What A Difference Eight Years Can Make

The days before the events of September 11, 2001 are telling of where the country was financially, politically, socially, and morally. I have video, mostly from CNN, that chronicles what was happening just prior to the attacks in New York.
The son of Jimmy Hoffa, James P. Hoffa, announces that D.N.A. evidence was found in the car involved in the disappearance of his father. The D.N.A. shows that his presence was in the car driven by Chuck O'Brien at the time of Hoffa's disappearance. Hoffa said his family wants closure. It had been, up to that point, twenty-six years since the elder Hoffa disappeared.
The Dow was down 239.99 points to 9005.85., and the jobless rate rose to 4.9 percent. President Bush claimed the economic slowdown started the prior summer. He said he inherited the failing economy, where the Democrats claim it started six months ago.
Ten to fifteen billion dollars would be dipped from the Social Security surplus by Congress to offset the budget deficit. This was announced by The Budget Director, Mitch Daniels. It must be remembered that Bush was working with numbers from President Clinton's 2001 budget, Bush's doesn't kick in until 2002. However , Bush's tax cuts were submitted in the spring , triggering the slowdown.
Lou Dobbs was the anchor of "Money Line," and reporting calmly. There were 113,000 non-farm jobs lost, and 141,000 manufacturing jobs lost. Elaine Chao, the Bush administration's Labor Secretary, said that the President's tax cut was "very wise and very timely." The National Energy Plan pending in Congress should be considered because it would provide stimulus to the economy. Lou , calmly, disagreed with Chao that the jobless rate steadily increased over the past few mouths, rather than inherited from the previous administration the year before.
Terror attack alerts went up from the State Department coming from "credible" sources. The thought was the attacks would occur at military bases in Japan and South Korea, but the location and time of the attacks were not known.
The Pentagon awarded five billion dollars worth of contracts to companies to assist in the destruction of the former Soviet Union's nuclear arms. The companies were Haliburton, Raytheon, Brown & Root, Betchel National, Parsons Delaware, and the Washington Group International. the contract runs through 2006.
What is weird is at the end of "MoneyLine" broadcast, they show the New York skyline. What is in the center of that majestic sight? The World Trade Center.
Bill Hemmer was still at CNN at this time, hosting CNN First Evening News Live." The jobless numbers for manufacturing was 141,000, making it one million since July of 2001. Trucking lost 8000 jobs, bringing it to 16,000 from march. Hotels 5000 jobs, temporary jobs lost 2000 , making it 400,000 from December 2000. Not all was lost, in the Health Services, 32,000 were gained, oil and gas extraction, up 2000 jobs, up 22,000 since the beginning of 2001.
Michael Jackson surprised the crowds at the Video Music Awards, performing with N'Sync, then preparing for his thirtieth anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden the following evening. Bill Tuch said that this was a highly anticipated event. This was September 10,2001. All was well in the world, until......

On September 11,2001, our world changed forever. Before 9 A.M. E.S.T., a plane crashed into the west tower of the World Trade Center complex. A Theresa Renault was speaking to Brian Gumbel on CBS News. She said she heard a very loud explosion, then there were flames. During the interview, she exclaimed, "Oh, there's another one!! Another plane just hit!! Oh my god, another plane has just hit!! It hit another building! Flew right into the middle of it! Explosion! OH MY GOD!!! It hit right in the middle of the building!!" Gumbel asks,"This one into the east tower?" "Yes!,yes," replied Renault "Right into the middle of the building! And, right now.. that, definitely looked like it was on purpose." She said it looked like a smaller plane, not a commercial jet. "It was definitely was a smaller plane!"
At 8:24 AM, the AP reported that the F.B.I. was investigating the possibility that the planes were hijacked. The question posed by Brian Williams was who could overwhelm a flight crew, behind a locked cabin, and deliberately fly a plane into the W.T.C.? Then, he showed that the plane was a commercial plane because of the jet engines under the wings.
President Bush makes the announcement that this is an act of "possible terrorism" at 9:32 AM. Ben Laden's name is first mentioned as a possible suspect a minute later. But there was no mention from the F.B.I. that was the case.
Mary Schivano(sic) the former Inspector General for the Department of Transportation, said that this was possible because agencies rely on risk assessment security reports, and they have said that the possibility was low that something like this would happen. The free movement at airports and aviation have always been criticized, and quite frankly, "We allow it to happen." This was an "outrageous" act particularly if there were prior warnings that it would happen.
At 9:39 AM, Mike Miklaszewski of MSNBC, reported that there was an explosion at the Pentagon. Security was evacuating the building. There were no sirens, nor smoke, but the building shook. Interestingly, Miklaszewski said an intelligence officer said that when he saw the coordinated attacks in New York, his advise was to stay away from the outside of the building, "Just in case." Miklaszewski reported that there was a small blast. He saw construction workers running from the building and keeping a distance.
Chris Plante from CNN reported at 9:42AM that a "huge plume of smoke" was coming from the Pentagon. He said he did not hear an explosion, but does not see the cause of the smoke.

