Uncategorized

Lazenby: On Race Baiting

Recently this website’s founding editor has published several articles focused on race. One such racial theme has centered on a “thug” culture. This culture has supposedly run amok as black judges let black defendants out on bail for the sole reason that they are black – with absolutely no evidence…

Recently this website’s founding editor has published several articles focused on race. One such racial theme has centered on a “thug” culture. This culture has supposedly run amok as black judges let black defendants out on bail for the sole reason that they are black – with absolutely no evidence that race played a factor in those decisions nor any consideration given to the fact that white judges across the state do the same thing with white (and black) defendants. That unsubstantiated charge is the same kind of race baiting that this website has consistently spoken out against when it comes from so-called liberal “race pimps” who use unsubstantiated charges of racism to advance a political agenda from the left.

If we’re going to discuss discrimination of all kinds – and we should – let’s not couch that discussion in the same rhetoric that panderers use. That adds nothing to a constructive conversation about race and crime.

The racial rhetoric here heated up in the wake of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial as black and white Americans protested not only what they saw as an unjust ruling, but more importantly, unjust laws. In response to these protests and renewed nationwide calls to overturn Stand Your Ground laws, the conservative media has chosen not to address the actual issues raised, but to focus instead on a “gangsta” culture that is supposedly taking over our cities in an effort to defend such laws.

Yes, there is a problem with gun violence perpetrated by black youths in Chicago and other urban areas – even in Columbia, S.C – and it desperately needs to be addressed, but so does the larger issue of institutionalized racism that reveals itself in what is happening with urban youth. Conservative pundits who race bait are not actually trying to solve a problem; they’re not trying to address root causes. They want to create today a mythological gangster akin to Ronald Reagan’s notorious “welfare queen,” of the 80’s – a young black man who roams the streets of America’s cities with his friends, locked and loaded and ready to rob and shoot you or rape your wife or daughter.

This is nothing new. Conservative race baiters have been capitalizing on an ugly strain of white populism in America since Reconstruction. This rhetoric does nothing but fuel hatred and rage, and it needs to be called out for what it is, on this website and elsewhere. It is using unsubstantiated charges of reverse racism to advance a political agenda from the right.

Urban crime has always been rooted in economics and public policy. We are losing a generation of young men – our nation’s human capital – to a vicious cycle of economic depression, a lack of jobs, arrests for low-level crimes, and disproportionate prison sentences which are followed by a criminal record that prevents young men from becoming gainfully employed when the economy improves.

If we really want to address crime in urban neighborhoods, let’s review the obvious racial bias in America’s criminal justice system, racial profiling, mandatory minimums for drug offenses (most people incarcerated on drug charges are incarcerated for possession, not dealing) and three strike laws that make no sense. Let’s dig even deeper and talk about budget cuts to food stamps, Medicaid and Section 8 housing that will negatively impact low-income communities of color at a disproportionate rate. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and discuss the lack of educational opportunities in the inner cities of America, income inequality, and poverty rates.

Let’s grow up, confront our history and human nature, and have a discussion about the real issues at the root of urban crime – a legacy of racism that has shaped public policy and contributed to poverty and a lack of opportunity for urban youth of color. It is all well and good to talk about freedom and a marketplace of ideas, but we must confront the fact that such a marketplace, until relatively recently in our nation’s history, has been closed to people of color. That is not a hurdle that is overcome quickly or without a lot of displaced people.

Regardless of political affiliation, we should be able to agree that introducing some constructive ideas to solve these problems – practical economic, educational, and social solutions – is better than dragging out the same tired narrative of the dangerous black man, dressing it up in different clothes and couching it in different terms, but using it again to frighten and divide rather than confront real issues that are, admittedly, uncomfortable to confront. Let’s appeal to the better angels of our nature and move this conversation forward without the rhetoric, from either side. There is no place for race baiting in this discussion, from the left or the right.

amy lazenby

Amy Lazenby is the associate opinion editor at FITSNews. She is a wife, mother of three and small business owner with her husband who splits her time between South Carolina and Georgia. Follow her on Twitter @Mrs_Laz or email her at amy@fitsnews.com.

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150 comments

Karl August 1, 2013 at 8:27 am

Damn

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:37 am

Karl, is that “damn” an (UP) or a (DOWN) ? You’re a honcho – don’t you review articles before they are posted?

Reply
Karl August 1, 2013 at 8:27 am

Damn

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:37 am

Karl, is that “damn” an (UP) or a (DOWN) ? You’re a honcho – don’t you review articles before they are posted?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 8:43 am

Ms. Lazenby;
I accept your challenge. I think an honest and progressive first step would be to present some facts with your column.

Provide us/me with some facts that I can agree with, or at least research, so that I can disagree from a stand point of honest and open communication about, in my opinion, a non issue. Fewer adverbs and adjectives designed to pull at the heart strings and more facts will go along way in finalizing this debate.

As a side note: Here we go again. A couple of white folks gonna fix everything for dem dare danged nambed coloreds. :)

Reply
Curious August 1, 2013 at 9:08 am

I believe the point was to raise some actual questions, Frank. As for facts, I think “racial bias in the criminal justice system, racial profiling,
mandatory minimums for drug offenses, and three strike
laws that make no sense… budget
cuts to food stamps, Medicaid and Section 8 housing that will negatively
impact low-income communities of color at a disproportionate rate” are a few. Also, the “lack of educational
opportunities in the inner cities of America, income inequality, and
poverty rates” are a thing. So is a history of racial discrimination in America. And if you’re not familiar with the strategy of using the “common enemy” of the black man to scare and divide white people, I suggest you read some history.

