THANK YOU! I hope this problem does not get sweep under the rug and is overshadowed by other stories deemed more newsworthy. It's also very likely that other pedophile politicos may be exposed. If so, then who's to to blame? The opposition political party? Get real. These criminals need to be exposed and punished! My heart goes out to the victimized children.

House to probe resigning congressman's notes to teen

What a hypocrite!

Here is an excerpt the coverage from the CBS News website...

ABC News reported Friday that Foley also engaged in a series of sexually explicit instant messages with current and former pages, all male.

In one message, ABC said, Foley wrote to one page, "Do I make you a little horny?"

In another message, Foley wrote, "You in your boxers, too? ... Well, strip down and get relaxed."

Foley, as chairman of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, had introduced legislation in July to protect children from exploitation by adults over the Internet. He also sponsored other legislation designed to protect minors from abuse and neglect.

"We track library books better than we do sexual predators," Foley has said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/29/politics/main2053136.shtml

Here are comments from the public...

The right wing republican majority knew about this guy for years and squelched it. No investigation. They didn't want to lose the seat, even though this is clearly predatory pedophilia.They actually warned incoming pages at their orientation about him! How does that compare to the right wing republicans approach to Clinton/Lewinsky?.HMMMM???hypocrisy???Posted by diamtool at 10:31 AM : Sep 30, 2006

As a conservative, I personally think anyone that does what the congressman did should go to jail. The people who post here making this a political issue (Dems vs. Rep) are rather juvenile (no pun intended). I am sick and tired of the *** that comes out of Washington, our State Govt, and even our local governments. As a 9 yr veteran of the military, I am sick of politicians who debase our great country. So if you have to think politics, try to focus on what really is important... voting the bums out and replacing them with honest folk. Keep doing so until the we get the message across that we will not settle for sleaze. I think this is a platform that conservatives like myself can share with honest liberals. As for Mr. Foley... may he spend some time behind bars to reflect on his actions.Posted by Frank88882 at 10:29 AM : Sep 30, 2006

Right wing hypocrisy comes home to roost again!Foley's remarks on Clinton/lewinsky from 1998:It's vile," said Rep. Mark Foley, R-West Palm Beach. "It's more sad than anything else, to see someone with such potential throw it all down the drain because of a sexual addiction." "just sad," Foley said. "It's unbelievable that he could behave so carelessly in that setting." Yes Foley it was vile- just not nearly as vile as homosexual predatory pedophilia. Posted by diamtool at 10:04 AM : Sep 30, 2006

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Crime, Florida, Homosexuality, Mark Foley, News, Pedophilia

U.S. Representative Mark Foley (Rep., FL) resigned when inappropriate e-mails sent to a male page were released. Foley was considered a shoo-in for re-election. Now, Republicans must quickly find a replacement to fill his slot. In spite of rumors regarding Foley’s sexual orientation, he was well-respected and had risen to key committee posts.

Foley was a member of the Republican leadership, serving as a deputy whip. He also was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus. Exploited Children? How ironic, sad and disgusting.

Now I’m not hating on anything consenting adults choose to do. I do have a tremendous problem with adults who take advantage of children. It is wrong; no ifs ands or buts about it. What the hell was he thinking? Sending e-mails and instant messages?! He needs to have his a** kicked. I know the parents of those boys want to wring his neck.

And another thing, Foley should not be allowed to just resign; he should be brought up on charges and severely punished.

Fla. U.S. Rep. Resigns Over E-Mail Controversy

News Archives: Rep. Mark Foley denounces gay rumors

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Florida, Homosexuality, Mark Foley, News, Politics

Sign online petition

Could this happen to your child? Your brother? Your friend?

Genarlow Wilson sits in prison despite being a good son, a good athlete and high school student with a 3.2 GPA. He never had any criminal trouble. On the day he was to sit for the SAT, at seventeen years old, his life changed forever. He was arrested. In Douglas County he was accused of inappropriate sexual acts at a News Year’s Eve party. A jury acquitted him of the allegation of Rape but convicted him of Aggravated Child Molestation for a voluntary act of oral sex with another teenager. He was 17, and she was 15.

