Stop Killing Unarmed Civilians and Innocent Cops

     All ethnic groups have to get through this life together. Police officers need to be culturally educated. Schools and parents need to educate the youth about the importance of law enforcement. Criminals must be arrested, but not given the death penalty in the process. Killing the unarmed, whether a suspect or not is inexcusable. Cops identified as racist must seek other employment. This can be determined through valid civilian complaints, performance evaluations, and psychological evaluations regarding such a suspected officer.

    

     Cops who kill unarmed people intentionally, recklessly or negligently must stand accountable. A life was lost. There must be a cost. Those cops (and supervisors) who have lied on official reports to protect bad cops must be disciplined also, because they are bad cops too. It should be adjudicated that a cop guilty of killing an unarmed person due to a racial bias against the victim should have his or her pension transferred to the family of the victims. Then that cop can get to know some minorities better in jail.

The Other Reason Tebow Should Go Canadian

     I'm watching the Ottawa Redblacks against the Montreal Alouettes TSN Thursday Night football presentation on ESPN2 while writing this blog. I'm thirsting for the 2016 NFL season to begin, but I don't mind watching substitutes. I'm a fan of the game. I would watch a street pick up game in the happily if that was all there was.

     Canadian Football calls a Shotgun Formation the Pistol Formation. Less threatening. The CFL is the first league to have instant replay on pass interference. Very decent. A blindside hit on a quarterback below the waist is what CFL referees call a "major foul" instead of a penalty. Maybe the term "penalty" was considered too harsh.

     NFL Hall of Famer Chris Carter's son Duron Carter got ejected from this game for knocking down an Alouette coach. The coach flopped as Duron walked through him. The coach was wrongly on the field of play, but gave a great performance, throwing himself to the ground, convincing the refs. But this likely accident caused so much commotion that Duron was ejected, for the perception of bad sportsmanship more than anything. If he would have helped the coach up like a gentleman all would have been forgiven surely.

     CFL uniforms are just NFL 1960's style throwbacks. Not flashy. Each team player wears exactly the same uniform too, down to their cleats. Somehow, all the players seemed to be same height with a few exceptions. No NFL sized lineman on either team in the game I'm watching. The American import WR Duron Carter, was the only player to show any or intensity, or "swag". The American way. Seeking the spotlight appears to be looked down upon in this game. No touchdown celebrations were even attempted in this game. The wholesome Tim Horton's ads were all over the field. The music played for the fans during time-outs included songs by The Beattles, Young MC, and Justin Timberlake. Wholesome. TSN and the CFL drove home the message that they are family friendly. Tim Tebow would fit in well.

     However, I believe Tim Tebow should have had a team built around him. I also believe that he should have considered another position. J.J. Watt can essentially play both ways because he's such a great athlete. Although Watt is far superior too Tim Tebow athletically, Tebow probably worked just as hard. The downside on Tebow was that he was inflexible, not his spirituality. You've got to do anything to make the squad.

     Tim Tebow was just discarded from the Broncos, and years later, a broken down Peyton Manning took a free ride on the back of the Broncos defense to win Superbowl 50. Almost any quarterback, even Tim Tebow, could have played for these Broncos with the same outcome. Tim Tebow performed well enough to have made the Philadelphia Eagles as a Quarterback just based on his last preseason game there, but he was released. On the Patriots, Tebow was over his head when being compared to Tom Brady understandably. But Tim Tebow could have been on the roster of any other team he had tried out for. Tim Tebow was released from the Jets for Geno Smith! Ironically, all Tim Tebow's former NFL head coaches, other than Bill Belichik, have been replaced.

     Tim Tebow recently, responded to assist a non-responsive man on a flight, but all he could do was console the man's family, joining them in prayers for him. Soon after the plane landed the man miraculously regained consciousness. When this true story emerged, the social media response was overwhelming negative about Tim Tebow's compassionate deed. I'm not commending Tim Tebow for praying the man back to life, whether factual or not. I'm commending Tim Tebow for just being compassionate. Most people would do anything to save a loved one, as well as themselves, including praying. I've never been to Canada, but it's time for Tim Tebow to seek a more positive environment where his potential can flourish without having to be exposed to such extreme negative feedback.

