Bigger Man (Part I)

A lot of things happened over the last weekend that really tested my patience and my outlook on the world. 2 incidents in particular made me so angry that their irony paused me in deep thought most of yesterday.

The first incident wasn't really a "wake up call" to me. Just a reminder in how far we have to go in community relations (ahem..that's PC for race relations people). So a few months ago I was charged with the task of finding a community service event for my coworkers and I to participate in. Since we work independently 99% of time its a way for us to meet/see each other- and have some minimal type of bond as "co-workers". Anyway it was surprisingly difficult to find something to for a few hours in an afternoon - (a blog topic in itself) - but in a last ditch effort I was able to secure a few hours at Vashon High School - with a little help from my mother who also works there. The project (this is important) - was to help reorganize and clean-up a room in a nursery for kids of teenage students. Not too difficult right? So you can imagine why I was surprised when I get a call from my boss (also surprised) that some of my co-workers were concerned for their "safety".

(waits for all the boos and hisses to stop...... no really get it all out it gets better).

I take it back I wasn't really surprised...I guess there was a small part of me that always knew that these people who work so hard to stay outside of the city -probably have a problem being inside the city. But I figured that they would at least trust that I wouldn't knowingly walk them into harms way. (What can I say I'm a dreamer). So while my knee jerk reaction was being offended (and I think justifiably so) it soon developed into anger. Where do these people get off? I NEVER question going to any task for fear of my safety (maybe I am just gangster like that?) - if anything my problem is the places are too far! I have myself down in parts of southern Missouri in the back-woods and trailer parks walking past houses with confederate flags knocking on the door - With a smile on my face! And you can't bring yourself out of your suburban mazes of mini-malls and over priced cookie cutter homes to spend a little time in A NURSERY?!? Because you are concerned for your safety?

Last time I checked there were not any infants or toddlers up for the death penalty - so forgive me if I cheapen your fear by calling it what it is - petty and cowardly.

TO BE FAIR -

YES - the neighborhood that the school is in is not up for America's hometown award - but the project did not require any interaction in the environment outside of the school aside from driving there.

YES - the school hasn't always had the best reputation for being void of any violence or crime. Got one word for that:

COLUMBINE


Anyone remember this? Overkill? (no pun intended...well maybe)

I mean seriously can you name me one school that doesn't have any potential for some scuffle or contraband? ITS HIGH SCHOOL! And again - the project was not to work with students, not even the infants really, it was to clean and reorganize a room. Maybe they were worried about slipping on a crayola? I always forget about the dangerous ROY G. BIV - the marauder!

YES - the official reason that the event was cancelled was due to a conflict of interest regarding mandatory background checks for participants (privacy laws won't allow it to be discussed and it wasn't enough time to get them for the rest of the people (who I guess weren't coming anyway).

Anyway --people who really know me personally know that when I take something to heart -its a heavy load. And I was not only disgusted with my "co-workers" but embarrassed for them. Is this what we stand for? Isn't this our territory that we serve? Its good enough to get paid to go in and do work (something else I am questioning now) but not to volunteer? When I finally got up the nerve to tell my mother she in true fashion gave me a good point.

She basically said not to be a hypocrite because they weren't the only ones who were acting all scared. She told me that there are people inside and outside the community that won't lift a finger to help much less the energy to be scared about doing anything helpful. And that's a shame ..it really is. So knowing that I incorporated the advice of my father. He said that I should not bear the load for their ignorance - why should I personally be ashamed of their shortcomings? And he was right.

A persons fear of me is more a reflection of their own cowardice, ignorance, etc. than it is any indication of who I am as a person -or even more - the community I come from.

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)

I think that works here. They obviously don't know me. They don't know anything about where I am from. So I forgive them. Its their loss (but don't think I am not putting my formal objection on file though).

Now on to my own people (Part II)

Vote for who you want..but you have to know better than....

TO COME UP IN A BARBER SHOP ROCKING A McCAIN T-SHIRT!. YES PEOPLE IT HAPPENED I SAW IT WITH MY OWN TWO EYES!.

