Are people of color safe in N.Y.?

Friday, after nearly two months of one of the most controversial trials of police accused of murder in New York City's history, Judge Arthur Cooperman announced that he found the NYPD police officers who killed Sean Bell and seriously wounded his friends Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman not guilty on all charges.

"This scandalous verdict is another reminder that the courts will fail the people of New York City over and over again when it comes to trying police violence," said PJ member Latanya White. "While people of color, immigrants, and queer people are brutalized by the police and left with physical and emotional scars, the police continue to get off easy. It's outrageous.

"Peoples' Justice is appalled by the Queens District Attorney's lackluster prosecution of the officers, which many observers and attorneys believe contributed to the acquittals, and demands that this case be re-tried by federal prosecutors based on civil rights violations. Furthermore, Peoples' Justice calls for an independent prosecutor in all past and present cases of police misconduct and violence."We're reminded of Amadou Diallo all over again. We're reminded of Abner Louima, Anthony Baez, Eleanor Bumpers, and all others who have died at the hands of the NYPD's killer cops," said PJ member Joo-Hyun Kang of CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities. "The DA's failure to prosecute the police is further evidence that all cases involving police brutality must be handled by an independent prosecutor.

The acquittal of NYPD Detectives Michael Oliver, Marc Cooper, and Gescard Isnora continues the mockery of justice and fairness that began even before the start of their trial. The defense attorneys originally requested a change of venue for the trial. When this request was denied, they were granted a request for a bench trial, thus denying Queens’s residents the chance to hold the officers accountable for the killing. During the trial, the defense attempted to malign Sean Bell's character and morals – implying that his killing was somehow justified due to his character – as well as those of his friends. The defense attorney representing one of the police officers, for example, repeatedly called Benefield, a “thug”."Clearly, the defense's attempts at character assassination worked," said PJ member Glo Ross of FIERCE. "Once again, the court system has failed New Yorkers, and the NYPD and its killer cops got away. We need to remember that the NYPD took someone's life that night and seriously wounded two others. The fact that the police officers responsible for this crime are being let off without so much as an insignificant punishment only sends them a message that they can get away with murder again. Now, it is up to New Yorkers to keep the NYPD in check.

Just wrong, more proof that people of color are not safe in a country that we helped built. We live in a sad sad world. Let me know what you all think of this.
Till next time….

Is that semen on you?

Question? Yeah I know what you all are thinking.

“Oh lord, another one of “James” crazy questions.”

Well yes, it is, but you must admit, my questions are fun. Don’t deny it. Well here is the “question” at hand.

You’re at a public setting, as in the bus, train, in line at the bank, anywhere, use your imagination. I personally like the bus or subway, but use anywhere you like. Ok while your standing there an individual behind you taps you on the shoulder and ask,
“Excuse me, but is that semen on you?”

What do you say to them? I wanna hear “reactions” to this.
Till next time….

Define me

I once read
The guilty hang themselves.
Sacrificial victims slash their throats.
The discarded throw themselves off buildings, or bridges.
Tormented minds blow their brains out.
Which one am I?
I have stolen,
I have lied.
I have deceived
Drugs, yeah I have tried.
At times,
It should have been me
That had died.

I once read,
The guilty hang themselves.
Sacrificial victims slash their throats.
The discarded throw themselves off buildings, or bridges.
Tormented minds blow their brains out.
Which one am I?
I think this for the best.
I know there is good somewhere,
I am saving you all from the despair.
This anger inside me
Blinding me to the realities of this so-called life
Leaving me filled with nothing but strife.

I once read,
The guilty hang themselves.
Sacrificial victims slash their throats.
The discarded throw themselves off buildings, or bridges.
Tormented minds blow their brains out.
Which one am I?
Go on paying no mind to me
I’ll be out of your way soon enough,
You’ll see.
Being ignored and forgotten,
Has this internal feeling
That can only be described,
As rotten
Forget me you will
Ending my life will be my final thrill.

