Friday, July 09, 2010

Reparations means we shall not be lulled to sleep!

Play this song, while you read this post:


In the grand experiment that is society, we must declare VICTORY for gladiatorial games of the Roman empire.  The arena and its games, given to the masses to dumb them down, have proven their worth.  This should be the "Summer of our Discontent."  Yet, rather than exclaiming our outrage at the malfeasance of justice that is the involuntary manslaughter verdict in the Oscar Grant Murder Trial, the Country is declaring their outrage at LeBron James’ “Decision,” and/or Dan Gilbert’s response.

In a consorted effort to quell any tensions, the media has done its damnedest to keep the Oscar Grant murder out of the news.  One might even wonder if LeBron James was either complicit or used as a pawn in the effort.  I mean, his Prime Time Special diverted   all media attention from any matters that really matter to life.  All focus for the days leading up to his “decision” was on the “important question”: Where will LeBron go?  And, in the days after the focus is now on: what does his decision mean?

But, reparations means we shall not be lulled to sleep!

There was no focus on the trial of the Bay Area Rapid Transit “Police Officer” who murdered an unarmed Black man on camera.  You haven’t seen it?  Here it is again:

POLICE SHOOTING AT BART STATION - OSCAR GRANT


The frustration and outrage displayed in the days afterwards is certainly understandable.  What is the answer of a “free society” to the realities and feelings of being trapped, among the disinherited?  To where should they turn?

We of reason, and we of ignorance alike, would say that in a Democratic society they people should turn to and rely upon justice.  But, clearly justice still means “Just-Us” and the voices of the dispossessed remain unheard...their pain remains unfelt.

That’s why reparations means we shall not be lulled to sleep!

Who else is going to keep the pressure on?  Who else shall ensure that justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream?

But, we have been effectively lulled to sleep.  We heard very little of the trial and even less of the verdict.  And, the status quo continues because the frustrations in Oakland have been isolated and contained.  An issue that should be one of concern for Americans across the Country has been sidelined by “the decision” of a millionaire athelete. 

Cleveland is in turmoil...heartbroken because a millionaire decided to leave the City.  They burn his jersey and express outrage that LeBron could “betray” them.  Yet, no one is outraged that “justice” has betrayed America.  What does it say about a people...about an “advanced society,” when we are more affected by the isolated decisions of the rich than the connected struggle of the disinherited?  We should be ashamed of ourselves.  I feel like Dap in School Daze: “Wake UUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!”

Reparations means we shall not be lulled to sleep!

And, we who have been “educated” have a greater responsibility.  We should be aware of Massa’s tricks.  We should be hip to the workings of propaganda that keep us complacent while the ideals we supposedly uphold are trampled underfoot. 

It is quite ironic that all of this happens during the period in which we remember the birth of American Democracy and our “independence.”  We celebrate Freedom, Liberty and Justice for All, while a part of that “All” lives with the reality that Liberty and Justice remain a farce.  And while that part of humanity aches at the heartbreak of (Obama/post-racialist) hope deferred, mainstream society aches at the hurt of LeBron’s decision.  Damn...

What does LeBron’s decision do for the memory of Oscar Grant?  What does Dan Gilbert’s response do to aid the strivings for justice of a marginalized people?  But, check the Facebook posts and Twitter feeds.  Check the “trending topics.”  What’s the discussion?  Clearly are perspectives and priorities are skewed.

Children of God, sons and daughters of justice, we must take a different perspective.  We must remain focused and vigilant.  Reparations means we shall not be lulled to sleep!

Come and Get Your Reparations!