Politics
California Cleared To Start Force-Feeding Inmates On Hunger Strike (Video)
August 27, 2013
You’d think once folks saw the atrocity that is force-feeding of inmates on hunger strike they’d stop the practice, right? But you probably guessed that officials would do just the opposite. But that was just at Gitmo – a military prison in Cuba. The United States would NEVER allow such to happen on its soil… right? Right…? WRONG! A California judge just cleared the way for force feeding of the state inmates on hunger strike given ‘certain conditions.’
‘US District Judge Thelton Henderson is allowing prison doctors in California to force-feed inmates who are participating in a hunger strike. According to the ruling, if a prisoner is near death then a doctor is allowed to step in and intervene in the matter. As of now, 136 inmates are protesting living conditions and policies in place at facilities in the Golden State.’
Sorry, Yasiin. It doesn’t seem that publicity surrounding your courageous effort was enough to change the hardliners’ hearts and minds. We posted the gruesome Yasiin Bey force-feeding demo on here a while back.
– @ojones1
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Television, Videos | 
Tags: California, Force Feeding, Force Feeding Procedure, Hunger strike, inmate, Prison | 
No Comments »
History/Politics: After 50 Years, Civil Rights Pioneer John Lewis Still Says ‘We Cannot Give In!’ (Video)
August 26, 2013
RESPECT to the only living speaker/organizer from the 1963 March on Washington DC, Congressman John Lewis! What were you (or will you be) doing at 23? Probably not getting beaten trying to achieve the right to vote, thanks to the Congressman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Bernard LaFayette and other activists who marched and fought for for that right for us! Check out the video of the Civil Rights pioneer still speaking on it above. We cannot give up… we cannot give in!
Representative Lewis, referencing his suffering at ‘Bloody Sunday’ in Selma decades ago, is talking about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent stripping of the Voting Rights Act; as Dixie-crat states in the South are now allowed to make voting laws without having them cleared by the Federal Court or Government. Come on! There was a REASON we needed to have Federal oversight of Southern states’ voting policymaking… to make/keep things fair! If you need a ‘refresher’ course, Google ‘Gomillion v. Lightfoot’ (and Tweet me if you like; as I am from Tuskegee, Alabama… we can talk).
READ: REP. JOHN LEWIS – MARCH ON WASHINGTON 2013 (NEWSONE)
– @ojones1
Posted in Cover Story, History, Politics, Videos | Tags: Civil Rights, Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis, March on Washington, Rights, Voting, Voting Rights, Voting Rights Act, Washington DC | No Comments »
VICE: The Harlem Globetrotters & Dennis Rodman Visit North Korea (Video)
August 22, 2013
I’ve been posting interesting stories & documentaries from VICE for a few years now. And this isn’t the first time we’ve posted their reports on North Korea, but what makes this particular trip back to North Korea wildly interesting is they’ve brought along the Harlem Globetrotters & former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman. The news that VICE was returning to North Korea & that NBA champion Dennis Rodman agreed to go with them sent shockwaves throughout the world & had everyone around the globe talking. There’s moments of hilarity in this video captured this North Korea trip but it wasn’t at all perpetuated by Dennis Rodman. It was in the cultural differences & appearances the North Korean government was trying to keep up for their guests. Overall from watching this video of the trip to North Korea it’s clear that the Harlem Globetrotters may have left the biggest impact on this diplomatic exchange.
Comedy: The Daily Show’s Take On NYC’s ‘Stop & Frisk’ Issue (Video)
August 21, 2013
Who said hot women aren’t funny? Well, don’t say that anymore. Jessica Williams is hot… and hilarious in her skit on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. The Show is currently being anchored by John Oliver while regular host Jon Stewart is on break working on his movie. This ‘Frisky Business’ segment comes to us from ‘Wall Street’ (aka ‘Business Harlem’), as Jessica gives hardline on-site commentary about the need for MORE stop-and-frisk in this crime-ridden area. Boom!
Posted in Comedy, Opinion, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Jessica Williams, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, New York, NYC, Stop & Frisk, Stop-and-Frisk, The Daily Show | No Comments »
Questlove Speaks On Hip Hop’s 40th Birthday, ‘Stop & Frisk’, the Zimmerman Verdict, and His Experience With Racial Profiling (Video)
August 15, 2013
Amir “Questlove” Thompson is on video talking about all kinds of stuff for a hour… that ought to be enough, knowing that The Roots co-founder is an insightful societal and music industry commentator.