What is short on facts is Sic’s thing about black judges letting off their black brothers just b/c they’re black – where was the evidence that race payed in to those decisions? Where was the comparison with the rate at which white judges to do the same thing?

Nothing wrong with telling Sic to address a real problem.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:20 am

Curious;
I believe I raised an ‘actual’ question. Facts. What are the facts, not adjectives and adverbs. What are the numbers.
I understand, as I think Ms. Lazenby does as well that all of the issues are not going to be touched upon in one sitting. Pick one. I don’t care which one it is. I don’t believe this is an issue and I’m stating such.

I’m also staying open minded to an honest and progressive conversation. Ms. Lazenby asked for this issue to be brought up. If you want me to be a part of it, you have to provide more than adjectives.
Have a Great Day!! ;) You know, Demlicans and all that.

Reply
Finius Nullis August 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

Frank: Good post, and no curse/swear words – Sic Willie will have us trained yet!

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:55 am

He said no more cussin’. Those DPRK guys are rough.

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:11 pm

Thank you Shifty. Welcome Back

shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:15 pm

Sic Willie is very slick – he takes things one step at a time. Banning nudity, cursing, cartoons/photos (dag nabbit), and soon he will be moderating the comments to keep this site pure. He has a plan, and remember that this is HIS site and we are the guests.

junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:44 am

I don’t get the word “nambed” ???

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:53 am

nabbed. My bad. nabbit?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 8:43 am

Ms. Lazenby;
I accept your challenge. I think an honest and progressive first step would be to present some facts with your column.

Provide us/me with some facts that I can agree with, or at least research, so that I can disagree from a stand point of honest and open communication about, in my opinion, a non issue. Fewer adverbs and adjectives designed to pull at the heart strings and more facts will go along way in finalizing this debate.

As a side note: Here we go again. A couple of white folks gonna fix everything for dem dare danged nambed coloreds. :)

Reply
Curious August 1, 2013 at 9:08 am

I believe the point was to raise some actual questions, Frank. As for facts, I think “racial bias in the criminal justice system, racial profiling,
mandatory minimums for drug offenses, and three strike
laws that make no sense… budget
cuts to food stamps, Medicaid and Section 8 housing that will negatively
impact low-income communities of color at a disproportionate rate” are a few. Also, the “lack of educational
opportunities in the inner cities of America, income inequality, and
poverty rates” are a thing. So is a history of racial discrimination in America. And if you’re not familiar with the strategy of using the “common enemy” of the black man to scare and divide white people, I suggest you read some history.

What is short on facts is Sic’s thing about black judges letting off their black brothers just b/c they’re black – where was the evidence that race payed in to those decisions? Where was the comparison with the rate at which white judges to do the same thing?

Nothing wrong with telling Sic to get past his rhetoric so he can address a real problem.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:20 am

Curious;
I believe I raised an ‘actual’ question. Facts. What are the facts, not adjectives and adverbs. What are the numbers.
I understand, as I think Ms. Lazenby does as well that all of the issues are not going to be touched upon in one sitting. Pick one. I don’t care which one it is. I don’t believe this is an issue and I’m stating such.

I’m also staying open minded to an honest and progressive conversation. Ms. Lazenby asked for this issue to be brought up. If you want me to be a part of it, you have to provide more than adjectives.
Have a Great Day!! ;) You know, Demlicans and all that.

Reply
Finius Nullis August 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

Frank: Good post, and no curse/swear words – Sic Willie will have us trained yet!

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:55 am

He said no more cussin’. Those DPRK minders are rough.

Edit: Not nearly as bad as the minders in the USSA anyway

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:11 pm

Thank you Shifty. Welcome Back

shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:15 pm

Sic Willie is very slick – he takes things one step at a time as he works toward his ideal goal. Banning nudity, cursing, cartoons/photos (dag nabbit), and soon he will be moderating the comments to keep this site pure. He has a plan, and remember that this is HIS site and we are the guests. Perhaps he will be able to moderate photos at some point.

junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:44 am

I don’t get the word “nambed” ???

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:53 am

nabbed. My bad. nabbit?

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:21 am

So are the white eggs yelling at each other with the brown egg in the middle, or are they yelling at the brown egg itself?

Sometimes things are simply a matter of perception….and unfortunately for the central planners it’s hard to legislate that…but that is what their lapdog media is for.

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 9:25 am

The liberal media or the conservative media? Because I don’t think Bill O’Reily and Rush Limbaugh are asking for any central planning. Hannity, neither.

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:32 am

The label doesn’t matter as far as their lapdog status is concerned, they are ALL complicit.

Where the label matters is the topic….wanna see some shilling for the MIC? Turn on “conservative” media.

Wanna see some shilling for welfare programs?
Turn on “liberal” media.

Etc., et al; They all have their pet projects…the major thing they have in common is the players in gov’t directing our dollars towards their specific cause with propaganda wars guided by the big 6 media giants.

Also, Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. are cheering for central planning in that context….don’t make me elucidate it…just think about it. I’m tired today.

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:42 am

Try some Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea—-could give you some pep.

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

lol….not if I use them for their intended purpose…and the “Watermelon” Arizona drink he was carrying with Skittles are the two major components of “purple drank”…which would slow me down more.

junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:50 am

See? This is a good example of a white boy like me not understanding a “cultural thang”. When I heard about it during the Z trial, I thought it was some kind of “upper”. Sorry!

