"SAMSARA INDULGENCE"
March 9, 2007 - Is there a next Dr. Martin Luther King? A clear leader who is selfless in the most profound way? Are we capable of recognizing him--or her? Oddly enough, SAMSARA DUMMY thinks so. SD believes we are more ready for a Dr. King now than we have ever been. Doesn't matter what race, religion or culture. It's the content of this leader's character that will catch our attention. While there is still much work to be done, much evolving to take place---America has progressed.
March 8, 2007 - Leadership. With a few exceptions, why does the human race pick such terrible leaders? Maybe a better way to pose the question is why does the human race TOLERATE and get fooled by the schemes of lesser developed/balanced/visioned men and women who posture themselves as "leaders". False leaders who, collectively, lead the world and the human race to chaos and self-destruction. Is that how the Darwinian Principle works with humans? Out of self-induced chaos, do the most adept at scheming their way through the quagmire and those just lucky to survive the human-generated insanity wind up as the fittest survivors? Are the least principled, most compromised, biggest bull-shitters the future of the human race? Will they be the ones here with the cockroaches to blindly hack an ego-driven path that defines the evolution of mankind? Is the real Golden Rule that many of our "leaders" now follow: "Do unto others to get what YOU want; just make sure they don't see what you're up to."? FROM ANOTHER ANGLE: Is it true, as a noted Hollywood producer friend said to me, "image is everything"? For my part, I argued "substance is everything". In the end, I realize it is a mix of a lot of "things"; but when faced with the declaration that "image is everything"---I had to raise its less effective but (seemingly) more valuable counterpart in the exchange. Unfortunately, I have to admit---from the looks of "things" as to who leads in many areas of human affairs and how--Hollywood producer guy wins. ///// Then again, our leaders ARE us.
March 3, 2007 - Death. Feeling it strong lately. Aware of getting closer every day. The great mystery. Only complaint: the days are getting by without the significance SAMSARA DUMMY wants to give each one. Ahhh, but again--everything is temporal, it's always only a matter of time no matter what we do--before everything changes--so what else is new. Got a lot of wonderful friends already there, so it can't be that bad...faulty logic, I know, but it feels right. Letting that sober bubble float away--BASEBALL!!!! It's back on the radio, back on the field--and SD can't wait to get back in the ballpark. What a joy. Before one more sentence is written, must mention an experience where Samsara Dummy realized about halfway through the "experience" that there was a smile on his face. It had been there pretty much from the start--up until that point---and remained so through the balance of the experience. The "experience" was another DIXON film. Best hour SAMSARA DUMMY spent all week. This time, however, it was not a film by IVAN DIXON--it was accomplished by his daughter--MS. DORIS NOMATHANDE' DIXON (DIRECTOR), his wife--MRS. BERLIE DIXON (PRODUCER) and his son--MR. KAMIRA DIXON (MUSIC). WOW! What a pleasure. What an absolute joy. The film is about Lincoln Academy, the historic private boarding school in North Carolina. Founded in the 1800's, Lincoln Academy afforded quality education to Black American children from post civil war times, forward. Ivan Dixon is one of it's distinguished graduates. Will include information on getting a copy of the DVD in future post--assuming it's possible. ///// Here's a question. How do you have a job looking after veteran soldiers and NOT approach it as one of the most the important things you can think of to get right? How can you sleep. How can you eat. How can you look into the face of your fellow humans if you are not doing everything humanly possible to help these people, who have given as much as one could give? Who are these people? Same ones who did not move with everything they had IMMEDIATELY AND CONTINUOUSLY in the face of Katrina? Government appointed positions seem to be the worst at putting people properly equipped and experienced in the right jobs...and that includes many elected officials. Is there a perfect alternative method? Don't know. But we can make the one in place work one helluva lot better by paying attention , participating and making sure that those we vote for--and their subsequent appointees-- are ready, willing and ABLE.