So let me back up and set the scene. I am at the barber shop "Shack's Mid -City" downtown on Olive in the chair getting my look together. Its a fairly busy day considering its a Friday afternoon. Now there were a couple of white ladies hanging out in the shop. Since there wasn't anyone white in a chair - and they didn't seem to interact with anyone else like they were waiting on them - I assume that at least one of them were there to get a cut too. I also ASSUME (please don't kill me for saying this) - that they were of the lesbian persuasion (maybe it was the close cropped do's). But because I can't be sure of that we are just going to call them Hillary Supporters. Moving on.

Now on nice days at Shack's they keep the front door open so people can come and go as they please. So the door was open this day. Everything is going as usual - hair is getting chopped, washed, moisturized, twisted, braided, nuked (some of them chemicals ain't right--I am just saying) - and then this BROTHA rides through the front door on his bike. Rocking a bright yellow tee like he just dipped from the Tour de France.


Except his shirt wasn't a typical riding shirt. His shirt was more like the following:


(Not an exact match - but you get my point).

Now you could tell that most peoples reaction internally was:


But to our credit most people kept it together. However there was still that awkward 10 sec. moment of silence.

So Keith (the owner) asks if the guy wants to get a cut (CLEARLY he wasn't a regular). And the guy says "yes" sounding a lot more like Steve Urkel than usual - so all of a sudden - it kind of makes sense. He finds a place to store his bike and then comes back out to try and find someplace to sit.

So he is scanning the place.. (black men...no, group of minority boys playing ches....no, wait..wait YES!) he goes to sit between the two white women in the shop. This was funny not only because of his selection. But they were seated only one chair apart and OBVIOUSLY having a closed conversation so for him to just plop down in the middle. They gave him the gas face for real like:


Yeah the "Hillary Supporters" were mos def giving the "you aren't welcome over here either playboy" vibe. Funny indeed.

Everyone is making eye contact with each other just to make sure that we are all on the "Can you believe this -ish" page. And we all are. But for the first time in my life I really wanted a camera phone. No - a smart phone so that I could snap and post it to the world. But I promised myself I would tell everyone about what happened because it was so funny. How you gonna come up here ROCKING that tee shirt like that's what's hot - and then go hide in the corner - and get the gas face from two white ladies chilling in black barber shop.

Only in America.

It's on again....

Back by popular demand we are doing it again. The E & J 2008 B-day weekend is officially on.

SAVE THE DATES OCT 17-19, 2008!!!!!

- Specifics to come out shortly. Book your travel arrangements NOW!

Because so many people are trying to come this year - its taking us a little longer to tighten up all of the details. But make no mistake...

WE WILL BE HAVING ANOTHER BLOW OUT WEEKEND IN THE WINDY CITY!

Last year the STL came out in full force to represent so this year we are looking to see if anyone can match that. Chi-town is always represented to the fullest so we expect no less this year. Who else is going to "Put on for their city" this year.

Start making your plans now - we gave you the heads up! Hope you can make the trip..This one is going to be another classic!

E&J

Oh if you need to remember last year just check out the pics!













A little preview of what's up for this year!

The Economic Crisis - Who is to blame?

So it officially hit the fan today. Or at least in a way that was a wake up call to the rest of the country. The insurance giant AIG and its Titanic-like collapse has finally given every American the very same kick in the rear. That's to say - we all feel it. Of course now its not about getting kicked - but how are each of us going to respond to it? Honestly, I am torn down the middle on this one.

I can say that I absolutely do NOT want to see or hear about who is to blame for this. The reality is that this problem exists not because of the failure of one president, one political party, or government. We are ALL To blame. I posted the pic of Rush Limbaugh above to represent a number of things. Rush himself represents the arrogance that we as a country have (and continue) to display when it comes to facing our problems. Its never OUR fault - its the liberals, its the conservatives, its the terrorist, its Soulja Boy - anyone to blame other than ourselves. I know what you are saying - "how is this my fault?". Well that's what the cigar in the picture represents. Our little destructive indulgences - that ultimately lead to our demise. Addiction to nicotine - or oil its all the same people. We knew we were writing checks that our a$$ couldn't cash - so I don't understand why all of sudden there is a panic. Face the facts folks - we all got us in the hole.

Let's just do the simple math.

You can't cut taxes that fund the government and at the same time expand government spending. It doesn't work.
You can't beg for your taxes to be cut and then expect for the government to be able to take care of your every need when you run out of your own cash. That's not realistic.

