Michael Steele, Who?

With the historic and ground breaking election of Barack Obama, I guess Republicans are feeling left out, seems it's time to get their black man, too. Now, I am not one to downplay African-American Leadership in either political party. Representation is representation, but doesn't it seem a little fishy that Michael Steele was named the RNC's chair just after the election of an African-American to the highest office in the nation? I mean, who is Michael Steele? I wonder do Republican strategist think their base is so stupid to fall for such ploys? Then, I remember this is the party that was so excited over Sarah Palin, and then I not surprised at all. Is the Republican party setting the stage for 2012? Maybe, but it's possibly too early to speculate about our next President.

Nonetheless, in a recent speech to House Republicans, Steele states, "Bipartisanship is overrated." Now, I ask in a time of economic downturn in the United States, shouldn't our politicians do all they can to work together? Shouldn't bipartisanship be atop both party's list? Unfortunately, for us (hard-working Americans) whom actually believe government can work, speeches such as Steele's reinforce old school political separatist ideologies. And, I realize Democrats are just as guilty, (Harry Reid) please stand up. Yet, in a circuit of talk show interviews, Steele has suggested that the Republican party resume the ways of Newt Gingrich's philosophy, the "contract with America" message. Steele is blatantly branding. He's trying rile up the Republican base and engender conflict with Democratic leadership in the White house. If they can create conflict with enough dissenting voices in Washington, win the House and Senate back in 2010 and keep the bulk of their party entrenched in revisionist history about the way things used to be, then they'll have successfully made the old dogma, new again. Republican leadership is not interested in trying to cooperate with Democrats or solve America's economic problems. Instead they are interested in gaining power, maintaining power and winning elections. Still, even though Democrats do have the majority in both houses, and don't really need Republican support, it would be nice to see some conciliatory acts.

Post Election Banter: Oh Gays where art thou? Proposition 8 and others

With all the post election frenzy, let us all not forget that although we (most of us anyway) got the person we wanted elected, ballot incentives and state amendments’ passed in California, Arkansas, Arizona and Florida denying GLBT Americans marriage and child care rights. I have written about gay marriage on this blog before but, it’s time to address the issue again. In California the place I considered one of the most liberal states in the union denied GLBT Americans their chance to engage in a symbolic and legally binding institution, marriage.

First, let’s consider how marriage is defined. What is marriage? According to Webster’s dictionary a marriage for all intensive purposes “is a union where by individuals are joined.” That is pretty simple. So why are (were) so many people interested in protecting marriage from redefinition? Ignorance, marriage is still marriage regardless if the two individuals have the same or opposite gender. Historically, marriage between men and women was promoted because it was (is) those unions which promoted reproduction. Looking at the term with a historic lens, given its Latin derivative, the idea of a marriage was not contingent upon the individuals identifying as hetro or homosexual. People did not even identify themselves in terms of their sexuality as people do in modern times. Therefore, if say in Roman or Greek society an older man wanted to take a younger man as his lover, such as the Emperor Nero did in a public ceremony, then it (the ceremony) was considered a marriage.

The great thing about living in a diverse multi-cultural society is that the imperative to protect equal rights must remain intact, especially minority rights. Protecting everyone’s equal rights should have been the moral compass guiding voters, but it was not. Too many people voted based on their religious ideologies. But, that is just it. Living in America, the United States of America gives so many people the right to practice their particular religion freely. That is what makes the United States such a unique a place. Unfortunately, what so many people fail to realize is that since the government has adopted or appropriated the term “marriage” in essence giving it legal legitimacy, it becomes an institution that every citizen should be entitled to fully engage. It does not hurt, harm, redefine or reinterpret anyone’s religion if marriage rights are shared by all members in a society. If your religion only condones one type of marriage as the “right” one, then that is sound and wonderful. Realistically, the United States of American does not have an official religion. Yes, politicians are sworn in Under God, and most all say God bless America. These ceremonial practices may give the impression that the United States follows a national religion, but it does not. Since all religions are not tolerant and/or inclusive organizations, a democratic/republic nation cannot function effectively interpellated to a specific dogma.

Furthermore, civil unions are great. And, they are a step in the right direction. However, separate but equal was abolished in this country. A separate but equal marriage institution would be unconstitutional. Unless, the government divorces itself from the term “marriage” completely, then and only then, would civil unions be constitutional because that is what everyone would be essentially practicing.

Finally, there is a popular saying, “if you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything”. This quote could be used to inspire many feelings, both rational and irrational. But, there is a truth in the sentiment. My fellow GLBT brothers and sisters let us take this opportunity to push for our rights as citizens in this country. Even if you do not want or care about getting married, that is beside the point. This is the kind of discrimination we as Gay Americans face in our generation. Decades before and during the civil rights movement, African-Americans did not have the luxury of being passive about their rights. And, likewise we cannot either. Thus, our battles are harder and often more intricate to defend, but we cannot sit idly and wait for the world to accept us. We have to be willing to stand up for who and what we are.