February 28, 2007 - Reservations concerning aspects of Barack Obama notwithstanding, SAMSARA DUMMY feels that Mr. Obama is by far the most in touch with the times, the most articulate, the least beholden, the most straightforward and the most promising candidate for president of the United States (who is running--so far). Barack Obama is young, bright, well-educated and forward thinking. Possibly, much like Teddy Roosevelt was a man for his times, Barack Obama may be a man for these times. Exploring the complexities of the African/Black American relationship thread will be continued in the near future. To be brutally honest, SAMSARA DUMMY wishes it were Harvard-educated lawyer, DEVAL PATRICK, the newly elected Black-American Governor of Massachusetts, who was running for president. Deval Patrick has a makeup and lineage that puts him squarely in the middle of the historic and ongoing battle that Black-Americans have fought, sacrificed and died for, for generations. It would speak directly to Dr. King's---and those before him--struggle. Deval Patrick's serious consideration for the Presidency would speak to America's centuries old greatest challenge/struggle in a very specific way. You saw it here, first: DEVAL PATRICK FOR PRESIDENT
| February 27, 2007 -- "The (players) association told us this is just a witch hunt, They don't want us to talk to them. This is all about getting (Bonds). If this was legitimate and they did it the right way, it would be different, but this a witch hunt. They're just trying to collect a lot of stuff that doesn't make any sense and throw the (bleep) against the wall." --Gary Sheffield |
February 27, 2007 - SAMSARA DUMMY salutes Gary Sheffield for being a stand-up guy. Here's hoping all ballplayers stick together and tell the San Francisco Chronicle, their komodo-dragon butt-bit boss, Bronstein--and his squirrelly minion, dirt-digging hack writer-hyenas to take a hike. And CONGRESS--don't you have more pressing things to tend to--like getting our kids back home. Congress belongs in baseball like Barry Bonds belongs in the White House (actually, he might do a better job).
Feburary 24, 2007 - SAMSARA DUMMY is struggling a bit with aspects of Barack Obama; not so much the man himself, but what he represents. The issues are complex and will be explored in some form in the near future on DUMMYTV. Here's a brief and incomplete overview: Barack Obama is not a Black American. He is an "African" American...and White. Obama's roots in America do not go back to slavery; unless of course, his mother's side owned some. He is Kenyan and White. The relationship between Black Americans and Africans---Africans here in America or those in Africa---is complex. One example: When Nelson Mandela came to America as a guest of a group of distinguished Black Americans who lined up to honor him (many of whom had done everything possible to bring pressure on America and other nations to divest interests in South Africa), Mandela's response in the face of his hosts was typically "African--Black American". Mr. Mandela said--and SAMSARA DUMMY remembers it clearly because he could not stop thinking about it---that in truth Africans had far more in common with the Native Americans than Black Americans. Considering the timing and circumstances, it was an unnecessary slap in the face to his hosts; to those who had worked so hard in the favor of South Africa. There is a lot more---and it will be explored in the near future. Many, many Black Americans are aware of remarks and attitudes by Africa-Africans become Americans ABOUT Black Americans; remarks that make clear their "difference" from Black Americans. Remarks and attitudes that reflect a seeming low-regard held by real Africans for their distant relatives. SAMSARA DUMMY tries to be honest about all that he sees. The subtle truths that live with Obama is something SD thinks about...and cannot sidestep. While SAMSARA DUMMY works hard to think universally, he lives in a tribal world--he would prefer that it were not so much so---but loudly acknowledged or not, it is. Barack Obama is not of the Black American Tribe. How he relates to that tribe, uses that tribe( in this case), matters... As said, it is complex and there is much to be laid out. SAMSARA DUMMY will give it a try. But not tonight.
February 23 , 2007- Jamarcus Russell. LSU quarterback. Raiders--don't hesitate, take him. Brady Quinn is, potentially, an excellent pro quarterback. But Jamarcus Russell is, potentially, a FRANCHISE pro quarterback.
February 18, 2007 - Tim Hardaway--that was stupid. How the hell can you "hate" all gays? 'Don't believe YOU even mean that if you think about it. Okay, the gay life is not something you're interested in. But "hate"? SAMSARA DUMMY addressed Michael Richards' hateful rant against Black Americans----question: how did you feel when you saw that? Not too cool- -bet. You were just minding your business and this fool throws this crap out there?! At you because of your race? Well, gays minding their own damn business had to deal with the stupid crap you threw at them. Most Black folks I know do not like being dragged into comparisons between being Black and this and that---which damn near every other race here in America eagerly reaches for to make damn near any kind of analogy; per race, prejudice--etc. So along comes a clown like yourself just saying stupid, thoughtless things to anyone who will listen. Result, Black folks have to hear another round of "you're Black, how could you". As much as none of us appreciate the uninvited usage, it is totally appropriate. How CAN a Black American publicly express hate against folks who ain't done jack to him. Here's hoping you take a moment to reflect on how you'd feel if say---a White basketball player--or Asian...got on the radio and said EXACTLY what you said...about Black Americans. Nobody likes the spotlight of hate shined on them. THINK, man. FEEL.