Along with the label “child molester” which will require him throughout his life to be on a sexual offender registry, Genarlow received a sentence of eleven years — a mandatory 10 years in prison and 1 year on probation.

On July 1st, the new Romeo and Juliet law went into effect in Georgia for any other teen that engages in consensual sexual acts. That change in the law means that no teen prosecuted for consensual oral sex could receive more than a 12 months sentence or be required to register as a sex offender.

Had this law been in effect when Genarlow Wilson was arrested, or had been done after the Marcus Dixon case, Genarlow would not now be in jail.

Genarlow and his mother are overjoyed that no one else in Georgia will have to know their pain. In the meantime, however, the legal fight goes on for Genarlow Wilson.

Genarlow has been incarcerated since February 25, 2005.

What is Being Done to Release Genarlow Wilson?

After the Court of Appeals of Georgia affirmed Genarlow’s conviction, his legal team filed a Petition for Certiorari asking the Supreme Court of Georgia to consider the case. Click here to read the Petition.

What Can You Do?

1) Let District Attorney David McDade and other politicians of the state of Georgia know your outrage with the unjust incarceration of Genarlow Wilson. Sign our online petition demanding his freedom and that he not have to register as a sexual offender.

2) Donate to the Wilson Defense Fund. Monies collected will go to legal expenses and when released, an education fund for Genarlow Wilson.

Media On Tuesday, June 20th at 8pm, HDNet World Report aired a lengthy, in-depth report about Genarlow Wilson. HD Net is the high definition TV network started by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. World Report host Gregg Dobbs, a former correspondent with ABC news, recently traveled to Georgia for an in-depth interview with Genarlow. The program titled "Ignorance of the Law" is a documentary-style program and is the longest and most comprehensive report by any media outlet describing the injustice here to date.

ABC Chief Legal Correspondent Chris Cuomo interviewed Genarlow in prison on PrimeTime Live. You were able to hear from Genarlow yourself and realize the grave injustice of his ten year prison sentence. There is an online poll and message board at the ABC website.

The January 2006 issue of Atlanta Magazine provides a full account of the injustice and problem with Georgia law.

Genarlow’s story has also been featured on Good Morning America, The Abrams Report, and The O’Reilly Factor.

For additional information, contact Genarlow’s attorney The Bernstein Firm, P.C.BJ Bernstein621 North Avenue, NEBuilding E Atlanta, Georgia 30308 phone: 404-522-1200fax: 404-810-9092

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Crime, Genarlow Wilson, Justice, Law Enforcement, News

Much to do has been made about former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s contentious interview with FOX News correspondent Chris Wallace. Quite frankly, President Clinton did the right thing. Wallace had it coming to him and it’s high time that journalists who cannot live up to the principles of objectivity and integrity are put in check.

Why retort? Why now?

I would’ve preferred that President Clinton had put Barbara Bush in check when she made that lame comment about about the New Orleans Hurricane Katrina evacuees that were housed in the Houston Astrodome.

Anywho, Wallace and other media will think twice before going on attack again. Could that Clinton-Wallace interview be the tipping point for an end to political correctness and a return to straight talk? Time will tell.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Bill Clinton, News, Politics, Television

Wow, the news of the attempted suicide of Terrell Owens was shocking. This man, still very young in my eyes, would now endure even more media scrutiny. What a shame. Was it true? Had he really tried to kill himself? Why? Those questions and many more needed to be answered.

I don’t pay as much attention to professional football now as I did maybe 10 or 15 years ago so I don’t really know that much about the current players. I do know of one Terrell Eldorado Owens. How do I know of him? You guessed it, from that controversial commercial with actress Nicolette Sheridan.

As evolved and enlightened as we like to pretend to be in this country, the uproar from that commercial was racial. Black man, white woman, we’re still not ready to accept that in the United States. Rather than shamefully admit that, we tried to attribute the controversy to other reasons. Terrell Owens, AKA “T.O.”, has paid the most severe price for his role in that commercial. Give the man a break, damn.