Obama Wins!

November 4, 2008 will forever be remembered as a historical moment in the United States of America. I believe it is another day when America truly lived up to her potential. Another ceiling has been cracked and the people have spoken. In The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. Dubois said, “The problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line.” This is the 21st century and racial problems persist. And like many African Americans, I believed that pervasive institutionalized racism would continue to keep progress and upward mobility out of our grasps. Yesterday, however, I do believe America showed the world that she can stand for something other than prejudice, discrimination, greed, pre-emptive wars, and hypocrisies. Despite all the obstacles that one’s race may present, one can rise to the challenge; Barack Obama rose to the challenge and captured the highest office in the nation. He is the first African-American/bi-racial President Elect of the United States. This is a great moment. One that none of us should soon forget.

New Music Review: Better than Expected

Pink- Funhouse****

This is a fantastic CD. Pink fills it with heartache and sass. After a tumultuous break-up, Pink manages to channel the pain into an angst filled party anthem jam, "So What", which becomes the perfect opener to this conceptual CD. One might expect "Funhouse" to be overtly sad and depressing, but Pink provides an acceptable balance, dealing with the pain of a break and finding true healing power in writing music that is fun and inspiring. Yes, it is really the fun house, I did not expect. Download- Bad Influence (bad chick party anthem)

John Legend- Evolver****

I did not join the John Legend bandwagon until I heard his first single "Green light". Although I was completely captivated with "Ordinary People" a few years ago, I thought the rest of his music sounded the same. But, on "Evolver," Legend manages to mix it up. With the help of Andre 3000 on "Green light" and other artists Legend manages to create an eclectic and soulful disk. Download, "Quickly," "Satisfaction," and "Take Me Away"

Michelle Williams- Unexpected***

"Unexpected" could not be a more perfect title for this collection of pop gems. William's scores on this disk. She manages to set herself apart from the sleuth of other r&b and pop diva's currently on the radio. The often characterized "quiet one" in Destiny's Child, Williams lets her personality shine on "Unexpected." The songs are a refreshing blend of pure dance pop. Download, "Hello Heartbreak," "The Greatest," and "Hangover"

Lady Gaga- The Fame***

Who is Lady Gaga? Well this might be an appropriate question if she did not have the success of her first single, "Just Dance." But, if you're still hesitant to checkout her music, take a chance; you won't be disappointed. "The Fame" is an interesting mix of electronic and pop with r&b influences sprinkled throughout, possibly to give her some edge. If 90s one hit wonder Jane Child and Kylie Minougue could have a child, then we might get Lady Gaga. Download, "The Fame," "Poker Face," and "Paper Gangsta"

Robin Thicke- Something Else***
The r&b crooner is back with "Something Else". In this aptly titled disk, Thicke certainly offers his listeners something else. If you long for the days of Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, then put your worries away, Thicke is here to fill in the gap. From the beginning to the end of his CD, Thicke manages to capture the muse for passionate and tantalizing songs. The songs are infectious. This is the kind of blue-eyed soul that keeps you coming back for more. Download, "Magic," "Sidestep," and "Dreamworld"

Pussycat Dolls- Doll Domination***

Well, the dolls return with a finely tuned pop smorgasbord of fun. The dolls maybe hot, hot, hot. But, they manage to reveal some substance on their sophomore effort. The songs border on being way too over produced, but Nicole's vocals manage to retain some semblance of authenticity on an array of tracks. Melody, another one of the dolls manages to spruce up some of the songs with her high pitch soprano, at times it's refreshing. Mainly, the dolls create an exuberant mix of dance music, perfect for pre-clubbing rituals. Download, "Magic," "Elevator," "Who's Gonna Love You"