If you know that your energy costs are rising along with your consumption - you don't fix that by simply getting it from some place else (off shore drilling). That's a quick fix - like putting a band aid on shotgun wound. The real solution is to reduce your consumption which will reduce your costs immediately AND force the price back in your favor. If you have a house phone and a cell phone and it costs too much - do you just talk on one of them? Or do you disconnect the one you need the least? Or the one that costs you the most?

The government has come to the decision to bail out AIG with an 85 billion dollar loan. Just as they did with Freddie Mac and Fannie May. Now I "personally" have a problem with bailing companies out of situations that they get themselves into. However, in this case while I still disagree with it - I understand it. Not doing anything would affect way more people - and a lot faster. There is some logic in trying to fight off something with an action that buys you time to come up with a better and more aggressive solution (its still quick fix though - not a real solution). But I think it sets a very bad precedent for saving companies from the consequences of their own mistakes or irresponsible practices (I bet you those Enron investors would have liked a government bail out!).

Tough times are ahead and there is no avoiding it. I think its a better move at this point to make the tough times self imposed thru strict budgeting, saving, better investments, etc. vs. facing a extended recession or worse (whatever that is). I think we all have lived a little too pampered to deal with the alternative.

How getting married is kind of like an election..kind of..

I posted the video above a) because I don't know if everyone got to see it today. I didn't get too - and its A MUST SEE. (check out Part II here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoQ_G6eMJAQ ). I almost felt sorry for Sen. McCain. For like.. 2 seconds. I think the ladies of "the View" just got put on top of the "Most hated liberals in Media" - right next to Oprah. (Good job ladies...way to press them on the hard questions).

After seeing this video and a slick joke I made to our wedding planner about being the "presumptive candidate" for the office of husband - and not messing up my chances of getting "officially elected". (Its okay...sometimes - I am REALLY funny). It got me to thinking how getting married is kind of like getting elected President.

Think about it.

1) You start off as being single (a non-voter) and then when you come of age you begin to participate in dating (the political process - voting, activism, etc.)

2) You are categorized and socialize based off being a male or female. And each groups interests constantly compete with the others for dominance (Democrats vs. Republicans).

3) When you are ready you decide to settle down and take on the responsibility of a "committed relationship" of your choosing. Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Friends with benefits/Cutty Buddies/etc. (State or Federal Senators, Congress members, Civil Officers, etc.). You do this more than once in an effort to both be a good significant other (politician) but also to learn what you really want in relationship (your political legacy).

4) After numerous dates and failed relationships you decide you want to really settle and getting married (Run for President). So you make an announcement ("I don't want to be a player no more) then try and get yourself selected by a potential wife/husband (party primaries).

5) And once you find/are found by the right person you attempt to impress all their friends and family (campaign) only a small portion of which opinion really matters (electoral college) - get into arguments (debates), a proposal is made (big speech) and she says yes (being selected as the presumptive nominee) or no (back to the state/civic services).

6) A big party is planned to celebrate the engagement (convention).

7) More arguments (debates).

8) If nothing in the arguments gets you completely off track and no one cheats (spoiler like Ralph Nader) or suddenly decides to become gay (crossing party lines) - you have a wedding where you officially take on your new role in vow to it in front of god (general election/inauguration).

9) Then you go on a honeymoon - (election celebrations)

10) And move in making sure to remove all remnants of the previous administration (bachelor pad makeover).

What do you think? I know its not exact...but its pretty close!

McCain Campaign: Hypocrisy Revealed? or Stupidity?

I have to admit that I've REALLY been trying to come up with something else to talk about lately. I stay glued to CNN and I don't know if its because I am news addict - or just addicted to this election. Anyway, as a direct result of my obsession I am catching some really good talking points in support of the Dems, AND some pretty blatant examples of GOP hypocrisy.

Before we even get into that though - can we just talk about how the McCain/Palin freakshow is basically saying the EXACT same speech they gave before and during the GOP convention. Ok Ok - you put the jet on Ebay - we get it - you're unusual (someone start the slow clap). How's about little variety - next time you bring that up - admit that you sold for it at a loss. Lets get a real comparison of how much money was saved by selling the jet vs. buying tickets for each business trip. I mean if we are riding the "straight talk express" - lets be all the way straight!

