A Sonskystar Christmas Carol

December 22nd, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

It was Christmas Eve in the Ghetto. The snow had just started to fall and Scrooge, the drug dealer, was making his last rounds for the night. He approached his block just as Cracket, his post up boy, had just finished making a sale.

“What’s up, Scrooge. Merry Christmas?”

“Where’s my money?” Scrooge replied.

“The pigs are out. Money is slow.” Cracket stated. “I think I’m going to spend the rest of the night just answering my phone. It’s cold as shit.”

Scrooge got very upset and demanded Cracket stay on the corner until all his work was gone. Cracket agreed.

Now, Scrooge was very tired. He had been up for two days straight filling orders. He hated Christmas. He hated the lights, trees, and chubby white men running around like Santa Claus. Shit, Santa had never came to his house for Christmas. But he couldn’t be mad at all the business this time of year brings in.

When Scrooge got home, he went right to bed.

At the stroke of midnight, Scrooge awoke to a Shhhhh Shhhhh sound. He popped his head up and grabbed his gun. In front of him stood a little kid with a spray can. He was drawing graffiti on Scrooge’s bedroom wall.

Scrooge stated with the threats but the kid kept on drawing. Scrooge attempted to throw the kid out but his hand went right through him. Then with a crack of thunder and a flash of lightening, the little kid stopped drawing and moved, exposing the drawing on the wall.

It was a portrait of Scrooge’s apartment when he was young. The place did not bring back happy memories. The kid finally spoke.

“Bitch ass nigga, I’m the ghost of Christmas pass. You act like you forgot where the fuck you came from. Let me remind you.” And with a spray of his can, Scrooge magically appeared on the outside of the small apartments only window.

Scrooge watched as his younger self hid in the closet while his step father beat the crap out of his mother.

“I don’t want to see this shit. I’m out.” Scrooge shouted.

“Nigga, you ain’t goin nowhere. I suggest you shut up and remember.”

There was loud knock at the door. Scrooge’s cracked up step father opened the door. It was was Scrooge’s grandmother. She forced her way into the house. When she saw the condition of her daughter and found little Scrooge hiding in the closet, she called the police.

“I had a really good Christmas that year. We stayed at Grandma’s. I ate so much food and everyone gave me presents. It was probably my best Christmas ever.” Scrooge remembered fondly.

“Then what the fuck happened to you. Now, all you care about is yourself. What the fucks up with that?”

“Shit, that was only a couple nights. My mom’s went right back on that shit. Can we go now, I don’t like this little trip down memory lane.”

The spirit agreed. With a spray of his can, they flashed back to Scrooge’s bedroom.

“Nigga, I’m just one of the ghost that’s going to fuck with you tonight. Get some rest if you can. Ha Ha” The kid disappeared leaving echo’s of his laughter.

Scrooge thought he was having a bad dream. He climbed back in bed and pulled the covers up. He waited for a moment, examining every sound. Then he decided he was being paranoid and went to sleep.

He was instantly awoken by the sound of music. Then a krump dancer came dancing out of his bathroom. It was like a train wreck, he couldn’t help but watch.

The dancer ripped off his shirt and the words “Ghost of Christmas Present” was tattooed across his chest. He jumped in the air and when he came stomping down, Scrooge was in his Grandma’s house.

“What the fuck is she doing here?” Scrooge shouted rather upset.

The dancer finally spoke.

“Where else would she be? Her power got shut off. She called and asked you for some money to pay the bill but you told her you were broke.”

“I don’t give a fuck. Just because she my baby mama doesn’t mean she has the right to bother my family. I’m a man, I take care of my own shit.”

“So, what would you suggest she do? Let your son sleep in an apartment with no heat or lights on Christmas.”

Then there came another loud knock at the door. It was Cracket’s baby mama.

“Have either of you seen Scrooge? Cracket just got popped and I need some money to get him out.”

Both of the women felt bad. They knew Scrooge wouldn’t help him. Grandma decided to pay the bail.

“What the fuck? Does everybody come to my Grandma for help?”

“Yes. After all these years, she still has to clean up her families mess. You would think she would have some time to rest and just enjoy her life. Instead she has had to clean up your mother’s mistakes and now yours. She is one lucky woman.”

The dancer jumped up and when he came down, Scrooge was in the jail cell with Cracket. He watched as Cracket sat with a picture of his girl and daughter his hands.

The dancer jumped up and when he came down, Scrooge was back in his bed. The dancer snapped and popped backed into the bathroom and the music was silenced.

Scrooge couldn’t take anymore. He got dressed and was about to leave when he heard a mic check.

