DJ Black Adam's Blog!!

Tavis Smiley calls the "State of the Black Union" quits?

2010-01-07T11:05:38-06:00

I used to be able to tolerate Tavis Smiley. He does work my nerves a bit, in a simlar way that Michael Eric Dyson does, but at the end of the day I think they do have a concern about the African American community and America in general.

Dyson ticked me off with that whole diatribe he had against Bill Cosby, Tavis and I were through with his anti-Barack propaganda. But I though the State aof the Black Union was a good idea, however; it always seemed to me like a bunch of academics outlining and complaining about problems without actually attempting to come up with viable solutions and a way to administer said solutions.

Just saying....

Spiritual re-birth should lead to Spiritual growth (message for the New Year)

2009-12-23T20:45:16-06:00

I have come to a conclusion over the last year with conversations with Christians of the various types I come across, that conclusion being; that Christians – Believers (Followers of Christ Jesus) need to get past their denominational / theological / sectarian brainwashing teaching and / or indoctrination, and get to understanding the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the essential message of Christ above and in spite of that indoctrination.

Seriously, I am glad I wasn’t raised in the “church” (That being the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church, the Orthodox Church, the Baptist Church, the Pentecostal Church, the Black Church, the White Church, the Evangelical Church, the Liberal Church, Church’s Fried Chicken, whatever church!), because people get waaayyyyy to caught up in their church’s traditions, dogma, theology, doctrine, politics, etc., etc. and quite often miss the point of scripture, and more importantly, they miss real relevant spiritual growth.

Further, I have found that many people have left the Christian faith and more importantly abandoned their relationship with Christ, because of some of the hurt that they have received from within the established traditions of the Christian faith. These are some of the issues that I will be addressing in this series, however the first issue I would like to deal with the “Unbelieving Believers” (An oxymoron that is painfully often a truism), is: “Spiritual re-birth should lead to Spiritual growth”.

People, if we call ourselves Christians, if we say we believe what is communicated in scripture, then SPIRITUAL GROWTH is something that we should be striving for. If we claim to be “Spiritually” reborn, then as with anything that is born, we should GROW, in this case: “Spiritually grow”.

There is a point where we should listen to the Spirit of God, the Spirit of God which is in those of us who profess to be followers of Christ. THIS IS NOT the same as “COMMON SENSE”. Anyone, believer or non believer can have “COMMON SENSE” (or not have it). Wisdom from the Spirit of God that is IN us is a gift to the Church from God, a gift that it seems many of us choose to squander.

1st Corinthians 3.16 communicates a serious truth which we as Christians should embrace: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of GOD DWELLETH IN YOU?” which is a reiteartion of Jesus’ own words in John 14.17: ““Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: BUT YE KNOW HIM; FOR HE DWELLETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU” It appears that this is a concept that people who claim to follow Christ are avoiding. Why we are avoiding it? Perhaps some folks fear to leave their "religious" comfort zone, others may wish to rely purely on intellect and their own personal theologies, I am sure the reasons are many.

At any rate, if you are happy being religious and have no desire to try to grow spiritually, you can feel free to ignore my next question, that being; "If we are reborn spiritually, and the Spirit of God is in us, why are we not listening to God’s Spirit and / or following His leadings?I’ll leave it at that for now, feel free to comment.

For more on this topic, please read the book “Unbelieving Believers”available here:

Let's talk COMICS! Thor vs. Dr. DOOM!!!! (Spoilers all over!!)