February 15, 2007 - Time ain't flyin', it's haulin' ass. Is it just our dummy imagination, or are people generally walking around looking like they think the world is about to end? Everybody look like they're waiting for the other shoe to drop to you, too? What the hell was George Bush thinking? He's got everybody except those making money off war supplies and war-generated profits, depressed---including, I suspect, himself. Mr. President, there was a better way. Here's a dummy common-sense alternative. Instead of rallying the nation behind death and destruction---what about inspiring people to create, invent, innovate? Instead of kids giving their lives and time to war... what about science and technology. Here's a simple idea even a dummy doesn't have to reach for---why not spend all the money and brain-power presently being wasted on war--on developing alternative sources of energy? Strategies to become more self-sufficient? Here's a catchy phrase to rally behind: AMERICA, JOIN THE SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. JOIN THE FIGHT TO BE FREE OF FOREIGN OIL! Hell, you'd have every Tom Dick and Larry bustin' his ass to create a better carburetor, alternate fuel, new-fangled vehicle--and people'd be a helluva lot happier in the streets...pulling together for something that made sense... a challenge they could feel good about. Mr. President---there are many who've evolved to that point. Someone's gotta realize there's a better way--and lead in that direction. Killin' people is not good for anybody---not the killer or the killee...or the many children and adults maimed for life; physically, spiritually, mentally. Even us dummies realize "it's not that simple"---but more importantly, we realize "war should be a very last resort and should, generally, be defensive". We'd be farther ahead short-term, long-term and every other way if we rallied behind creating instead of destroying. Hope the next Administration trusts that America has the strength, determination and know-how to succeed without resorting to the lowest form of problem-solving available---brute force. You led us down that classic easier-looking path--where it would've been far better to have taken the road less traveled--and blazed a new and more useful trail. Again, hope the next president won't be afraid to call on his/her fellow countrymen to do better.
February 9, 2007 - Two names keep running through our heads today. One is ZACK WATERFIRE, the young composer/musician who is bound for great things in the future. It's Zack's birthday and we can't thank him enough for the beats and music he has generously provided DUMMYTV. The second name--and first in more ways than can be mentioned in this short memo--is IVAN DIXON. MR. DIXON is a relatively unsung hero who quietly carried the torch and blazed the trail for young Black American filmmakers in the last generation. A HUGE debt of gratitude is owed Mr. Dixon for his body of work, his integrity, and his yeoman's work in the Director's Guild of America to help black directors get a start. DUMMYTV intends to feature MR. DIXON in our SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL HUMANS. We want to mention here--if you have not seen IVAN DIXON'S movie "NOTHIN BUT A MAN", do yourself a favor and find it. It should be required viewing for anyone studying film. "NOTHIN BUT A MAN" is, in the opinion of SAMSARA DUMMY, the best film featuring a Black male lead in the history of film. Sidney Poitier did some fine films that portrayed Black men with character and dignity. No clowns. But if you want to see the gold standard, the film by which all others could be judged, see IVAN DIXON in "NOTHIN BUT A MAN". "Serious" Black actors of today could take a look at this as the touchstone against which to measure their choices. Thank you Mr. Ivan Dixon.
February 8, 2007 -
February 4, 2007: SUPER BOWL 2007 - Two solid Black American men take care of business. No "pimp" talk. No "pimp" walk. No hip-hop minstrel show. Thank you God for the break from the usual clowns who do all they can to be in the news, on the television. Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith were all class; leaders and good men who showed complete respect for/to one another. Game was pretty good through most of it, too. Man, that felt good. ///// Another solid Black American man who exemplifies the best of what humans can be is Everson Walls. Mr. Walls has agreed to donate one of his kidneys to his best friend and former Dallas Cowboy teammate/roommate, Ron Springs. Wow. That's brotherhood. That's sacrifice. That's one helluva good, strong, loyal friend. Good luck and prayers to both men.
February 3, 2007: MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOME of San Francisco has no character. In the arena of politics, SAMSARA DUMMY probably falls on the liberal side of things, but say what you want about George Bush--SAMSARA DUMMY does not think he would screw the wife of a friend/dedicated aid. It is this weird lack of personal honor and character among elite liberals that makes some of us dummies question anything said by those who excessively posture at being more caring about their fellow humans. In the end, Newsome has proven himself to be unworthy of respect. He committed one of the worst offenses a human male with ANY kind of honor can commit against a friend. Samsara Dummy hopes that Newsome leaves politics and goes back to being the self-indulgent elitist that he has proven himself to be. Bottom line, Gavin Newsome stabbed a dedicated friend in the back...in the worst way possible. He slept with his friend's wife and smiled in his face. He is a human being who cannot be trusted. ///// To Samsara Dummy it is "BLACK AMERICAN", not "AFRICAN AMERICAN". Africans make it clear they are not the same as "Black Americans"; and in the tribal world of today, they are not. Black American history is specific to the trials and tribulations of slavery, civil rights, and an ongoing struggle rooted in a long history in America. This week's Super-Bowl features two BLACK AMERICAN coaches, not two "African American" coaches. Neither man's legacy is rooted in Africa. With all due respect, their heritage owes to Dr. King, not Nelson Mandela.
