Jena 6 & Myanmar: The Results

Two protests, two different outcomes. But i think both were predictable.

I'm very happy that Mychal Bell was released this week and hopefully it means he will get a fair trial here on out (doubt it, tho). But i'm sad that the brave folks in Myanmar are being forced to pay the ultimate price for their potential freedom. Sadly, their deliverance may not come any other way.

The Power of Protest

There are many who argue that protesting is a useless tool when seeking change in America. The impact of the recent Jena 6 protests remains to be seen but there is no doubt that the events in Myanmar today will have far reaching effects.

The sight of those monks lined up to lead the rally against the inhumane practices of their militaristic government fills my soul with hope. This is a beacon to the world. It also gives me a deeper appreciation for modern technology because less than a generation ago, seeing this powerful photograph might not have even been possible.

To fully grasp the weight of this event, imagine if North Koreans were able to stand up to Kim Jong Il in this way. In fact, (so far) the only tragedy in this is that the North Koreans are completely unaware of what is going on. Kim Jong would never allow something as powerful and potentially galvanizing as this to reach their eyes and ears.

Right now, the world is waiting for the government of Myanmar's response to this "embarassment". I hope and pray that it's not too harsh on the people there. My thoughts are with them.

Tell Em, Lauryn

They won't hear you, though.

Ex-Factor.

It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

[Hook:]No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin'It ain't workin'
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy
This is crazy

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we got to do
You let go and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

The Universe Validated Me.

I was watching a program this evening, and out of nowhere, two of the characters had the following dialogue:

Sonny: It's not gonna be easy.

Kate: Nothing in life worth having ever is...

I was like wtf?!?! WHAT I TELL Y'ALL!!!

Nothing Worth Having is Easy.

That's been my mantra for the last 2 and a half years. In some ways, I think that phrase is the true meaning of life. That we have to work hard for the things that we want. That as soon as we look for the easy way, we've already lost. Victory is in the challenge; the journey.

But sadly, i've realized that most people are fucking cowards.

July 12th 2004 - Madison Square Garden

It's hard to find words to describe what this night meant to me. I was in the front row w/Mr. Walt from the Beatminerz. We were minding our own business, dancing and jamming, when P comes over to our side of the stage and politely asks if anyone would possibly like to dance with him. Of course, I curtsied and offered my assistance. He accepted.

The rest is her-story.

Part 1



Part 2