2009-12-10T13:43:30-06:00

OK Folks, its been a while since we have talked about the only thing that REALLY matters - COMICS!!!! (Yes, I know global warming and healthcare take a close second, but hey, we're talking about THOR and Dr. DOOM here!). Speaking of the god of thunder:

Short story, the Asgardians have moved to Dr. Doom's country. Thor had been exiled for killing his grand dad (by accident and of course with Loki's trickery involved), so Loki ended up tricking Balder into this move. A mortal (named William) who was in love with an Asgardian named Kelda went with them. He finds out that Loki is giving Doom Asgardians to use for his experiments to get their immortality (or long life) secrets for himself, in return Doom creates a special set of doombots to go after and kill Donald Blake (Thor's alter ego). A few Asgardian warriors working for Loki fight the mortal Bill and mortally wound him, he saves Balder's life before he dies, and warns Balder of Loki's trickery! Loki is captured, Kelda confronts Doom who captures her and rips out her heart to gain her power (Doom is portrayed as the EVIL that he is in this story, not the misunderstood monarch of the Byrne era). Balder and a few warriors confront Doom, Doom sends his newly made Asgardian zombies to fight them, then behind him appears THOR, so safe to say, next issue, Doom is going to get an Old school beat down. Sure, he'll put up a good fight, but he will be beat down! Just saying...

As I said earlier...Rhode Island Bishop needs to have some consistancy...

2009-11-24T20:07:15-06:00

...this outrage he has towards Rep. Kennedy has finally caught the attention of some of the abuse victims of various Catholic Clergy members, story HERE and I quote: ""He claims that it's important that we protect the unborn. But it's equally as important to protect those who have been born and those young children who have been raped and sodomized by clerics and priests. But yet he seems to protect those clerics," said Ruth Moore, of Hull, Mass."

Let me introduce you all to my friend, BAD ANDY!

2009-11-22T13:06:39-06:00

Back in my message board days I made a LOT of enemies (and was banned from one particular "Brain Confectionery" board lol), and I also made a few pretty good friends. One of those friends is BAD ANDY! Bad Andy is one of my more conservative friends, he and I share a few positions even though I am bit more moderate. We disagree on a few issues but always discuss things intelligently and cordially. In any case, BA has his own unique blog that I am adding to my blog roll, visit him here: BAD ANDY's Blog

The Obama White House staff needs to get their facts right, people are watching....

2009-11-18T11:51:58-06:00

My friend Randy from High School pointed out THIS STORY. Come on people, reporting projects that don't exist? I support the President, but waste is waste! Report things properly and have ACCOUNTABILITY for money being spent. Come on....

Sarah Palin needs to get over herself about this Newsweek cover thing...

2009-11-18T11:39:49-06:00

The RIGHT and Palin are masters of FAUX Rage...Please, this woman was nothing more than eye candy for the RIGHT for the whole damn campaign, why be upset about it now...

Can the ARMY catch a clue? Give Spc. Alexis Hutchinson and her child a break...or just an Administrative Dishcharge at the least....

2009-11-16T22:57:38-06:00

O.K., Armed Forces (all of them) if a woman gets pregnant on active duty, has a child and gets deployed and NO ONE can take care of that child, time for at the least an ADMINISTRATIVE discharge, good Lord, here is what the ARMY said (from HERE) : "Her civilian attorney, Rai Sue Sussman, said Monday that one of Hutchinson's superiors told her she would have to deploy anyway and place the child in foster care." Shesh...get over it ARMY, foster care is not an option, let the woman OUT.

Hey Bishop Tobin, and Catholic Clergy, how about some consistency?

2009-11-13T08:25:43-06:00

Bishop Thomas Tobin suggest that Congressman Patrick Kennedy should consider leaving the Catholic faith because of his stance on abortion...I can go with that, rules is rules...So I guess all those priest who molested children should be ASKED TO LEAVE ALSO??? Just saying, consistency...STORY HERE

I am not normally FOR Capital Punishment...BUT, in the Case of BRIAN DUGAN, I can make an exception...

2009-11-12T16:25:42-06:00

The guy is clearly a sociopath. In fact part of the defenses argument to spare this guy from death was: "Mental health experts called by defense attorneys testified that Dugan is a psychopath who lacks empathy and has extreme difficulty in controlling his violent impulses" from THIS SUNTIMES ARTICLE. I find that almost funny, but if your defense calls you a psychopath, then I say you just gave one damn good reason why this person should be removed from the planet...just saying...