I could go on and on, but needless to say, things have changed in the world because of the attack. Many people have analyzed footage and reports, conspiracy theorists bring up interesting arguments. But in the Qur'an , there is a chapter called "The Shock of the Hour." This, for America, was our shock of the hour. I think atheists said on that day, at that moment, along with believers,

OH MY GOD!!!!

'Morning Glow' is on my summer soundtrack

Morning Glow by Michael Jackson

Being I live in Miami, one can't think of a better song to start the day with. Michael's singing is so beautiful and pure, the song makes you want to run outside and breathe in the fresh air.

Human Nature by Michael Jackson

Perfect song to have playing in a convertable on South Beach.

2000 Watts by Michael Jackson

This song has the must pumping bass line, you have to roll down the windows of your car! If you don't already have hydrolics on you car, the sound from your system will make your car bump and jump!!!

Is It Me, Or Do You All Don't Get It?

I just don't understand. What is the difficulty that people have with Michael Jackson? I know many of you are about sick of hearing his name, seeing his pictures, and hearing his songs. But obviously, there is interest in him because the media won't drop it. It is like people want verification that the man was a "freak," or somehow different from the rest of us.

Well, he was different from the rest of us. We, will never be able to fully comprehend what this man went through in his life, and perhaps that was designed by God. Michael had a life that started out the same that every child born in the inner city, up until the age of five. After that, the father of Michael, changed the course of this boy's life forever. He wanted his sons to live the life that he was not able to live, have the kind of career that he was not able to have.

I'm listening to speculation that Michael was a drug addict. Well, it is obvious that going through what he went through in 2006-2007, I would have issues also, and probably would have been on something also. Whether it be drugs, or alcohol, shopping, or some other vice to help me forget the hell that I was made to go through.

Bottom line, this man was dying a slow death since the molestation trial, aggravated by the stress of producing fifty shows after being out of the touring world for about nine years. I just think that Allah said, "Come home, my son. You've done enough, and you've done well."

Lastly, who are we to determine what makes a father? I frankly don't care if Michael is the biological father to his three children (though I believe he is ).In the eyes and hearts of the children, he WAS TRULY their father. We could only wish that we could be the kind of parent Michael was, and I don't think he spoiled them. I think he must have been the funniest, coolest father anyone could have. He had a nanny and others that were a support team for him, but Michael raised those children. I don't think Michael would have been able to take care of those children under the influence of ten Xanex pills a day. Do you?

So in the words of our beloved prophet Michael Jackson, "Why you wanna trip on me?"

Lastly, to the media, the children are going to hear of what you are saying about their father, eventually. Get a grip, and tone down the sensationalism and tabloid junk that increases your profit margin and makes a easy buck for you. Damming Michael may make you money now, but you will reap what you sow later.

Bye,Bye,Boo- Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Many people whom I know wonder why I continue love Michael Jackson. Some say he's a freak. Some say he's a child molester. Some say he's a has-been. But there truly can be no denying of the influence that man had on not just the music industry, entertainment, but American culture.He alone saved the music industry , whether you want to give him credit or not. Many of the artists today in the music business would not be here if it were not for Michael Jackson.

Now the hypocrites are coming out of the wood works. M.T.V. is number one! How long has it been since they played a Michael Jackson video, and now they wait until the brother is dead to show them. Cher, Brooke Shields, Lisa Marie Presley, Madonna! All showing sympathy to him now, but where were they when the brother needed their support? B.E.T!!! OOOO!!!! Don't get me started! And Sheryl Crow, with her lying behind self! I read somewhere she said they didn't spend any time together while she was singing back-up for him on tour, and now she's saying she and Michael used to watch "Amos and Andy" movies together.

Perhaps the sadness is giving way to anger now as I watch the hypocrites and critics cry crocodile tears saying how much they loved and admired Michael.

My prayers goes to his three beautiful children and his family.

I do not say that Michael is dead, for he, probably more than anyone else in music, has left us a history of images,music, and lyrics that in the near future, people will say he was the greatest performer of all time. HE LIVES!!! WE MUST KEEP HIS SOUL ALIVE IN THE LOVE HE GAVE ALL OF US!!!

I WILL HAVE MORE TO SAY IN THE UPCOMING DAYS.

Peace to you my brother.

Say What You Will, I Think Michael Was and Is Beautiful!

I've heard it all .

"I like Michael when he was black!" He still is FOOL!!!

"He is so yesterday!" But the stars of today look back to yesterday's Michael to know what to do NOW!!

"HE'S SO UGLY!!! I can't look at him!!"

CHECK HIM OUT!!

Happy Birthday, Michael!!!

