these quotes from the Journal-Gazette:

Neumeister said people shouldn’t feel concerned about giving to the Republican Party, saying the party did the audit as a way to protect its contributors.

“We feel great about the direction we’re going,” Neumeister said.

“We are putting things in place

to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”


You be the judge..go on read the story. Attorney General Steve Carter, where are you?

City Council Self-Imposed Term Limits

Two Fort Wayne City Council members are pushing away from the Council Table. The two will will not leave it up to the electors to determine whether or not to serve another term at the council table. Sam Talarico, Jr. announcement was to not seek another term to spend more time with his family. Today, according to the Journal-Gazette, Tom Hayhurst will make an announcement about not seeking another term.

Hayhurst announcement will create a huge void in the Democratic leadership. The one party leadership on city county is just around the corner.

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr...Day3

Defining ourselves. It is how we define ourselves. It is how well we maintain our humanness as we battle the reflection of self-hatred that is meant for our internalization. If we internalize we begin to emulate the model of self-hatred distributed by raced white and African-American leadership. We begin name calling instead of holding such leadership accountable.

Some African-American leaders fail to keep their eyes on the prize of improving the community for the masses. There should be no blaming of the victims by such leaders. Instead, a recognition of the long legal discriminatory of the African-Americans that calls for a result-driven leadership. Without such leaders a disconnect remains for those African-Americans who are attempting to define and meet its' community needs. Our leaders, who support self-hatred must be held accountable when they fail to address the community specific needs. These leaders who seek the messiah-like title of leadrship (without questions) are not representative of the masses interest but self-interest.

Instead of honoring Dr. King, Jr. as an individual, we compare him to other African-Americans leaders who fail to represent the masses. Judging Dr. King, Jr. by his color and not as his own drum major. Dr. King, Jr. defined his identity as a leader among oppressed people. Not just African-Americans, but others counting about others raced white women. But Dr. King, Jr. is remembered as an African-American hero, so much for our color blind society.

So is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an Uncle Tom?
to be continued

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ..Day 2

Character. For example within the African-American community, the term Uncle Tom is bantered about as a negative term. Uncle Tom was born into slavery therefore he was considered less than human, but instead of just being called the N-word, Tom was given a male title. Uncle elevated Tom beyond the childlike name of boy to a trusted male rite of passage into manhood. This was a limited manhood mind you, but Uncle Tom could be trusted but lacked a last name.

So, to get beyond the stereotype of Uncle Tom, as negative, one must look to the positive traits of the human being as Uncle Tom during slavery, instead of internalizing the negative portrayal of an Uncle Tom. For example, Dr. King, Jr. as an Uncle Tom would be based upon the positive charactistics of Uncle Tom as the human being rather than his status as a slave, A slave symbolizes one lacking the qualities of a human being. Instead of internalizing the labeling it is better to identify with the traits, trust, the self-sacrificing and the uplifting of others.

Dr. King, Jr. did this with his life for others to move into a place beyond segregation which included the right to vote and economical power. The negative connotations of manhood was created to separate the wheat from the shaft and a way of creating division about us as to who is more worthy among us as African-Americans.

Uncle Tom was deemed more worthy among those who engaged in slavery. Uncle Tom was elevated to humanness based simply on the fact that those who dealt in slavery, were able to see his human characteristics, Tom's honesty and trustworthy, something not seen in a simple slave. Uncle Tom was an extra ordinary human being to still be able to hold onto human characteristic in spite of what others perceived him as being..less than human under the most extreme hardships. Uncle Tom was more than the labels placed upon him by the world that deemed him a slave.

Uncle Tom was given responsibility over others who were enslaved and with the same trustworthy and honesty, he treated them in the same manner as he would want to be treated. Tom's character showed compassion for others especially those who were enslaved because he had first hand knowledge as to what it meant to be treated as less than human being because of the label, slave. But more important, Tom showed compassion for those who mistreated him. Tom defined who he was, not those who mistreated him, his character.

to be continued

I.R.S. E-Filing Coming Soon

Time to get all your papers together. If you have your W-2 forms on January 12, 2007, the I.R.S e-file will be available. If you file early you will get your return quicker.

If you wait until January 17, 2007, there will be vendors available where you can file your taxes free. That's right, you've been paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars to file your taxes and vendors are offering their services for free. Not to everyone, but to those who earn less than $52,000. However different vendors have different qualifiers as to who is eligible to use their free service. Most vendors will charge for filing your state taxes. But just imagine how much more money of your taxes you get to keep by using these services. Remember it's your money!!!!