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat...

2009-11-10T18:05:20-06:00

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat....Tonight's show we will talk about Spiritual growth, Christians going from Babes to Maturity in Christ! Please join us you can call in tonight at 8pm CST (347) 855-8971, or tune in and listen along! Looking forward to you all this evening!

They who are without sin...

2009-11-03T16:42:25-06:00

Tonight at 8:00pm CST, Join us this evening for our Christian study on the topic of SIN. The topic of "Original Sin" can be confusing, people sometimes take exception to being told about their "sin nature" and their need for the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and repentance. This evening we will talk ...about sin and crime, and what is the difference. Feel free to participate by calling in at (347) 855-8971, or just follow the link and listen in!

They who are without sin....

Megan Williams is RECANTING? This is bad....

2009-10-23T09:34:16-05:00

...for rape victims, for African American women, African Americans in general....and I'm sure that somehow FOX NEW will blame Barack Obama! Seriously, Tawana Bradley, The Duke rape faker, now this?

Seriously, this is so screwed up for the folks siting in JAIL. I pray for them and their families, I pray for Megan Williams, if she is lying, it is surely a signs of serious mental illness.

Here is a link to the story: http://abcnews.go.com/US/torture-victim-recants-story-authorities-beleive-true/story?id=8894587#

This message is intended for use only by
the person(s) addressed above and may contain privileged and
confidential information. Disclosure or use of this message by any other
person is strictly prohibited. If this message is received in error,
please notify the sender immediately and delete this message.

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way...

2009-10-20T14:39:57-05:00

The BURGER KING JESUS part II...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way....

The level of poverty in America is even worse than first believed...(believed by whom)?

2009-10-20T09:10:41-05:00

Story form here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091020/ap_on_re_us/us_poverty

The article states: "The level of poverty in America is even worse than first believed. A revised formula for calculating medical costs and geographic variations show that approximately 47.4 million Americans last year lived in poverty, 7 million more than the government's official figure."

Fascinating, I wonder what is going to be done about this issue?

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

2009-10-13T15:39:18-05:00

The BURGER KING JESUS...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join... us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

Shared via AddThis

Excuse me BUT...Why do so-called "Americans" march in Washington DC shouting: U S A! U S A! Like they are at the Olympics competing with Albania? The biggest problem with THAT group, is that they think they are the “REAL” Americans and the rest of us

2009-09-16T16:07:11-05:00

...are NOT?

I'm sorry folks for such a long title. BUT Really, what in the world is going on with the conservative right? Folks marching on Washington to prevent illegal aliens from getting medical coverage? News flash people, illegal aliens come to this country because companies like Tyson foods and Dole Fruits and Vegetables, etc. EXPLOIT HIRE them.

I am really not concerned if they can be treated in a hospital, heck I prefer they go to a clinic (CHEAPER FOR THE TAX PAYER), they being healthy helps everybody else. OR do you not want them to get that flu shot? Want them to NOT get immunizations? Not a smart thing to do. How about we get these companies to actually start HIRING LEGAL IMMIGRANTS (at the least) or FINE Them in a way where they get the point when they look the other way in hiring?

And what the heck is everybody worrying about "people sitting at home watching TV getting MEDICAID? Really, how FEW people is that? I know folks who work everyday who couldn't or can't afford Health Insurance who get MEDICAID, I think it is money WELL SPENT.

Sure in any system you have get over artist, but damn people, unemployment is going UP people are losing the jobs and with those jobs their HEALTH INSURANCE, shouldn't we want to help them as they go along until they are back on their feet? I'm sorry, but I am baffled at the Right on this issue...Just saying...

ATTENTION WHITE PEOPLE (AND BLACK CONSERVATIVES): Do NOT BLAME PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA for KANYE'S 2009 VMA Outburst!

