Some Poetry And Prose

First the poetry:

We are all here for a reason on a particular path
You don't need a curriculum to know that you are part of the math
Cats think I'm delirious, but I'm so damn serious
That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world
I'm trying to make it better for these little boys and girls
I'm not just another individual, my spirit is a part of this
That's why I get spiritual, but I get my hymns from Him
So it's not me, it's He that's lyrical
I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven-sent instrument
My rhythmatic regimen navigates melodic notes for your soul and your mental
That's why I'm instrumental
Vibrations is what I'm into
Yeah, I need my loot by rent day
But that is not what gives me the heart of Kunte Kinte
I'm tryina give us "us free" like Cinque
I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
Determination, dedication, motivation
I'm talking to you, my many inspirations
When I say I can't, let yourself down
If I were of the highest cliff, on the highest riff
And you slipped down the side and clinched on to your life in my grip
I would never, ever let you down
And when these words are found
Let it been known that God's penmanship has been signed with a language called love
That's why my breath is felt by the deaf
And why my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
I, too, dream in color and in rhyme
So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
Cuz whenever I open my heart, my soul, or my mouth
A touch of God reigns out
- J. Ivy

And the prose: this is something I thought I'd share because I assume most of my readers don't listen to Kanye West albums. He's one of umpteen hip-hop (also known as rap) artists I enjoy and listen to with some regularity (everyone's taken a side to Muddy lately). Many conservatives will remember Mr. West for his infamous remarks during the Red Cross telethon...

Commentators tend to generalize and dismiss those making outlandish statements such as these, but it's only a less polished version of the incendiary remarks made at the time by Communist Radio and the rapid left. As a consequence (especially in the YouTube era), individuals are defined by 30-second clips, off color comments, and maudlin moments. This leads to absolute dismissal by the offended instead of dialogue and debate.

There is value in the views of those whom you disagree. I have said, "It is incredibly important to remember all are not characterized by the actions of the few." It's equally important to be continually engaged with those espousing that which may cause you to take issue. For an amateur historian like myself, it's easy to recognize the value in perspectives from Noam Chomsky and Niall Ferguson, though I disagree with most of their assertions. This mindset fosters interlocutory contestations instead of petty marginalization. Governing is about policy, not personal degradation.

Related: Racism vs. Jerkism, Backed Up Ports, Katrina's Misconceptions, Katrina's Misconceptions, Pt. II, One Year Later, Music & Immigration