When Will We See an End?

  Here we are yet again America. In my home state of South Carolina another unwarranted death dealt out by the boys in blue has taken place. A routine traffic stop gone wrong. It sounds like a broken record but sadly no resolution has taken place.  What went wrong? Who's to blame?
     First off I'm glad to see the victim Walter Scott's family asked that media whores like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson stay away.  They tend to stir up  a hornets nest instead helping find a resolution to the problem. Ferguson is still a mess today months after they were there. They need to put more emphasis on educating the people on how to interact professionally with cops. Not running might have prevented this incident and there would not be this world wide firestorm we have today about this N. Charleston incident but it shouldn't have led to death.
       Let's back track a little to last February when Ray Rice was seen pulling his then fiancee from an elevator in an Atlantic City casino. No one knew what went on inside, only that it wasn't good and that Ray Rice played a part in it. Ray told the local authorities what he did and  he was jailed, put on probation and entered into a first time offender program. What happened  next was the NFL and the Ravens levied a suspension on him for 3 games. But then TMZ released a video that would forever change how the NFL now deals with its players that are involved in domestic disputes and incidences. After viewing the horrible act committed by Mr Rice in the elevator he was indefinitely suspended from the NFL. Mind you the NFL and other sports as well have always had players that have committed such sinister acts but after seeing it on film it gives you a perspective that just makes you see just how awful the act really was. Consequently two other players Greg Hardy and Adrian Peterson who were awaiting trials about their domestic violence cases were put on the Commissioner's exempt list and missed the rest of their seasons.  The NFL has taken a hard line on this topic but only after turning a blind eye for so many years. It took that riveting video to give a better perspective on how heinous the act was.
      Now to the April 4th shooting of Walter Scott.  He was a man who committed some crimes but nothing of the extreme violent variety.  But when you make questionable decisions you open yourself up for trouble.  So he has a DUI, and back payment for child support for several of thousands of dollars but not armed robbery,  drug distribution, rape or anything of that nature. So I imagine his demeanor is not one of violent variety but one of a man who doesn't want to go behind bars knowing he has some pending warrants. So the threat of going back to jail scared him into literally running for his life.
      So if he had stayed in his car would he be alive today?  Almost assuredly yes. But we also have seen cops mow down 12 year old Tamir Rice for holding a toy gun at a local park in Cleveland.  Or John Crawford in Beavercreek, Ohio who was just playing with an airsoft rifle in Walmart and was shot before he could respond to the command to get down. Some cops are too cowardly and never try to diffuse the situation even when no real threat exists. Talk first. He was believed to have a bench warrant out on him for child support. Unless he has a good life insurance policy there's little chance that he'll be able to catch up on his  back payments thanks to the killer cop. I feel some sorrow for the cop's family as well the stress of the situation and the fact his wife is expecting in the next few months. But trying to take a shortcut often gets in you in a into tight situations you can't get out of. This wasn't a split second decision, just a I'm too lazy to run or call for backup so I'll just shoot him. Forget about those people this suspect is  leaving behind. Mr Scott was a father, a son, an uncle among other roles,  but all Officer Slager could see was he's making me run too much.
    I know, I know more blacks kill blacks than cops do, but aren't they supposed to be held to a higher standard. In some cases deadly force is needed. Such was the case in January of this year in nearby Freeport,TX with Ronald Sneed who held his girlfriend at gunpoint. In this instance there was a chance he could seriously harm her so one of the responding officers shot him. But the cop was protecting the interest of a fellow human being and the story was corroborated with the girlfriend. Funny thing is once the blacks are caught they are convicted and sent to jail and are often given hard time in most instances.  Some even get the nasty needle. George Zimmerman didn't even get convicted for his obvious disregard of instruction from the 911 operator. We now see what kind of low life he is. Just like OJ he'll mess up again and get what's due to him. But these cops are repeatedly getting off with the same lines,  I was threatened.  I feared for my life. He reached for my gun. It happened so fast. 
      Oh, but now we have a video. Show of hands, who has ever seen an episode of Cops the TV show. There are countless episodes where someone evades the police officer and tries to run and usually they get caught by the initial officer or help from a backup officer.  In those instances the cops never fire a weapon unless the perpetrator has fired a weapon at them. It would be easier to take the shortcut and shoot the individual.  But these cops use integrity and apprehend their perps in a more sensible manner. Or maybe is it that the video is rolling so they know what not to do on camera.
       Mr Scott left the car he was in and ran to a park where the officer followed him and attempted to tase him. After that failed attempt Mr Scott and his apparent Usain Bolt like speed were too much for the officer. He ran again but this time instead of chasing him on foot he fired eight rounds at Mr Scott fatally wounding him and cuffing his hands on his then dead body.  He then goes to retrieve the taser and plants it beside the dead corpse. To set up his blatant lie, which had ran in the local paper as a struggle with Scott who reached for his taser and he then responded with deadly force. But unknowingly he was caught on video by an eyewitnes, who wanted to show the world the truth.                                                                     Every case is unique in some way but one can't help but wonder what if we had a video of Darren Wilson shooting Michael Brown or Trayvon's fight for his life. Would things be different? Unfortunately those in the grave can't defend themselves against public opinion. They are rendered speechless by being murdered. They themselves unarmed.