“What’s up everybody in the place to be. Put your motherfucking hands up. Scrooge, you can’t get away from me. Sit your motherfucking ass down. ”

The rappers lyrical skills were atrocious but he was fully blinged out.

“What’s up booyyyyyyyy? I’m guessing you know I’m the emcee with all the flavor, Sir Christmas Future. You think I should change it to Lil Christmas Future. How about Lil CF? I’ll worry about that later. You ready. Time is money and I ain’t making none off a one man show, you dig?”

“What the hell, let’s get this over with.”

“Let’s go.” Lil CF started beat boxing and they appeared in a graveyard. “Damn dog, don’t look like the future is that bright.”

Scrooge’s baby mother was sitting beside a small head stone. She looked as though she had no more tears to cry. She just sat there.

“What the fuck happened to her?”

“You. You happened to her. Cracket was so mad you didn’t bail him out, he went and got work from your competition. He messed up the deal and ran. They blamed you. When they couldn’t find you, they went after your entire family. They killed your grandma, your mom, Cracket’s girl and daughter, and………”

“And…..And who?”

“They killed your son.”

“No. He ran toward his baby mama and looked at the grave. It had his son’s name etched in tiny letters.”

“I’ll kill them. I’ll kill every single one.”

“You don’t learn shit, do you? Maybe if you were really taking care of shit, none of this would ever happen. I can’t talk to you no more. You ain’t no real OG. Real OG’s know that their family comes first. I got something for your ass.

People just think I’m some wanna be rapper. Shit. I lived your Christmas past. I’ve handled your Christmas present. And I’m blinging in your Christmas future. Since you don’t wanna learn, let me help you speed up the process.”

The rapper began his mic check again and the ground opened up under Scrooge’s feet. He felt his body falling and began yelling.

“I’ll do better. I’ll do better.”

When he opened his eyes, he was back in bed.

He grabbed his phone to check all the messages. His baby’s mama was asking when he would have the money to turn the light on. Cracket was asking if he could go home for the night. And Grandma was asking if he would come over for Christmas Dinner.

Scrooge jumped up. He went to one of his cash stashes and removed all the money. This was going to be the first of the best Christmas’ of his son’s life.

Scrooge called Cracket and told him to bring his family to Grandma. Then he set out to buy toys for his son and presents for the rest of his family.

When he got to Grandma’s everyone thought he had lost his mind. He was handing out gifts, smiling, singing, and just having a good time.

He pulled his Grandma aside and handed her a box. She gave it back. He insisted but she had another request.

“I’m not going to be here forever. I need you to get your shit together so you can take care of this family when I’m gone. That’s all I want for Christmas.”

“You don’t even have to ask. My dealing days are over. I want a blinging Christmas Future. But you deserve a blinging Christmas Present for all the not so cheerful Christmas’ Past. So take it.

Grandma opened the gift. A simple golden cross with I Love You etched on the front. This had to be the best Christmas Ever.

Damn Beyonce: Do It! I’m A Diva!

December 19th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Diva is Female Version of A Hustler

A Scandal Is A Scandal: Or Is It?

December 16th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I have a couple simple questions. Since the new president elect has promised transparency in his administration, why do we have to wait until he takes office to get it. O.K. This is not really about Barack Obama. It’s more about the scope of scandal.

Here are my questions.

Why will no news organization point out the fact that Blagojevich is a Democrat?

You know the basics of advertising. A company will attach their name to a funny slogan or memorable character in hopes that every time you think of that melody or figure you think of their product. Personally, my favorite is freecreditreport.com. You know the singers that completely change song style each commercial. I look forward to hearing what they will do next.

Anyways, does this example give an answer to my question? Do the news organizations not mention Blago as a Democrat because they don’t want you think scandal when ever you think of the party? Is that fair game for a credible news organization? Hiding or omitting information to further push their cause.

Will you fail to put 1 and 1 together? Will you just assume that this is ploy by some unknown white man to tarnish the name of Barack Obama? I ask this for a simple reason. No matter the cleanliness of Obama in this situation, he is still born and breed in Chicago politics. If this is the norm, do you not believe that some where along the way Barack Obama didn’t have to pay to play?

Another question. Did you realize what kind of scandal each party participates in?

With the exception of Bill Clinton, most sex scandals involve Republicans. I have no problem saying that because it’s true. The party that rallies for moral value is often the party caught with it’s pants down. I heard this on this on a t.v. show once. You find what a man rallies against and you just might find his corruption.

In the same breath, the Democrats are often caught with their hand out. Which kinda throws a monkey wrench in my previous analyzation because they preach putting your hand out. They tell the American people that the government owes them more than truthfulness and transparency. And they believe the same. They are owed more than just the chance and opportunity to serve the American People. They should receive something tangible.