Questlove talks with DemocracyNow.org about his musical upbringing, stop and frisk, Hip-Hop’s 40th, his book “Mo’ Meta Blues” … and there’s more. Got a clip above. More video footage after the jump below….
Posted in Book, Hip-Hop, History, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: ?uestlove, Amir "Questlove" Thompson, Amir Thompson, DemocracyNow, Questlove | No Comments »
Inmates and Prison Officials Agree: “The House I Live In” Documentary Exposes The Failures of The U.S. War On Drugs Policy (Video)
August 15, 2013
HEADLINE: Inmates and Prison Guards AGREE on Failures of the Drug War!
Above is a behind-the-scenes teaser for a screening for Eugene Jarecki’s documentary “The House I Live In.” The venue: Joseph Harp Correctional Center (Lexington, Oklahoma, USA). Making a documentary at a jail… sure. But viewing it there, that’s different. But you know drug enforcement policy is more than a bit *messed* up if the C.O.’s and the prisoners can agree that it is!
See clips from the film (executive producers: Brad Pitt, John Legend, Russell Simmons and Danny Glover) after the jump. VERY interesting…
DOCUMENTARY: THE HOUSE I LIVE IN (ITUNES)
TWITTER: @DRUGWARMOVIE
FACEBOOK: DRUG WAR MOVIE
Posted in Cover Story, Film, History, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: Brad Pitt, Danny Glover, Eugene Jarecki, Find Agreement, Inmates & Prison Guards Watch A Documentary On The Failed War On Drugs Together, JOHN LEGEND, Russell Simmons, screens for inmates and prison staff in Oklahoma, The House I Live In | 1 Comment »
Steven Fulop: Marine Turned ‘Action-Adventure Mayor’ of Jersey City (Video)
August 9, 2013
Businessweek magazine had this article entitled “Action-Adventure Mayors” (renamed something far less fun in its online edition..but oh well). Could have been a new comic series or something; so of course, I had to read it. Turns out, Democratic politicians like Steven Fulop are beginning their careers by running for mayor in towns in need of a major turnaround. Check out this U.S. Marine vet who defeated a solid incumbent for the Jersey City (NJ, USA) top spot with this ad (above). Creative… oh yeah! Compelling… for sure. But did it really say anything about why he was qualified for office or how he proposed to turn things around? Is any of that ‘stuff’ (you know platform, policy stance, plans…) even necessary in today’s politics? Just saying.
(That said… I think it is a cool video, too.)
– @ojones1
READ: ACTION-ADVENTURE MAYORS
Dice Raw Documentary: “Jimmies Back” (Video)
August 2, 2013
“The war on drugs is not a war on drugs. It’s a war on thugs.”
Words from Dice Raw, who is providing some of the ‘thug combatants’ from his hometown (Philly) a tool and a platform with and from which they can counterattack – a LP and documentary. Shout to OK Player for bringing this important work from this down-for-the-cause artist to light. Check out the documentary short above and how you can get involved. Check out the wisdom from OKP, too:
1. Stay out of prison – Crime never pays–and street life will eventually catch up with you.
Posted in Book, Film, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: Dice Raw Documentary, Jimmies Back, Jimmy's Back | 1 Comment »
Professor Noel Sharkey Speaks On the Advances and Ethics of Unmanned Drone Technology (Video)
July 29, 2013
Noel Sharkey, PhD is a noteworthy in the fields of psychology, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering and robotics. Best known to the public as a robot expert, his current research passion is on the ethics of robot applications including care, policing, military, crime, sex, transport and medicine.
In his TED talk (above), Sharkey speaks on his lifelong love of robotics. And he brings up the ethics and realities modern society faces in deploying automated/remotely-controlled combat robots (e.g. drones) that allow us to kill from a distance; enabling so-called bloodless wars. But are “bloodless wars” really bloodless? Not for everybody; especially not for the folks who are ultimately killed by unmanned drones! What about when the “drone arms race” gets underway… and we have robot armies fighting each other? Anyone else see a HUGE risk for “collateral damage” and loss of innocent life (more so than already)?
What happens when we start using drones for civilian applications? Sharkey has predicted that – like drones programmed to make life/death decisions on the battlefield autonomously – in peacetime, drones could be carrying out tasks that include asking for ID… even tasering and arresting suspects, as well as crowd control, with no human say-so required. But do we really want that?