? August 1, 2013 at 9:55 am

The media never discussed the implications of the ingredients…probably purposely…and of course never told anyone it was “watermelon” flavored punch because of the natural “racist” generalizations associated with it.

The facts remain that Trayvon smoked pot and txt’d about purple drank…so it only stand to reason why he had the unopened bag of skittle and Watermon Arizona punch.

Most media didn’t want to touch that with a 10 foot pole….and now I’m in a conversation I don’t want to be because it’s just a matter of time before I start getting bombed by Trayvon advocates and I’m just too tired to deal with it today.

? August 1, 2013 at 9:59 am

lol….since the whole “Skittles” conversation you forced on me JJ we have no received two “thumbs down”…lol…damn you!

? August 1, 2013 at 9:59 am

edit: “now”

TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Actually the Skittles (or gummy bears) and watermelon tea do provide pep. It’s the codeine that slows you down.

“It wasn’t heroin! It was PCP. “

? August 1, 2013 at 7:51 pm

“not if I use them for their intended purpose”

See, I qualified it. :)

I love Trading Places btw, I rate it highly and there are several good scenes…but there’s nothing like the Cane/Wheelchair scene from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axAA2egWeaY

TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:16 pm

Jamarcus Russell is holding on line one.

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:43 am

Or did someone clone you?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:43 am

Did somebody clone you?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:31 am

Well ? you know how it is. Everyone that cuts you off on the freeway must be a complete and total A-hole. It can be they have an injury/illness in the back of the car. They must be texting :)

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:34 am

Agreed….and if we are all honest we’ve all been guilty of bad assumptions at one time or another.

Thing is, do we need to pass a law to “fix it”(let alone it being “fixable”)?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:40 am

Agreed

Reply
The Goat August 1, 2013 at 12:02 pm

I think I saw the brown egg with some dope. They are planning an arrest of the brown egg. Some say he will be “fried”!

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 2:56 pm

Fried, baked, it’s all the same, someone’s gonna end up with egg on their face.

:)

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:21 am

So are the white eggs yelling at each other with the brown egg in the middle, or are they yelling at the brown egg itself?

Sometimes things are simply a matter of perception….and unfortunately for the central planners it’s hard to legislate that…but that is what their lapdog media is for.

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 9:25 am

The liberal media or the conservative media? Because I don’t think Bill O’Reily and Rush Limbaugh are asking for any central planning. Hannity, neither.

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:32 am

The label doesn’t matter as far as their lapdog status is concerned, they are ALL complicit.

Where the label matters is the topic….wanna see some shilling for the MIC? Turn on “conservative” media.

Wanna see some shilling for welfare programs?
Turn on “liberal” media.

Etc., et al; They all have their pet projects…the major thing they have in common is the players in gov’t directing our dollars towards their specific cause with propaganda wars guided by the big 6 media giants.

Also, Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. are cheering for central planning in that context….don’t make me elucidate it…just think about it. I’m tired today.

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:42 am

Try some Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea—-could give you some pep.

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:46 am

lol….not if I use them for their intended purpose…and the “Watermelon” Arizona drink he was carrying with Skittles are the two major components of “purple drank”…which would slow me down more.

junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:50 am

See? This is a good example of a white boy like me not understanding a “cultural thang”. When I heard about it during the Z trial, I thought it was some kind of “upper”. Sorry!

? August 1, 2013 at 9:55 am

The media never discussed the implications of the ingredients…probably purposely…and of course never told anyone it was “watermelon” flavored punch because of the natural “racist” generalizations associated with it.

The facts remain that Trayvon smoked pot and txt’d about purple drank…so it only stand to reason why he had the unopened bag of skittle and Watermon Arizona punch.

Most media didn’t want to touch that with a 10 foot pole….and now I’m in a conversation I don’t want to be because it’s just a matter of time before I start getting bombed by Trayvon advocates and I’m just too tired to deal with it today.

? August 1, 2013 at 9:59 am

lol….since the whole “Skittles” conversation you forced on me JJ we have no received two “thumbs down”…lol…damn you!

? August 1, 2013 at 9:59 am

edit: “now”

TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Actually the Skittles (or gummy bears) and watermelon tea do provide pep. It’s the codeine that slows you down.

“It wasn’t heroin! It was PCP. “

? August 1, 2013 at 7:51 pm

“not if I use them for their intended purpose”

See, I qualified it. :)

I love Trading Places btw, I rate it highly and there are several good scenes…but there’s nothing like the Cane/Wheelchair scene from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axAA2egWeaY

TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:16 pm

Jamarcus Russell is holding on line one.

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:43 am

Or did someone clone you?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:43 am

Did somebody clone you?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:31 am

Well ? you know how it is. Everyone that cuts you off on the freeway must be a complete and total A-hole. It can be they have an injury/illness in the back of the car. They must be texting :)

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 9:34 am

Agreed….and if we are all honest we’ve all been guilty of bad assumptions at one time or another.

Thing is, do we need to pass a law to “fix it”(let alone it being “fixable”)?

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 9:40 am

Agreed

Reply
The Goat August 1, 2013 at 12:02 pm

I think I saw the brown egg with some dope. They are planning an arrest of the brown egg. Some say he will be “fried”!