vh1 Culturally Bankrupt

"I love the New Millennium" is the title of a new series on vh1; it wins the "WHAT THE FUCK AWARD" for 2008. I realize that we are only halfway into the year, but I feel it is appropriate to acknowledge one of the more ridiculous things going on in pop culture, thus far. When I first started this blog, I began with a letter to Beyonce Knowles. Similarly, I feel the ever increasing urgency to make yet another plea of sorts to vh1, too. Now, I must state the fact that VH-1 is one of my favorite music network stations;so this criticism truly comes from the heart. I think they try, or at least tried to strike a fair balance between music and reality television programs. Nonetheless, this new installment of "I love" series has proven to be one of the most blatant and overt series of pop culture guilty pleasures, which ultimately leave this pop culture junkie questioning one of his favorite past times, watching television. Now, don't get me wrong; I loved "I love the 80s, 90s, and 70s. And take note, I did not list them in the correct descending order because I am such the fan. I know how each series aired. Unfortunately, I will not watch the new installments of "I love the new Millennium" for two very basic reasons. First, in order for these shows to be successful they need an air of nostalgia behind them. For example, when you think about the 80s, those of us that are old enough to remember the decade at least, you might think about movies such as The Garbage Pail Kids, Short Circuit, or Goonies. You think about songs such as Thriller, We are the World,Girls Just Wanna have Fun, Like a Virgin and Purple Rain. You think about commercials such as, Wendy's 'Where's the Beef,' 'Life cereal's Mikey,' or Brooke Shields advertising Calvin Klein jeans. The point here is that you are able to reminisce and actually get a little feeling of joy in the pit of your stomach as you re-call some memories about your favorite, movies, songs, and commercials. You associate an array of emotions with those memories because they have had time to fester and you have had time romanticize them. Secondly, a decade is 10 years; I am no math genius; but, I believe that means we have 2 years left. Therefore any shows detailing the the end of it seem sort of pointless. To the producers at vh1, pull "I love the New Millennium" ASAP. What's next a show about things that happened 6months ago? I know these type of irrelevant and meaningless programs give your array quasi/semi-gossip columnists and celebrities a chance to dish and make jokes about,say 2004's Superbowl Wardrobe Malfunction. But, do we [the audience] really care what they think? If you are having trouble with programing; here's a thought; show more videos. You know the kind of thing your title suggests.

Cyndi Lauper: Her Best in Years****

At this moment, I am listening to my new favorite summer CD. A couple of weeks ago, as I reviewed amazon's list of upcoming album releases I came across Miss Cyndi Lauper's new album. I thought, "new album" could it be true? She hasn't released any new material in 12 years. Needless to say, I was excited. 'Bring Ya to the Brink' the title of her new album, from the first track to the last,will immediately pull you into Cyndi's crazy labyrinth world. Consider the album as sort of tour de France of Cyndi's mind. Furthermore, the album is a fun and full of energy. If you want the perfect summer CD, then checkout Cyndi Lauper's latest release. Download these: 'Into the Night Life,' 'Rocking Chair,' and 'Set Your Heart.'

New Cd Review: Madonna, Hard Candy

It's Spring time and what does the season symbolize; Rebirth. No, not the title of Jennifer Lopez's now defunct 3rd album, but Spring is a time when the flowers start to bloom and the sun starts to shine a little more vibrantly. Okay, what does this have to do with music? All the new fresh music that came out this past April was consistent with the season.
Mariah Carey released her 11th studio album E=MC2 on April 15. Her adoring fans flocked to get it--making E=MC2 Mariah's 6th number one album. Madonna and Janet Jackson have both held this title as two female pop artists with the most # albums, now Mariah joins these two divas, although I willing to bet that Madonna's latest release will hit number one--making it her 7th.
And, on that note, Hard Candy****, the title of Madonna's 11th studio album boast an array of hip-hop's finest producers, from Timbaland to Pharreal and Kanye West, Madonna has besieged a highly danceable, easily digestible assortment of music. What do I really think of Madonna's latest venture into pop martyrdom? Madonna has great audience awareness. She has made a career out of reinventing herself--satisfying the masses with a new sound, look, and persona on each of her albums. Hard Candy is no different. She is a true professional--embodying and adopting various musical styles is her signature. Hard Candy is an excellent mixture of late 70s pop/r&b with an early eighties funk vibe,too. The disc is contemporary. Madonna makes this mosaic of club/dance music current. You won't listen to the disc and think "Gosh this sounds dated," but you will hear the late
70s and early 80s influences. On songs like, 'Heartbeat,' Give it to Me,'and 'She's not Me,' Madonna soars into this sort of dance club disco beat that would make the staunches Donna Summer disco fanatic gush with bravado. The only flaw on the album is at points, Madonna's producers seems to guide her too much. The album seems to reflect or showcase their contributions more blatantly than Madonna's. If I compare this album to some of her previous work, Madonna's presence is an undeniable force in songs like, 'Hung up' 'American Life,' or 'Music.' Yet, on Hard Candy, many of the tracks don't sound like a signature Madonna song. The songs could easily be a Nelly Furtado or Gwen Stafani hit. In fact, on some of the songs Madonna seems to be going through the motions. The disk lacks some authenticity. Nonetheless, it is a great dance-hall jam. The most ebullient Madonna fans should enjoy Hard Candy.
Download these, 'Heartbeat,' 'Dance2Nite,' 'Incredible,' and 'Devil wouldn't Recognize You,'