I once read,
The guilty hang themselves.
Sacrificial victims slash their throats.
The discarded throw themselves off buildings, or bridges.
Tormented minds blow their brains out.
Which one am I?
Attempting to live this way
While constantly
Thinking against the grain
Leaves me
Constantly in pain
The only remedy seems to be

A bullet, in my brain

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

My Big Jump

It was an amazing experience.

Our First Kiss

I am working on a lil book that portrays my life a bit and I wanted to know what you guys thought about this part. Any form of criticism accepted, and there is also a link to a poem I wrote back in the day. Thanx for reading.
Till next time.

"First kiss"

As she sat on the hood of the car, I leaned forward and listened to what she said,
"Is there anything you got to say or want to do?"
"Ha! I got some things to say, but what I really want to do is kiss you right now"
And with a twinkle in her eye, she looked right at me and said,
"So do it. Go for yours"

I looked at her and just went in for the kiss. I have been waiting for this moment, and I tell you, it was well worth it. This was by far the best kiss I ever had. There was so much passion in it. Our lips locked as if meant to be together.
Her soft lips against mine, our tongues rolling around each other, taking in all there was. In addition, from that moment on, every kiss was the same, pure passion and love.

Here is a poem on this person click link to read it

One Question?

Just one question?



How can I let you go?
That is the question, I suppose?
Excuse me
Will anyone in this room please let me know?
Years have passed since we first met.
I must ask.
Did we have fun?
Yeah, I bet.
You showed me how to dream, how to believe.
Those were the lessons I learned and now I preach.
Rather then dwell on the past,
I’m learning to look to the future.
That’s a fact.
But still, I can’t help but think of what could have been?
That is why I look up at the world with a sad grin.
Just one of the many difficulties to get over
Every now and then, I find myself looking over my shoulder
Wishing you was still in my corner.
Your support will be missed,
Especially how passionate we used to kiss!
Missing your hands on my back
Then realizing, the love that we had,
Slipped right through the crack!
Come to think of it,
Ending it might have been for the best.
While writing this for me
Is a way to heal, that I much I will confess.
But when writing won’t even help this tortured soul,
I’ll just turn my back on the world,
Excuse me while I pack another bowl.
Even in a cloudy haze
Memories of you seem to peek through.
Just wish that I could easily
Get over you.
So, now back to my question,
How do you let someone go?
Will someone in this room…………
Please…….let me know.

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

The witch of Portobello

“The witch of Portobello”
Where to begin.
This book was amazing, beautifully written, and a pleasure to read.
“Paulo Coelho” wrote one hell of a book. This book a is necessary read for anyone looking for beauty in words. This author brought us “The Alchemist” another great book. I literally fell in love with the main character in this book, and so will you.
This book inspired me to write more, to love more, to live more. Yes, it is a fictional book, but the story in it, we can all relate to it. I recommend to each and every one of you to go out and purchase this book. You will not regret it.
Moreover, if you are not in the mood to purchase it, or just want a little sample of it, copy and past this link into your web browser.
http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061338809&HCHP=WitchPortbello_Sidebar1_FullAccess_021108
You can read the book in it entirety from the site. Now I hate to read from computer screens, but this book wrapped me up. I read the whole book from my desk at home and at work, and now I am going out to purchase it, not only for myself but also for a friend.

It was that good.

Till next time....

Live, Love, Learn, and Share

I am a lost and confused soul in this world. But aren’t we all?
I want to cry
I want to laugh
I want to dance
I want to feel all that there is to feel
Experience all that there is to experience
I want to learn
I want to teach
I really want to share.
I am reading a few books at the moment, one is fiction and one is a not. Nevertheless, what they both have in common is that they're showing me I want to live. I want to share my world with everyone that I come in contact with. I am not afraid to share who I am and I am not as selfish as some think.
Live, love, learn and share.
Thank you.
Till next time….