Where does this leave the American people? Republicans following people they believe in a speech but not by the practice of their morality. Democrats having to pay to get a seat at the table to give a voice to those who disapprove of corruption. And Independents in the middle trying to figure out which is less of two evils.

And that is a tough decision to make. A true moral conservative should have serious reservations about supporting someone that will lend credibility to the destruction of our most basic values. A true free liberal should have serious reservations about building a Socialist society when the foundation is steeped in corruption from the beginning. And those in the middle are just praying for a chance to vote without sacrificing too much to either side.

Is corruption nothing more than a necessary evil?

This is a question with to many side to have just a simple answer. First, you have to define corruption. Now Webster has the definition as impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle. So what are some real cases of corruption. Those I mentioned above.

If you are morally against same sex marriage because you think it’s going to destroy the traditional state of marriage, then don’t go and cheat on your spouse. Plan and simple. In doing so, you are a corrupt man or woman.

If you are morally against the rich because you don’t think they pay their fair share, then don’t try to rob or extort those who may not have money but still want to serve in public office. Plan and simple. Where is the integrity in telling a poor man he can’t serve his people because he can’t pay you?

That’s the black and white of it. What about the gray areas? Is Nepotism a form of corruption? Is racial preference a form of corruption? What about situational preference? (O.K. I think I just made that one up but I’ll explain in a moment.) Let’s take them one at a time.

Nepotism is when you give a family member special favor, like a job. Are you compromising your integrity because you want your son or daughter to one day control the business you started? Are you lessening your values by placing a corporation in the hands of your sister’s offspring? Are you down grading your moral value giving your brother a contract to help him start his new business?

No. Unless, those things should be in control of the American People. If you are a Senator giving away contracts to your family when the money comes from tax payers dollars, corrupt. You should never be allowed to hand your child a House seat. I mean are these things so hard to figure out?

O.K. Racial Preference. Are you compromising your integrity in hiring all black woman to work in an urban beauty salon? Is your virtue lessened by only playing Hip Hop music that draws in a black crowd? Does your morality take a hit because you surround yourself with like minded people with hopes of serving those in the community to which you belong?

No. Unless, you hold public office. It is wrong to hire an all white or all black staff when you are holding public office, especially if you have a mixed community. Especially when you campaigned to all those in the community. The moment you decide to shut out any ethnicity, you lose a portion of you moral value and in doing so become corrupt.

What about Situational Preference? Are you compromising your integrity by hiring a man with two kids instead of a high school student that still lives with his mother? Do you lack virtue because you donate money to an organization for battered women because you were once in their shoes? Are you morally stained because you chose to rent your house to a white woman living on the street at a discount price instead of a black college kid that can afford full price?

No. You guessed it. Unless you are a paid public official. You can longer choose what’s best for your mental well being. You have to decide what’s best for the people you serve. All woman are not battered woman, so you also have to contribute to other circumstances. And yes, maybe it is in the best interest of the people to have one less homeless person on the street, so both your conscience and your civil duty can be served with out damaging your morality.

So, Is corruption really a necessary evil? Does it have a legitimate place in our government? Or does it take to much compromised virtue, integrity, and morality from our society?

I think we have every right to expect more from our elected officials. Often it is said that they don’t get paid enough to avoid corruption. I say you pay them more and it’ll cost more to play the game.

So, no I don’t believe it’s necessary. But I do believe it’s inevitable. We are only human. We take the lessons we’ve learned and apply them to all aspects of our life. If you did give your son a job working in your business, why would it be wrong to do the same when you become Mayor? If you did give a contract to your brother even though his bid was higher, why should it be a problem when you get on the appropriations committee?

Because it is. If your son ruins your company, it was your risk to take. If your brother botches a new building, you take the hit. As soon as you choose to serve the American People, the rules change. You are no longer affecting just your legacy, you are now controlling the future of your town, your state, or this country. You should act accordingly. I’m just saying.

DMX Losing His Fight With Damien

December 15th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I don’t do celebrity gossip. I hate celebrity gossip. If you pay more attention to what’s going on in the life of Beyonce than in what’s happening in your own existence, maybe you should do some re-examining.

Having said that, I’m praying hard for DMX. This is a real lesson for those who think if you get the right amount of money, your life will be fine. This man has talent, fame, and money, yet he still is losing a major battle in his life.

Everyone has heard, “Mo Money, Mo Problems”. And most of us would be like, “hell I’d take those problems” but is it really worth it?

Recently DMX was found in a foreclosed home of Scott Storch in Miami, Florida. He was turned in by a woman from Georgia who wanted to collect the $5,000 reward for X’s arrest. In all of this, the only comments I hear are about the snitiching woman.

