"Machine guns and silencers pose serious dangers to our community. The last place (they) ... should be is in the hands of a convicted felon," said U.S. Attorney David Nahmias, adding T.I. could face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted of both counts.Facing 10 years in prison, T.I. made his initial appearance in court on Monday (October 15) to answer to weapons charges following a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sting on Saturday in which he was charged with trying to buy machine guns and silencers.
U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman denied bond and scheduled a hearing for Friday, at which he'll decide whether there was probable cause to arrest the rapper and if T.I. will qualify for bond before a trial, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
T.I. (born Clifford Harris Jr.) arrived in court wearing a black shirt and pants, with his hands cuffed and his legs chained as he was led into the courtroom. He made eye contact with the standing-room-only crowd of friends, family members and well-wishers, a number of whom were ordered out of the small courtroom and building before the hearing began, because the the judge said they were hampering the proceedings, according to CNN. Federal prosecutors are requesting that T.I. be held without bond until his trail, which could be months away.
While the rest of America arms itself to the teeth, wouldn't it be irresponsible for a young wealthy entrepreneur like T.I., determined to protect his family, not to be armed?
Who is the "Victim" of this crime that will send this young father and husband to jail for 20 years?
72 comments:
Not when you are a convicted felon... The irony.. The jail record gives him street cred which helps his albums sales... But his liberties are restricted. Another arrogant cat who won't follow the rules.
Convicted felon ...
Convicted felon ...
Convicted by whom?
Casper, you are far too invested in the rules of the Plantation.
These "rules" are completely arbitrary and imposed by powerful people on less powerful people.
They feed you conformists non-sense about "law and order" while they arm themselves to the teeth.
With a war in Iraq, and a "war on Terror", federal agents have time to wire Snitches, and set up "Sting" operations to arrest a young successful and wealthy entertainer for exercising his Second Amendment rights?
And you Cheerleading.
Phil Spector shot a woman in the face 4 years ago and is sleeping in his bed tonight.
Who is the "Victim" of this crime that will send this young father and husband to jail for 20 years?
The Vesey conspiracy
Inspired by the revolutionary spirit and actions of slaves during the 1791 Haitian Revolution, and furious at the closing of the African Church, Vesey began to plan a slave rebellion. His insurrection, which was to take place on Bastille Day, July 14, 1822, became known to thousands of blacks throughout Charleston and along the Carolina coast. The plot called for Vesey and his group of slaves and free blacks to slay their owners and temporarily seize the city of Charleston. Shortly after the rebellion was to take place, Vesey and his followers planned to sail to Haiti to escape retaliation. The plot was leaked by two slaves opposed to Vesey's scheme, and 131 people were charged with conspiracy by Charleston authorities. In total, 67 men were convicted and 35 hanged, including Denmark Vesey.
Brother Skip!
T.I. had priors. Felony priors. If you are on paper the rules are different.
The question is whether felons have the right to arm themselves under these BS laws. The answer, as far as i know, is no with no exceptions.
Fame doesn't change the rules. Granted the rules don't apply to everyone the same but when you are a black felon, in the eyes of po-po, and you rap about bustin guns, trappin' and how you don't get caught, cops look to sting that azz. cops view rappers as black criminals with the nerve to taunt them with tales of their criminal successes. its not right but thats what it is.
If you're T.I. why arent the guns at "The Trap"? Find a loophole and keep the guns elsewhere. The system is jacked, thats given, but T.I. took a risk when he knows he's a target with alot to lose.
KP
DV,
1. Why exactly does one need silencers on machine guns for self-defense?
2. Is someone who is parochial enough to get caught up in a domestic ATF sting - instead of acquiring his collection elsewhere - really smart enough to handle the responsibility?
3. Don't you get tired of the quixotic defense of folks who embarrass and fail themselves on a national scale? Could it be that there's a common denominator uniting all these high-profile dumb-asses conducing to their routine failure and embarrassment?
True KP. You are right.
T.I. is a "felon".
In 1998, when he was 17 years old, T.I. was caught in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance.
The rules have been reshaped to make that a "felony" and millions of young black men "felons".
Just like those young men in Jena were to become "felons" for the rest of their lives.
I contend that labeling millions of young black men ... "felons" ... by broadening the definition of "felon", is as deliberate an attempt to disarm black people as labeling "the Iranian Guard" terrorists is a precursor to attacking and occupying Iran.
DV,
1. "Why exactly does one need silencers on machine guns for self-defense?" CNu
To reduce the sound and to suppress the muzzle flash. The same reason millions of other gun purchasers 'need' them.