Ok (whew got that off my chest) - I know everybody noticed how the McCain campaign has him toting himself as the "agent of change". I mean I think he was cool with the maverick title - because people have been calling him that for years - but this is like an mixtape song - a blatant rip of the original song with your lyrics put on. What kills me is that the media is giving this whole thing some legs - touting this as a critical strategic move vs. a political carjacking (that's real talk -not straight talk folks). I would expect the media to be far more harsh in their criticisms - but they are not. Then again? What should we expect from them when nobody else is saying anything?

The running theme is that the selection of Gov. Palin awoke a large portion of the GOP that was all but asleep during this election (hence the picture above) - but I really thought they wanted and deserved more in a candidate. Watching people at their campaign stops is like watching a bunch of zombies on T.V. - just repeating the most simple rhetoric - and voicing how they feel more connected with McCain (who they didn't like until a week ago) and Palin (who they didn't know existed until a week ago). You'll forgive me if I refrain from calling them "informed" voters. Stupid - maybe. Informed? Nah.

So with all my frustration I have been searching and waiting for something - ANYTHING that would showcase how terrible his campaign is - and the terrible fact that people are buying into it (I have every hope that they don't really believe in it -- just that this is what they may have to do to win). Enter Jon Stewart and the "Daily Show"( http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184111&title=john-mccains-big-acceptance):



The last week of coverage has all but proven McCain's (and Joe Lieberman) - TOTAL change over to the Dark Side. The maverick has been fully converted by the Grand Ole Party and all of its traditions. To influence peoples vote by tapping into their fears, to protect the have's at the expense of the have nots - and when you can't come up with a winning message - STEAL IT! Yeah..that''s what we'll teach the kids!

Then the nail in the coffin came this morning. A kind of "Keeping them honest" segment came on and it was talking about the Tax Cuts that both Obama and McCain are promising. Well they both say that they'll cut taxes - Obama clarifies to say that his cuts will benefit 95% of the country (specifically the middle class). McCain says his cuts are better - and that Obama's won't work. Well lets just see - shall we?

(chart courtesy of CNN)

                              MCCAIN                   OBAMA

Income                Avg. tax bill             Avg. tax bill

Over $2.9M              -$269,364         +$701,885

$603K and up          -$45,361            +$115,974

$227K-$603K          -$7,871              +$12

$161K-$227K           -$4,380             -$2,789

$112K-$161K            -$2,614              -$2,204

$66K-$112K             -$1,009              -$1,290

$38K-$66K              -$319                  -$1,042

$19K-$38K               -$113                  -$892

Under $19K              -$19                    -$567

(Now before my more "intellectual" readers blow me up with counter arguments. The chart came with a warning - and I will echo it (cut & paste it actually -sue me - I am lazy).

This speculation is interesting but mostly academic. These figures are not absolutes for three reasons. First, we’re dealing with politicians, so their proposals might change as they hammer out details, talk to advisers, and determine what strategy will get them into office. Second, their opinions may change once the winning nominee is sworn in to office. Third, any policy changes have to find their way through Congress first, where compromises must be negotiated before anything gets done.

So take these predictions and studies with a grain of salt.

Ok so with that said. I think it safe to assume that no one voting in this election is a psychic. So they can't base their decision off of what they know will happen in the future. Only what they are being promised. And as the disclaimer states - the candidates visions for the future may change over time - so we can't base our decision soley on their promises either. So to me- then it becomes more about intent. After reading the above chart - it is clear to me that McCain's intent is protection of the rich - which to me sounds like - 4 more years. While I can see the obvious benefits of "keeping more of what you make". I think its highly unrealistic to suggest that the burden of paying for the country be lead by the poor and middle class - while the rich get to sit back and kick it. 

Am I wrong? You tell me.

Does the Straight Talk Express have two lines?

Ok so Sen. McCain just closed out the RNC with his acceptance speech - I thought it was pretty bland -no - it was boring -but he is not the most dynamic speaker so that was to be expected. What was up with the protester that made it to the convention floor? I couldn't see what was up so anyone who knows - let me in on it! And what's up with no coverage of it on CNN?

Moving on.