     The CFL field is much bigger than NFL fields. This fact would give Tebow more passing options, and more time to pass. If he had to scramble, he could take advantage of the larger CFL field too. Tim Tebow would succeed in the CFL. Many have returned to America triumphantly to eventually play for the NFL. Numerous NFL players currently scheduled for game suspensions in 2016, including Tom Brady, one of the best quarterbacks in history. The NFL is not currently family friendly. Tim Tebow has been perceived as not being good enough to play in the NFL. It's more factual that the NFL is not good enough for Tim Tebow.

Muhammad Ali, The Legend

     I watched the first Ali vs Frazier match with my dad, just he and I. I didn't even know who was who, and referred to Muhammed Ali as Joe Frazier until the end of the fight. That's when my dad noticed I was confused, and corrected me.  He was part of a special day with my dad, where we bonded over a sport. I rooted for Ali then, and ever since.

     With father's day coming up, father's must realize how important it is to include our children in their interests if practical. That experience was priceless for me. But like me, surely about a billion people have wonderful memories of "The Greatest" and his influence, not only in boxing, but politically.

     For those who don't know, through his visibility in boxing, Muhammad Ali ironically sacrificed his personal safety more outside the ring than inside of it. He took a platform with Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers (who were murdered) to fight for Black men to freely roam America and pursue prosperity, opportunity, and to love who they choose, and to be loved in return as other men do.
    
     Federal laws are not always right, and often passed by very subjective people with agendas. This is the human factor. But Muhammad Ali proved that an unjust government must be challenged at all cost. All peoples of America have benefitted from his fight outside the ring, not just Back men. Reportedly, his heart pumped for 30 minutes after all his other organs failed. Probably because he knew his work here wasn't done. Muhammad Ali was more than a sports star. For those who don't know.

Captain America: Civil Wars

     Captain America: Civil Wars reportedly made $25 million on it's screening day, and $75.2 million on it's opening day. Captain America has made $971.90 million as of today, June 2, 2016. Is it worth seeing? Hell yeah! Numbers never lie.

     However, if you're not a fan of the super-hero genre, the plot has enough substance to intrigue, without too much long winded dialogue. The storyline is fleshed out quickly, as the action appropriately and progressively develops.

    Why a civil war? The Avengers have saved the earth several times as Secretary Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) admits. But the collateral damage left behind is unacceptable. He wants the Avengers under government control, and dispatched as needed (like a SEAL team for example). They are told in a meeting absent of Thor and the Hulk, that they must sign an agreement to be government contractors, or cease to exist. No wonder why Thor and the Hulk weren't invited. Bruce Banner would have been pretty angry at being told what to do, as well as the God of Thunder.

     Steve Rogers- Cap, ( Chris Evans ) heads a group of rebel Avengers who won't sign the contract. Antony Starks- Iron Man, ( Robert Downey Jr. ) leads the other half who will comply. Cap's squad must be arrested for their refusal to be controlled by any government. Before the Feds intercede, Starks thinks it best for his group to take Cap and his crew into custody peacefully. But that's not going to happen.

     I personally can't get into the Scott Lang- Ant Man character ( Paul Rudd ), but he does enjoyably lighten the darker tone of this film with his brief appearance. Also, the new Peter Parker- Spiderman ( Tom Holland ), and T'Challa- Black Panther ( Chadwick Boseman ) are called into action, with the latter being pivotal to this drama. Remember, the Hulk and Thor are not combatants in this film, which likely saves half the earth from obliteration. Very clever omissions of the writers, ( Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely ) to save some of the world for a sequel. Stay until the very end of the credits to see what's next in the Marvel Universe.
    