Wow,fifty years, as he says, young. But why do I suddenly feel old? It seems like yesterday I was eleven when I first heard The Jackson Five.Thirty-seven years sure goes fast. In truth, there are only three people who affected me and changed my life when I first learned of their existence. Number three is Elton John, number two is the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and number one is Michael Jackson. It seems like a strange combination, but I can remember everything that happened the day that I discovered these men, and all of them made me a changed person, Michael in particular.
Of course, everyone who loves Michael claims that they are his greatest fans. I will allow that only today on his birthday. My husband I love dearly, and is my boo. But Michael is my BOO!
Meaning, he was my first love. I feel that I am the best defender for Michael,because I ,though I have never met the man, feel I know him. I get him,and can make people understand him in ways that they never thought of before.
Let's start with these sleepovers with children.Lisa Marie said it best. She said that she could see how these occurrences could happen, the children would not let Michael go to the bathroom without following him. If I were a child, and I got to hang out with Michael ,I would probably do the same. Anyone who has a young child, who loves them, knows that they follow you everywhere. Michael said if the child wanted to sleep in his room, it was okay as long as the parent or guardian said it was okay. He said he never invited anyone to sleep in his bed.If they slept in his bed ,he slept on the floor.Don't worry, I know what the boy said that he slept on one side,and Michael slept on the other side. But who's to say the boy didn't crawl into the bed after Michael was asleep?
JUST TO WARN YOU, THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG BLOG,SO GET YOUR COFFEE!
Michael's color.Michael is and will always be a Black man.I don't hear anyone saying to a white person who has a dark tan,"Oh, you're black." I have seen white people with vitiligo, and they look the same as Michael,the affected part , I mean. But let's be real people. Would you all have accepted Michael if he kept the afro and did not cover the blotches? Don't lie, no you wouldn't.
You would call him a freak just as you do now. I frankly think that it is racist to think that Michael would change his color to be accepted, as though being white is some great thing. Michael said it best, "I AM A BLACK MAN. I AM PROUD OF MY RACE, I AM PROUD
OF MY PEOPLE,I HAVE A LOT OF PRIDE AND DIGNITY."
Is Michael gay, and could he have fathered his children? Do you want to know if Michael is gay?
Listen to "Lady In My Life." A gay man would never sing with such passion to a WOMAN! What's wrong with you people? I have listened to Elton John, George Michael,Freddy Mercury, and others , and if you listen to their lyrics, they rarely, if ever, refer to a woman in their songs.
As for his children, if you knew of Michael's background, it is possible to have fair skinned children with light or blond hair. My own children, especially my daughter, are very light skinned, yet I am Black, and their father is Asian. Again, racism clouds the minds of people who have no knowledge of genetics.
Is Michael Muslim? Do I believe that Michael believes there is only one God and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah, and he lives to do the will of God? Yes, but that is what I believe, but I also know that Michael studies many religions. So I guess you can call him a Christian, a Jew, Buddhist, and Muslim. Bottom line, Michael is a believer in God, and knows that his talent comes from him and he openly acknowledges that fact.
One last thing, and I hope you all get what I'm about to say. There are some people in the world who believe Michael is the archangel Michael written of in the Old Testament who comes to save and protect the children of the world.Seriously. Michael is a prophet, a lyrical prophet, He loves children, and his people, and God. How dangerous would it be if a man like Michael,a man wealthy and influential as Michael, were to say "I am a Muslim?" How many of our children, who love and respect him, would follow him? How many of us, who love and respect him, would follow him?
The enemy went after Michael because they felt threatened by the political direction he was moving towards, the distribution of his wealth, and the religious direction he was turning towards.
If they didn't, the whole world would follow him, Sounds familiar?
More later, PEACE!!!
P.S. How could I forget?The plastic surgery. I think Michael should be applauded for taking a situation that most of us would be ashamed of, and reinvented himself .Tina Turner said ,"There is a difference between plastic surgery and corrective surgery." Michael initially had plastic surgery when he broke his nose, but he has had corrective surgery for his breathing problems. It seems as though some of the surgeons out there have selective memory when it comes to this fact. So perhaps Michael was telling the truth when he spoke to Oprah, when he said at that time, he had only two procedures. Okay, I'm DONE!!!

MICHAEL,MICHAEL, WHERE FOR ART THOU, MICHAEL?

I have had a bit of Michael Jackson in my system this evening. I pulled a tape which showed video from Michael's personal photographer during the Bashir interview. Feelings of betrayal, and anger set in , especially when Michael's makeup artist made comments to Bashir about how the real story of Michael is left out of the media. Karen Faye, the makeup artist,showed frustration when she see how the media sensationalize Michael and never speaks , nor writes about the good the man has done for children and others in need. I guess that doesn't sell papers.
To watch the witch hunt on T.V., the horrific comments made by so called "journalists," who are to be objective, but yet gave their opinions, made me ill. The continuing name-calling of "pedophile" and other terms to a man who was found, not "not guilty," but "innocent," shows that in this country, especially a Black man, lies replace the truth, if told often enough.
As I said earlier tonight, the enemy always uses a man's weakness, or love of something ,to destroy the man.
Not that I am saying Michael is him, but the same thing happened to Jesus when He said "I and my father are one," Michael's cross was made when he made reference to Jesus saying we should be pure and innocent as children. Michael's love for children, his love for God and Jesus, and his wealth, fame, and influence, made him a "Dangerous"(pardon the pun) man to some in positions of power and authority. More later! PEACE!