Overall I think it was a very "clean" speech and it finally had "some" focus on what his plan is for the national economy. My thing is for as much as he says there are big differences between he and Sen. Obama - the plans are very similar except on one major issue - who is paying for it. The tax cuts are either going to be for the middle class (Obama) or for the rich (McCain). Really its about where do you feel the impact of that. It could be argued both that getting the middle class more money would increase spending and help business owners profits. Or reducing taxes for the owners could help them have more money to put into their business - and employees right? Riiiigght.

Anyway a lot of the speech was directed right at the Republican party - and rightfully so. Tonight the "Old McCain" (the one I liked) showed up, acknowledged his parties leaders, and them put them in the past by saying that he was in charge now. He chastised them for 12 years of failures and said that he came to change it and lead them in the new and right direction. Party politics aside - I was glad to hear this. This may be the end to the extreme conservative movement - and that's a good thing. Its kept us stagnant for way too long. My favorite line of this speech was the one about vetoing pork filled spending bills, finding their authors and "making them famous" (a good line is a good line).

Look - again it was a clean speech. We all can be sympathetic to a P.O.W, tisk tisk, tear tear. We appreciate you - really we do. But the question is what are you going to do as PRESIDENT. If your sales pitch is that you are going to fix the Republicans - then you really aren't my candidate. I think they could use a good 8 years (or more) sitting on the sidelines and realize that you have to get it right - OR ELSE. Plus - its really hard to believe that this party is going to change - OVERNIGHT or in the next 60 days. The first two days of this convention were filled with venomous GOP divisive rhetoric - all of sudden they are on a new path? I don't buy that. Especially when the one thing that got them ALL excited was the pick of a VP candidate straight out of the Right's playbook.

I hope McCain does whip them into shape - I do. But I don't think we should elect him president so that they can get their act together. Overall the very nomination of Sen. McCain has exposed that the GOP really aren't on one accord and don't know where they are going.

Score another one for Obama.

You're never supposed to hit a woman but....

I think Gov. Palin may have just served her political jaw up on a platter. Her speech tonight while engaging, comedic, and extremely critical of Sen. Obama, Sen. Biden, and the Democrats - may have been a missed opportunity. An opportunity to be taken seriously.

Instead of a serious speech about her qualifications to be V.P. and what she will do to contribute to a better America - we got an audition for SNL. I guess Gov. Palin took those comparisons to Tina Fey waaaaay too seriously.

It could be argued that her comments were harsh at times - but I will just say that they are probably the most negative incarnations of old criticisms of Sen. Obama (He wants a time line for withdrawal - she says he wants to retreat in defeat, etc.). That's all fine and dandy - that's politics - make the other guy/gal look bad while you pump up yourself, etc., etc. But all things are best done in moderation - and Gov. Palin's speech lacked this - tragically.

Her speech could have been written (and delivered) by Rush Limbaugh himself - and if it had been -the response would be a "no-brainer" - pick-him apart until the vultures show up. But in this case because the source of the harsh criticisms was a woman (even though she didn't write her own speech - not a big deal - this is normal - I am just saying - let's not give her too much credit - even I sound good reciting Notorious B.I.G) - this becomes a "soft-touch" issue. Meaning that the Democrats have to appear not to be too harsh in their response - so they are not portrayed as beating up on her. But I think she may have allowed herself to be more than the usual target - able to take a blow or two from the "big boys" if you will.

So I would suggest that they initially dismiss the comments for what they were in presentation - comedy. However they can't ignore them. Again just as I advised on counter-attacking McCain - they need to do the same here. Stay away from the teenage pregnancy issue - and her family and kids overall - its hypocritical - the country is already playing that judging game - no need to feed into it especially when you already said that it should be off-limits anyway. Instead focus on Gov. Palin specifically - her lack of experience, her categorization of community organizers as not having "actual responsibilities", her praise for Sen. Obama and parts of his economic and energy plans less than a month ago, her support of Sen. McCain GOP primary opponents and none for Sen. McCain himself, her McDonald's drive through the vetting process, his age and her real potential to be in the Commander-in-chief - and the concerns about that. Above all things there should actually be no criticism based on her being a woman - period. Not only because its baseless - its just wrong.