Reply
? August 1, 2013 at 2:56 pm

Fried, baked, it’s all the same, someone’s gonna end up with egg on their face.

:)

Reply
Will Folks aka Sic August 1, 2013 at 9:27 am

My response to Amy Lazenby’s column –> https://www.fitsnews.com/2013/08/01/responding-to-amy-lazenby/

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 10:11 am

I see – what we have ourselves here is a real give and take. Is this going to be a regular feature of the new site? I hope so.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 10:19 am

Nice Jab. Practice your upper cut a little. JK

Reply
YallCalmDown August 1, 2013 at 10:48 am

He’s gonna have to do a lot better than that to win this argument.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 11:01 am

No son. He’s way out in front. Lazybe offers zippo. Sic frequently places facts in his articles.

Reply
loisdeboid August 1, 2013 at 12:06 pm

lol…Sic rarely places “facts” in his articles, just opinions that you may or may not agree with. He only links to his own previous blog articles to “prove” what he says in his current blog articles. An occasional link to actual facts from a reputable source every now and then would be a bit more convincing.

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:09 pm

Yeah. NYT, right right?? How about PMSNBC. Yeah HUH??

shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:29 pm

Amy is also getting ready for the future. She is like some national news/opinion writers who post using only their last names: Lazenby on: “How Dick and Jane Kicked the Habit” But I’m ok with her.

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Hadn’t seen you here in a while Shifty.

Was worried you had gone the way of nudity, bad language, and BigT/GrandTango……

Note to the FITSNEWS STASI* :
When you knock on TBG’s door at 3:00am….it’ll probably take TBG a few moments to answer the door as TBG usually cleans a small portion of his huge arsenal from midnight to 4:00 am every night and does not want to smear gun oil all over his dog-eared copy of “The Turner Diaries”.

*Figure among the um…progressives that comment here, “STASI” would be less offensive than “Gestapo”.

Reply
shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 10:02 pm

TBG: To be sure they are legitimate, here is a link to their undercover outfits to be inconspicuous — just so you don’t make any mistakes——

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380936/Stasi-style-How-East-Germanys-secret-police-dressed-agents-ensure-infiltrate-lives-suspects.html

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:02 pm

TBG would be lying if he didn’t admit that part of him would love to see this devolve into a Dan Akroyd/Jane Curtain “Point/Counterpoint” style debate.

Reply
Curious August 1, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Amy: “Will, you ignorant slut.”

Reply
Will Folks aka Sic August 1, 2013 at 9:27 am

My response to Amy Lazenby’s column –> https://www.fitsnews.com/2013/08/01/responding-to-amy-lazenby/

Reply
Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 10:11 am

I see – what we have ourselves here is a real give and take. Is this going to be a regular feature of the new site? I hope so.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 10:19 am

Nice Jab. Practice your upper cut a little. JK

Reply
YallCalmDown August 1, 2013 at 10:48 am

He’s gonna have to do a lot better than that to win this argument.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 11:01 am

No son. He’s way out in front. Lazybe offers zippo. Sic frequently places facts in his articles.

Reply
loisdeboid August 1, 2013 at 12:06 pm

lol…Sic rarely places “facts” in his articles, just opinions that you may or may not agree with. He only links to his own previous blog articles to “prove” what he says in his current blog articles. An occasional link to actual facts from a reputable source every now and then would be a bit more convincing.

Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:09 pm

Yeah. NYT, right right?? How about PMSNBC. Yeah HUH??

shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:29 pm

Amy is also getting ready for the future. She is like some national news/opinion writers who post using only their last names: Lazenby on: “How Dick and Jane Kicked the Habit” But I’m ok with her.

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Hadn’t seen you here in a while Shifty.

Was worried you had gone the way of nudity, bad language, and BigT/GrandTango……

Note to the FITSNEWS STASI* :
When you knock on TBG’s door at 3:00am….it’ll probably take TBG a few moments to answer the door as TBG usually cleans a small portion of his huge arsenal from midnight to 4:00 am every night and does not want to smear gun oil all over his dog-eared copy of “The Turner Diaries”.

*Figure among the um…progressives that comment here, “STASI” would be less offensive than “Gestapo”.

Reply
shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 10:02 pm

TBG: To be sure they are legitimate, here is a link to their undercover outfits to be inconspicuous — just so you don’t make any mistakes——

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380936/Stasi-style-How-East-Germanys-secret-police-dressed-agents-ensure-infiltrate-lives-suspects.html

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:02 pm

TBG would be lying if he didn’t admit that part of him would love to see this devolve into a Dan Akroyd/Jane Curtain “Point/Counterpoint” style debate.

Reply
Curious August 1, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Amy: “Will, you ignorant slut.”

Reply
Not rocket sci, human science August 1, 2013 at 9:32 am

For the minorities and caucasians who place stock in priorities like education, two parent households, and personal responsibility, this usually is not an issue no matter the neighborhood and economic strata. Yes, it is more difficult, but it is do-able and people that strive for these positive attributes should be rewarded. When you subsidize bad behavior that exacerbates this breakdown of the family and culture, you just get more of it. And no, I am not talking about a roll-back of funding for the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged. I am talking about redirecting the money to people who aspire to being held to universal standards and over-arching values as reinforced by leaders in their communities that they respect. This in turn breeds a respect amongst all peoples.

Reply
A Humble Chef August 1, 2013 at 9:48 am

Whoa buddy…..you are sharing some things that make sense and aren’t aimed at “stirring the pot” and “race baiting”. You must be lost…..none of that here.