The Bleak "Bates Motel"

     No spoilers here. In this era of reboots A&E's "Bates Motel" was one of the better ones. It's the origin story of the "Psycho" killer Norman Bates as created by writers Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano. Now in it's 4th season, some pivotal characters had to go (sometimes tragically). Freddy Highmore has played Norman in such a way that you want to protect him as much as his troubled mother. Norma, Norman's mom is played by the lovely Vera Farmiga. Norma has significant emotional problems that become more and more disorienting for her.

    Throughout the seasons Freddy Highmore's superior acting has engaged me in this drama, regardless of the side stories, used as fillers basically to complete a 45 minute episode. Most of the storylines seemed irrelevant to Norman Bates' development as a serial killer. Nestor Carbonell plays Sheriff Alex Romero, who looks more like the original "Psycho" film actor Anthony Perkins than Freddy Highmore. Maybe there is a reason why that has not yet been revealed, but this fact really threw me off in the first few seasons.

     As for Norman's family tree, if you think you have family problems, you may rethink that after watching the complete season to date. As I said in the beginning of this review, this series "was" one of the better reboots. As of episode 10 their is no reason to continue the series because there seems to be no further redeeming value in Norman. No hope. I just can't root for Norman anymore knowing how the story will go from here, and ultimately end. Only my curiosity will allow me to see how the writers recover from the most dismal episode of the series.

The Agenda of Megyn Kelly of Fox News

     Does Megyn Kelly want to be a reporter or an entertainer? She has latched on to Donald Trump to the point that the man probably feels harassed. Knowing that they are not on good terms, she walks into Donald Trump's office (to his and his staffs surprise) and somehow brokers her enemy #1 to appear on her first TV "Special". What was discussed in this meeting?

     Megyn kept pitifully pursuing the issue of her being called names, or otherwise being disrespected by him and his supporters as though she would illicit some guilt from Donald. A total failed attempt. Mr. Trump said, to para-phrase, that he doesn't review, and then try to edit what he has said in the past when he was defending himself against attacks. But Megyn kept pressing, clearly fishing for a personal apology.

     Megyn Kelly made a shameless promotion of her auto-biography featuring her interaction with Donald Trump during his campaign. Yes, that's what she said. Did Donald write the Forward? Was the book dedicated to him?

     Does Megyn have a bombshell story about Donald for her book that he wants covered-up in return for his appearance? Or did Megyn negotiate some of the future earnings to her up coming book to Donald Trump, his campaign, or his charitable efforts? Crazier things have happened, like the two being civil now for example.

     I must say to Megyn Kelly's credit that she is diligent and thorough at her profession. I think when she takes a stand she will not abandon it. She is dedicated and goal driven. I really respect that. But when a reporter becomes biased (positively, or negatively) toward their subject, they become entertainers. I respect some things about Donald Trump too. The problem is the things I don't respect about Donald Trump.

     How can Megyn Kelly, a former lawyer, appear to be so sensitive to the point of using her media platform for retribution. How can Donald Trump, a billionaire, use his platform for childish bullying techniques. The answer is that they're human. Criticism is everyone's "Kryptonite". Megyn Kelly and Donald Trump are more alike than different.

Netflix's "Daredevil" Season 2 Review.

     I binge watched Netflix's whole 2nd season of Daredevil yesterday. Actors are magicians. Charlie Cox formerly of "Boardwalk Empire", plays Matt Murdock (completely no sign of an Irish accent in this roll) who patrols the streets of Hell's Kitchen, New York exclusively, (his territory) fighting crime. Without re-telling Daredevil's origin, Matt took on his alter-ego to avenge the murder of his father, a professional boxer. Not only does Matt have boxing skills, but has acquired training in various martial arts and is more of a Kick-boxer now.

     Electra and the Punisher are introduced into this seasons plot. I actually liked Jennifer Garner's film version of Electra believe it or not. However, actress Elodie Yung's portrayal is totally different. Darker, unforgiving, and more appropriate casting. But just like the movie version, I still don't understand what the heck "Back Sky" is, or why "The Hand" wants it. Will I ever know?
    