2009-09-14T10:58:02-05:00

Or for Michael Jordan's rudeness at the Basketball Hall of Fame induction. I know how you all get trying to conect Barack to anything stupid that involved Black people, and since MJ and Kanye are both "Chicagoans" like Barack, just wanted to clarify that Barack Obama has no control over these individuals.

Just Saying...

Christian RE-Education Online Bible Study

2009-09-12T17:57:00-05:00

A few of the Facebook, Blog and internet Christian friends and my non-SHAZAM Powered Alter Ego: Richard Graves are going to have an online call in Bible "class" on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm (CST) starting Sep 22nd (of course non-Christians and Seekers are welcome to call in). It will cover some of the subjects in my book "Unbelieving Believers", anybody else interested let me know and I'll e-mail you details. Also, if you don't have my book yet, you can purchase it directly from me for $15.00 (s/h included) by PayPal at richardgraves@live.com

Rep. Joe Wilson, disrespect of the President finally acknowledged by even…the GOP?

2009-09-10T09:39:58-05:00

Story HERE. “YOU LIE” said Rep. Joe Wilson as President Barack Obama countered some of the rhetoric and fear mongering that has been coming from the Right since this Health Care / Health Insurance reform initiative began.

Both sides of the aisle were apparently flabbergasted by this silly sophomoric and inane outburst. Though I am sure I can find some conservative blogger or pundit somewhere who is defending Rep. Wilson's outburst, I do acknowledge that many have denounced it, as well The congressman has apologized.

So what is your problem DJ Black Adam? My problem is this, the fact that this congressman felt he COULD shout "YOU LIE" to the President of the United States as he addressed Congress, obviously expecting the backing of his "people" his "party".

This exemplifies the atmosphere that the fear mongering and underhanded race baiting that has been fostered by the Right by people like Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, etc.

The other problem was the Rights response to the Speech itself: Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)."At times, I found his tone to be overly combative and believe he behaved in a manner beneath the dignity of the office. I fear his speech tonight has made it more difficult — not less — to find common ground."

Let me translate what THAT really meant. How dare this guy pull our card. Seriously, the President has definately NOT acting ine any manner "beneath" his office, and the Republicans haven't tried to fidn "common ground", all they have been doing and continue to do is to try to protect the status quo in Health Insurance as opposed to bring any reasonable alternatives to the for.

Heres another response from the Right: Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), who is running for Obama's old Senate seat, said, "He talked at us. He didn't listen to us... It was a missed opportunity."

No congressman, YOU missed the oppritunity. For the last few months you all have done nothing to advance any meaningful or useful change, again, you defendeded a status quo that is failing many Americans, Americans who work hard every day, pay taxes, and keep this country running.

The Right has let itself be defined by this mentality during and after the election. I challenge my former party to TRY to act adult in disagreement and for once and for all call out people like Joe Wilson. Maybe then I can join the party again and apply some of it's principles to government if I ever choose to run….just saying…

Former First Lady Laura Bush supports Pres. Obama talking to the school kids....

2009-09-08T12:08:21-05:00

Laura Bush says it's o.k. for President Obama to talk to the kiddies....will the Right now quit the crying...or is Laura Bush now a "socialist"? STORY HERE

Excerpt: "Former first lady Laura Bushon Monday expressed support for President Barack Obama'sdecision to speak to the nation's school children, saying it is "really important for everyone to respect the president of the United States."

In an interview with CNN, Mrs. Bush, a former school teacher, said, "There's a place for the president of the United States to talk to school children and encourage school children" to stay in school. And she said parents and others also need to send that message."

Just saying...

More Conservative hypocrisy, Pastor Steven Anderson...guess it's only bad when Jeremiah Wright preaches HATE...

2009-09-07T04:50:53-05:00

Simply amazing. Story HERE.