       But even with this video and blatant cover up is this enough to finally convict one of these guys ? The Eric Garner incident was on video and still there was  no conviction. If this doesn't get it done what will?  It just amazes me how James Holmes the Colorado movie theater killer and Jared Loughner the Arizona man who shot a US senator and killed 6 others ,are here still wasting tax dollars when they easily and justifiably should have been shot on sight by law enforcement for the mass shooting events they were involved in. But playing with a toy gun in Walmart gets you shot down like you're big game. Something is wrong and it's time to call on the one who knows all the answers. Jesus. We must treat each other with respect and live a life pleasing to God. No this may not end all that troubles this nation immediately, but the word says all things are possible thru Christ. Love thy neighbor and forgive. Let's move forward before there's more civil unrest. Let's not assume someone's exterior makes them any less human than another man. All lives matter, let God be the final judge.

  

This Is how I see it: New Year for Change ?

This Is how I see it: New Year for Change ?:          As we have now have stepped over into this New Year. We now get a chance to start anew.  Whether it be your  finances, your health...

New Year for Change ?

         As we have now have stepped over into this New Year. We now get a chance to start anew.  Whether it be your  finances, your health, your relationships, your spirituality, or any other part of your life where change is necessary.  We all should have a drive to improve our stance in life. Change is essential in order to sustain success. If one becomes stagnate they stand still. Think of it as water. If water sits in one spot too long it grows algae, it mildews, and in some instances it becomes foul and develops a bad odor.  That’s a microcosm of how your life can become. You want to lose weight, put down the Popeyes  chicken.  You want to improve in your career, go back to school and increase your education. If you play basketball and you’re a poor free throw shooter,  take more shots or tweak your technique some. Changing bad habits will  help you as you progress thru life. Hopefully you see my point.  But as a society we seem to miss the boat in terms of the way we think about change in certain areas of our existence.
        How many innocent victims have to be murdered by those sworn to protect and serve us before there policies change. Change is very prevalent in my occupation and these new policies are often implemented after an unintended incident has taken place.  There needs to be a town hall discussion with law enforcement officials across this country on how to react in such tense situations.  Shooting to kill shouldn’t be your first reaction. There has to be an alternative.  I do recognize that there’s  a fine line to walk with such a dangerous occupation.  For the record, all cops aren’t bad, in fact there are a lot more good cops than bad ones. Problem is several incidents throughout history (statistics tell us this is true)shows  that they target a certain demographic with a lot more frequency and ferocity. Am I saying that this is not sometimes warranted, no.  But what I am saying is just like every cop is not dirty or has bad intentions.  Every black man or boy is not a criminal or at the very least deserves not to be shot at and possibly killed on site when suspected of a crime. We have to change our our preconceived notions. 
        The bible states,  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm.” (Psalms 37:8).  In some of these incidents the victims felt like they were being harassed and maybe so. But showing your inner strength to diffuse the situation allows you an opportunity to possibly live to see another day.  It doesn’t make you less of a man to handle situations in a calm, non-confrontational manner.  It just means you show control  and that you aren't the menacing, undisciplined person some assume you to be. This is why I was a little turned off by the cops being mad at the St Louis Rams Players hands up game entry and other athletes wearing the I can’t breathe shirts.  These men took a stance that others like them in recent memory have shied away from. Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods stayed clear of social issues to protect their bottom line unlike their predecessors such as Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali.  It was refreshing because although they risked turning off some endorsers and fans. They felt this was bigger than them as an individual. It was all about the greater good.  They know that if you strip away the talent they have to entertain the general  public. What are they, but a black man who could easily be viewed as a criminal,  a thug, crook, etc. instead of a hardworking morally strong person. At the same time I applaud Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin for wearing the NYPD caps during their respective team's football games last month.  In light of the recent slayings of 2 NYPD officers by some ignorant dupe thinking he was exorcising revenge for Eric Garner it showed support for those who are doing things the right way.  Two wrongs don't make a right. Our mindsets have to change people.  What did killing those cops do? It only infuriated some of the very cops who were guilty of committing excessive abuse against members of the public.  Think they won’t do it again if they can get away with it after such a malicious act.
         We as members of the public, specifically black men, must change how we deal with authority.  We must not always look to fight.  We must do more to change how we are perceived.  Stop the gang violence, drug dealing, the robbing. It sickens me to see the news and see another black man do some heinous crime. All these guys have done is perpetuate the myth. It makes it rougher on those who are good citizens and impactful members of society.