     Daredevil is trying to stop both Electra and The Punisher from killing bad people, failing several times an episode. Actor Jon Bernthal of "The Walking Dead" fame, plays The Punisher outstandingly. Although appearing too lean for the role, I forget that fact once he vocalized his rage like a Edgar Allen Poe. Nick Castle recalls his past as a war hero, and flawed but dedicated father and husband. But Nick's past is utterly gone now. Taken. All that remains is vengeance...The Punisher.
    
     Vincent D'Onofrio, best known probably for his detective roll in "Law and Order- SVU" (although he's appeared in in dozens of films), plays Wilson Fisk, "The Kinpin". Absolutely perfect casting, and I would love to see him portray this roll in the movies. He would steal the show just like Jack Nicholson, and after him, Heath Ledger, played "The Joker" in their Batman films. In the episodes that Vincent D'Onofrio appeared in, he dominated the scenes.

     Daredevil's second season was great. Good special effects, believable fighting techniques, and interesting storylines. Clearly, The Punisher will be spun-off into his own series soon because of the focus shown on the development of his storyline within Daredevil's 2nd season. But what does it say about Daredevil, the main character, if the villain (The Kingpin), the love interest (Electra), and the anti-hero (The Punisher) are all more interesting than him?

The Next President Will be The Best Liar.

      There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton is "establishment", having worked in law and government most of her life. Ironically, she's worked as a lawyer for the Nixon administration, who was quite a liar himself. It's been written that she was to run for President before Bill (Clinton), but Hillary and Bill had planned just what they hoped would occur, but failed to do in 2008. Hillary is almost over the finish line this time around.

     Getting women on paper money is an obvious endorsement from this Democratic administration that the next President could, and should be President. But why Hillary Clinton? She has lied to us about the Benghazi incident, and rose issues of impropriety with her emails. Hillary Clinton will not only have to be a great liar, but she'll need a lot of help to stay out of jail. A President can't be sued while in office. This is motivation in itself for Hillary.

     Donald Trump, the "wheeler dealer", is fooling many into thinking he can run a government. Well, if one of his businesses fail, he can claim bankruptcy. But if the American economy fails, then what would he do. Could he lead a recovery like President Obama did?

     There is no doubt that either candidate, if elected, will proceed to appoint the best talent for their administration. But the President gets to make the tough calls. The monumental, and even historical decisions.

     Hillary Clinton already made a few foreign policy blunders, and few, (if any) foreign national leaders won't even speak to Trump. It's strange how Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be friendly with Trump. This is probably because he thinks a President Donald Trump will destroy America for him all on his own. Voting for President in this election is like choosing a form of execution. Hanging or a firing squad? Either way, there's no coming back.

Fire Trump GOP

     Donald Trump faces some stereotypes being a "New Yorker", just how he stereotypes Mexicans (immigrants). Many New York residents are fighters, survivors, and resourceful, virtues that Trump is proud to claim. These same virtues many have immigrants have too. To "Make America Great Again" to Trump seems to mean keeping immigrants and minorities down, and allowing White people to ascend as it was before Segregation ended, or maybe, just before America elected it's first Back President.

     Trump and his voters surely are concerned that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in America now. Illegal immigration is a problem. "Sanctuary Cities" prevent law enforcement from doing their jobs and creates conflicts between agencies. Donald Trump chose to be a straight-talking New Yorker instead of a diplomatic American in explaining his platform on illegal immigration resolution. He manipulated the media through his salesmanship, connections, and intentional inflammatory comments.

     Now, many foreign leaders reportedly don't even want Trump in their country. The Rolling Stones don't want Trump playing their music at his campaign events. And, the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, said on CNN's "Smerconish" that he would endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention if invited.

       Donald Trump is a narcissist running to be King of America. I watched every Republican debate. "Must See TV" just like his NBC Apprentice, and Celebrity Apprentice shows. Donald Trump appeared immensely, and admirably charitable on those shows. But what do you give a billionaire who has everything? America.

Are We Still Using The "N" Word?