What about DMX? Are we all going to ignore the fact that one of our best rappers, especially in this time of Soulja Boy and the rest, is losing a fight with the devil?

I’m quick to call someone out on stupidity. T.I. was one of my favorite current rappers and I stopped listening to his music for a while after his arrest. I was like, he is such a dumb ass for having guns knowing he’s a felon.

Now, I know I’ve got into it before with some of my readers who don’t think felons should be restricted from bearing firearms just because they made one mistake. In some cases, I can agree with those readers but my approval doesn’t change the law. Just because I say you should be able to protect your family doesn’t mean a judge will think the same thing. And he’s the one with the power.

I’m getting off point here. When I was going through my conservative change, I read DMX’s book, E.A.R.L.: The autobiography of DMX. If you want to hear a true story of what it’s like to grow up alone as a black man, you should read it. It’s the main reason I pay attention to any story that involves DMX.

This man has struggled. From the streets of New York to the slums of Baltimore to stages all over the world, DMX has been alone.

I want to point out a couple things from his book that I found really interesting.

When DMX was a kid, he was hit by a car. He wasn’t hurt but the insurance people came and offered his mother $10,000. She refused the money, saying she didn’t need a handout. She was living in the projects of New York. That money could have been used for so many things. A savings account to make sure the lights stayed on. A college fund. Instead his mother chose pride.

The first girl he ever loved played him, hard. He traveled from New York to Connecticut to see this girl and she stood him up. This was the first person he allowed to see his true self and she broke his heart. I remember when I was reading the book I thought, “I bet that bitch wish she would’ve shown up that day,” In hinesight, I guess not.

If you don’t know the significance of dogs in DMX’s life, you don’t know X. As a teenager he used to rob people with his dogs. Not joking. While everyone else was using guns, X used dogs. He believes dogs can be man only true companion. No judgment. No disapproval. Forever faithful. (I’m not an animal lover. But I can question why you hold the dog in such high esteem and can still watch as they fight another dog to the death.)

All the New York rappers hung out together. Well, not really hung out together but visited a lot of the same spots. O.K. I’m going to try to remember this story the best I can.

There was this studio in Yonkers where all the “New York rappers” came to try to win the street. They would have battle raps to garner a reputation. There were two major rappers that didn’t really participate in the battle raps, Jay Z and DMX. They both thought it was beneath them to rap against the up and comers, i.e. Jada Kiss.

But one night, Jay and X got into it. They battle rapped for over 4 hours straight. That would be one of my I wish I was there moments in history. Not thinking about what each would become. Just listening to Hip Hop in it’s true nature. Two individuals, two different lives, two different set of circumstances, with one mission. Word Play.

The best part of the story was X’s re-emergence. Right after he had his child, he was walking down the street and a boy pointed at him. The father of that boy began to beat X with a bat and the people in the neighborhood joined in. I’m not going to go into detail, you should really read the book.

I’ll just say, the first concert DMX ever performed he had removed the wiring from his mouth himself.

I love that book. In the end, you start to think DMX is going to be O.K. He went through so much, it’s about time he gets some peace in his life. But in the end, does a childhood of misery followed by success really mean anything without actual self healing?

O.K. This is what I mean. If you never deal with the things that make you miserable in the first place, do you think money or success can bring you real peace? Or is Damien, the devil, distracting you from dealing with the real issues that plague a lost soul.

See, DMX told us about his struggles with Damien. You couldn’t listen to a single X CD where Damien didn’t make an appearance. He was always there tempting the artist to follow him. Actually, X willing gave him his soul and Damien was just waiting to collect.

Well, I guess it’s payback time.

To see the complete 360 of DMX crushes me. The man can flow. He has charisma and swag and he ends up back down in the slums he once escaped.

All this is just a plea for prayers. All things can be done through Jesus Christ. But sometimes we need extra help from those around us. So I’m sending prayers for X and I hope you do the same.

——————————————————————————–

I may have messed up a few points but I know I got the just of each story. I implore you all to read the book. You won’t be disappointed.

The Democrats Need A Sarah Palin: She Would Fight Pay To Play

December 15th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

They call Chicago politics, “Pay to Play”. How funny is that? Once I asked, How much is your vote worth? Who knew you were the last person to get paid? Who knew other politicians were getting paid before you even got the chance to go into the ballot box?

I guess most of us did. No one can deny the corruption that in evident in almost every society. The question becomes who will stand up and be the Democrats’ Sarah Palin.