2. "Is someone who is parochial enough to get caught up in a domestic ATF sting - instead of acquiring his collection elsewhere - really smart enough to handle the responsibility?" CNu
I'd say T.I. is smarter than the general population and far smarter than the Conformist Plantation Negros who blindly follow the rules of a plantation system determined to be rid of them.
3. "Don't you get tired of the quixotic defense of folks who embarrass and fail themselves on a national scale? Could it be that there's a common denominator uniting all these high-profile dumb-asses conducing to their routine failure and embarrassment?" CNu
I'm more tired of complacent Negros (particularly black men) who can't / won't analyze beyond first base when hi-profile black men are targeted by the prison industrial complex and the mainstream media for excessive punishment.
Vick - prison and $20M for fighting dogs.
T.I. - 20 years in prison for owning a weapon owned by thousands of other Georgians.
Over the top punishment of a few slaves is a great way to control the rest.
While so called "educated" (indoctrinated) blacks pontificate about a "Global System of White Supremacy" other black men (free of the academic mind fuck) are arming themselves.
It's not a system of "White" supremacy. It's a supremacy of those who are armed vs those who are not.
Why do you think Korea and Iran have yet to fall under the grip of "hegemony"?
Nuclear Fucking Weapons.
So, CNu, I don't know how many millions of young black men need to be warehoused in prison before you realize Civil Rights Movement did nothing but train black people to bring knives to gunfights.
-
DV
"The rules have been reshaped to make that a "felony" and millions of young black men "felons"."
DV no doubt! Tell us something we don't already know!. But that is not the issue here. What he did at 17 is old news and he got the felon tag. This week he took a CHANCE at letting them get at him again. This is about CHOICES!. Nothing more nothing less. Just like Mike Vick. Laws have always been against black men. My great grandfather will tell you worse stories. But at least T.I. had an opportunity to live comfortably while making some cheddar. Then he apparently thought the game had changed for him. Reality is a bitch ain't it! It was a dumb ass move. Now you can defend him like his grandmother would all you want. But she and you are not helping these men win this game of chess!
DV
I'm more tired of complacent Negros (particularly black men) who can't / won't analyze beyond first base when hi-profile black men are targeted by the prison industrial complex and the mainstream media for excessive punishment
So to warn a mofo not to do stupid shit that will jeopardize his freedom is being complacent. The way I see it your all for Mike Vick's and T.I.'s actions. You want these men to continue not follow the rules knowing what the end result will be. I think that is perverse.
DV
"1. "Why exactly does one need silencers on machine guns for self-defense?" CNu
To reduce the sound and to suppress the muzzle flash. The same reason millions of other gun purchasers 'need' them."
I see you didn't answer CNu's question?
DV
"T.I. - 20 years in prison for owning a weapon owned by thousands of other Georgians."
Other Georgians who are not felons, or under 18, or illegal aliens. Now if you find out otherwise then you have an argument.
DV
So, CNu, I don't know how many millions of young black men need to be warehoused in prison before you realize Civil Rights Movement did nothing but train black people to bring knives to gunfights.
And now T.I. makes potentially another and it's not Cnu's fault. It's your fault for thinking your above the rules. I would like to see the look on your childrens face if they came at you with such disdain for your house rules. Phuck you pop your suppressing my freedom to pee on the floor and not in the toilet. And I'll eat candy anytime I please.
I have to agree with DV. It is a war going on and Black people are losing. These young Black men are influential, powerful and to brazen. That represents a problem to white america. They are making a point to attack these "Field Niggas" who are getting a little too loud. Is the problem (really) that T.I. was a convicted felon with guns or that he was a young Black man with guns?
Is the problem (really) that T.I. was a convicted felon with guns or that he was a young Black man with guns?
The problem is that he was ignorant and incompetent and that his dumbass got served up as public spectacle. THAT'S the phukking problem!
I don't disagree with you politically or philosophically in any particular regard DV, my disagreement is methodological and goes to the issues of;
1. Competence
2. Preparation
3. Motivation
A suppressed 9MM submachine gun isn't much use against the type of conventional body armor that one would confront in a situation of real crisis self defense.
Personally, I'm all about .762x39 and let it rip because that shit's proven itself time and time again, international, worldwide. Muzzle velocity, muzzle velocity, muzzle velocity.....,
It's proving itself right now.
Besides which, you can bury those joints in capped off PVC pipes all across the countryside because they're that cheap and rugged and put up tens of thousands of rounds of cheap Chekoslovakian ammunition with them along with a couple of dessicant packs, and there you go!