Some accuse him of being arrogant, egotistical, and a number of other unflattering terms. Let’s get real; T.O. is a professional football player and a human being. Is he cocky? Perhaps. Hello. He’s not a diplomat. He’s a football player.

Before this latest episode in the life of T.O., the most I’d seen of him was an interview with Bryant Gumbel on HBO. My first thought was what an awesome physical specimen this man is. The muscular definition, evident through his clothing, beautiful skin and boyish smile with those beautiful white teeth, I thought, this can’t possibly be the horrible Terrell Owens.

What I gathered from that interview was that T.O. needs love. I saw a young man who's actually very shy. It may be laughable to some but I saw a young man not willing to accept his responsibility for some of the negativity in his life. Like many people not raised in a nurturing environment, T.O. is a by-product of that void and the current celebrity status under which he must survive.

Prayerfully, the attempted suicide, later officially classified as an accidental overdose will not really push him over the edge. If I could, I’d give Terrell a hug. He needs people around him who don’t want anything from him. I'm not naive enough t believe that will occur while he's playing pro football but I understand the conflict and the anger. He’s a professional athlete and a human being; let’s not forget that!

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: News, Sports, Terrell Owens

What would Monopoly be like if it was invented today?It's been 70 years since Monopoly was first published, since then London has changed significantly. Monopoly Here & Now Limited edition celebrates 70 years of this most popular board game, with a modern day twist on the classic... just how would it look had it been designed today?For the very first time, the UK London board has received a complete makeover. The properties are new, rent has rocketed and you can even stack your apartments sky high - now you can wheel and deal in the fast lane, and make your millions in the Big Smoke.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Entertainment, Games

A Different World, a spinoff of the top-rated The Cosby Show, enjoyed a successful run on NBC from 1987 to 1993. The half-hour, ensemble situation comedy was the first to immerse America in student life at an historically black college. Over the course of its run, the show was also credited with tackling social and political issues rarely explored in television fiction, and opening doors to the television industry for unprecedented numbers of young black actors, writers, producers and directors.

Set at Hillman College, a fictitious, historically black college in the South, the series began by focusing on the college experiences of sophomore Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet)--one of the four daughters featured on The Cosby Show.

Denise's attempts to adjust to life away from her family's upper-middle-class nest, and her relationship with her roommates, typically fueled the plot of each episode. One of those roommates, Jaleesa Vinson (Dawnn Lewis), was a young divorcee who considered Denise to be somewhat of a spoiled snob. Another roommate, Maggie Lauten (Marisa Tomei), was one of the few white students on the mostly black campus; for her, as it was for much of the show's audience, Hillman was indeed "a different world." Other recurring characters were added throughout the course of the first season: Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) was a rich Southern belle; Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) was a fast-talking, but studious, New Yorker; Ron Johnson (Darryl Bell) was Dwayne's scheming sidekick; and Walter Oakes (Sinbad) was the dorm director and gym teacher. Bonet and her character, Denise, left the show after the first season due to her real-life pregnancy.

Despite dismal initial reviews, A Different World capitalized off of its Thursday at 8:30 P.M. timeslot on NBC--between The Cosby Show and the ever-popular sitcom, Cheers--and finished second in the ratings its first season. The show and its creative staff were revamped for the second season, leading to third and fourth-place finishes for the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons, respectively. Among black viewers, however, the show consistently ranked first or second throughout most of its run.

As The Hollywood Reporter noted, the series was transformed "from a bland Cosby spinoff into a lively, socially responsible, ensemble situation comedy" only after Debbie Allen took over as producer-director following the first season. Allen, a prominent black dancer, choreographer and actress--and a graduate of historically black Howard University--drew from her college experiences in an effort to accurately reflect in the show the social and political life on black campuses. Moreover, Allen instituted a yearly spring trip to Atlanta where series writers visited two of the nation's leading black colleges, Morehouse and Spelman. During these visits, ideas for several of the episodes emerged from meetings with students and faculty. Symbolizing the show's transformation between the two seasons, perhaps, "the queen of soul," Aretha Franklin, was chosen to replace Phoebe Snow as vocalist for the title theme.