During the campaign season, no one on the left paid attention to Sarah Palin’s record. They laughed when Tina Fey made a funny but misleading attack on Palins’ intelligence. They said she was nothing but a prop used by McCain because Obama didn’t pick Hillary. Basically, they demeaned the woman.

Now with the Blagojevich scandal completely diminishing the Obama pre-presidency, the Democrats should be praying for a politician like Sarah Palin. In all their complaining about Palin’s experience, don’t you find it funny they could use her skill of cleaning up corruption.

Everyone wanted to look over the fact she was a maverick. I know that word was used like a campaign badge of honor, but none the less it was true. She came to power in a state that was riddled with corruption. Alaska is America’s biggest oil producing state and money flows between politicians and oil companies.

Instead of ‘Paying to Play’, Palin ran on the true purpose of the civil service; to best serve the people. She didn’t become Governor because she kissed the ass of all the right people. Well, actually she did. She just choose the right people. The people of the state of Alaska.

And one level wasn’t enough. When she was on the city council, she didn’t agree with the policy of her mayor, so she ran for his job and won. When she figured out she couldn’t clean up her local government because her state government was corrupt, she ran for state office.

She lost her first bid to be Governor, so she took a job working at the Alaska Conservation Committee. She hit the Jackpot. She was now in the main hub of most of Alaska’s corruption. And she did something about it. She raised her voice so she could be heard and the people of Alaska listened.

Upon defeating an incumbent Governor of her own party, she went right to fighting corruption. She signed ethic reforms into law and now Alaska has a more transparent government.

I’m sure it was not easy. Politics are hard when you have to run against someone of another party. The level of difficulty increases when first you have to fight within your own party. Especially when you don’t follow their way of getting to the top. I guess I should say, especially when you plan on destroying their way of getting to the top.

With all that being said, Who will be the Democrats’ Sarah Palin?

Now, I know Barack Obama promised change you can believe in but he can’t help in this situation. First, let me say, I’m impressed with Obama’s decisions in the last few weeks. I’m glad he doesn’t really plan to go through with all the ridiculous promises he made during the election. But he can’t stop the corruption in Chicago.

The problem with a machine is one part can make the entire machine fail. That is very true of the Chicago Machine. If not handled properly, the Blagojevich scandal could cause alot of skeletons to fall out of alot of closets. The out pour is coming. Just ask Tony Rezko.

Two components of the Chicago Machine are in trouble. Who honestly believes they were the only corrupt ones? When I told you a major reason Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate involved getting other candidates kicked from the ticket, you were like, So. Well, one of those candidates could have been Illionios’ Sarah Palin.

But because they didn’t pay to play, they were discarded. How can you fight corruption when the people believe in those who were brought up in the corruption? I’m just saying. If my Democratic Governor’s kept getting indicted, I think I would look to another party for guidance. Or at least I’d pay more attention to the candidates from the Democratic side.

If the major Democrats of Illinois supports them, I wouldn’t. We know the guys on the top are corrupt, so do the opposite of what they suggest. You can honestly help a person who wants to bring real change by no longer giving power to those who used their wallets to gain that power.

We control the fate of our politicians. When will we stop making fun of those we don’t agree with and start holding those we give our vote accountable. I’m just saying.

A Time For Change: Chapter 7

December 12th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

I titled the entry with a date, as I had done every significant event that happened to me since I left Richmond. When my mind got racing I had to write down my thoughts quick. When I was home Lena would have listened. I wouldn’t have needed to look at a calendar to figure out the date. May 4^th. I gasped for air. All thoughts of why I had ventured into Sean’s room disappeared.

It was our anniversary. I wondered if he had thought of me today. Did he go to our spot and spark a blunt? Did he let Toni Braxton float through his radio waves to remember how I felt? I didn’t even remember what day it was.

I pushed the thoughts out of my head fast. I opened the safe and pulled out the best weed I had. I moved the stacks of hundred dollar bills that blocked the little glad lock containers of weed I kept. I grabbed the NYC Diesel. I heard Sean in the back of my mind telling me I over think on the D. I pulled the Heavy Duty Fruity from the corner backing.

“This should lighten the mood a little bit.” I said out loud.

“Did you forget I was out here?”

“Ain’t nobody forgot about you. Answer the door when Lob knocks in a few minutes.” Then I thought of all the shit she had been through tonight. It tickled me a little a bit. I’m surprised that she wasn’t in a rush to leave. I giggled to myself again and softened my attitude just a little. “Just Lob in and nobody else. Please?” I said after a short pause. I listened for her to respond, but instead I heard the locks begin to unclick. Then I heard Lob’s voice clear and less rapid than it had been earlier.