Review of "After Dachau" by "Daniel Quinn"

Daniel Quinn let me down. Well not totally let me down, but I am a bit disappointed. I just finished reading “After Dachau”. A book that I was so excited to read, I could hardly contain myself.

This book started a little weak but then in a matter of two to three pages it just blew my mind. As to how great of a writer he is, where he can sum things up so well, and give you a full look into things with just a few words. This book became good very quick, only to disappoint me in the end.

I am literally left with my mouth open wondering, “Was all this built up for that?” I still have to go over it with my pal “Melissa” just to get another point of view on it and hopefully see it a bit differently. She is an “English major” so maybe I will think differently after I go over it with her, but until then I will remain disappointed.

Now I do not want to discourage you people from going out and buying this book. Remember we all have our own opinions, but I will recommend that you pick up his other books before reading this one. This man is one of my favorite authors and everything that I have read so far from him I love and recommend to you all.
All but this one.

Till next time….

Knight Rider

N.B.C. got it all wrong.

Let me tell you what they got wrong. On Sunday, they broadcasted “Knight Rider” as a movie. And let me tell you, it was horrible. Any movie where the best actor is “David Hasslehoff” you know its bad.
In addition, on top of all this, they showed a commercial every six minutes. No lie, every six minutes. This was bad.
They ended it o.k. It has hopes of being a show, but I do not think it will be a good show, and these networks are known for putting crap on TV anyway, see caveman for more proof on this.
All in all, this was a horrible attempt at bringing back a decent show, not great but decent. Therefore, my advice to you is if you missed it your lucky, if you watched it, I know your pain.
Till next time…

Is love an emotional trend?

To actually be in love?

Can anyone define this? I dare you to. Give me a direct definition for love. In addition, I bet the person next to you will not agree with your answer.
It confuses me how someone can claim love then "poof" exhibit not one trace of it. Where does all that love go, is it a form energy that can be measured? We all know energy cannot be destroyed it just changes form. So does that love become hatred? On the other hand, even resentment. Or are they both the same emotion just looked at from a different point of view?
Why does it turn into the opposite? Why if it is changing, it doesn’t just slightly change? It turns into the total opposite.

Why?

I know the difference between being in love and loving someone. Nevertheless, something causes the love to cease. What drives a person to pretend as if you do not exist?
We all know the usual things that make a person stop loving. You can lie, cheat, and steal. Abuse someone’s trust. Something. However, what if there aren’t any of the usual signs?

Nothing!

Now you are just left to ponder, "what went wrong?” A constant reminder that you are not perfect, and that nothing last forever. Leaving you lost, confused and unfocused. Which leaves you all messed up now. Nevertheless, even emotions tend to fade away.

“Time heals all wounds”. For this delicate subject (which I do not claim to be an expert at) many books, song and movies have been written on it. Mainly by people who have failed at it. (Hence me writing about it). Yet we still pursue it. Knowing how difficult it is to keep the fire burning. Each one of us just hoping to find “The answer”. The answer that will keep love in our lives. Moreover, by saying love I do not mean the love with a friend or pet, or family member at that. I am talking bout love. The one that had you writing letters with those check the box if you like me in them, and tagging up her/his name in your notebook. Similar to that little kiddies love.

Love.

Even as we grow older, love in every aspect does not change. Yes, you approach it differently, but the feeling is still the same. Your heart flutters a bit; you lose your breath at her/his site. You want to be around them at all times. Talk, share ideas, bump into them, something. As children, we do not know what to do, which is why we hit each other. Not in a violent way, but a playful manner, and as adults, yeah we still play. Therefore, things do not change all that much. Instead of hitting your love interest to get there attention, we do other things. I will not get into that being that I cannot get the attention of anything, let alone anyone, but this whole blog is not just me rambling about love.
It is a question. Not one that I seek an answer for, but I ask my readers to seek out the answers for themselves and get back to me with the answer to that question.