During Allen's tenure, casting changes also transformed the look and feel of the series. Several new characters were added, while certain characters from the first season were featured more prominently in order to add some spice. A cafeteria cook, Mr. Gaines (Lou Meyers), was added to give the series a flavor of southern culture. A hardworking, pre-medical student, Kim Reese (Charnele Brown ), was also introduced as a foil for Whitley; she worked for Mr. Gaines in the cafeteria and eventually found herself caught in an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with Ron, one of the original characters. Similarly, Dwayne became entangled in a love-hate relationship with another original character, Whitley. The eventual marriage of Dwayne and Whitley became a major event in the storyline. Other new characters included: Col. Taylor (Glynn Turman), the campus ROTC commander; Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer), an environmental activist with metaphysical leanings; Terrence Taylor (Cory Tyler), the son of Col. Taylor; and Lena James (Jada Pinkett), a feisty freshman from the Baltimore projects. Each new season, brought an incoming class of freshman and new featured characters. In short, following the departure of Bonet's character after the first season, the series became a true ensemble situation comedy.

A Different World is also notable for its attempts to explore a range of social and political issues rarely addressed on television--let alone in situation comedies. Featured characters regularly confronted such controversial topics as unplanned pregnancy, date rape, racial discrimination, AIDS, and the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings. Many observers also commended the series for extolling the virtues of higher education for African American youth at a time when many black communities were in crisis.

In the final analysis, A Different World might best be remembered for its cultural vibrancy, its commitment to showcasing black history, music, dance, fashion and attitude. This quality, no doubt, was due in large measure to the closeness of the series' creative staff to the material: the series featured a black woman as producer-director (Allen), another as headwriter (Susan Fales), and several other people of color (male and female) in key creative positions. Few series in the history of television can claim a comparable level of black representation in key decision-making positions.

-Darnell Hunt

CAST
Denise Huxtable (1987-88)......................... Lisa Bonet
Whitley Gllbert...................................... Jasmine Guy
Jaleesa Vinson...................................... Dawnn Lewis
Dwayne Wayne............................... Kadeem HardisonRon Johnson .............................................Darryl Bell
Maggie Lauten (1987-88)........................ Marisa Tomei
Millie (1987-88).......................... Marie-Alise Recasner
Stevie Rallen (1987-88)......................... Loretta Devine
J.T. Rallen(1987-88).............................. Amir Williams
Gloria (1987-88).................................... Bee-be Smith
Allison (1987-88).................................... Kim Wayans
Walter Oakes (1987-91)......................... Sinbad
Leticia "Lettie" Bostic (1988-89).................. Mary Alice
Col. Bradford Taylor (1988-93)................ Glynn Turman
Terrence Johann Taylor (1990-92)................ Cory Tyler
Winifred "Freddie" Brooks (1988-93)....... Cree Summer
Kim Reese (1988-93).......................... Charnele Brown
Vernon Gaines (1988-93)............................ Lou Myers
Ernest (1988-90)................................. Reuben Grundy
Julian (1990-91)............................... Dominio Hoffman
Lena James (1991-93)............................. Jada Pinkett
Charmaine Brown (1992-93)........... Karen Malina White
Gina Devereaux (1991-92)....................... Ajai Sanders
Byron Douglas III (1992)............................ Joe Morton
Shazza Zulu (1992)............................... Gary Dourdon
Clint (1992-93)...................................... Michael Ralph

PRODUCERS
Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Anne Beatts, Thad Mumford, Debbie Allen, George Crosby, Lissa Levin

See also Carsey, Marcy; Cosby Show

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Black Culture, Entertainment, Television

Some friends and I were talking about the plight of Blacks in Miami and the apathy for endeavors related to community uplift.