For those who need to talk to someone to walk you through Fort Wayne Neighborhood Connections offers several classes on filing your taxes.

Alleged Sham in Fort Wayne's Gay Community

Good Golly Miss Molly, leave it up to Dan Stockman, of the Journal Gazette to rip the covers off another nonprofit, alleged to have abused the public trust. And what Stockman uncovered was not a pretty picture for the HIV/AIDS organizer. AI joins in with a previous post about nonprofits in Indiana that are harming rather than helping the very folks their purpose statement states they want to help.

I remember offering my services.

I found the comments part with the name dropping interesting. Especially when folks floats from one organization to another organization..but you probable need to read it for yourself..go ahead..here. But Oprah's on the case in fighting HIV/AIDS.

Speaking of floating from one place to another place..."Change is good" is the headline in the Political Notebook,

The race for Wayne Township assessor in Allen County proved to be one of the most contested small races in the area, garnering blog attacks from both sides and several news stories.

So it seemed as if it would be awkward for new Assessor Bev Zuber, a Democrat, to take over the office this week with her
Republican opponent, Tammi McKee, as an employee. Each was accused by the opposing party of altering the value of her own property.

A solution, however, was quickly born, as Zuber took a county assessor employee with her to become her new chief deputy, leaving a spot vacant in the county assessor office. New Allen County Assessor Stacey O’Day, a Republican, then hired McKee
to fill that position. Both Zuber and O’Day said the move was best for all.

“Stacey is a good friend,” Zuber said.

Does anyone else see anything wrong with this swap? Ethics? I am just asking.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his own words

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but later had his name changed to Martin. January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968

Click on class room resources at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute

I wrote an op-ed piece in 1997, after attending a Ku Klux Klan Rally, (perpetrating as a 1st amendment rally) that appeared in the Journal Gazette, with the following King quote,

It was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who wrote about, "finding your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain discrimination to your young child, while at the same time visualizing ominous clouds of inferiority forming in the child's mental sky, which starts the beginning of distortion in the child's personality in developing an unconscious bitterness toward the perpetrators of hatred."
Yup, "developing an unconscious bitterness toward the perpetrators of hatred, powerful words from the King," huh? Especially from discrimination.

Discrimination. Yes, dare to smile child, because it's coming. I could only protect you when you were close to my bosom. But one day it's going to hit you in the gut and what will you do? Oh I can put the balm for healing there for awhile, but one day it just won't work and what shall you do?

Stand. Stand and recognize it for what it is and from who it is coming from. Recognize it, stare it straight in the eye. Tilt your head back, chin up and give it a little smile. Now, shake the head ever so slightly, and utter these words, "oh no, uh-uh not me, you got your peoples mixed up, because I am not the one.

I am not the one. Because you, don't want me to give you a history lesson or two. Now walk with it, eye contact, forceful, chin tucked as you give an upward glance. Nope, wrong year..2007.

Leave the room..phone a friend..throw in a lifeline and call your mom. But you need to know it ain't the end of the world.

It had to do with beating the obstacles in getting over, seeing your way through, giving your testimony, starting over sometimes but never giving up. This road of racial oppression did not begin with us nor will it end with us. But we don't have to go backward as we travel this road left by our ancestors. This land is our land.

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an Uncle Tom?

What do we call ourselves?

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr an Uncle Tom? This name calling is such a quagmire among African-Americans and a line in the sand for racialists. While attending college, some professors and even some students appeared to delight in challenging my self-identity by reminding me that other African-Americans called themselves the very same name that I found offensive when they the racialist uttered the N-word protected by the 1st amendment in the academic setting.

On another occasion, my self-identity on my patient’s chart brought on another uninvited, surprised but expected racialist’s explanation as to his choice of name calling of African-American. When visiting this doctor, he explained to me that he preferred the term Black and how much he hated the term African-American. The good doctor may have prefer the term Black that I believe erases the racial connotation to not only color but economical status. The naming of human beings whose ancestors experienced the inhumane bondage continues even to this day. By naming another human being other, whether it be slave, the N word , Mulatto, zambo, sambo, quadroon, octoroon,and even Uncle Tom. Naming of African-Americans was to deny them human qualities and human benefits. The labels erased who the individual really was and left the individual to take on the attributes of what it meant to be so named.