“I’ll be out in just a second.” I shouted as I locked the safe with the key and scrambled the numbers on the combination spinner. I rolled down the Ashanti poster, Sean used to cover the hole in the wall that held the safe. I pinned the bottom down with thumbtacks. I grabbed the dirty gun from under Sean’s pillow. He had found it and brought it home. Other kids bring home stray dogs or cats. My boy brings home guns.

I stuck the gun in the front of my waistband. I stopped and listened to make sure I didn’t hear any voice other than Lob. News travels fast around the hood. He could all ready know Goldie ain’t protecting me any more. I heard him and Trish laughing. I had only seen Lob laugh when he was real drunk. I stuck my head out the door and there they were chatting it up on the couch.

Trish had a real way of talking to people. She could deal with people feeding her bullshit, without getting upset. Then she even managed to get her way. She could pull information out of people, but I didn’t know if she was capable of using that info to hurt people. I had a lot of questions about how Trish would handle The Life.

I opened the door and Trish got up. I asked her to wait in my bedroom for a minute. She did with no objection. Before she disappeared she turned around a flashed Lob a smile. He smirked and nodded back, then she continued down the hallway into my room.

When the door clicked, Lob began to talk. “Goldie was supposed to make four major deliveries today. He’s got a lot of very hungry niggas out looking for him. Nobody seen him, heard from him since those shots popped off earlier. I’m the only one that knows he was here.” I put my hand up and he stopped. I got up and started to pace the floor in the same tracks that Goldie had traced earlier. Lob attempted to start talking again, but I gave him a look that made him adjust himself in the chair. I didn’t know what to think. I paced a couple more steps then motioned for him to finish speaking.

“I don’t know exactly what’s going on out there. I’m making sure that no one can get close to here though. I got your block tight, but the other areas can’t be controlled right now.”

“How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. Just stay in the crib.”

“You never do anything for free. What’s the catch? Coming back to get me later?”

“Come on now.”

“You don’t do anything for free. Why should I trust you if you won’t accept my money?”

“I’ve been paid already. You couldn’t match what I’m being paid to keep you safe. Just stay in the crib and I’ll be back later.”

“Paid by who?” I asked in a calm voice, then once again in a much louder demanding voice as he continued to walk away without an answer. I rushed in front of the door to block him from exiting. “Paid by who?” I glared into his eyes making sure not to blink, making sure he knew that I was serious.

“Look, you’ll be safe tonight. Just stay inside please.” He said in an almost pleading manner. I moved out the way and let him pass. “Lock the door. I’ll be back in a little bit to check on you.” Then he closed the door. I stood there staring blankly. “Lock the door.” I heard him yell from the outside. I began locking the door when I heard him yell “Thank you.”

I went into Sean’s bedroom and rolled up. I was so deep in thought, I didn’t even remember breaking the weed up, opening the wrap, or even lighting up. I snapped back into reality when the Heavy duty made me choke. I inhaled again before I finished coughing, which only caused me to cough harder.

“You okay?”

“You wanna hit this?”

“Naw. Can I come in?’

“Just give me a sec okay.”

‘What else could happen tonight. What else could possibly go wrong?’ I thought to myself as I noticed my notebook on the bed. Sean, where are you?

A Big House Reality: Chapter 6

December 9th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Thelma hated being in her house alone. Her divorce would be final in a few days, and all she could do was think about James. She hadn’t spent a lot of time with her kids since they chose to move with their father. Had she really been so horrible, her whole family would leave her. She thought about the way her life had played out over the last couple months. She couldn’t see what she had done wrong.

She picked up the phone to call James, but quickly slammed the receiver down. What could she say this time that would be different from what she said last time. She hung her head, then stood up and shouted out into the room. ‘I was the best thing he ever had. What he gonna do without me?’ Then collapsed back in her chair and broke into tears.

The phone began to ring. She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat.

“Hello.”

“Mrs. Irving, this is Wendy Watchman of FR Productions. How are you today?”

“I’m fine. I was wondering when I was going to hear from you again.”

“Sorry, got caught up in some technical stuff, but everything is fine now. We’ve set up the show for the weekend of June 3^rd.”

“And I need my entire family for this correct?”

“Yes ma’am, and confidentiality is also very important.”

“I am looking forward to this, Ms. Watchman.”

“Great. I can’t wait to meet you and your family.”

Thelma couldn’t wait to call James. She was going so fast she had to redial the number several times before getting it right. The conversation was short, as James agreed to the date and told Thelma he looked forward to seeing her before hanging up. How could he do that? He made you feel so bad, by doing nothing but being sweet. She could sure use him for the other things he does well. She was tired of buying new batteries.