What is love?

In addition, what makes a person throw all that away with out any remorse? I see that the last question is a loaded one. The first one is also, but it makes for a great debate if anything. If something meant so much to you yesterday, why isn’t it worth a thing today?
In addition, I am not talking about some trendy item. I am talking emotions here, but is love an emotional trend?
Hmmmmm…
Till next time….

A moment in the snow

It’s quite. For about two seconds, it is quite. Then bam
Do do ba boom, da boom da boom,
Do do ba boom, da boom da boom,
“Just a castaway, an island lost at sea, ohanother lonely day, with no one here but me, ohMore loneliness than any man could bearRescue me before I fall into despair, oh
I'll send an S.O.S. to the worldI'll send an S.O.S. to the worldI hope that someone gets myI hope that someone gets myI hope that someone gets my Message in a bottle,Message in a bottle,”
As “john Mayer” and my voice permeate through the air, I ask myself. Is it me, or does the world seem quieter when it’s snowing?

It just seems like all of my senses are heightened when it is snowing. The world is quite, and I can hear everything distinctly and there is nothing like getting off work, getting in your car and have a good song come on.

“John Mayer” does this cover of the “police’s message in a bottle” that is incredible. As the song begins, my smile grows. Then the words come on. Nothing beats the original, but his version is incredible and just takes the song in a whole other direction.

“I'll send an S.O.S. to the world
“I'll send an S.O.S. to the world”

So bluesy with a hint of jazz in it, it is incredible. And it dawns on me. Life really is not that bad. Its moments like this we live for. It may not be “the most incredible” moment in life or anything amazing, but it is enjoyable, and it should be appreciated for what it is. A moment.

Epiphany

Ok, ok. There has been a phrase going around recently. Most of you might have seen it as a comment on page. Nevertheless, let us set the record straight. This phrase does not fit me. Nor is it true. The phrase in question is, “Chimp Fucker”

Now I do not “fuck “chimps. A good friend of mine who shall remain nameless is the “Chimp fucker” not I. So let us put it to rest people.

All right, enough of that, now on to last night. Last night I had an epiphany.

Last night while lying in my couch, it dawned on me. I am living. Now I know what you all are thinking, “James duh, your alive”, but keep reading, it will make sense eventually.

I have been in a perpetual waiting period. Waiting for “my life to start” so to speak. I keep telling myself that once I get my own place things will change, or once I get a girl things will change, or once I get a good job things will change. Well duh! All of those things point to change, but none of that is worth the wait. It just happens.

So last night it all dawned on me, I am in the midst of my life. I am waiting for nothing because I am in it. I got a pretty kool apartment, I got a decent working car, I am employed, (with benefits) and a girl will come when the time is right. As for me waiting that is over with. I will no longer wait to do certain things, if I want to do them I will do them, my life is in full swing as far as I am concerned. So I smiled. I looked at my decent size TV and smiled. I snuggled into my leather couch and smiled. I looked at my kool blue wall, actually, my entire apartment has kool colors, but I looked around and smiled. My life really is not that bad.

Most of the things I am waiting for are right in front of me. It is true what they say, “you don’t see what is in front of you”. I have a lot of kool things right in front of me. I have friends that I love and they love me just as much, I may be single and lonely but that is only for the time being, me being so picky and all. Nevertheless, I will start to smile a bit more and appreciate what is all around me.

No that does not mean that I will become Mr. nice guy, but it does mean that I look at my life, not life in general, but my life, a bit differently. Today “James” woke up a bit tired but with a smile. Things are bad, but they could always get worst, so enjoy the moment.

Thank you for reading.
Till next time….