          Geraldo Rivera was called out for saying that the athletes who criticized cops for all of the recent shootings should wear,  be a better father t-shirts. There is truth to that as well.  But fatherhood is a choice, holding a toy gun and getting shot because of it, or getting strangled to death, not so much. Also the player in question was LeBron James, a married father of 3. It is though, an epidemic of sorts that has lead kids from single parent homes to a life of crime. Several make it thru and become a success such as a LeBron James.  So it’s not a guarantee of failure. Putting the father back in the home goes a long way in maintaining stability in a child’s life. Much like we as children of God must maintain our relationship with our Heavenly father. I can attest to the fact that if you don’t maintain a relationship with him you will have fruitless manifestation in your life. For those that pay child support , thinking that your child support payment is all your kids will ever need from you is ludicrous. They need to spend time with you as the male figure in their life.  1 Timothy 5:8 states , But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. God’s intention is for you to be there for your family. Don't ignore them.

          Just think of how much this country of ours has changed since 1776.  Blacks were kept as slaves, women weren’t allowed to vote.  Now one of the richest and most influential people in this country is  Oprah Winfrey, a black woman.  If not for changing of our beliefs there would be no President Obama, no Oprah,  Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.  Diversity and inclusion is paramount when implementing the laws that govern this country. Having different point of views allows us to see issues from different perspectives.  When people reference taking  America back. Taking  America back to where?  The one that enslaved people of color , dismissive of women’s rights, segregated schools. I hope not.  We are all created equal in God’s eyes. Positive change that impacts us has a lasting effect and benefits us all in the long run.  
         Just like the seasons, change is inevitable.  Unless you’re happy with your status in life be proactive and commit to change. Doing nothing guarantees you will get nothing different than you already have.  James 2:17 which says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. “ in other words talk is cheap.  Having faith for changes in your life is null and void without your action.  Ignorance is committing the same act while expecting a different result.  In the words of Mary Mary, “Go Get It”.
         

This Is how I see it: Over Too Soon Marcus Lattimore

This Is how I see it: Over Too Soon:       Webster defines an ending as a  conclusion or termination.  There are happy endings ( get your mind out of the gutter people ), such a...

Marcus Lattimore

Over Too Soon http://tjkelly1977.blogspot.com/2014/11/over-too-soon.html

Over Too Soon

      Webster defines an ending as a conclusion or termination.  There are happy endings ( get your mind out of the gutter people ), such as college graduation or ending your work day on a Friday evening. But there are also endings that are not so joyful. Death, loss of a job, and a fun filled weekend just to name a few. Endings are inevitable. We all must answer to our God when all is said and done. The key to how we are accepted is determined by how we well conduct ourselves with our time on this Earth. The same can be said about your career, whether you are an engineer, a business manager, like me a process operator, or a professional athlete. 

     How many of us dreamed of being the next Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Barry Sanders,  John Elway, or Lawrence Taylor as kids. I know I did. Instead of my body growing more vertically. It grew more horizontally, in a bad way. Ok maybe I am embellishing a bit. But you get the point. Marcus Lattimore had similar dreams and was well on his way to achieving them until that unforgettable Saturday afternoon against The University of Tennessee . I remember watching the game in shock as were the fans in the stadium. You wonder why kids deserve to be paid while playing ball in college look no further than this kid. Raised by a single parent, being a 1st round draft pick would have gone a long way in securing he and his family's future. But as a result of the system implemented by the NCAA he had to put himself at risk for just a full scholarship. I'm not saying that's anything to sneeze at. Thousands of people are paying off student loans nearly twenty years after they've left college. But to see the amount of revenue generated by his jersey sales (which he gets no part of) is appalling and is no comparison to a 4 year scholarship. 

