Some conflicting thoughts present themselves today in my comments. The reason for this is that I find myself on somewhat opposite sides on a couple of issues. The first of those involving the death of the rapper known as notorious b.i.g. While I do not have sympathy or concern over his death, as the lifestyle he projected and prospered from seems to be the key factor in the cause of his death, I do believe that those responsible need to be brought to justice. To that end, a judge has rule that over $1 million in legal fees are to be paid to the family of Christopher Wallace because the city of L.A. withheld evidence pertinent to the family’s civil lawsuit. I presume that the fact that a decision in favor of the family has been entered, and that evidence has been uncovered, will significantly help in bringing justice for the murder. Without regard to profession or lifestyle every citizen, every person, deserves the protection of the various levels of government in full. Murder, even of those who profess a lifestyle (via songs, rap, music videos or other entertainment/media, etc.) of violence, should never go unpunished. The truly sad and disturbing thought is that this murder may have been the result of a conflict over style and money, allegedly on behalf of Marion “Suge” Knight and Death Row Records. Any life, even that of a rapper is worth more than that.
In another matter dealing with the courts, the U.S. Government has requested the search queries held by Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL. While several of the companies seem to have complied with this request, Google thankfully has resisted. The Government seeks to gain the data and determine if protections currently available actually protect children from certain forms of information on the internet. I am no rocket scientist, but I’d say the simple answer is no. Considering the immense volume of information available in various formats, it is almost impossible to prevent anyone from finding whatever they are looking for. Add to that determination the ever evolving nature of the internet and technology and there cannot, at least at this time, be any way to keep safeguards current. Of course this is eliminating the most potent and direct form of protection which is the parents.
Parents are the ones responsible for being aware of what their children watch and read, not the government. Parents are the ones who are supposed to instill a sense of morality and ethics in their children, not the government. It is obvious that no parent can oversee everything a child does. Even the most disciplined child will wander and investigate new ideas, even those they know to be “off-limits.” But it is the children where such parental concern has been shown that tempers the actions of those children as they cross the line. Beyond that, fate, luck and whatever religious power you may or may not believe in are in charge.
As for the request made by the government, it is not only the fact that the reason for the information is flawed (as I see no viable way the government can prevent innovation), but it violates the 1st Amendment. The government does not have a right to know what I look for on the internet. A random sample of searches provides more than just a list of Wikipedia listings, it is a glimpse of your private life. Would you like to share what website you like to go to with your boss? Or your mother? Why is a congressman, or worse yet a low level functionary any different. In addition, our government (like all governments) tends to abuse information. Whether in the form of infiltrating organizations (like the black panthers) or taping phone lines (you do recall that they have been doing this since 9/11) it is a loss of liberty. I feel this is an extension of one of the powers of the Patriot Act that I despise. The government can access your library records and find out everything the library has about you. The difference is that via the Patriot Act, no one would ever know as this information is gathered in secret. I do not agree with the government tip-toeing around personal liberties, under the guise of protection or curiosity. Freedom of expression (like this Black Entertainment USA blog, or any other entertainment or media) and the freedom to seek knowledge should be left unhindered by the government (in general - I can see a relevance of finding anyone researching Ricin or other potential bio/mass destruction weapons, which is very narrow and targeted).
On the other side of the spectrum is Mr. Harry Belafonte. I have already discussed Mr. Belafonte in my post Entertainment with Fox, Stern, Belafonte and other thoughts and on my Vass blog under post Harry Belafonte and respect. It seems that rebukes from various institutions and individuals, like myself, have had no effect. I dare say that he has even gone further in his unsettling attacks. Mr. Belafonte commits an act that always annoys me, that is a comparison to Nazi Germany. I mentioned recently [in the post Commenting on Sen. Hillary Clinton's Dr. Martin Luther King Day speech 3rd paragraph] my feelings on the comparisons I have heard all my life in reference to American Slavery. I’m sure as a Black African American male, that is older than myself and fought in WWII with the Navy before the segregation of the 60's, that Mr. Belafonte is familiar with these comparisons. I would also presume, based on his direct involvement with Civil Rights, that he has an equally negative view of these casual and selfish comparisons.
Even if I am correct, he has made the faux pas in comparing the Gestapo with our Homeland Security. Entertainers have great power in placing their concerns and issues in the forefront of the media, and thus the world. Black African American, Hispanic and other minority entertainers and celebrities have the double effect of manipulating the media and directly affecting the respective cultures. Derogatory remarks, as I find Mr. Belafonte’s remarks to be, do not benefit anyone in my opinion. They create an atmosphere of hostility that clouds any potential for an actual positive discussion of the issue. When issued by an entertainer or celebrity they do so doubly and cause many who might have taken up the issue to avoid it lest they get enveloped by the negative publicity. On top of this, youth, particularly minority youth, are given fuel to the fire of feeling abandonment and/or persecution which may not be accurate. I say again to Mr. Belafonte, if this may ever get to him, please watch not what you speak about but how you say it. You do more damage for more reasons than you may intend and provide no benefit, in my eyes.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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