Paper Cup

Paper cup

“Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup
Drink it up love her, and she’ll bring you luck”
“Danny’s song”

Staring at a blank screen
Hoping words will pop up
Just keep thinking of that girl
The one who holds the paper cup
Asking myself
What is it that is keeping me up?
Up this damn late
Maybe I’m thinking of that wonderful date?
Plenty of spilled beers
A three year long date
Filled with laughter and tears
For now
Hearing your voice will have to suffice
Hoping you return to me
To be precise
Searching for the right words
To sum it all up
When all I really want
Is to be that paper cup

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

Dr King

(Originally posted on 1/14/06)

Today is a holiday. I actually like this holiday. This one is actually worth recognizing. Today is “Dr Martin Luther king's” birthday.

Today once again, I heard a remark about this holiday. "What kind of card do you get on Dr Martin Luther king day? “Not every holiday is a fucking hallmark one. Some have some significant meaning to them. Today is a day to remember a great humanitarian, the greatest human right activist known. I mean this man changed many things in this country, not only for blacks but also for everyone.

Were all first generation American. In addition, whether they realize it or not, “King” had a lot to do with that. Shit would be a whole lot different around here if it were not for him. Therefore, when any idiot cracks a stupid joke about it not being a real holiday, it irks me. I mean is president’s day a real fucking holiday? What type of card do you get for that day? Oh but its kool cause it is for a bunch old white dudes? Dr King’s birthday is not a black holiday. It’s everyone's holiday. When we realize this, the jokes will stop.

Now Columbus Day, that is a joke. Do not get me started on that one. That will be another blog at another time. Read this for a little bit more info on this great man.

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the greatest catalysts for change the world has ever known. His leadership and efforts provided the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement, which forced American society to end discriminatory practices. During the debate about whether or not to make his birthday a national holiday, racism showed its ugly head once again. Many opponents argued that either his life was not significant enough or that a new paid holiday would be too expensive. Both arguments were only smoke screens for racist attitudes. As far as whether or not his life was significant enough, the answer is a resounding yes. Dr. King’s life was as important as that of Abraham Lincoln. After all, President Lincoln led the country through a Civil War but Dr. King helped to prevent one.

A lil bit of semen for everyone

A lil bit of semen for everyone.

“Word up!”

If you really think about it, or actually, you do not have to think about it, but we all come from semen. (No pun intended there) As a man, I feel proud knowing that I shoot life. I call it, “The juice of life”.

“The juice of life”, now that is what I call it. I like the sound of that. If Michael Jackson gets to call his “Jesus Juice”, then “Juice of Life” will be mine.

As you see, most women are always going on about “the egg” life can’t be possible without “the egg”. Nevertheless, I ask you all, what do you call an unfertilized egg? No answer huh?

It figures.

I do not even know what an unfertilized egg is called. However, I do know that when a woman’s egg goes “unfertilized” it creates a big mess. In addition, it causes them discomfort with slight aggravation. Ah well, that is life.

Now I will admit that man needs woman just as much as she needs him to create life. I am not here trying to trivialize a women’s position in life. I am only trying to establish man’s spot in life. As it goes one cannot go on without the other. Life would have never come into being without each other.

For example, you cannot have a tree without a seed. Therefore, man shall be known as “the seed bearer” and women are more or less “the dirt” that the seed is planted in. Now I know that might piss off a few women out there, but that is the facts and that was only a metaphor I chose to use for this discussion. Now I might have used a bad one, but for the sake of humor, I will stick with that one. Ah well. Life goes on.

Now you all are probably wondering where “James” came up with this? Well I will tell you. It all stemmed from a conversation I had the other day with this girl where she was going on and on, on how women create life. Well I had to set her straight. She is nothing without a man. In addition, we are nothing without them, we need each other, Moreover, I will admit, we are nothing without them. However, you do not see us calling ourselves life bearers or bringers of life. I just got sick of her saying it repeatedly,
“We bear life” “we bear life”.
Well enough was enough. I jumped up and yelled, “In reality, you do not bear life, you incubate life”.
We as men shooting our “juice of life” actually help bear the life, women are merely the incubators”.