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 3:57 pm

RACISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Reply
Not rocket sci, human science August 1, 2013 at 9:32 am

For the minorities and caucasians who place stock in priorities like education, two parent households, and personal responsibility, this usually is not an issue no matter the neighborhood and economic strata. Yes, it is more difficult, but it is do-able and people that strive for these positive attributes should be rewarded. When you subsidize bad behavior that exacerbates this breakdown of the family and culture, you just get more of it. And no, I am not talking about a roll-back of funding for the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged. I am talking about redirecting the money to people who aspire to being held to universal standards and over-arching values as reinforced by leaders in their communities that they respect. This in turn breeds a respect amongst all peoples.

Reply
A Humble Chef August 1, 2013 at 9:48 am

Whoa buddy…..you are sharing some things that make sense and aren’t aimed at “stirring the pot” and “race baiting”. You must be lost…..none of that here.

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 3:57 pm

RACISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:33 am

The “angel” currently occupying the White House has already addressed some of these issues. Using your investigative skills for a follow-up to this article, look into his references to “relocation” programs. These programs will use data from the 2010 census to implement them. Don’t worry, Amy, your “angel” has already promised to “fix it.”

Reply
need education, not angels August 1, 2013 at 10:36 am

I agree. As a child who lived in a neighborhood in the 60’s that was intentionally “block-busted,” I would have to advise: no good came of it. The WH should be ready for some unintended consequences. However, they will just write it off as necessary collateral damage. Putting anyone in areas they are not ready for, either from a mindset perspective or financially is just wrong and naturally builds resentment from those who worked their way up to a better neighborhood. Even when the incoming parties are government subsidized, the monies often find their way into supporting old bad habits. The neighborhoods just reach a new low.

Reply
shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:03 pm

Excellent points.

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 4:30 pm

Sorry that I don’t have a link to the relocation article. At the time I didn’t give it much thought. The idea was not just to move blacks into white neighborhoods but also to move whites into black neighborhoods. I just don’t remember what was to be done with Hispanic neighborhoods. The focus, I think, was to be based on entire towns and cities with data obtained from the 2010 census.

Reply
junior justice August 1, 2013 at 9:33 am

The “angel” currently occupying the White House has already addressed some of these issues. Using your investigative skills for a follow-up to this article, look into his references to “relocation” programs. These programs will use data from the 2010 census to implement them. Don’t worry, Amy, your “angel” has already promised to “fix it.”

Reply
need education, not angels August 1, 2013 at 10:36 am

I agree. As a child who lived in a neighborhood in the 60’s that was intentionally “block-busted,” I would have to advise: no good came of it. The WH should be ready for some unintended consequences. However, they will just write it off as necessary collateral damage. Putting anyone in areas they are not ready for, either from a mindset perspective or financially is just wrong and naturally builds resentment from those who worked their way up to a better neighborhood. Even when the incoming parties are government subsidized, the monies often find their way into supporting old bad habits. The neighborhoods just reach a new low.

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shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:03 pm

Excellent points.

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junior justice August 1, 2013 at 4:30 pm

Sorry that I don’t have a link to the relocation article. At the time I didn’t give it much thought. The idea was not just to move blacks into white neighborhoods but also to move whites into black neighborhoods. I just don’t remember what was to be done with Hispanic neighborhoods. The focus, I think, was to be based on entire towns and cities with data obtained from the 2010 census.

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EJB August 1, 2013 at 10:20 am

Ms. Lazenby your column comes off more that the problems of the black race is because of the white race and that whites need to find a way to help the blacks because we caused their problems, seemingly ignoring any possible responsibility that the black race should have for their condition. I enjoy reading Walter Williams’ columns because I believe he presents an honest perspective and this week his column addresses issues you bring up to a certain extent (http://www.creators.com/conservative/walter-williams.html). I would say that a fair bit of the problems the black race face are in fact a type of racism but of that practiced by the US Congress. With all the “gimme” programs and multiple billions of dollars spent those Congressional efforts have, I believe, caused more harm than good, by far.

I recently ran across a quote by Frederick Douglass which I think should guide us yet today;

“Everybody has asked the question … ‘What shall we do with the Negro?’ I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us!”

The company I work for is trying to hire workers and the majority of those that are applying and testing are black but they won’t take the jobs offered because they think they are worth more than we are offering (think NYC McDonalds) but they are barely worth what we are offering, we both loose.

Thomas Sowell had an interesting column a few weeks ago too;
http://www.creators.com/conservative/thomas-sowell/who-is-racist-13-07-09.html

Both Mr. Sowell and Mr. Williams have written extensively about this issue and I have bought and read several of Mr. Sowell’s books and I do believe that any “fix” that will truly improve the condition of the black race will involve a drastic rollback of the “gimme” programs and an acceptance of personal responsibility by the black race, even Bill Cosby has brought this up. For every part the white race plays in the negative outcome of the black race the black race has seven parts. Without whites blacks can do much to improve their lot, to paraphrase Mr. Douglas “Do nothing with them!”

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EJB August 1, 2013 at 10:20 am

Ms. Lazenby your column comes off more that the problems of the black race is because of the white race and that whites need to find a way to help the blacks because we caused their problems, seemingly ignoring any possible responsibility that the black race should have for their condition. I enjoy reading Walter Williams’ columns because I believe he presents an honest perspective and this week his column addresses issues you bring up to a certain extent (http://www.creators.com/conservative/walter-williams.html). I would say that a fair bit of the problems the black race face are in fact a type of racism but of that practiced by the US Congress. With all the “gimme” programs and multiple billions of dollars spent those Congressional efforts have, I believe, caused more harm than good, by far.