A Big House Reality: Chapter 6

December 9th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Thelma hated being in her house alone. Her divorce would be final in a few days, and all she could do was think about James. She hadn’t spent a lot of time with her kids since they chose to move with their father. Had she really been so horrible, her whole family would leave her. She thought about the way her life had played out over the last couple months. She couldn’t see what she had done wrong.

She picked up the phone to call James, but quickly slammed the receiver down. What could she say this time that would be different from what she said last time. She hung her head, then stood up and shouted out into the room. ‘I was the best thing he ever had. What he gonna do without me?’ Then collapsed back in her chair and broke into tears.

The phone began to ring. She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat.

“Hello.”

“Mrs. Irving, this is Wendy Watchman of FR Productions. How are you today?”

“I’m fine. I was wondering when I was going to hear from you again.”

“Sorry, got caught up in some technical stuff, but everything is fine now. We’ve set up the show for the weekend of June 3^rd.”

“And I need my entire family for this correct?”

“Yes ma’am, and confidentiality is also very important.”

“I am looking forward to this, Ms. Watchman.”

“Great. I can’t wait to meet you and your family.”

Thelma couldn’t wait to call James. She was going so fast she had to redial the number several times before getting it right. The conversation was short, as James agreed to the date and told Thelma he looked forward to seeing her before hanging up. How could he do that? He made you feel so bad, by doing nothing but being sweet. She could

Giving Even When You Don’t Have

December 9th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

O.K. So after I left the Grocery Store, I took my daughter to Chuck E. Cheese. While she was running around playing, I met this woman. She was real nice. She catered to her kids more than I liked but to each it’s own.

I share alot of personal info on this blog but in person, I’m not that forth coming. I’m a pretty guarded person. Anyways, the lady started talking about how her sister had left her two kids with her. She hadn’t seen or heard from her sister in months. She didn’t know how she was going to make it, when she could barely take care of her two kids.

I shared my story with this woman. My mother was an addict and my father was still running the streets. I was given to someone else to raise. My mother had two kids of her own but treated me like I belonged. I can remember buying shoes out of the grocery store, eating government cheese, and having to share a bed with my younger sister. But we made it.

I told the woman, you recieve when you give. She had a faint smile on her face. I could tell she was finding it hard to believe what I was saying.

My daughter came to me and asked if she could have some of her birthday money. She’s been saving up to buy something special. I asked her why and she said the kids didn’t have tokens to play the games with her. I said O.K. and got each of them tokens. The mother said thank you with her head down. I wanted to make this woman feel better, I just didn’t know how.

My dude was ordering Pizza. I hate pizza from C.E.C. But I love my dude. While I was talking to the woman, my dude was watching the kids. They were complaining they were hungry. My dude went and ordered two pizza’s for the kids. The woman actually started to cry.

I took her hand and lead her into the bathroom. I asked her if she prayed. She told me no. I asked if it would be O.K. if I prayed for her. She said yes. I can’t remember the exact prayer but it went something like this.

Dear God

I’m glad you are on our side. We are not perfect, far from it, but you love us anyway. Thank You Lord. Please continue to give us strength because through you all things are possible. We walk in darkness knowing you will provide light. We push forward when our legs feel to weak to move because we know you didn’t bring us this far to let us down now. We lessen the weight on our heart bringing our prayers to you because we know you listen. And we know you won’t take us through more than we can bear, so lord we put our faith in you.

Please give us strength to get through tomorrow, for that’s all we can ask. Keep your hands on us so your will can be done. All these things we ask in your name oh lord. Amen.

The women kept her eyes closed after I finished. I assume she had private words to share with God.

When we went back to the table, all the kids were eating, laughing, playing, and have a great time. The woman smiled and joined her kids at the table. I sat at the adjacent table with my dude. He told me he had spent all our “fun” money for the week. I told him it was worth it.

I’m so blessed. My daughter understands it’s better to give than to recieve. My dude understands “fun” for us can be replaced with a blessing for someone else. I prayed with a woman I barely knew that was going through what I’m sure my mother went through once or twice.

So today, go out and find someone that needs a blessing. Even if you need one yourself, don’t worry about that. Go out and try to make someone else smile. Give someone else a pat on the back and say “I’m praying for you” or “Come and pray with me.” For there is power in prayer.

Did You Forget Pearl Harbor? Protectionism is Alive And Well in U.S.

December 8th, 2008 | By Sonnie Johnson

Before all this economic mess, I was satisfied with President Bush. No President is perfect but we haven’t been attacked since 9/11. I live in Northern Virginia. Too close to Washington D.C. not to care that the terrorist haven’t struck again………….