Feburary 24, 2007 - SAMSARA DUMMY is struggling a bit with aspects of Barack Obama; not so much the man himself, but what he represents. The issues are complex and will be explored in some form in the near future on DUMMYTV. Here's a brief and incomplete overview: Barack Obama is not a Black American. He is an "African" American...and White. Obama's roots in America do not go back to slavery; unless of course, his mother's side owned some. He is Kenyan and White. The relationship between Black Americans and Africans---Africans here in America or those in Africa---is complex. One example: When Nelson Mandela came to America as a guest of a group of distinguished Black Americans who lined up to honor him (many of whom had done everything possible to bring pressure on America and other nations to divest interests in South Africa), Mandela's response in the face of his hosts was typically "African--Black American". Mr. Mandela said--and SAMSARA DUMMY remembers it clearly because he could not stop thinking about it---that in truth Africans had far more in common with the Native Americans than Black Americans. Considering the timing and circumstances, it was an unnecessary slap in the face to his hosts; to those who had worked so hard in the favor of South Africa. There is a lot more---and it will be explored in the near future. Many, many Black Americans are aware of remarks and attitudes by Africa-Africans become Americans ABOUT Black Americans; remarks that make clear their "difference" from Black Americans. Remarks and attitudes that reflect a seeming low-regard held by real Africans for their distant relatives. SAMSARA DUMMY tries to be honest about all that he sees. The subtle truths that live with Obama is something SD thinks about...and cannot sidestep. While SAMSARA DUMMY works hard to think universally, he lives in a tribal world--he would prefer that it were not so much so---but loudly acknowledged or not, it is. Barack Obama is not of the Black American Tribe. How he relates to that tribe, uses that tribe( in this case), matters... As said, it is complex and there is much to be laid out. SAMSARA DUMMY will give it a try. But not tonight.
February 23 , 2007- Jamarcus Russell. LSU quarterback. Raiders--don't hesitate, take him. Brady Quinn is, potentially, an excellent pro quarterback. But Jamarcus Russell is, potentially, a FRANCHISE pro quarterback.
February 18, 2007 - Tim Hardaway--that was stupid. How the hell can you "hate" all gays? 'Don't believe YOU even mean that if you think about it. Okay, the gay life is not something you're interested in. But "hate"? SAMSARA DUMMY addressed Michael Richards' hateful rant against Black Americans----question: how did you feel when you saw that? Not too cool- -bet. You were just minding your business and this fool throws this crap out there?! At you because of your race? Well, gays minding their own damn business had to deal with the stupid crap you threw at them. Most Black folks I know do not like being dragged into comparisons between being Black and this and that---which damn near every other race here in America eagerly reaches for to make damn near any kind of analogy; per race, prejudice--etc. So along comes a clown like yourself just saying stupid, thoughtless things to anyone who will listen. Result, Black folks have to hear another round of "you're Black, how could you". As much as none of us appreciate the uninvited usage, it is totally appropriate. How CAN a Black American publicly express hate against folks who ain't done jack to him. Here's hoping you take a moment to reflect on how you'd feel if say---a White basketball player--or Asian...got on the radio and said EXACTLY what you said...about Black Americans. Nobody likes the spotlight of hate shined on them. THINK, man. FEEL.
February 15, 2007 - Time ain't flyin', it's haulin' ass. Is it just our dummy imagination, or are people generally walking around looking like they think the world is about to end? Everybody look like they're waiting for the other shoe to drop to you, too? What the hell was George Bush thinking? He's got everybody except those making money off war supplies and war-generated profits, depressed---including, I suspect, himself. Mr. President, there was a better way. Here's a dummy common-sense alternative. Instead of rallying the nation behind death and destruction---what about inspiring people to create, invent, innovate? Instead of kids giving their lives and time to war... what about science and technology. Here's a simple idea even a dummy doesn't have to reach for---why not spend all the money and brain-power presently being wasted on war--on developing alternative sources of energy? Strategies to become more self-sufficient? Here's a catchy phrase to rally behind: AMERICA, JOIN THE SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. JOIN THE FIGHT TO BE FREE OF FOREIGN OIL! Hell, you'd have every Tom Dick and Larry bustin' his ass to create a better carburetor, alternate fuel, new-fangled vehicle--and people'd be a helluva lot happier in the streets...pulling together for something that made sense... a challenge they could feel good about. Mr. President---there are many who've evolved to that point. Someone's gotta realize there's a better way--and lead in that direction. Killin' people is not good for anybody---not the killer or the killee...or the many children and adults maimed for life; physically, spiritually, mentally. Even us dummies realize "it's not that simple"---but more importantly, we realize "war should be a very last resort and should, generally, be defensive". We'd be farther ahead short-term, long-term and every other way if we rallied behind creating instead of destroying. Hope the next Administration trusts that America has the strength, determination and know-how to succeed without resorting to the lowest form of problem-solving available---brute force. You led us down that classic easier-looking path--where it would've been far better to have taken the road less traveled--and blazed a new and more useful trail. Again, hope the next president won't be afraid to call on his/her fellow countrymen to do better.