     I read in the New York Times ( April 16, 2016 ) that Georgetown University had sold 272 slaves to raise money to pay it's bills in 1838. The slaves had belonged to the most prominent Jesuit priests and were sold for funding to keep this top Catholic institution at the time open. Reparations to those slaves' descendants are actually being considered by the University. Mr. Richard J. Cellini, an alumni of Georgetown University, started this movement, with the help from other's affiliated with the University initially. Mr. Cellini is a White man.

     Legend has it, (I saw it on ABC News) that an 11 year old girl from Massachusetts named, "Sofia" had suggested in a letter to President Obama, 2 years ago, that Harriet Tubman should be on paper currency. A great public relations move by the Federal Government in light of on-going racial struggles in Black communities. "Sofia" is White.

     The majority of people involved with approving this decision, (who are undoubtedly White males) choose the $20 bill instead of the $10 bill because the $20 bill is the highest used form of U.S. currency. They didn't want another failure like the Susan B. Anthony $1 coin. A Black President, "Black" money, Confederate flags being removed, and acknowledgement of the evils of slavery would lead you to believe that many White people think very highly of the Black community now. Is the Harriet Tubman $20 a form of reparation?

     In my opinion, the Black communities have tremendous political power and influence. During political election years like now, you can see how candidates try to tap into it. This fact motivates certain "reparations". Free colleges for example.

     As long a human skin color differs between ethnicities, people will continue to discriminate against one another, whether it be blatant or anonymous. Even if the Earth's population was comprised of a homogeneous skin shade, certain peoples would still be discriminated against for other physical differences. This seems to be the nature of Mankind. This racist "survival gene" ( or genetic flaw ) seems to be in everyone to some extent.

      Perpetuation of the use of the word "Nigga" in Black communities dismays me. Many other ethnicities are now empowered to use the term freely because Hip Hop culture has become globalized. I don't even pretend to know how this happened. But ironically, it's unreasonable to believe that a Hip Hop mogul for example, would teach any child of theirs say "Nigga", so why would we allow our youth to say it? The term "Nigger" has been re-engineered into the user friendly "Nigga" to the point that many young people, especially internationally, wouldn't even associate it with slavery, or racism. Was that the agenda? Is this what Black communities want?

     The Wikipedia definition the word "Nigga" doesn't sound so bad actually. The problem is that it's a word at all. It's meaning is a lie regardless of any positive intent. The word "Nigger", as opposed to "Nigga", is also a word according to Wikipedia. "Nigger" was manufactured too, with it's origin being the Portuguese and Spanish word "Negro" that was derived from the Latin word "Niger". "Niger" simply means "black". Not "Black people", but the color "black". The Dutch, German, and English used the word "Neger" to mean "Black person", also derived from the Latin "Niger". It's possible a White slave owner owner mispronounced or misspelled either "Neger" or "Niger", and thus "Nigger" was created. This likely mistake spread amongst his peers, and obviously became widely used, popular, and accepted. Yes, "Nigga" can be an improvement on "Nigger", depending on how the target of that remark perceives it. But should a functional word have a  positive and negative meaning at the same time? Can we just stop using the "N" word? Would you accept you child using it? Let's keep making progress.

Bernie and Free Colleges

     This is my first blog and I've decided to discuss...Politics. I've heard that when you first meet someone, don't bring up politics or religion. I think it's because either someone may get offended, or a casual meeting might turn into a serious debate. Oh well, I'll start with Bernie Sanders. Free college? Have you ever heard the expression, "You get what you pay for"? What a demagogue. This approach would literally devalue such degrees. Free colleges would attract the worst professors because their salaries would certainly be the lowest in the industry.

     And those countries with free colleges that Bernie frequently speaks of have incredible tax burdens that pay for them. Just augment the financial aide programs Bernie. Create more scholarships. If Bernie is elected, "Wall Street" will stay in court for his whole 1st, and only term to avoid paying American colleges' expenses. I definitely like Bernie Sanders, but you don't become President to be liked. It appears that he is as dependent on Wall Street as Hillary Clinton is.