I recently ran across a quote by Frederick Douglass which I think should guide us yet today;

“Everybody has asked the question … ‘What shall we do with the Negro?’ I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us!”

The company I work for is trying to hire workers and the majority of those that are applying and testing are black but they won’t take the jobs offered because they think they are worth more than we are offering (think NYC McDonalds) but they are barely worth what we are offering, we both loose.

Thomas Sowell had an interesting column a few weeks ago too;
http://www.creators.com/conservative/thomas-sowell/who-is-racist-13-07-09.html

Both Mr. Sowell and Mr. Williams have written extensively about this issue and I have bought and read several of Mr. Sowell’s books and I do believe that any “fix” that will truly improve the condition of the black race will involve a drastic rollback of the “gimme” programs and an acceptance of personal responsibility by the black race, even Bill Cosby has brought this up. For every part the white race plays in the negative outcome of the black race the black race has seven parts. Without whites blacks can do much to improve their lot, to paraphrase Mr. Douglas “Do nothing with them!”

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guest August 1, 2013 at 10:24 am

I am sick of hearing the term “gun violence”. I have yet to see a gun act violently. It is PEOPLE violence. Stop blaming guns, cars or other inanimate objects for their users inadequacies. Cars were involved in over ten times the deaths than instances where a user of a gun was involved in a death. I have seen nothing about “car violence” in the news.

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Smirks August 1, 2013 at 10:42 am

I have seen nothing about “car violence” in the news.

Oh, it’s worse than that. They allow students to bring cars to school. What is this world coming to?

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:29 pm

Cars, no.

But SUVs commit a lot of mayhem.

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guest August 1, 2013 at 10:24 am

I am sick of hearing the term “gun violence”. I have yet to see a gun act violently. It is PEOPLE violence. Stop blaming guns, cars or other inanimate objects for their users inadequacies. Cars were involved in over ten times the deaths than instances where a user of a gun was involved in a death. I have seen nothing about “car violence” in the news.

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Smirks August 1, 2013 at 10:42 am

I have seen nothing about “car violence” in the news.

Oh, it’s worse than that. They allow students to bring cars to school. What is this world coming to?

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 4:29 pm

Cars, no.

But SUVs commit a lot of mayhem.

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Original Good Old Boy August 1, 2013 at 11:38 am

So “institutionalized racism” is a larger issue than out-of-control black-on-black violence?
And while I don’t disagree that both sides of the aisle race bait, this piece really misses the mark. It is yet another attempt to blame white racism as being largely responsible for the violence committed by so many young black men. Yes, they are disproportionately represented in our prison popoluation, but don’t you think that’s because they commit a disproportionate amount of the violent crimes?
At some point, people need to help themselves and quit blaming others for their lack of opportunties. There are plenty of opportunities available for young black men so long as they are willing to be serious and presentable. In fact, they are desired by employers desiring to diversify their workforce. But too many feel that they need to “keep it real” and avoid being an uncool “uncle tom.”
Amy, you are a thoughtful poster, but this is one of your weaker pieces.
P.S. Why bring up the “debate about stand your ground” when stand-your-ground laws had nothing to do with the Zimmerman case (only in the media was it relevant). Unless you want to remove the laws of simple self defense, there are no laws that need to be changed in the wake of the media-driven circus that was the ZImmerman trial.

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:20 pm

No, I do not think they commit a disproportionate amount of the violent crime. I’m becoming personally more curious about this and may have to clarify it for myself.

The vast majority of violent offenders are in jail on alternate(?) violent crime charges tacked on to drug offenses as first time offenders (resisting arrest, assault on a cop, etc.). Once your in the system, there’s no getting out if you continue down the drug path. So basically what they have done is criminalize sole proprietorships.

Take out the whites from that equation and you have non caucasians that grew up in homes where parents didn’t give a crap (welfare mamas’) or immigrants/children of immigrants that grew up in cultures that said that accept or glorify this type of behavior. It’s only when you get into the second offenses that you see the disproportionate numbers surrounding violence.

Yes I know. There’s all kind of white trash too. But whitey ostracizes and shames its own. Blacks/minorities tend more to coddle and condone the ‘offending’ behavior. Close the DEA and institute true free markets surrounding drugs and half the problem, black violent crime, is gone.

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EJB August 1, 2013 at 12:27 pm

The liberals and various other politicians can’t acknowledge any sense of responsibility on the part of the black race because that would force them to admit that “they” (politicians) can’t “fix” it. This is how politicians get re-elected, pass bogus legislation that actually makes things worse but they claim it is the solution to the problem. Ever notice how every time the politicians fix something it gets worse. Read Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell and see that all the legislation and all the money spent since the 50s have only made things worse for the black race (and the whites that get caught up in these programs). They get government handouts and free phones and free housing but those things are no substitute for self respect, self esteem and feeling productive. Williams and Sowell highlight these government efforts as not black specific by pointing to studies of poor whites in England, notably London, similarly “helped” by the government there.