Spike Lee Speaks On His New Kickstarter Project, Gentrification In Brooklyn, & School Daze 2 (Video)
July 27, 2013
Got three clips’ worth of good watching on vanguard filmmaker Spike Lee. In the first clip, above, Vibe interviews Spike on the challenges of fundraising for filmmaking via his Kickstarter campaign for his next film and the criticism it will bring. Innovative approach though: Spike invites all levels of participation (from even 5 bucks to those that can chip in $10,000)… and offers some interesting prizes can win (including signed Nikes, dinner with Spike and courtside seats at a Knicks game).
See two more clips after the jump: on his views regarding gentrification of his hood and on revisiting a classic.
Posted in Film, Hip-Hop, History, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: Brooklyn, Gentrification, Kickstarter, School Daze 2, Spike Lee | 1 Comment »
Dr. Cornel West Speaks On Failures Of President Obama & Apathy In The Black Middle Class (Video)
July 26, 2013
‘George Zimmerman is a criminal. President Obama is a “global George Zimmerman” because he tries to rationalize the killing of innocent children…in the name of self defense…Pakistan, Somolia, Yemen.’
– Dr. Cornell West
Well, damn. By now it is no secret that Dr. Cornell West is an outspoken critic of President Obama. He is not ‘holding his breath’ waiting for The U.S. President and Attorney General Eric Holder to ‘come through’ at the Federal Level on justice for Trayvon Martin or with regard to decriminalizing poor Black and Brown people. In the above video, West calls for people to get off the ‘Obama Plantation’… and that is not nearly the most scathing of his remarks. You’ve GOT to watch this!
Posted in Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: Barack Obama, Cornell West, Dr. Cornell West, Eric Holder, George Zimmerman, Middle Class, President Obama, Trayvon Martin | 1 Comment »
The Word: ‘Color-Bind’ on The Colbert Report (Video)
July 25, 2013
‘President Obama takes the first step in racial dialogue by discussing how it feels to be in a room full of White people who are scared of him.’
– The Colbert Report
Oh, Fox News! Only you would take serious commentary on being Black in America and dismiss the conversation as frivolous. Guess good ole boys will be good ole boys. Right, Bill O’Reilly? Bernard Goldberg? Actually reporting that questions on race are moot because [odds are] Black people are the ones committing violent crimes. Wowwww.
Don’t get mad though folks. Stephen Colbert hits ’em in the head with the brilliant/hilarious skit (above) about black men and racism. Have a chuckle at the Fox chuckle-heads’ expense.
Posted in Comedy, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Color-Bind, color-Blind, Comedy Central, President Obama, Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report, The Word | No Comments »
VICE: Israeli Killer Robots (Video)
July 25, 2013
‘Israel is the world’s biggest exporter of military drones, used around the world for everything from surveillance to precision rocket attacks on speeding cars in remote locales. Israel’s drone program hasn’t stirred as much controversy as its American counterpart, but not because their targeted killings are any less fatal. VICE sent Simon Ostrovsky to a drone testing airfield in Israel to find out what their latest eye-in-the-sky can see.’
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Politics, Technology, Videos | Tags: Air Drones, drones, Israel, Israeli Killer Robots, Simon Ostrovsky, UAV, UAVs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, VICE | No Comments »
Nas Speaks On CNN With Anderson Cooper On The ‘Race And Justice In America II’ Special (Video)
July 25, 2013
Last night CNN’s Anderson Cooper held a special town hall discussion called ‘Race & Justice In America II’ on his Anderson Cooper 360 show & brought along a number of commentators to speak on the issues affecting the country. Nas was the most recognizable voice in the hip hop community who added his valuable 2-cents to the discussion. Check out more from the discussion featuring commentators Charles M Blow, Andre Perry, Michaela Angela Davis, & David Webb below….
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, News, Politics, Videos | Tags: Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, Discussion, Nas, Race, Race And Justice In America 2, Race And Justice In America II, Racism, SOCIAL ISSUE, SOCIAL ISSUES | No Comments »
PBS Frontline: Two American Families (Documentary)
July 17, 2013
Watch Two American Families on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.
I love PBS! Engaging, thought-provoking viewing. I’ve been a fan of Bill Moyers for some time now, and he has reaffirmed my faith in him as a social issues commentator this episode of Frontline.
‘Since 1992, Bill Moyers has been following the story of two ordinary, hard-working families in Milwaukee — one black, one white — as they battle to keep from sliding into poverty. A remarkable portrait of perseverance, Two American Families raises unsettling questions about the changing nature of the U.S. economy and the fate of a declining middle class.’
