One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards..

Yes, a Whites only kid's pool in the Philly area, 2009.

Despicable but not surprising unfortunately. Many in the mainstream media, particularly on Cable News, have feigned shock in this case. Reporting this incident as something that doesn't fit into the current racial climate, even in the "liberal" Northeast, is to ignore the realities of racism, particularly towards Blacks, in Modern America. In my opinion, only when situations like this, and the causes of them, are openly and honestly discussed and dealt with can things really move forward in this country. That may sound like a cliched statement, but it's also a true one.

If you'd like to be involved in bringing justice to this case, here is a good place to start: http://www.colorofchange.org/swim/email/?id=2082-70047

Raphie boy...

A portrait of Ralph Nader by the Lorimer stop of the L train, Brooklyn, NYC. This is sadly somewhat fitting...

Restless natives...

This stencil was in front of Classickicks right above Houston St. Was the artist targeting sneakerheads? Hhmm.

To be honest, what's written here represents the sentiment which I hear from many native New Yorkers nowadays (actually for the last 10 years.) It's not easy to feel like a stranger in your own neighborhood, especially if it's the one you grew up in. Some may see this stencil as a bit extreme. I can understand that.

Some might also say the city has only benefited by the vast gentrification that has taken place. I wouldn't agree. Certain racial and economic groups certainly have reaped the rewards, while others have suffered greatly. I will say that gentrification has been way out of hand for a long time now and the city has been culturally decimated in a number of ways because of it.

I like that someone else completely flipped the piece with just a subtle black marker by adding an arrow inferring that "Damon Damon" isn't from here either. I wouldn't be shocked if he/she wasn't. That's a whole other story though....

Global Warming as "hype" and "misinformation"

Do you see anything wrong with this picture? I sure hope so. Even if you don't care about animals like I do, you probably care about your family and friends. The Polar Bear is in deep trouble now, we're a couple steps behind.

Right-wing ideologues have joined forces with some oil, coal and gas interests to unleash a torrent of fake science, scare-mongering statistics and propaganda designed to stop climate progress in Washington. They are willing to destroy the planet's future to make profits now.

Consider:

• A $500 million war chest to run scare ads and pressure lawmakers.
  
• Thousands of D.C. lobbyists with one goal to stop climate progress.
  
• A reckless disregard for truth or for the planet's future.

The opposition is in full fury. Time to step up if you give a shit about anything of value. I won't even put into print what I think should happen to these people. Hey, if they're gone, there will be more resources for the decent people of the world. 'Nuff said.

Please consider supporting non-profit environmental groups who are desperately trying to fight the lies, deception and trickery of these snakes in suits and ties. The Environmental Defense Fund is a good place to start.

Respect to LA rapper, and Strong Arm Steady member, Phil The Agony for releasing what I believe is the first environmentally friendly Hip Hop album. The CD was produced using green methods, a tree is planted for every CD sold, and crucial issues about the environment are rhymed about by Phil, Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Jean Grae and others.

CHECK IT OUT HERE