       The unforgettable image of seeing his kneecap out of socket is forever entrenched in my brain. The injury was as gore as Joe Theisman's injury that ended his career at the hands of Lawrence Taylor on Monday Night Football nearly 30 years ago.  But here he was an All-American Junior Running back that most draft pundits had graded as a 1st round pick prior to this, his 2nd knee injury and was driven off in a cart in tears fearing the worst. A player with can't miss potential. Similar to his former college teammate and this past year's NFL 1# draft pick Jadeveon Clowney. Instead this would result in him being drafted in the 4th round by the San Francisco 49ers and despite the class and patience exhibited by the 49ers organization to nurse Lattimore back to health, and Marcus's faith and perseverance the injury that he sustained, is as of this week be the reason he will now retire from football. 

       A little background on Mr Lattimore. He was Mr Football in SC his senior year in high school. He was rated the 2nd best running back prospect in the nation out of high school  and chose the University of South Carolina to play his college ball over nearby Clemson University. His Freshman year he was named national Freshman of the year. I recall a SI article stating he was the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson. That's high praise.  From all accounts he was just as good a person off the field as he was as a player on the field. His football exploits didn't boost his ego, he was and is a man of faith. Which is why many fans, not just Gamecock fans, continue to admire him. It saddens me to see such an awesome talent have to lose his career to something he couldn't control. While drug and alcohol abuse ruins players careers, that punishment is self inflicted and is easier to accept because you have a choice to make. Lattimore didn't ask to have his kneecap turned in the opposite direction. Fate said so. In many ways it is unfair. When you look at how childish guys like Johhny Manziel and Jameis Winston act and acted during there college careers it makes you appreciate how special Marcus Lattimore was. 

       Although his football playing career is over I am sure there's no shortage of options coming his way. Coach Spurrier has already said there's a position waiting on him at USC. He also can be an analyst on the SEC network along with other former SEC players who' s pro careers didn't pan out the way they planned for one reason or another such as Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy. So all is not lost. Just because one chapter of ones life has ended doesn't mean life doesn't move on.  Perhaps God has a bigger calling on his life thru his foundation and other works. But why did this happen to Marcus Lattimore? This young man stayed out of trouble off the field. He wasn't a PED or recreational drug user. Coach Spurrier and the 49ers training staff echoed that his work ethic was matched by very few. The reply to the above question. Why not Marcus Lattimore? Very few others could persevere through such extreme adversity and if such actions bring you closer to Christ there's no gift on this Earth that can top that.

C'Mon Men

         Competition is defined as a person or group that you are trying to succeed against.  It is a word that resides at the core of some of the most iconic figures of our time.  On a daily basis we hear about “Twitter Wars”. News stations compete for the breaking news. Politicians compete for public offices. Apple and Samsung compete for advantages in developing new technological gadgets. But there is probably no better depiction of competition than in the Sports Arena. It is well chronicled about how competitive Michael Jordan was and it is what drove him to become the success he is. Great athletes exemplify a will to win that can’t be measured.  But that same competitive edge is what drives some of these athletes to exhibit behaviors unbecoming of a man, especially in the sport of football where for 7 seconds your job is to maul the man in the opposite jersey color on at least 100 occasions within a game.

        1 Peter 3:7 states ;Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. A closer look at this scripture shows that God designed a man to be stronger, to be a leader, and to treat your wife with the care and love of the finest jewel on earth.  Men are made to be the bigger, stronger beings and with that we are to support our female counterparts.  Not exude of superiority and domination.  Even in Boxing and MMA the participants are broken down into weight classes because the bigger participant would be physically superior.  

        This brings me to the question. Why would a man want to beat a woman?  This issue is not one that athletes alone share but one that has been brought to the forefront by the recent video release of Ray Rice and his now wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. Domestic disputes are shown on a daily basis on shows like “Cops”. So this is nothing new in our society, but when you see such a public figure who kids look up to and try to emulate commit such a heinous act it sounds an alarm that resonates throughout all corners of the earth.  