This field-hand T.I. was ignorant, stupid, and damn-well deserved to get caught because he was imitating shit he saw in the movies rather than handling his bidnis on that altogether other level of the game. He's not a self-made baller DV, he's just another turned-out chump on somebody else's payroll. One suspects that massa put his little trick-azz into the hands of the ATF rather than that ATF figured out how to bag him on their own.
As a life long gun enthusiast and the child of one of the orginal negros with guns, I think you need to tighten up your advocacy and stop tilting at windmills on behalf of dumbasses, tricks, and mistrels who regularly get trotted out for the penal dumbass du jour prize....,
Anonymous
"Is the problem (really) that T.I. was a convicted felon with guns or that he was a young Black man with guns?"
Right now it doesn't matter. He is locked up now. See the problem is the Monday morning quarterbacking. These laws have been in play for years. So if you don't like them then have T.I. rap about calling for a change in the phucking gun laws versus... "You know how I is"! nonsense
Secondly, DV downplayed his criminal activities. 1997 arrest and subsequent conviction for distribution of cocaine, manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance, and giving authorities a false name.
Don't spin the story for your outrage.
In the early hours of May 4, 2006, T.I. and his entourage were involved in a gunfight after leaving a concert after-party at the Club Ritz, a nightclub in Cincinnati, Ohio[26] that has a history of problems with the law. Four members of T.I.'s entourage were shot in the altercation. T.I.'s personal assistant Philant Johnson was killed and Janice Gillespie was seriously wounded by the gunfire.[27] It is believed that the altercation began at the Ritz when members of T.I.'s entourage threw money into the crowd, angering male audience members.
Casper
"Secondly, DV downplayed his criminal activities. 1997 arrest and subsequent conviction for distribution of cocaine, manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance, and giving authorities a false name."
Okay, he was a drug pusher. Do I condone it, no - but nothing in there states that he was a violent man. The problem I have is that these young men are being labeled as "felons" and are destined to have a stigma that will follow them the rest of their lives. They will be looked as vicious, violent animals just waiting to raid some white persons home.
Yes, T.I. had guns, yes he was a convicted felon, but really what was his crime? Maybe he likes guns and even though he knew he shouldn't have them, he wanted them and some punk snitched on him, because he couldn't Man UP and hold his own.
I'm not saying what he did was right, because unfortunately, we have some phucked up laws in this country, but hey "no harm, no foul"
"T.I. was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant from Florida. The warrant claims that T.I. did not complete the required number of community service hours he was sentenced for a 2003 assault of a female sheriff deputy at University Mall in Tampa."
Some of you will defend nonsense until your blue in the face! Let your kids wild out like this ... Then ya'll will be ballin like babies as your whipping dat ass. All talk!
Anon
"Okay, he was a drug pusher. Do I condone it, no - but nothing in there states that he was a violent man. The problem I have is that these young men are being labeled as "felons" and are destined to have a stigma that will follow them the rest of their lives."
Who was the dumb ass who made the decision that could alter his life?
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. !
Listen I didn't like following the rules my parents had for me growing up. But I listened and followed cuz I knew the alternate outcome if I was caught. Mutherphuckers ain't got no discipline no mental toughness no more! Stop being his grandma and be his daddy. Whip dat ass!
T.I. needs to appear in court dressed in a perfectly tailored suite and say, "I plead NOT GUILTY your honor. It wasn't me, it was TIP."
Cnu said, "A suppressed 9MM submachine gun isn't much use against the type of conventional body armor that one would confront in a situation of real crisis self defense.
Personally, I'm all about .762x39"
Actually Cnu, they confiscated an AK-47 variant in his home.
http://www.bossip.com/6987/ti-denied-bond/#more-6987
Go here if you want to see the guns they caught him with... Minstrel Negro must have been headed to Iraq for a concert or something.
I have mixed emotions. I don't think convicted felons should be trafficking in heavy machine guns. I really hope T.I. didn't do these things. And 20 years for gun possession is WAY TOO MUCH. 10 years is too much too. 1 year would be appropriate.
But, on the other hand, America, and the Bush family in particular, has made a living off of selling weaponry to other countries. Guns are regulated as to we, the people. But the government can sell guns to any group of people they wish.
DV, I think you give TI too much credit
"I'd say T.I. is smarter than the general population and far smarter than the Conformist Plantation Negros who blindly follow the rules of a plantation system determined to be rid of them."
If anything, he is a rebel without a cause, and not a very smart one.
"a rebel without a cause?"
try
"a bama without his draws"!
raising up his nutsack and coughing for a rural prison guard....,
How many different ways do negro's need to be warned?
