While I am no prude, nor am I an authority on the English language, I wish to express my desire to see all persons, African American or not, use proper English. While knowing and utilizing good English may not guarantee you a good job; not knowing it will certainly decrease your chances to progress. So as you use the new slang, some of which is deragatory to the African American culture and race, stay mindful of where you aspire to go in life. Slang does not make you cool. Being cool is a state of mind that does not have to be validated by others. That which you practice the most will eventually come out, and in some cases, it may be just when you did not need it.

When two people love each other, every song that is played on the radio either makes you happy that you are with the one you are with or that you left the one you had. Music and lyrics evoke appreciation for the present. Jazz, the music of love, is extremely emotive. Although it may not have lyrics, the mood of each section of the song creates a new feeling. Jazz is as indescribable as love itself. It cannot be defined, not can it be constrained. I often hear others say that it is an original African American art form. And it certainly is. But I thoroughly how the Japanese, the African, and the European all interpret jazz. Perhaps we can learn a bit about love through jazz. Jazz completely transcends culture and is limitless. There should be no boundaries. It should continue to evolve. It should not be constrained. Jazz knows no color. Love should be the same way. All are capable of love regardless of how they choose to define. Their own perception of love is their reality. Start writing your own song today. Live a little and enjoy life.

How many innocent young children must die before Israel and Lebanon end the bloodbath? The children have not offended anyone, yet the die unmercifully in this war over what? What is it all about? Birthright? Holy land? I think all land is holy. This war is almost child-like. "They took my land." "The desecrated holy ground." "This is the land of our fathers." During slavery, they did not take the land...they took the people...men, women, and children. They even killed thousands upon thousands. Yet we have vound a way to coexist here. I implore the people in Israel and Lebanon to stop fighting, both physically and mentally. You are destroying the children and teaching them to hate. When they see their brothers and sisters die right before their eyes, it only breeds hatred. Someone must say "enough is enough" before there is nothing left.

Both P.B.S Pinchback during Reconstruction and Edward Brooke, after Reconstruction were elected as Republicans representatives to the United States Senate. Republicans are not bad people. I do have my doubts about Ann Coulter, but I cannot honestly villify them for all that has happened under the Bush administration. First of all, while I do not agree with Bush on the War in Iraq, I do think that he was more than right on calling on religious institutions to do more.

Let me point out that most churches collect tithes and offerings each Sunday. Tithes is often 10% of an a family's gross pay. That adds up to millions and millions of dollars that are tax free. It is my opinion that church leaders should be held accountable for following the examples of those who they worship. Poor people should be able to depend on churches for help when they legitimately need it. Soup kitchens, clothing banks, care for persons with AIDS, care for the elderly, prison outreach and rehabilitation that leads to jobs, as well as a host of other services can and should be provided by the church. I applaud President Bush for recognizing this.

The President is not perfect, but if I have criticism, its not for him. Domestically, Bush is doing as well as Clinton. Cities and communities, not the president have to begin pool their money together to take care of their own. Churches must hold preachers accountable who live in million dollar homes and drive Bentleys and Rolls. Didn't Martin Luther address this once. I guess we need a second Reformation or at least a Faith-Based Initiatives Czar.

One of the greatest virtues of life is truth-telling. Facing the truth head on and telling the truth for the purpose of decision-making is essential. To lie is to jeopardize the opportunity for another to make an truly informed decision. When one chooses to face his or her demons, it must be done without double speak, literal chicanery, or deceit. Why does it appear to be hard to tell the truth but easy to tell a lie. If that is truly your case then might you be living life backwards? In matters of the heart, it is better to be open and truthful while you can. Life is short and should be lived wisely. The man who chooses the path of deceit is surely a fool and shall certainly suffer a fool's fate. Conversely, the man who chooses the path of truth, not in some hermeneutical pursuit, but simply because it is the right thing to do, is one who shall live a life full of integrity and wisdom. The most liberating thing in life is to simply be truthful, not to hurt anyone with it, but because the truth will set you free of guilt and fear of being exposed.