The Day That Will Live in Infamy

You’ve probably heard me say this before, War is not the answer, it’s the solution. It’s a nice thought that all people can live together in Peace and Harmony but history shows us the impossibility of such a dream. There will always be forces that would rather fight than give concessions to it’s people or the people of the world community.

The belief that sitting out a fight will bring it to close faster is ridiculous. Just ask the men and women stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Imagine waking up knowing your country is at peace. You get up, get your children ready for school, and yourself ready for work. It’s just another ordinary day, until you hear a report that bombers are flying over a U.S. Military base. Until you hear they have killed thousands of Americans in a strike we never saw coming. (Conspiracy theorist be damned. I got one coming for you though.) Until we are thrust into a War we thought had nothing to do with us.

Just imagine Pearl Harbor. Imagine that taking place in New York. Oh wait, you don’t have to, just remember Sept. 11. Imagine that taking place in Washington D.C. Oh, 9/11 again. O.K., imagine it happening in the middle of some country town. Damn, 9/11 again.

Are you getting the point?

Those who don’t know History are destined to repeat it.

Let’s get to know some of our history. The Japanese wanted to make sure America wouldn’t interfere in it’s War in the South Pacific. Japan wanted more natural resources and war was the way to get them. The United States placed many sanctions on the Japanese. Yet, talking did not cause the Japanese to stop.

And we had the power to sway. The Japanese were getting most of their supplies from the U.S. We were sending them planes and machinery up until 1940. The U.S. signed the Export Control Act, denying Japan any more assistance in building their arsenal.

We had another big card we didn’t play. We controlled the oil going into Japan. And we didn’t stop sending it. The U.S. thought it would be perceived as an act of War. When we did finally stop sending oil to Japan in the summer of 1941, it wasn’t because we were punishing them for their atrocities is the South Pacific. It had more to do with America trying to conserve it’s own oil supply.

That doesn’t matter though. Japan had a plan and we were a stepping stone in that plan. Japan gave us more credit than we deserved. They thought if they were to attack the the Philippines, America would come to the rescue. Japan thought we had the backbone and the will to fight. But Roosevelt didn’t. He was content in allowing the Japanese to wage war.

On December 7, 1941 America was attacked by the Japanese. We lost over 2,400 people and more than 1,200 were injured. We lost ships and planes, but we gained resolve. We strengthened our backbones and a sleeping giant was awakened.

And we still believe in Protectionism

We are one country out of hundreds. Yes, I believe we are the biggest and the best, but we still are one country. Our boarders are water and two unmilitarized countries. So yes, we can believe that we can’t be touched. But will our belief cause our ultimate downfall?

We are locked in this America were all we think about is what’s happening to us. Prime example, this economic crisis. Let’s take the car industry.

Americans wanted S.U.V.’s. Come on and take your place at the blame table. We played a part in this mess. We watched video’s with stars pulling up in huge Hummer’s and we wanted one. (If you are one of the assholes that rides around in your hummer by yourself, you sit at the head of the table.) If we didn’t do anything else, say save money or invest wisely, we were going to ball.

Now that the crisis is in full effect, it’s the governments fault. They should not allow any other country to sell cars in the U.S. That’s protectionism. Thinking we can exist by ourselves. We forget that other countries build manufacturing plants in our boarders that supply thousands of Jobs. But more that, think about the decision you’ve made.

Did you buy American when you had the chance? I’ll admit, I bought my current car before I cared about any of this. I only cared if the car could get me from point A to point B. It didn’t matter if Americans would lose their jobs if I didn’t buy a Ford. GM’s bottom line wasn’t a concern. The thought of an entire industry failing never crossed my mind. Did it cross yours?

Now, we want to protect. Now, we want to bail out. Now, we want to place blame elsewhere. We want to blame and punish Toyota for diversifying their cars. It can’t be the American companies messed up and made unwise decisions.

We will die trying to protect our own. In some cases, that’s a good thing. But when it comes to the world economy, we can not be content operating within our own boarders. There is at least one car in each American household. In China, about 1 in 7 households have a car. Same in India. If we are going to compete globally, we have to have products in those markets.

If we start telling other countries they can sell in the U.S., they won’t let us sell in their countries. And we will lose.

Just as we lost so many men and women in Pearl Harbor because we thought all we had to do was protect our homeland and we would be all right. Our strength comes with our allies and business partners. Punish them and we only end up punishing ourselves.

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To The Pearl Harbor Victims and Survivors

Thank You. I always try to come up with something to say but it always comes back to those simple three words. A uniform doesn’t make a solider. It takes a man or women with the mind to fight and protect to build a strong military.

You are one of those people that gave me the freedom to write my thoughts freely. Thank You. I know with out your sacrifice, my life would not be in my own hands. So once again, all I can say is Thank You.