Uhh, its the ten crack commandments
#
#
I been in this game for years, it made me a animal
Its RULES to this shit, I wrote me a manual
#
#
Number two: never let em know your next move
Dont you know bad boys move in silence or violence
Take it from your highness (uh-huh)
I done squeezed mad clips at these cats for they bricks and chips
Number three: never trust no-bo-dy
Your momsll set that ass up, properly gassed up
Hoodie to mask up, shit, for that fast buck
She be layin in the bushes to light that ass up
Casper,
Is your beef that this guy (or guys like him) broke the rules or that he wasn't smarter in executing his breaking the rules?
II
"Is your beef that this guy (or guys like him) broke the rules or that he wasn't smarter in executing his breaking the rules?"
Good Question
Not smart enough to stay out of jail by any means necessary!! Period! I am dissapointed in the brother and his advisors. I may not agree with his lyrics all of the time. But I don't wish him harm or prison. I always hope that he and other's like him... Tiger, Jordan etc. would be more like Ali was!! Activist with dignity while your HOT!
My answer to that one would be,
1. What was the purpose of breaking that rule ( is there some greater cause he was fighting for that we are unaware of?)I would imagine that no sane person would want to be manhandled by "rural prison guards" unless
a. there was some compelling reason
b. or just plain careless and disconnected from the reality of the consequences of his actions
I understand your frustration, but not everyone can be Ali. That's a tall order Casper. Even you have to admit that.
You seem to believe that making money is a cure for someone's childhood, but it's not. These guys are who they are, whether they are making $1 or $1 million.
What if he's like OJ and manages to put together a legal team that keeps him out of jail? Will that make it better?
1. What was the purpose of breaking that rule ( is there some greater cause he was fighting for that we are unaware of?)I would imagine that no sane person would want to be manhandled by "rural prison guards" unless
greater cause????
rotflmbao!!!!
Accra, the answer is c.) That little backwards bony BAMA TI is a certified, grade A. American dumbass who deserves to be locked up underneath somebody's jail. Those weapons are for no other purpose than lethal petty street squabbles with other young BAMA's not smart enough to properly organize and protect their dope games and the communities in which their dope is served.
DV needs to be shot with hot pee for this assault on Black folks common sense....,
lol @ " needs to be shot with hot pee "
DV, you think you may be somewhat over the top on this one?
Were talking about automatic weaponry.
Careful you dont step in to the realm of 'knee jerk reaction' and insufficient discernment....much like those you criticized in Jena, LA.
It seems that lately I've heard the words 'dumb' and 'stupid' to describe a lot of athletes and entertainers lately. It seems much more frequent and full of disdain this summer. I can't put my finger on it...but something just doesn't smell right about it to me. I can't believe how many times I've heard black folks call Mike Vick those things.
It seems to me most people use words like 'not that smart', 'not that bright', 'misguided', 'out of their league' or something that seems less loaded. Or even beyond that, rather than just calling the person those things, applying them to the act 'he acted in a way that wasn't that smart', 'his moves weren't the brightest', 'he lacked wisdom in these decisions'.
Even when the Mainstream media is being what they are, bias and all, in reporting or not reporting a story this is one nuance where the black on black language seems a bit more inflammatory. Maybe that is owed to the fact that those words would sound unprofessional in that context.
What if some of these folks really do lack in certain types of brain functioning that I guess we call 'intelligence'? What if some of them really aren't that 'smart' by society's standards? What if there are chemicals (internal and external) in play that we don't even know of yet?
Still though, ALL of these folks who get 'caught up' aren't dumb. Not every single one, I just can't see the numbers working out that way. I understand the next argument about well, yes they could all be dumb because there is a reason they were allowed to become visible, a certain type of negroe I guess. Even some sell-outs aren't dumb though. Oprah's not dumb. LOL And for T.I. in particular he has exhibited intelligence in his marketing and promotional strategies over the years, a lot of which he is directly responsible for.
Again, something just doesn't smell right with the increasing use of those words in regards to people who make mistakes or are 'caught up' or are prone to being human...
MJB,
Excellent, excellent point.
Kinda makes you wonder. If jails are full of Black men, and they are there because they are a bunch of "dumb asses", etc., etc., does that mean all the other racial groups not overrepresented in jails are "smart"?
To translate what everyone is saying, they believe there are a whole lotta really stupid Black people. Like you observed, "something just doesn't smell right" about that.
intellectual insurgent,
When I used to debate with folks about these types of 'state of black America' issues, some of whom were smarter than me and some not I'd always wonder, what if I wasn't able to articulate this, what if I hadn't been given the education or the choreography of my brain chemistry that I was given?? I would be so intimidated if I couldn't verbally spar on that particular playing field.
