Afternoon Edition - 6/14/05

Minority the Majority; Not Good
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made a stunning declaration at the 2005 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta. Although African Americans only account for 12% of the population, they make up 47% of all HIV cases. With more than 74% of all HIV+ Americans being male, and 45% of new cases reported from gay and bisexual men, it’s time to take a stand and make a difference. An estimated 17% of Latino men were reported in comparison. Age also played a big factor with 14% of those infected in the 18-24 year group, while 30% of men in their 30s showed infection. Gary English, executive director of the People of Color in Crisis in Brooklyn, NY said, “The CDC — if it was white gay men back in the '80s with these types of numbers — you would see a different response, so I would urge this country to really take this issue very seriously."
Sidebar: At a recent gathering a few African American acquaintances discussed the issue of “raw” sex (sex without a condom). Many of the gay men present argued the point that they preferred sex this way even though the threat of HIV was real. I was taken aback, but I accept that this is a reality. With new life-saving drugs, some people are not afraid of contracting this disease. For the record, HIV still kills and there are forms of this disease that are not treatable.

MJ Not Guilty; Many Not Convinced
When the verdict was announced many breathed a sigh of relief while some cringed in disgust. Michael Jackson was found Not Guilty on all charges. Jackson narrowly escaped an extensive prison term after being charged with child molestation, among other charges. There is a saying that “where there’s smoke there’s fire.” I don’t necessarily think that we should believe the press or the detractors all the time, but when you begin to feel EVERYONE is lying on you, it’s time to take a step back and look at the scene through their eyes. Since his first foray into battling accusations of child molestation in the early 1990s, Jackson appeared to believe that behavior that was not suitable to other adults would be condoned from him. Newsflash: You’re black, you’re acting koo-koo and you’re taunting the justice system to help you remember life without a perm. Folks, I’m not accusing Jackson of sleeping with children – I wasn’t there and I don’t have first hand knowledge of such an atrocity, but I am asking Jackson to consider what message his actions send to the public. After having his hand scalded in the burning flames of child molestation accusations in 1993, I would think that Jackson would not place his hee-hee-hand over that blazing inferno of a stove again. Saying #2: First time shame on you, second time shame on me. Come on Mikey, this trial was a true “Shame on you!” situation. You knew better. In the 80s DeBarge had a song called, “Time Will Reveal.” Well Hallelujah! For the Atheist folks – Praise your own spirit! … Time always reveals. If he is ill (and pedophilia is a true illness) then we can expect he will not be able to come away from it very easily. If in fact he’s being framed, then it’s time to recognize that he can’t save the world – Leave “dem” children alone Mike! …but seriously folks, there were some of you who mentioned your take on Mike, the wonderful job you’re doing with your own children and the triumph of surviving sexual abuse. Thank you – honestly – for sharing such personal and powerful stories. It takes the dedication of family, friends and our legal system to make the world a better place…time will reveal.

Keep passin’ the open windows…