Remember all that righteous indignation from the Christian ~~Reich~~ Right about how “racist” and more importantly “hate filled” Dr. Jeremiah Wrights sermons were?

I think Jeremiah Wright is a pompous and silly man with a ministry that misses the point of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and some of his ideology and theology is indeed racist, so this is no defense for him.

However, seems like most who would agree with me about Wright are very silent about this guy "Pastor Steven Anderson". Scripture tells us to pray for our leaders…let me find that scripture…ahh, here we go:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

Hmmm. I know that I am not a doctor of Christian Theology, or a Greek Scholar, but I don’t read that as saying “pray for the death of our leaders”?

Someone help me out with this. In any case, the idiots over at Fox news and ~~Reich~~ Right Wing Radio seem to be vindicating this nut job pastor. Now unless someone can produce me a tape of this guy praying for the death of other Democrate leaders who hold the same positions as Barack Obama, I am going to have to conclude this guy’s issue with Barack is his SKIN COLOR not his POLICIES. I am waiting to be proven wrong…just saying…further, I'd like to see the Christian ~~Reich~~ Right rebuke one of their own sharply...I won't wait on that...

RACE, Racism, White Privilege, Race Card, Health Insurance Reform, etc., etc.

2009-09-05T11:58:07-05:00

My Christian and blog brother Neil wrote a post about the topic of RACE in the debate on Health Care and other policy issues regarding the Barack Administration, you can fid it here:

The following is an excerpt:

I am so tired of the race card being played every time someone disagrees with President Obama. From now on I’ll just treat it as the pathetic concession speech that it is — i.e, “I have no arguments against your position, so I’ll call you a racist. I win!”

It isn’t the color of his skin, it is the thickness, along with his awful ideas.

Do you seriously think we’d be opposing a 100% black person who was pro-life, anti-socialism, etc.? I wouldn’t care if the whole administration was non-white as long as they weren’t pro-abortion, pro-government takeover of one thing after another (health care, automotive, banking, etc.), and more.

Now I fully believe Neil is being sincere in his posting. I can understand his frustration.The following is my Response.

Neil:

You know Neil, I was going to ask you to do a joint article with me (a conversation of sorts) that we could post on both of our blogs to address this very issue. As a Black man, who is pretty conservative and a Christian, but having some Liberal views regarding governments role in the welfare of society (but who does not identify with the RIGHT or the LEFT because of a few sociological reasons) let me explain to you what the problem is.

I don’t think You or many of the people opposing President Barack Obama are racists personally, nor do I think Conservatives in general are any more or less “racist” than Liberals. However, I do think that there is an inherent collective sociological mentality of White privilege and superiority and by mutual implication Black resentment and inferiority that is part of the fabric of this Nation and to a greater extent the world.

This affects Black and White people and everything in between. As for our nation it is there simply because of how this nation was built, it is the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, Eugenics and other pseudo-science, Lynchings, public campaigns about the inherent distrustful nature of Blacks, fear campaigns about how Black men wanted to rape White women, the KKK, the Civil Rights movement, Affirmative Action, etc., etc.

Sure, things have gotten better than they were for my Father, my grandfather and especially my Great grandfather, but they are not as good as they could or need to be, simple as that.

White people in many cases see any mention of race as some sort of cop out or excuse making for a persons lack of talent or motivation, Black people see this response as proof of some White people’s insensitivity to actualities that Black people face often in our society. The truth I believe, is somewhere in between.

Because of the predicates regarding race that have been established in this country, there is a sociological reality we have because the president IS a Black Man. Mental imagery is there for WHITE and BLACK people (and everyone in between), some of that is hard coded. I myself often have to take a breath and clear my head before responding to something a White person, especially someone of the RIGHT has to say regarding this Black man who is now President of the United States (simply because the RIGHT has done very little to distance itself from militias, confederate flags or other imagery that invokes certain memories and ideas regarding the grand ole days when “black folks knew their place”).