Then it dawned on me one day...you don't have to be hella smart to figure this out, my gut told me long before my mind did. And I'm thankful for that because now the playing field is for all. You can be illiterate, mute, not formally educated in the West and you can look at a person hanging from a tree and watch a gang of other people standing around in glee and your gut tells you enough. You can take 2 objects in a room and show the disproportionality in incarceration rates. Folks who have never heard the term Prison-Industrial-Complex know something isn't right about family and folks being locked up constantly and having it follow them forever.
I wonder if people feel as much as they think.
"To translate what everyone is saying, they believe there are a whole lotta really stupid Black people. Like you observed, "something just doesn't smell right" about that." Damn.
mjb
for T.I. in particular he has exhibited intelligence in his marketing and promotional strategies over the years
Most of T.I.'s music career marketing and promotional direction came from Craig Kallman now Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records. He has been around for a longtime and knows the game. He promoted such artists as the Beastie Boys, Sinéad O'Connor, the Bangles, LL Cool J, and Billy Idol back in the day. He also oversaw Aaliyah, whose One in a Million album introduced producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott to the game; as well as singer Brandy and raggae artist Sean Paul. Don't get it twisted. Cool cat knew from his NYC Club DJ days.
If jails are full of Black men, and they are there because they are a bunch of "dumb asses", etc., etc., does that mean all the other racial groups not overrepresented in jails are "smart"?
Nope.
Racially disparate colonial overpolicing under racially disparate drug sentencing laws - neither tactically or strategically countered by significant and highly sophisticated criminal organization - has resulted in most of the disparate incarceration of Black men.
To translate what everyone is saying, they believe there are a whole lotta really stupid Black people. Like you observed, "something just doesn't smell right" about that.
Nope,
You got totally lost in the translation. TI is a specific case of a particularly dumbassed BAMA whose possession of that firepower under his particular circumstances is simply indefensible.
Unfortunately, I tend to believe that the overwhelming majority of folks permitted into the popcultural limelight tend not to be too bright. This is evident by the extent to which they confuse their schtick with their lifestyle, but more substantively than this, it is evidenced by the extent to which they are rapaciously exploited by their lawyers, managers, agents, and others who principally profit from their minstrelsy.
Cnu, I actually followed today. I'ma take a stab at a translation...
Contrary to mjb's post, T.I. (the individual) is, in fact, dumb. He's dumb for a two primary reasons, those being 1) for thinking that the bullshit he raps about was going to play out favorably in real life; and 2) because he is repeatedly exploited by figures present and inherent to the music industry.
How'd I do?
mjb
"To translate what everyone is saying, they believe there are a whole lotta really stupid Black people. Like you observed, "something just doesn't smell right" about that." Damn.
I don't subscribe to intellect being the culprit. In T.I.'s case it was arrogance/ego I bet. When a person is on top of his game he may lose touch with reality. I am a superstar!... I can do what I want!. So we say dumb meaning he is dumb to let his ego get the best of him. With these other's ... hey some are not thinking... some are desperate... some targets by a system that profiles them, etc. Either way it's in our best interest to understand the game and use your sense of survival to avoid the pitfals of these circumstances. No different then if you were born in a 3rd world nation with very little food or water. It ain't fair but life is not always fair to all.
How'd I do?
superfluously...,
my meaning was crystal clear.
you may be confusing an old commenting schtick with current commenting necessity..., (^;
Casper,
I'm sure dude Ken has a great musical legacy, but the strategy in the south was a bit different and part of what I was speaking on was before Ken was involved. He released his own video when Reid and Arista/LaFace weren't happy with how the 1st single off the 1st album went. He did the mixtape scene, reworked his canvas, tapped into the 'strip club' network (J.D. has a great chapter in his new book about that), realized he looked the part and started to exploit that more for the ladies and then he got the big boy resources behind including Ken because they knew he was the real deal.
I also think your assessment of the role the ego plays into this is pretty on point.
rjesq,
1) I'm still trying to figure out why movies aren't held to the same standard. Or shoot, even white musicians. I've heard plenty of explanations, but none that made me understand. I think Phil Spector was brought up at some point, I have never heard anyone call him dumb.
2) I'm not sure I feel comfortable writing off people who are 'exploited' as dumb. Isn't the dynamic of 'exploitation' that you'll use an advantage you have over someone else. Maybe it's intelligence, generational wealth, power...I think power is the biggie.
For many, their schtick is their lifestyle...witness all of the guns he bought. LOL
Or rather, their lifestyle is their schtick.
No need to create Ziggy Stardust when you decided to create T.I.P. to feed your family.