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Original Good Old Boy August 1, 2013 at 11:38 am

So “institutionalized racism” is a larger issue than out-of-control black-on-black violence?
And while I don’t disagree that both sides of the aisle race bait, this piece really misses the mark. It is yet another attempt to blame white racism as being largely responsible for the violence committed by so many young black men. Yes, they are disproportionately represented in our prison popoluation, but don’t you think that’s because they commit a disproportionate amount of the violent crimes?
At some point, people need to help themselves and quit blaming others for their lack of opportunties. There are plenty of opportunities available for young black men so long as they are willing to be serious and presentable. In fact, they are desired by employers desiring to diversify their workforce. But too many feel that they need to “keep it real” and avoid being an uncool “uncle tom.”
Amy, you are a thoughtful poster, but this is one of your weaker pieces.
P.S. Why bring up the “debate about stand your ground” when stand-your-ground laws had nothing to do with the Zimmerman case (only in the media was it relevant). Unless you want to remove the laws of simple self defense, there are no laws that need to be changed in the wake of the media-driven circus that was the ZImmerman trial.

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:20 pm

No, I do not think they commit a disproportionate amount of the violent crime. I’m becoming personally more curious about this and may have to clarify it for myself.

The vast majority of violent offenders are in jail on alternate(?) violent crime charges tacked on to drug offenses as first time offenders (resisting arrest, assault on a cop, etc.). Once your in the system, there’s no getting out if you continue down the drug path. So basically what they have done is criminalize sole proprietorships.

Take out the whites from that equation and you have non caucasians that grew up in homes where parents didn’t give a crap (welfare mamas’) or immigrants/children of immigrants that grew up in cultures that accept or glorify this type of behavior. It’s only when you get into the second offenses that you see the disproportionate numbers surrounding violence.

Yes I know. There’s all kind of white trash too. But whitey ostracizes and shames its own. Blacks/minorities tend more to coddle and condone the ‘offending’ behavior. Close the DEA and institute true free markets surrounding drugs and half the problem, black violent crime, is gone.

Reply
EJB August 1, 2013 at 12:27 pm

The liberals and various other politicians can’t acknowledge any sense of responsibility on the part of the black race because that would force them to admit that “they” (politicians) can’t “fix” it. This is how politicians get re-elected, pass bogus legislation that actually makes things worse but they claim it is the solution to the problem. Ever notice how every time the politicians fix something it gets worse. Read Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell and see that all the legislation and all the money spent since the 50s have only made things worse for the black race (and the whites that get caught up in these programs). They get government handouts and free phones and free housing but those things are no substitute for self respect, self esteem and feeling productive. Williams and Sowell highlight these government efforts as not black specific by pointing to studies of poor whites in England, notably London, similarly “helped” by the government there.

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White Egg August 1, 2013 at 12:05 pm

The problem with this approach is that there are so many brown eggs who do not know who their father is. They have no upbringing or self respect. If you do the crime, then do the time! When is the last time you read the paper about a brown egg who committed a crime only to find out it was the 4-5th time he had done so. Strangely, it is usually a male brown egg and less commonly a female brown egg. I guess they are too busy conceiving more brown eggs until we have a dozen or so . . .

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Damn. I’ve told you before. If you want to say nigger, just say it.

‘Brown Egg’. Waddamaroon. :P

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EJB August 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm

Can’t say “that” word, Sic is trying to clean things up so he can get on the “big” stage with HuffPo and them others.

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:37 pm

LOL

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shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm

Which reminds me—
A rooster ran out the henhouse crowing and cavorting around the barnyard. His buddy rooster asked, “What are you so excited about?” He answered, “That’s one piece KFC won’t be getting!”

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shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 4:03 pm

WE: You obviously typed that comment on your eggonomic keyboard.

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White Egg August 1, 2013 at 12:05 pm

The problem with this approach is that there are so many brown eggs who do not know who their father is. They have no upbringing or self respect. If you do the crime, then do the time! When is the last time you read the paper about a brown egg who committed a crime only to find out it was the 4-5th time he had done so. Strangely, it is usually a male brown egg and less commonly a female brown egg. I guess they are too busy conceiving more brown eggs until we have a dozen or so . . .

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Damn. I’ve told you before. If you want to say nigger, just say it.

‘Brown Egg’. Waddamaroon. :P

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EJB August 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm

Can’t say “that” word, Sic is trying to clean things up so he can get on the “big” stage with HuffPo and them others.

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Frank Pytel August 1, 2013 at 12:37 pm

LOL

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shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm

Which reminds me—
A rooster ran out the henhouse crowing and cavorting around the barnyard. His buddy rooster asked, “What are you so excited about?” He answered, “That’s one piece KFC won’t be getting!”

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shifty henry August 1, 2013 at 4:03 pm

WE: You obviously typed that comment on your eggonomic keyboard.

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Tyrone Butternuts August 1, 2013 at 2:01 pm

We are well beyond the 1960s when federal legislation was passed that would allow blacks to get a leg up. Compare them with Asians and Hispanics. I wish I could see more gown-up acting black males here in South Carolina , getting uo at 7 am to go to work until 5, and earning a good paycheck with deposits into an IRA. It seems like it will never happen, sadly. Black women do all the heavy work in black families, and keep the family together. Black men are inordinately insecure and immature.

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Frank Pytel August 2, 2013 at 4:56 am

See my post to White Egg :P

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Tyrone Butternuts August 1, 2013 at 2:01 pm

We are well beyond the 1960s when federal legislation was passed that would allow blacks to get a leg up. Compare them with Asians and Hispanics. I wish I could see more gown-up acting black males here in South Carolina , getting uo at 7 am to go to work until 5, and earning a good paycheck with deposits into an IRA. It seems like it will never happen, sadly. Black women do all the heavy work in black families, and keep the family together. Black men are inordinately insecure and immature.