         First of all a man is competitive by nature and when he feels he is threatened, he has a natural tendency to defend his turf. Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. So as a man if you feel your wife or significant other is one who has a habit of being antagonizing or combative it is better to stray away from her than to constantly quarrel with her.  These characteristics tend to lead to altercations that can sometimes become problematic for both parties involved.  As men we are supposed to be the protectors, not abusers of our women. Some men have a hard time grasping this fact.  Women much like kids can’t physically defeat a man of equal stature.  Who among us doesn’t believe WNBA basketball player BritneyGriner wouldn’t be able to defeat a man such as Richard Simmons. Those two examples are the exceptions and not the rule but hopefully you see my point. But when you get a NFL football player who is in supreme physical condition up against an average woman, the physical disparity is even more of a pronounced.  

          The video of Ray Rice and the altercation between his wife is in one word is, appalling. It is something no man should be proud to see or emulate.  Prior to entering the infamous elevator,  it appears Mr. Rice and his now wife were sharing verbal jabs with one another. A competitive fire came over Mr. Rice which led him to viciously strike his then fiancé.  I don’t know if his judgment was clouded by alcohol or by some other means, but for him to throw that punch was something unbecoming of a real man. No matter how much a woman especially a physically inferior one, insults you. You have to be the bigger person and walk away.

           What Mr Rice did to his wife was indefensible and for us, the viewing public to see it play out unfortunately for him has possibly cost him not only millions of dollars but his football career. The NFL and other sports leagues have had several instances of their players being associated with domestic disputes but after receiving heat from the media over Rice's initial punishment of 2 games the NFL instituted a rule to punish their players about this particular issue.  This seems to be a step in the right direction but the leniency that the league exhibited at first in this matter is disturbing.  I don't know what they thought happened in the elevator,  but he sure didn't read her a bed time story. So to be surprised when we saw what occurred on the new tape should not have caused them to change their stance so drastically. For them to believe 2 games was sufficient was asinine to begin with. 

       In lieu of this incident there has been lots of reaction from not just the sports world but from media outlets of all sorts. One response was from Floyd Mayweather , a boxer. He stated the league overreacted.  Frankly I think he's been hit in the head a few too many times,  but I'll leave it at that. As a father I shudder at the thought of some coward beating on my defenseless daughter. Trust me there have been times throughout my marriage relationship where me and my wife have had disagreements that were less than pleasant. But due to me holding on to my morals, striking her in a violent manner never crossed my mind. Also I realize the importance that law enforcement places on this issue.   I had an instance where my wife became ill, I thought to call 911. She stated she would be okay and I promptly hung up the phone.  Unbeknownst to me 15 minutes later a knock was at the door. Of course it was the cops. They talked to me and my wife separately to ensure our story matched which it did. It goes to show your intentions can be good but the authorities go the extra mile to ensure domestic violence isn't tolerated. 

       Going forward I pray the the Rice family can overcome this ordeal. Judging from a post by Janay Rice it seems as though this wound had all but healed completely but now it's reopened and it's causing she and the man she subsequently married, to relive this tumultuous event all over again.  I imagine this has to be tough for the both of them.  I would hope they have received thorough counseling before they actually got married. This is possibly their testimony and you can't have testimony without a test. For them to not just be together but be married to each other after this incident speaks volumes. Maybe this is a way for God to put his awesomeness on display. To bring two embattled young lovers with relationship issues to a place of peace is only a small sampling of what God can do.  Of course an interview with Oprah or someone of her ilk would go a long way in restoring some good will for Mr. Rice and I trust that he will attempt to cleanse the immense stain on his image. 2nd Chronicles 7:14  states ,If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. So who are we to condemn him. Remember he that is without sin cast the 1st stone.  

       While no sin is greater than the next, restoration is possible no matter how heinous the act. While it's true domestic violence is very prevalent in today's society, we all must do our part in eradicating this epidemic. Let's pray that this incident turns out to have a positive effect on Mr Rice. Kobe Bryant, Ray Lewis and Michael Vick are 3 professional athletes that come to mind in regards to having their public images restored. So I am sure he can bounce back. But look no further than OJ Simpson to see how domestic disputes can escalate and lead to alot bigger problems down the road if you don't address them. Imagine if someone hit your wife, your daughter,your mom, or your sister.  Be a MAN about it.