Cnu, dont bet the farm on that whole clarity idea. I think you were just being an asshole with that last comment, but honestly, due to a lack of clarity, I'm not so sure. Just know that if I do end up deeming you an asshole -- it may very well occur superfluously.
Almost all the subject matter here( on this site) is about black events and people.
Perhaps if there was as much coverage of white, chinese mexican etc. issues one could make a comparative analysis of the use of inflammatory language.
As a black woman, I have more interest in black people and events, and therefore, have more passion for their issues. This bias may be reflected in the language used.
Haven't been interested in Phil Spector enough to find out whether or not he is dumb or acted dumb.
Truly art imitating life:
T.I. - Live in the sky lyrics
"I bet you niggas think I'm living it up
'til you see police laughing as they picking me up Went from seeing how many bitches i can fit in the truck
to 3 hots and a cot is you kidding or what
fuck how many millions I got nigga so what if I'm hot
when I got prices on my head, Feds rushing my spot
a million haters want me dead forced to carry a gat
but you a seven time felon what you doing with that?
It's a catch 22 either you lose or lose Thats the way the game structured for real niggas to suffer
and I ain't never been a busta always stood on my feet
like a man prepared to take what ever coming for me
a pussy nigga or police with a warrant for me
Im a "G" prepared to die for what's important to me
Look anybody in the eye who say he want it with me
put up the house and bet the odds if they coming for me
OG's say I need to learn to be patient
you telling me with these seven years of probation
pistol charges and a host of other open cases
if niggas only knew the kind of time I was facing I tried to keep to myself but sometimes I couldn't take it
got 4 kids, the smiles on they faces
mean more to me than my crown and my bracelet
take that away from me and my life is butt naked"
I didn't mean the use of inflammatory language at just this site, my informal observation included black radio, other black blogs, many personal discussions I've had.
I understand where the bias and passion do come in, which may explain why it rubs me the wrong way. I just kinda wonder where we learned that from?
I wonder how many years a felon would get if he tried to vote a gang of times!? LOL
Aren't people most passionate about their own kind. The things closest to us tend to invoke greater passion.
I'm not sure it's just a black thing...... or is it?
Just know that if I do end up deeming you an asshole -- it may very well occur superfluously.
and how could it be otherwise?
funny.
MJB ...
You are really on to something.
I'm a little disappointed that my man CNu and my girl Robyn, with all of their intellectual dexterity, fail to recognize the pattern of language used in the media to describe our 'Black Offenders of The Week' and it's subsequent impact on the collective attitudes of Americans towards blacks, and most importantly - the attitudes of blacks towards ourselves.
"Dumb"
"Stupid"
"Ignorant"
"Need To Sit Down"
Skooter Libby and Douglas Feith told bold faced lies that were used to trick this nation into war. 4,000 dead Americans and hundred's of billions of dollars later - I have yet to hear a Jew refer to either of those men as dumb, ignorant or stupid.
Deconstruction of "Rap Hate" will reveal a vein self-hatred among black people that others continue to tap into and exploit.
Divide and conquer.
Okay then DV.
If I "failed to recognize the pattern of language used in the media to describe our 'Black Offenders of The Week' and it's subsequent impact on the collective attitudes of Americans towards blacks, and most importantly - the attitudes of blacks towards ourselves," what then did you fail to do when you dubbed Superhead "a semen guzzling skank."
Certainly you wouldnt suggest that there is not a systemic and continued assault on the character of Black women. And you wouldnt deny that this attack, like the attack on black men that you so willingly fight, is not perpetrated by our own. OR, could you possibly have simply called a ho what she was without regard for whatever evil conspiracy or campaign arguably exists?!
Dont get me wrong, I agree with you that the chick is foul. My point is simply to use her as an example that we, you, have OPINIONS, and the fact that you or I hold one opinion and not another, does not mean that either of us have failed at a damn thing.
So dont be disappointed in me. Save the disappointment for those who truly fail to resist group think and spoon fed opinion. Regarding T.I., I just happen not have swallowed whole your characterization of the events in question.
But that's why were cool. I'm not trippin.
I'm a little disappointed that my man CNu and my girl Robyn, with all of their intellectual dexterity, fail to recognize the pattern of language used in the media to describe our 'Black Offenders of The Week' and it's subsequent impact on the collective attitudes of Americans towards blacks, and most importantly - the attitudes of blacks towards ourselves.
DV, you stretchin harder to make your point about a liminal ripple on their consensus reality than Bro. Fisher err stretched to make a point about SR/WS.
That said, I'm over it, on your team, got your back - and have begun calculating a related though entirely different firing solution. If you're mad about being called stupid in the media, then you should be ready to go ballistic over this totally unprovoked aspersion on our intellectual capabilities.