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Frank Pytel August 2, 2013 at 4:56 am

See my post to White Egg :P

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Bullgerbil August 1, 2013 at 3:14 pm

You lost credibility with these three words: “the conservative media”. Conservative media doesn’t exist (save Fox). Actually you lost credibility before that. Black AND white ‘Judges’, as well as Solicitors, constantly let these repeat offenders out on bail and/or reduce or drop the charges all together. Rinse. Repeat. And they do 99% of the time.

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Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 5:26 pm

She actually did talk about white judges doing the same thing in the first paragraph. That was the point – that it’s not just black judges letting out black defendants like Sic claimed. You lost credibility when you failed to read the first paragraph.

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Bullgerbil August 1, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Yeah, I did read that. I comprehended it too. So, your perceived error on my part > this standard “blame whitey” piece and, therefore, negates my comment?

Actually, I believe the ‘point’ is not about judges; it appears that it was about race baiting. Sorry; I cheated by reading the title.

Additionally, Ms. Lazenby feels that there are ‘unsubstantiated charges of reverse racism’ that Conservatives are using to advance their agenda. Reverse racism is not only alive and well but thriving. If you don’t recognize that FACT then you may want to investigate reality comprehension.

You lost credibility by defending her while wearing your liberal colored glasses.

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Frank Pytel August 2, 2013 at 4:53 am

Good post.

I would only amend my agreement with your comments to state that Racism is alive and well. All niggers or cracka’s or japs or spicks or whatever. The color of the skin of the racist is unimportant.

Personally I think the biggest racists are those that shove it down the throats of others, similarly to Ms. Lazenby.

You know all us white folk gotta gits together and fix this problems for dem darkies. :P
Have a Great Day!! :) There won’t be many left with the Demlicans and Republicrats in charge.

PS: Fox is about as conservative as a two dollar hooker. Just sayin’

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Bob White August 1, 2013 at 3:14 pm

You lost credibility with these three words: “the conservative media”. Conservative media doesn’t exist (save Fox). Actually you lost credibility before that. Black AND white ‘Judges’, as well as Solicitors, constantly let these repeat offenders out on bail and/or reduce or drop the charges all together. Rinse. Repeat. And they do 99% of the time.

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Reading Comprehension August 1, 2013 at 5:26 pm

She actually did talk about white judges doing the same thing in the first paragraph. That was the point – that it’s not just black judges letting out black defendants like Sic claimed. You lost credibility when you failed to read the first paragraph.

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Bob White August 1, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Yeah, I did read that. I comprehended it too. So, your perceived error on my part > this standard “blame whitey” piece and, therefore, negates my comment?

Actually, I believe the ‘point’ is not about judges; it appears that it was about race baiting. Sorry; I cheated by reading the title.

Additionally, Ms. Lazenby feels that there are ‘unsubstantiated charges of reverse racism’ that Conservatives are using to advance their agenda. Reverse racism is not only alive and well but thriving. If you don’t recognize that FACT then you may want to investigate reality comprehension.

You lost credibility by defending her while wearing your liberal colored glasses.

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Frank Pytel August 2, 2013 at 4:53 am

Good post.

I would only amend my agreement with your comments to state that Racism is alive and well. All niggers or cracka’s or japs or spicks or whatever. The color of the skin of the racist is unimportant.

Personally I think the biggest racists are those that shove it down the throats of others, similarly to Ms. Lazenby.

You know all us white folk gotta gits together and fix this problems for dem darkies. :P
Have a Great Day!! :) There won’t be many left with the Demlicans and Republicrats in charge.

PS: Fox is about as conservative as a two dollar hooker. Just sayin’

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 9:48 pm

Brown eggs are better than white eggs.

“Black History Month

Classic Saturday Night Live with Phil Hartman as Andy Rooney.

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 1, 2013 at 9:48 pm

Brown eggs are better than white eggs.

“Black History Month

Classic Saturday Night Live with Phil Hartman as Andy Rooney.

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bob sacamanto August 2, 2013 at 10:48 am

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…(takes breath)…HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…(side hurting)…HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

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bob sacamanto August 2, 2013 at 10:48 am

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…(takes breath)…HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…(side hurting)…HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

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lowcorider August 2, 2013 at 12:45 pm

Two points.
White people kill white people. (Gasp)
Thug. It’s republican for nigger.

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 2, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Tupac was a republican?

Who da thunk it?

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Lowcorider August 2, 2013 at 12:45 pm

Two points.
White people kill white people. (Gasp)
Thug. It’s republican for nigger.

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 2, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Tupac was a republican?

Who da thunk it?

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9" August 2, 2013 at 7:02 pm

Blog incest/nepotism:Race-baiting the race-baiter.

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9" August 2, 2013 at 7:02 pm

Blog incest/nepotism:Race-baiting the race-baiter.

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AC August 3, 2013 at 7:09 am

It was very interesting that Fits made no mention of the recent violence in 5 Points. One could only wonder if it was because Caucasians or White Boys were stabbing White Boys.

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AC August 3, 2013 at 7:09 am

It was very interesting that Fits made no mention of the recent violence in 5 Points. One could only wonder if it was because Caucasians or White Boys were stabbing White Boys.

Reply

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