For example, there are a few POLICY issues that I have a problem with that Barack has. But when the RIGHT started going there with the lunacy it currently is forwarding, acting like Barack Obama is the equivalent to Joseph Stalin, and all the other hyperbole, attacking The First Lady and in some cases the first daughters, I am inherently going to still disagree with his policies BUT not going to sit idly by while people attack this Black Man on a personal level.

Sure, some people called George Bush a Monkey, I believed that was wrong, but the SOCIOLOGICAL REALITY in the UNITED STATES is that if you call a Black Man a monkey, the imagery that is called up is a WHOLE 'NOTHER STORY. Whose fault is it that this is the reality? Eugenics for claiming that Blacks were the missing link between man and chimp? White people who perpetuated this type of foolishness for the past 450 years? Or Black people for being too “sensitive” or for buying into all that for the last 450 years and internalizing the whole thing too much? In all due actuality, IT DOESN’T MATTER whose fault it is, however we have to acknowledge that it is the REALITY we deal with.

The thing is Three fold:

1. Black folk need to be a little less sensitive to the sociological reality of race in America.

2. White folk need to be a little more sensitive to the sociological reality of race in America.

3. All Americans need to really start see each other as AMERICAN regardless of their ethnicity, religion and especially POLITICAL PERSUASION.

Remember when someone criticized GW, one was not "Patriotic” or “UN-American”? Same type of problem. I will add this, the Right often calls out the racism in the Left, I have seen this, but since the “RIGHT” has a sizable “Christian” demographic, I would suggest they deal with the plank they got going before pointing out the plank in the other side.

Basically, realisticly and forwardly deal with the race issues in your party, in a serious manner, and it would go along way. For example, I was a member of the Republican Party up until about three years ago. I joined the Republican party because a lot of their platform resonated with me. Further, When I was in the Marine Corps I had the privilege of meeting General Colin Powell. When I found out HE was a Republican, that sealed the deal. I still admire JC Watts, Condi Rice, John McCain, Jim Edgar, Richard Lugar, etc, heck, I actually used to like Michael Steele.

Even though I was not a big fan of Newt Gingrich, I understood and supported the need for Welfare reform, I am sure we shared “some” reasons, but overall I knew that Welfare reform was ONE of the things that needed to be changed for the Black Community to prosper, unfortunately the other things didn’t change much. Being in Cook County, if I ever ran for office I would have to run as a Republican on general principle as I am so frustrated with the corruption and racism of the Democratic party in Illinois.

When I say racism, I mean in how the African American community is dealt with there by a party they have loyalty to and get very little from, so I can't be a Democrat on GENERAL PRINCIPLE.

On GENERAL PRINCIPLE I also had to leave the Republican party and become an independent because of what I saw as an implicit head nod to parts of the country that didn’t seem to be to “Black folk” friendly. But what most irritated back in 2005 when the Republican run congress was comptemplating another “welfare reform” as I saw this fiscal mess fueled by corporate greed and individual irresponsibility forming, THAT WAS ALL I COULD TAKE. In any case Neil, I hope this sheds some light. Looking forward to the discussion.

What REALLY needs to be done with Health INSURANCE reform…

2009-09-03T16:15:44-05:00

The profit margin in health care should be reduced, HMOs, Hospital / Healthcare groups and Pharmaceutical companies should regulated as tightly and in a similar fashion as utility companies.
Pre-existing condition denial of health care service should be eliminated. A basic public option should be available for preventative health care and catastrophic health care coverage that exceeds private insurance coverage.
Tort reform for excessive law suits needs to be accomplished. Doctors should be paid salary and not per procedure.

These are the basics that I believe need to be accomplished with this reform, just saying…

Never thought I’d say this...

2009-09-03T09:15:16-05:00

Especially those days at MCT when we were doing those 20 mile forced marches and I thought I was going to die, but, I actually MISS the Marine Corps…