I want you to read this little short comment thread on my post about James Watson over at AOBFS and give me some feedback.
Then, if you're interested in going down the rabbit hole a lil'bit deeper, check out the discussion thread that jumped off over at E.C.'s blog and which precipitated in part what I'm about to propose next, i.e., we organize an afrospheric posse and really, really take Cold Spring Harbor's Board of Trustees to task.
Dont get me wrong, I agree with you that the chick is foul. My point is simply to use her as an example that we, you, have OPINIONS, and the fact that you or I hold one opinion and not another, does not mean that either of us have failed at a damn thing." Robyn
OK ... I see what you are saying.
But please understand. I am not suggesting dumb people not be called "dumb" while I call Superhead a Skank.
1) I am suggesting DUMB people, not call people SMARTER than them, "dumb".
2) "Dumb", "Stupid", "Criminal", "Crazy" and "Out Of Control" are words carefully planted in the MSM vernacular to describe black men (listen to sports radio) to create a climate of fear, mistrust and anger towards black men.
Casper and the other Rap Haters falling over each other to get on TV and Radio are in no position to call T.I. "dumb". Not because of moral reasons. But because T.I. is SMARTER than Casper and the average 'It's Rap's Fault' robotron.
See where I'm going?
I find the assumption of educated / indoctrinated blacks that they are "smarter" than other blacks by virtue of a paper "degree" bestowed upon them by Massa, or their ability to get through life never making powerful people feel threatened - laughable.
I find a man with a gun, smarter than a man without one, just as I find a man with a woman, smarter than a man without a woman.
T.I. is not in jail because he is a felon, T.I. is in jail because he symbolizes a threat. He thinks for himself, and practices self-reliance. (Arming himself instead of running to the police)
Plantation Negros seem to be sayin - "Well he stupid fo' bein' a threat!".
I suggest it is much more dangerous ... and ultimately stupid ... not to be in a position to threaten an enemy determined to destroy you.
Punishing T.I., and disarming him, is a SYMBOLIC preemptive strike against young black men who will one day be called "insurgents".
Promoting Superhead feeds into the story that "Rappers" (just like the Iranians. How convenient?) abuse women too.
So, my dear Robyn, to summarize:
1) Superhead does guzzle semen (check the video)
2) When I compare the relatively conventional musings of Rap Haters who wallow in conformity and unoriginal thought to the dynamic, insightful and intensely perceptive art of T.I., Curtis Jackson, Nas or Jay-Z - I can't help but bulk at who is calling whom "stupid".
CNu,
I'm on it.
Hit you back.
DV,
Sports Radio is absolutely the worst and that happens to be the industry I'm trying to escape. LOL
A lot of times when I hear folks throw out the 'how dumb could he be' or 'he's so stupid' I hear a lot of history packed in there. Some folks who I KNOW have done 'dirt' and not been 'caught up' say it and it's almost like I can hear in their mind, 'well, he's got to be DUMB or else there is something else going on and I'll be next'. (at that point, you've got a lot of ish to think about or they've got to be dumb) Or the dude who says it with such an inferiority complex that you know he was confronted with such phrases before, probably in childhood, likely at the hands of whites. Or the cat that says it and I swear I can hear him trying to convince himself that white folks are wrong, 'we are smart, him, he's the dumb one, not me, he is stupid, not me'
I definately can't make those assumptions about any of the folks commenting here. I feel that way based on personal observations and conversations.
I haven't even heard Britney spears called dumb or stupid much at all. I hear things along the lines of 'she's a mess' or 'she's lost it' or 'crazy broad'.
I don't know...something about it just doesn't sit well with me.
MJB,
Man. You are really onto something.
Words are powerful seeds. Planted in fertile minds they can grow into misconceptions that compete with reality.
I submit to you, that there is a recognizable pattern in the language used by the MSM to validate and justify this so-called "War on Terror" which is really a "War on Muslims" and the language used to validate aggressive prosecution of prominent black people.
We are being set up.
"T.I. is not in jail because he is a felon, T.I. is in jail because he symbolizes a threat. He thinks for himself, and practices self-reliance. (Arming himself instead of running to the police)
Symbolizes a threat to the "system"? I hardly think so. He walked right into the net!
I don't think that arming one's self to the teeth is the way to go, and I see absolutely nothing heroic or smart about that. Certainly not actions for the young black children to emulate.
Should he have used these weapons, for what ever reason, it's more than likely they would have been used against a black person/people, and not against the "System"
We know that the media is racist in its reportage, so what else is new?
Most of us don't know this TI guy personally. We can only judge him based on his public actions, and that is what we are doing.