One couple, I consider, young Black upper middle-class, spoke of an evening out on Miami Beach. They'd gone to The Forge for the evening. As was the case, the line behind the velvet rope was quite long. My friends had inside connections so they avoided the wait and walked right in the club. Once inside, they secured a table to prevent the ladies from standing during the evening. You know how we love cute shoes even if they're uncomforable.

The women standing around in the club went immediately into their jealous and inquisitive mode. Who were these folks coming in an plunking down dollars for a table? Hmmm, professional athletes?... entertainers?....businessmen? Whatever, their thoughts, as soon as the female halves of the couples excused themselves to the ladies room --- for some reason we women can't go alone --- some of the other women standing around the room proceeded like vultures to dance rather seductively in the immediate area and eyesight of the men remaining at the table.

That is sad enough in and of itself but that's not even the subject of this post. What happened later is that actor-comedian Tommy Davidson entered the club with a couple of bodyguards. Davidson is a South Beach regular so his presence at a club is no surprise. What came out of his mouth next was. Davidson said there were "too many regular niggers here tonight." Excuse me, regular niggers? What in the hell does that mean? Bodyguards for Tommy Davdison? Another story, but gimme a break.

Again, let's not digress from the subject of this post --- apathy. With all due respect to personal opinions, perhaps Davidson merely voiced what many other celebrities think. South Beach is portrayed as such a wonderful place in the media but a look, and not even a close look tells a story of a tremendous void of Black economic and political power in the Miami area.

Were it not for Black professional athletes and entertainers that live and play in South Florida, the void would be even greater. I've wondered why Black celebrities who live in the area do not venture on the mainland to help other Black folks on a regular basis. Perhaps they feel as Davidson does, no time for regular niggers. Now, that doesn't mean those foundations and toy drives, etc. that the athletes do are not appreciated, I'm talking about real sustaining economic, educational and cultural foundations for the community.

When and how do we change that mentality?

One of the first things we must do is stop tripping about who we are. I don't know how it is where you live but it is out of control here. It so amazes me that we don't see that we're Black first and everything else second. Our Blackness is our solidarity. There's nothing wrong with that. Yes, we are Black and Jamaican, Black and Haitian, Black and Cuban, Black and Puerto Rican, Black and Venezuelan, Black and Brazilian, Black and African, I think you get the picture. Until we get past that, until we stop separating ourselves on imporant issues, we will never reach our spiritual, cultural, educational, economic and political potential.

And another thing, let's stop kidding ourselves that somehow other cultures are panaceas and welcoming to us as Blacks. If that was the case, there would be many Blacks in truly powerful positions throughout the world --- outside of some parts of Africa, Hello? --- there aren't. Let's acknowledge that and work through it --- together.

As we sit back and do nothing, HIV/AIDs, violence and poverty are killing generations. We know better, let's do better. But then, perhaps you don't think that applies to you, just the regular niggers.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Black Culture, Commentary

I’m sure you’ve seen him in several movies: The Devil’s Advocate, Malcolm X, Lackawanna Blues, Crooklyn, Romeo Must Die and many, many more. His powerful presence commands your attention. His intense eyes and soothing voice draw you to him. LOL Maybe it’s just a woman thing, or maybe it’s a Scorpio thing, I don’t know.

As I learned more about this gentleman, I became more drawn to the talents of one Delroy Lindo. He is the epitome of a ruggedly handsome man. The slightest hint of his British background occasionally sneaks in his performances. Now, we get to see him weekly on NBC’s Kidnapped.

Raised in England until his teens, Lindo is of Jamaican parentage. Check out links below on this great actor and let me know what you think of him. Peace.

Delroy Lindo’s bio in IMDB

My favorite Delroy Lindo photo

More on Delroy Lindo at FilmBug

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Cinema, Delroy Lindo, Entertainment, Television

Florida politics is abuzz with the news that Democratic gubernatorial contender Jim Davis chose former Senator Daryl Jones as his running mate. What's the big deal? Jones is Black. It is a historical occasion in Florida politics. What are the odds that the Davis-Jones ticket can actually win against the charismatic Republican Charlie Crist?

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged

Labels: Black History, Florida, History, Politics