February 9, 2007 - Two names keep running through our heads today. One is ZACK WATERFIRE, the young composer/musician who is bound for great things in the future. It's Zack's birthday and we can't thank him enough for the beats and music he has generously provided DUMMYTV. The second name--and first in more ways than can be mentioned in this short memo--is IVAN DIXON. MR. DIXON is a relatively unsung hero who quietly carried the torch and blazed the trail for young Black American filmmakers in the last generation. A HUGE debt of gratitude is owed Mr. Dixon for his body of work, his integrity, and his yeoman's work in the Director's Guild of America to help black directors get a start. DUMMYTV intends to feature MR. DIXON in our SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL HUMANS. We want to mention here--if you have not seen IVAN DIXON'S movie "NOTHIN BUT A MAN", do yourself a favor and find it. It should be required viewing for anyone studying film. "NOTHIN BUT A MAN" is, in the opinion of SAMSARA DUMMY, the best film featuring a Black male lead in the history of film. Sidney Poitier did some fine films that portrayed Black men with character and dignity. No clowns. But if you want to see the gold standard, the film by which all others could be judged, see IVAN DIXON in "NOTHIN BUT A MAN". "Serious" Black actors of today could take a look at this as the touchstone against which to measure their choices. Thank you Mr. Ivan Dixon.
February 8, 2007 -
February 4, 2007: SUPER BOWL 2007 - Two solid Black American men take care of business. No "pimp" talk. No "pimp" walk. No hip-hop minstrel show. Thank you God for the break from the usual clowns who do all they can to be in the news, on the television. Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith were all class; leaders and good men who showed complete respect for/to one another. Game was pretty good through most of it, too. Man, that felt good. ///// Another solid Black American man who exemplifies the best of what humans can be is Everson Walls. Mr. Walls has agreed to donate one of his kidneys to his best friend and former Dallas Cowboy teammate/roommate, Ron Springs. Wow. That's brotherhood. That's sacrifice. That's one helluva good, strong, loyal friend. Good luck and prayers to both men.
February 3, 2007: MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOME of San Francisco has no character. In the arena of politics, SAMSARA DUMMY probably falls on the liberal side of things, but say what you want about George Bush--SAMSARA DUMMY does not think he would screw the wife of a friend/dedicated aid. It is this weird lack of personal honor and character among elite liberals that makes some of us dummies question anything said by those who excessively posture at being more caring about their fellow humans. In the end, Newsome has proven himself to be unworthy of respect. He committed one of the worst offenses a human male with ANY kind of honor can commit against a friend. Samsara Dummy hopes that Newsome leaves politics and goes back to being the self-indulgent elitist that he has proven himself to be. Bottom line, Gavin Newsome stabbed a dedicated friend in the back...in the worst way possible. He slept with his friend's wife and smiled in his face. He is a human being who cannot be trusted. ///// To Samsara Dummy it is "BLACK AMERICAN", not "AFRICAN AMERICAN". Africans make it clear they are not the same as "Black Americans"; and in the tribal world of today, they are not. Black American history is specific to the trials and tribulations of slavery, civil rights, and an ongoing struggle rooted in a long history in America. This week's Super-Bowl features two BLACK AMERICAN coaches, not two "African American" coaches. Neither man's legacy is rooted in Africa. With all due respect, their heritage owes to Dr. King, not Nelson Mandela.
QUANTUM JOHN PREMIERE EPISODE RE-SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY APRIL 8, 2007. THE NUMBER "8" HOLDS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR DUMMIES AND ALIENS. Posted on April 1--April Fools Day...a BIG holiday for dummies. For humans it would be like a cross between New Years, Halloween and Burning Man. --ALL WILL BE MADE CLEAR IN DUE TIME.