I am who I say I am, and my preference is the term African-American which elevate the conversation back to the historical robbing of Africans from Africa and the stripping of their African identity.

The United States’ history was America’s denial of human qualities among a group of human beings with the African bloodline. The name calling continues in order to erase who the individual really was, and the individual began to internalize the new name, to take on the attributes of the non-existence culture of identity determined only by those who created the new name.

If there is a negative quality to the name, all individuals so named will take on the stigma that comes with the name. We as African-Americans, have internalized the name-calling and uses the same devalued labeling as dehumanize others who we feel are less worthy among us.


Once labeled the internalizing of their station in life would began. If there was a negative quality to the name placed on African-Americans, all individuals so named would take on the stigma that came with the name. Even African-Americans,themselves, practice name-calling to devalue others considered not representative of African-Americans. This name labeling is one way African-Americans redefine the negative as a way of self-identity, but it blinds many to the historical meaning of the old labels.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. suggested that we forget about the labels and define each person. This would be difficult because one would be limited to only information based on each individual..the character of the person.

to be continued..

Peyton Manning hail mary's another win

Indiana Colts Peyton Manning studying stills? Stills of what? Manning has two interceptions, two overthrown passes. But guess what, the Colts are up 9-0 in the half. Sad to say, Kansas, #10 Green, quarterback, must be in love with Manning, because he can't even throw a first down.

Love Dungy, but I am not a Manning fan, but this is not good football, and I am not a football fan!

I was hoping for a upset, and I am calling it quits for the second half, and unless Manning quits on the field..the Colts will win this one. Ty Law just made his second interception for Kansas against Manning, and you still want to say it's the defense. The End.

Going into the new millennium, do we want an ordinance that discriminates against a certain segment of our community (mostly single women and children) and condemning minor issues (porch couches or in need of repair bicycle parts) as public nuisance?

Do we want an ordinance with such obvious unequal distribution of power, that it punishes residential property owners with hefty fines, while exempting the apartment community from interior inspections. This ordinance will remove decent affordable housing from a community that is already lacking such housing for hard-working mothers (check the waiting list of Project Renew), which is both unfair to the neighborhoods and owners.

Is this the best that we can do as a community? I think not, especially not with the fine minds that we have sitting around the City Council table, representing all the city and not just a few policy-makers. Do the right thing, and recognize the ordinance's purpose for what it is, regulatory taking of property by the city and not an ordinance to remove blight. Just say no.

Indiana's David Letterman talks to Wesley Autrey, New York's hero

Wesley Autrey appeared on the David Letterman's late night talk show. TAutrey,also received the bronze medallion for civil achievement and Donald Trump awarded cash to Autrey for his heroic deed. Autrey joined other greats in receiving the medallion,"[p]ast recipients of the Bronze Medallion have included Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali and Willie Mays. The last honoree was Housing Authority employee Felix Vasquez, who caught a baby thrown from a burning building in 2005", according to VERENA DOBNIK oAssociated Press Writer.

Law School in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Accredited Law School??? I keep hearing this stupid comment, somethings are best left unsaid." Does this apply here. ILB. has an article about another University which pondered the idea and so does FWOB.

But, I quess it would attract some more young folks to discover the dumbest city, that is according to the Men's Health Journal..my home sweet home. speaking of brain drain, here's a good idea from Indiana Senator Rogers in his introduced bill to the Senate, to help offset the price of attending law school. Hat tip to ILB

Repayment of student loans. Provides that an individual who: (1) obtained student loans to pay for postsecondary education from an institution located in Indiana; and (2) resides and works in Indiana after graduating from a postsecondary institution; may enter into an agreement with the state student
assistance commission to have the commission assume the repayment of 25% of the principal and interest due on the student loan each year the individual resides and works in Indiana. Limits the repayment program to those students who
graduate after June 30, 2007.

Hat tip to Masson.

Judge ban cellphones-can you hear me, now?

Stueben Circuit Court Judge Allen N. Wheat and Superior Judge William Fee will request a cellphone ban as reported by Kara Lopp of the Journal-Gazette.

"Circuit Court Judge Allen Wheat and Superior Judge William Fee will enact the policy and have asked county commissioners to pass an ordinance similar to the one that bans weapons, including pocket knives, from the Courthouse."


Those with cellphone entering the court may face charges of contempt may face jail time or fines. But more than likely the phones will be confiscated and returned to the voters. WoW, can you believe that, may be confiscate and return the cellphones back to the voters. Make sense to me.