Oh man did that start a discussion. So me trying to lighten the mood, asked one of my boys that was there if they wanted some semen to help with his dry skin. She of course said a big “Ewwwwwwwwwwwww”. That is when I started on my semen kick. I said “Being that we are made from semen, then a little bit of semen on the skin wont hurt” and of course he laughed but she had to put her two cents in. and this is where it got us.

Therefore, to end this discussion before I am lynched, I will leave you all with this thought. We are all nothing but big globs of semen walking around. Now that is a messed up thought for the day.

Till next time….

Copyright © 2008. James Velez

Perfectly flawed

Perfectly flawed

Everyone travels down their own road,
Ours intersected.
Or so I’m told
Why do the ones you want,
Leave
The ones you don’t want,
Stay?
You ask,
So it could never be one agonizing over his/her choices in life and ponder whether or not they are making the right decisions?
You ask,
I Ponder.
Yes I say.
But don’t dwell
Dwelling only keeps you from moving forward.
Not one cloudy day with you,
And it rained the whole time.
We were perfect,
In all our flaws
That was
The true beauty
Of it all

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

Nothing to hide!

I write
I write to get it off my chest
I write
This I will confess
I got issues
I know I do
But so do you, you,
And you!
So I write
I write to get it off my chest
I do what I can
I try to do my best
I have nothing to hide
So if reading these thoughts
Is what you despise
Look up to the right
X marks the spot
Or did you not realize?
Keep on reading
Read about what’s inside
Remember
I have nothing to hide

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

A bit off tilt...

Feeling nothing but pure fucking hatred, anger and, not knowing where to point the hate, so I point it at you.Point it at you because you’re in the way.
In the way
Every fucking person/thing is a fucking obstacle.
One big fucking bump in the road, the road which is this fucking hell I live in.
I’m fed up with all the bullshit I put myself into, No one to blame but myself.
So now I’m pissed off at myself. Why you ask?
For being a fucking idiot,
Not realizing that some of the things I ask for are right in front of me.
Wishing to run into a sick fucking psycho that wants to blow my fucking head off!
I wouldn’t even try to stop him.
I might even hug the fucker. Can’t even drive my car into a wall because the shit doesn’t run well enough to smash,
Fucking sad
Surrounded by ignorant comments, and spitting out a few ignorant ones myself.
Stooping to peoples levels of stupidity, going from showing the other side of the coin to just saying "fuck it your right" then spitting the same bullshit right back in pure fucking anger.
All my anger does is cloud my judgment. Leaving me to live with the results, and you know what?
I really don’t give a fuck.
Not a single drop of remorse is left in me. Its coming to a point where I’m just gonna give in.
I mean I’ve heard the saying "everyday is a struggle" and damn it’s so fucking true.
Makes me wonder if it’s worth the struggle?
And what exactly am I struggling for?
Today is one of those days I’m glad I got this page to vent on, it helps me put things into perspective real slowly.
Doesn’t change my moods, just has me re-evaluate my shit, and shit is the correct term, considering its all I got.
Pure shit.
Pure utter shit, from termites to a fucked up car,
Shit is the sum of it all.
Looking back at what I wrote makes me laugh just a lil bit.
Now laughing at how stupid this might seem, but this is all true it is, or so it seems.
So I would like to say "fuck James Velez" may he fucking rot in hell.
But since hell doesn’t exist in his world, may he never feel at peace.
Fucking idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Copyright © 2007. James Velez

Lets Hangout

Wanna chill?
Grab a bite,
See a flick?
Sure, you replied
So were shall we meet?
We’ve walked down lover’s lane
Traveled down heartbreak road,
And lived on Love Street
Where shall we meet?
I know
Corner of imagination and wish
Reality hills is right up this block
But Imagine if
Damn I wish
Yeah that is were we can meet
Corner of imagination and wish
See you soon.

Copyright © 2007. James Velez