Accra,
The T.I.'s of America represent a much greater threat to the system than do Corporate Blacks indentured to their jobs.
America is a land of entitlement and group politics.
Black people are being pushed further and further down the pyramid of power.
Once near the tops with Jews and Wasps we are now down below gays fighting Mexicans for a toehold.
This is not about "T.I." the person, this is about what he and many other young wealthy self-determined, not indoctrinated, armed black men represent.
I just wish sometimes the 'act' was called stupid or dumb.
Naw, I'd rather even have the acts called questionable, senseless, controversial, unwise, unclever or something else.
Most MSM stories don't include such austere words. Their B.S. is in the form of calling someone a boy rather than a man, showing certain images, omitting certain stories, blatant biases, lazy reporting, lying etc... I think most of us are familiar with the tactics. (darkened mug shot on Time mag anyone) I guess I'm speaking more of the trickle down effect that I see day to day, in a lot of the pop-black-blogs etc.
"I submit to you, that there is a recognizable pattern in the language used by the MSM to validate and justify this so-called "War on Terror" which is really a "War on Muslims" and the language used to validate aggressive prosecution of prominent black people."
No doubt DV!! THUG is the new Nigger.
DV
This is not about "T.I." the person, this is about what he and many other young wealthy
What is wealth? Controlled by your record company to produce albums or return the advance money is not freedom nor wealth! Dupont is wealthy. T.I. was comfortable until now.
Wrong Casper.
Dupont is not more wealthy than T.I.
There is more to wealth than cash. Wealth has more to do with self-actualization and free expression.
A dead Tupac is wealthier than a living Donald Trump.
What do these armed black men represent? Enlighten me.
Accra said ..
"What do these armed black men represent? Enlighten me."
They represent nonconformity, self-determination and something other than passive victims dependent upon the largesse of the elite.
DV
There is more to wealth than cash. Wealth has more to do with self-actualization and free expression.
Operative word here is "free"... and T.I. is in know way free... Dig it?
DV
They represent nonconformity, self-determination and something other than passive victims dependent upon the largesse of the elite.
So do you follow their lead?? Why are you not incarcerated for breaking any laws?
Nonconforming for the sake of nonconforming is stupid...... a rebel without a cause.
What does he stand for exactly. By dealing drugs and buying guns, what message of nonconformity is he sending? Certainly not one that I would follow.
accra
What does he stand for exactly. By dealing drugs and buying guns, what message of nonconformity is he sending? Certainly not one that I would follow.
Fool-ish-ness is what!
As far as I concerned on this matter T.I got what he deserve. He was convicted of a controlled substance charged there for he should not allowed to have firearm of any kind. Especially a machine gun with supressors. What the hell does he need with $12,000 worth of machine guns and silencers? That tells me his MO goes way beyond the scope of personal protection or any other excuse he may have.
His MO is actually suspect. Somebody of a high profile and stature should demonstrate at least commonsense. He set up himself up for this and now he must pay the price.
OK. Well said Brandon. That opinion seems to be pretty much par for the course when it comes to this issue. Most people seem to think exactly the same thing.
And that is definitely consistent with the Main Stream spin.
However you did not address any of the sub-issues like the ever expanding definition of "felon" (T.I. was 17 when he was declared a "felon") or, the hypocrisy of a nation that manufactures 10,000 new weapons a day while prosecuting some citizens for having them while turning a blind eye towards the others.
Most people seem to think exactly the same thing.
However you did not address any of the sub-issues like the ever expanding definition of "felon" (T.I. was 17 when he was declared a "felon") or, the hypocrisy of a nation that manufactures 10,000 new weapons a day while prosecuting some citizens for having them while turning a blind eye towards the others.
I understand for one that there is preferential treament towards the mainstream society vs minorities when it comes to gun enforcement. My main point is this: If you have a criminal history, you have no business owning a gun period. You mentioned that T.I had a felony at 17, if I am correct unless Georgia amended their law, 16 is the cutoff age of being a minor. What i posted may have seem mainstream to you but it is factual. In this manner, I hope he does not serve jail time. He used very poor judgment and lack of common knowledge whether if he was 17 or 27.
Secondly you mentioned that 10,000 guns are being produced daily. My question are: 1)Did the gun makers put a gun to the people with felonies head and force them to buy their weapons? 2)Should the manufacturers be held accountable for so many bad elements attaining guns? Answer to the first question is no, people who illegally obtain firearms did it at their own free will like what T.I did. Legally I believe they should be held accountable but morally absolutely not. They in the business of making money like everybody else.
People should stop diverting blame towards other people and start taken accountability for their actions which I hope it is the case for T.I
Post a Comment