– Frontline
– @ojones1
Posted in Human Interest, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Bill Moyers, PBS Frontline, Two American Families | 1 Comment »
“Citizen Koch” Is the Film Billionaire David Koch Doesn’t Want You To See (Documentary Trailer)
July 12, 2013
If you know your Tea Party politics, then you have heard of Charles and David Koch (b.k.a. The Koch Brothers). But this time David crossed a line. Here’s your chance to take a stand with documentary filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin (video of them explaining their “Citizen Koch” initiative above).
We believe that your voice can be louder than David Koch’s money.
We are very grateful for any amount you can give.’
These rich Republicans play dirty! Now, they are trying to control what PUBLIC television airs… in addition to the politicians that ultimately run the United States. Don’t let this happen! Help however you can. Suggestion: Donate to the Kickstarter Campaign to put “Citizen Koch” out to the masses. See the official trailer after the jump.
Posted in Film, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Carl Deal, Charles Koch, David Koch, Koch Brothers, Tia Lessin | No Comments »
Vice: Venezuelan Body Counts (Video)
July 9, 2013
Damn. Vice has a knack for bringing awareness to realities that we should really know and care about through its documentaries. With perspectives that bring focus to peculiarities and injustices around the world, you’ve seen many a Vice post here because the videos are really worth watching. That said, this 3-part video “Venezuelan Body Counts” ranks among the most impactful. And that’s saying a lot. Part 1 above. Parts 2 and 3 after the jump.
Last year alone, Caracas had more violent deaths than Baghdad (Iraq). Vice’s Ryan Duffy traveled to Venezuela to investigate the country’s crime epidemic.
– Vice
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Politics, Videos | Tags: Murder Rates Keep Rising in Venezuela, Venezuelan Body Counts, VICE | No Comments »
Force Feeding Guantánamo Bay Prisoners: Yasiin Bey Filmed Undergoing the Gruesome Procedure (WARNING: VERY GRAPHIC) [Video]
July 9, 2013
Perhaps you’ve heard political banter making the case for closing ‘Gitmo’ (e.g. the American military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba). Perhaps you dismissed it as something about which you, or no one your know, have no particular passion.
That changes today.
Recently released video of Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) on location in London, voluntarily participating in a demonstration of force-feeding procedure for Gitmo prisoners on hunger strike. WARNING: This visual presentation from director Asif Kapadia is DISTURBING. Please watch, if you feel you can. But know either way that this is happening… and that you should care.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Politics, Videos | Tags: awareness, Force Feeding, Force Feeding Procedure, Gitmo, Graphic, Graphic video, Guantanamo Bay, Hunger strike, Protest, Yasiin Bey | 1 Comment »
BET Experience 2013 ‘No Guns Allowed’ Panel Discussion With Host MC Snoop Lion (Video)
July 5, 2013
Incredible panel discussion held by the League of Young Voters, BET and Snoop Lion entitled “No Guns Allowed: Disarming Violence in Our Community.” This was a roundtable dialogue on the impact of gun violence in America filmed over the BET Experience 2013 weekend in Los Angeles.
Roundtable Host: Dr. Rob “Biko” Baker, League of Young Voters Executive Director
Panelists: Snoop Lion, T.I., Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation Executive Director Melvyn Hayward Jr., writer and director of the critically-acclaimed movie on gun violence “Fruitvale Station” Ryan Coogler and New Generation Foundation Executive Director Brandon T. Jones.
A short, but powerful recap everyone should watch.
Posted in EVENTS, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, R&B, Soul, Television, Videos | Tags: BET Experience 2013, Disarming Violence in Our Community, No Guns Allowed, Panel Discussion, Snoop, Snoop Lion | No Comments »
Vice: Mexico’s Female Crime Journalists (Video)
June 24, 2013
In Ciudad Juarez, All of the journalists who cover politics and crime for the Diario de Juarez are women, and they have covered some of the most grotesque, brutal crimes in the world. Fearless. These ladies take it to what, in effect, is the war zone. To get the story and shed light on the horrible crime issue. Vice follows them, in and out of the killing fields and beyond to try to understand why politicians are not doing what it takes to stop any of this.
Posted in Human Interest, News, Politics, Videos | Tags: Ciudad Juarez, Crime, Diario de Juarez, Journalism, Journalists, Mexico, Mexico's Female Crime Journalists, PAN, VICE | No Comments »