Hat Tip to ILB

Sidenote: Judge Wheat is the special judge in the Shine divorce case. The divorce file has been sealed.

Bring our troops home

it a recent vigil, one of the leader uttered that it may take women to end the war. He may be right. On January 27-29 in Washington, D.C. there will be a rally in front of the White House. Codepink, Women for peace is calling for others to join them in their march on Washington.

"Join CODEPINK and many others in a national march on Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 27, to call on Congress to take immediate action to bring the troops home."

Tentative Schedule (keep checking back to Codepink website for more details!):

Thurs, Jan
27: 6-9pm Local volunteer meeting. Live in the DC area? In town early? Come make props and learn how to be a team leader for the weekend.

Fri, Jan 26:
6-9 pm Gather our Energy. Join us for a CODEPINK meet and greet and workshops to prepare for tomorrow.

Sat, Jan 27: 10:30 am Women Say Pull Out! Converge
with other amazing women to march to the United for Peace and Justice rally together.

Sat, Jan 27: 9:30 pm Finish off the day with a festive
CODEPINK dance party in the evening.

Sun, Jan 28: 9:00 am Walk in Their
Shoes. Join us to create a massive and powerful Walk in Their Shoes installation.

Sun, Jan 28: In the afternoon there will be teach-ins,
networking and strategy sessions organized by a variety of organizations. Join us for a CODEPINK-led Forum on activism and organizing.

Sun, Jan 28:
CODEPINK Tea Party! After a long day of learning and scheming, relax and chat with the other amazing activists you've met.

Mon, Jan 29: Educate Congress Day. Lobby your Congressperson with United for Peace and Justice AND
join us for a CODEPINK action.

Tues, Jan 30: We Will Not Be Silent (nor will
we leave). Stay one more day for one last CODEPINK action in DC to demonstrate we won't stop til THE TROOPS COME HOME.


Fort Wayne Activists will be taking a bus to the rally.

Condi Rice

Well Ms. Rice,

Lately, it appears that you have been a little distracted. Of course, I don't know why, but I going to say this, it could be, you, having to finally accept that George Bush, Jr is the real deal. Junior does not care about African-Americans ! And that has not made you a happy camper. Listen, Dubya no longer needs you. Georgie Boy has find a new love, and its Nancy Pelosi. Look at her. Now ask yourself what does she have that you don't? Hello, she has an elected position. Pelosi, Speaker of the House is going to be Bush's new best friend. We all know Ms. Rice, you've had his back, but it's time to go. Leave the man and leave him now. Laura's husband is just not worth staying. Condi, you did your best. Now do like Colin (Powell) and get the h--- out. Go, write tell all books,run for president, get rich like his real friends, just don't stay.

It's Income Tax Time

I have worked on preparing tax returns since the age of 13. Once again, thanks to my grandfather and those entrepreneurial skills. Through the years I have learned that many folks are scared to death of the I.R.S. in not preparing their tax return. Or they fail to read the information provided by the I.R.S. that apply to their specific situation. Below I have posted from the I.R.S. some new updates that may have an impact on filing paper form or e-filing, such as how you can now deposit your money in three accounts, claim long distance telephone excise federal tax, and for those who are eligible to use a shorter form.

Tax Tips

For the first time, taxpayers can split their refunds among up to three accounts held by up to three different U.S.financial institutions, such as banks, mutual funds, brokerage firms or credit unions. To split their direct-deposit refundsamong two or three different accounts or financial institutions, taxpayers should complete the new Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account. Taxpayers can also continue to use the direct deposit line on the Forms1040 to electronically send their refunds to one account.

For people who don’t need to file a regular tax return, the IRS has developed a special, shorter form to allow them to request the telephone refund. Copies of the Form 1040EZ-T will be available on IRS.gov, over the phone and at a variety of other locations. The IRS encourages people who qualify for the 1040EZ-T to file electronically through the Free File program, which will be available for free beginning later this month. More than 10 million taxpayers who aren’t normally required to file a tax return may be able to use this new form. Taxpayers can either request the standard amount on this form or attach a Form 8913 to request actual amounts.

Individual taxpayers will be able to request a refund if they paid the federal excise tax on long-distance or bundled service. The government stopped collecting the federal excise tax on long-distance service in August and announced plans to provide refunds of these taxes billed after Feb. 28, 2003, and before Aug. 1, 2006. More than 146 million individual taxpayers are expected to request the refund.

Check with a tax preparer if you need more information.