The other issue is that this was an extremely divisive speech in his tone - and the country just isn't there in spirit. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Sen. Obama message of change and a more unified America - is resonating with more people in the country. Whereas the McCain/Palin campaign has obviously decided to go with their tried and true method of winning an election - to scare the hell out of you. To make you say - yeah I know I am having tough times economically - but hey at least I am safe! (Sidenote: While the GOP campaigns so heavily on Homeland Security, National Defense, does anyone care that our worst instances of both of those issues (9/11 & Hurricane Katrina) happened on their watch? Something to think about..)

I do feel like that my advice my be preaching to the choir - because its not like this campaign doesn't have experience in dealing with fiery and more qualified female candidates.

Whatever the case - I think that this may get real ugly - and a Gov. Palin may be the only real casualty of tonight's speech in the long run.

To My Seniors - its time to fall back

Got to give it up to my girl Daphne for finding this one - and I share her sentiments - I am getting tired of our elders making all of this negative commentary about the election and Barack Obama. From Rev. Wrights turncoat monment to Rev. Jackson's own slick-dissing and now this.

The video above has Dr. West and Dr. Malveaux - commenting on how Sen. Obama's nomination speech fell short to their (and possibly a majority of African-American's) expectations. Mainly because he didn't reference the historical significance of the moment to the past enough - specifically Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement. Because he didn't mention Dr. Kings name - that it was a direct slight to those that came before him - a distancing from blacks if you will.

What?

I have to admit while I respect the likes of Doctors West, and Malveaux - as well as others like Michael Eric Dyson - all too often I think they let their swelled ego's ahem..I mean intellect (to use a Freudian term) get the best of them. I have watched them on various discussion panels on everything from politics to hip-hop (?) - and I really do disagree with A LOT of what they have to say on current issues and applications of solutions for those issues. I mean I understand that "in order to know where you are going you have to know where you been" - I get that. But its also true that if you don't give a certain amount of attention to the where you are going - you are liable to get off track and be lost forever. Didn't they say - Eyes on the prize?

If anything this appears to be yet another case of crabs in a barrell - the super educated version. Another instance where jealousy gets the best of our people. Yeah I said it - jealousy. I really do think that is the problem that many black leaders had with Obama early on - that he was on a pace to surpass them in prominence and notoriety. This young buck from --Hawaii? What? That he would have the AUDACITY OF HOPE to think that he could bypass all of them and achieve something they had not - win the presidency of the United States of America. I think that many of them were looking for their ticket on the coat tail express - their inclusion in the campaign efforts, public appearances, etc.. But when that didn't happen - and they were left to be on the sidelines to watch? Yeah I think that was the water on the seeds of jealousy right there.

I could use another term that's being thrown around about Obama - to explain these people - elitist. I really am starting to see that while I will never take anything away from their intellectual achievements - that they may be more than a little "out of touch" with the rest of the black community. Everyone I know was more than impressed with the speech and with Sen. Obama's chances of winning.

Look - this is not OUR moment. We need to realize that -for as much of an accomplishment this is - in the eyes of Black people - its also equally (if not more) an accomplishment for the country overall with regard to our views on true inclusion, the American Dream, and protecting it. The chance that people can look beyond one of this country's oldest barriers to progress - and finally make a huge step to distance ourselves from it. Is an AMERICAN achievement - not just a black one.

Do we owe something to our ancestors and those that sacrificed so much for us to be where we are - of course. But to say that the speech Obama gave some how ignored or cheapened the moment is false on everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. The convention coverage for the months leading up to and everyday during - gave NUMEROUS reminders of the historical significance of the day and the week. Constantly bringing up Dr. King, The anniversary of the women's right to vote becoming a reality, and Hurricane Katrina. Sen. Obama didn't need to say anything about those things - everyone watching was well aware of the historical undertones of the day. He already had to break it down on what his plan for the country was - no need to dumb it down even more and go "uh..by the way if you hadn't noticed - I am black and since I am accepting this nomination on the anniversary of the I have a dream speech - that's kind of big deal...in case you hadn't noticed" See my point.

If anything lets do the math on it. Every candidate before that has tried to run as the Black Candidate - primarily concerned about the Black issues - has lost. Does that mean he needs to be devoid of concern for us - of course not and I doubt that he could. But we have all seen what it looks like when the President only has people like him on his agenda (Say there Mr. Bush)- and that isn't a good look. Remember its the Presidency United States of AMERICA. Not the NAACP.

Let's get it together people.