Troy

"I want to be a solder" looks interesting. That 144,000 number always concerned me when I first heard the Jehovah Witnesses talk about it. Given the number of people that ever lived, the 144K figure is so small you may as well say that no one will be saved. Then again, considering humanity's behavior this number may be about right

Milton -- of course! Even on this site I feature writers like Howard Zinn, Paulo Coelho, Ezra Jack Keats and other non-Black writers. It is no secret that Black folks read books written by writers that are non Black. Other news flash - white readers read books written by Black writers You are excluding potential customers if you only target Black readers.

...and more guns won't stop them. ...but less guns will make them less dangerous than Charley Manson

Cynique, your observations are most relevant as reader you are the ultimate consumer of what we all do as authors and booksellers. My observation over the years selling books is that people want the "cheapest one". Lately that has been the online option, shop from your home, speedy delivery and low prices. Now if you are very price sensitive you will borrow the book from the library, or a friend or simply skip reading that particular book. The bookstore, is not where you go to get the cheapest book or transact in the more convenient fashion. An independent bookstore can not possibility compete on these on these characteristics -- not in 2012. Further and Black owned independent that thinks they can survive on the largesse of Black folks simply because they are Black owned is in for a sobering awakening and will not last very long. Sure there are folks like me and Water who will buy a book to support and author or a store -- but again this is rare and certainly not the foundation for a profitable business (this is known as a charity). Bookstores must (and can) provide an experience that can not be replicated online -- or even in a B&N superstore. Sure some independents have opened cafes, and provide free wifi, but this is not the bookstore's core value proposition -- 'cause you can just open a starbucks if you wanna do that. Stores sell other things including completely unrelated things like clothing and jewelry -- again this takes away from he real value of the store. Part of the bookstore's job in 2012 is to: Be passionate about books -- even titles you may not care about Your value proposition is selling books to customers -- convincing them why they NEED to read a particular book and being correct about your recommendation. You can only do this if you know people and books Discover and share hidden gems -- anyone can pick a book off the NY Times bestsellers list -- show me something good -- something I would not have found on my own Be discoverable on-line make sure your information and events are up to date Don't bother trying to sell a books on-line that an Amazon can sell -- you can't compete with them. If you have an exclusive item great -- otherwise don't bother Don't alienate authors, they can be your biggest ambassadors - if you can't place their books on your shelves make sure they understand why and have a path for inclusion in the future Don't have signings that you can't promote -- authors hate this and word travels fast Engage natural supporters; avid readers, book clubs, community groups, schools, publishing professionals Some of this stuff is obvious and I've ignored business aspects like managing expenses and paying bills on time but these too are obvious. The best experience I've had in a Black (any) independently owned bookstore was one in which I was greeted warmly upon entering and was given good recommendations. You'd be surprised how many bookstores can't accomplish this simple feat.

Cynique I essentially agreed with your assessment. I agree with you position on guns 100% I saw a documentary once that suggested that our predisposition to believing in God was natural. I certainly believe there is a natural tendency for mankind to understand his origins and purpose. Short of having the answers we come up with "stories" to fill in the gaps. Religion has played a major role in filling in those gaps. Now when those gaps are proven wrong with scientific discovery and religion fails to adapt then it become problematic, dangerous even. Galileo was labeled and heretic for proving the earth revolved around the sun?! So while competition between religions has been bloody enough. The Galileo situation is an example of religion, in isolation from any other religion is battling reality. Of course one can come up with many contemporary examples of different religions battling reality, with consequence just as damaging.

Waterstar conservative talk radio is arguing that if other movie goers were armed less people would have died. I think that is one of the most asinine arguments I've ever heard. Can imagine the increased carnage if folks were just blasting away? This young man should never have been able to acquire a single hand gun let alone the arsenal he amassed. Liberals are blaming the film itself for create an environment which we've become numb to gratuitous violence. I rather there be movies like Batman than feeding Christians to the lions for entertainment.

I think Malcolm evolved a great deal over his life from criminal, to Black Muslim to becoming a Sunni Muslim. He continued to evolve throughout his short life Who knows where he would be today had he lived. I think Waterstar first shared this video: If you listen to it Malcolm sounds like a brainwashed member of a cult. Malcolm's position changed dramatically and that change cost him his life. Even James Farmer's and Walker's stance changed, in hindsight. Our failure to understand, learn and capitalize on these changes is our biggest problem, if you go around quoting Malcolm when he was still in the Nation we miss the whole point...

Waterstar I think the burglar argument quickly falls apart when one considers that a burglar without a gun would pose less of a threat to the home owner -- indeed the burglar would be less likely to try to rob a home, without a gun, if they knew the occupants were present. Many users of guns have done so in the name of religion. If this is true, what is more dangerous the religion or the gun? I think it is obvious when one considers the number of people killed in the name of religion before the gun was even invented. So while I was busting balls over the analogy I agree with it in theory, but no in practice: I submit that the gun "by itself" (without people) is indeed harmless. I also propose that religion has the same characteristic Since guns can't exist without people they can't be harmless, and the world would be better off without them. Does this analogy hold true for religion? Someone on twitter told me, "You need comprehension,analyzation and critical thinking." in response to a tweet on this conversation. I invited them to join the discussion and help me out.

"It used to be commonplace for Grandma to walk to the library and reach home safely. Now it is commonplace that if Grandma walks to the library, she just might get robbed or even raped. " When I read statements like the one above it weakens the whole article. Sometime please tell me where a it is likely for an old lady to get robbed or raped going to for from the library. Plus the final question "How do you think that we improve the ways in which we of the younger/older generations relate to one another?" Is impossible to answer as so much has to be assumed. How is the relations between older in younger people measured? What standard or baseline are we comparing it to? Was relations between the generations better in the 1950's 1850's when? At any rate, I think the relationships between older folks and younger ones declined when, culturally, we were no longer expected to respect older people -- simply because they were older. The "yes sir", "yes ma'am" disappeared in my neck of the woods generations ago, along with a respect of older people. It still irks me a little when I hear a child refer to a grown person by only their first name. Simultaneously older people stopped respecting themselves, often emulating the behavior and dress of teenagers as if it was superior. The culture perpetuates this thinking.

Souraya, be sure to send me information about your bookstore and I'll add it to my database: http://aalbc.com/writers/bookstores.html Hen81, the potential customers for many Black for a bookstores, like Hueman, is larger than many white owned stores I've observed that are doing quite well. Plus Black bookstores have less competition today than 5 years ago and are still closing. It is not the relative number of potential clients causing these stores to close. Unless you buy into the idea that readership is down (which I'm not really prepared to dispute). Hickson, yep I went to the fair. I too got the email on Thursday?! I walked the entire street. It was a picture perfect day, but there were less attendees. There were also less vendors. I can't speak about the panels as I could not get into the Schomburg. Considering that I've been actively involved with the fair since the 2nd one and have coordinated all the volunteers, gave seminars, moderated panels, created street maps, shot video, interviewed authors, provided online promotion, and served on the advisory board, for free -- I'm don't expect any special treatment Waterstar trust me you are unique, most people don't think the way you do when they conduct their personal business. I agree we have to "get down and grassroots with it" -- for real. Even on the web, it honestly feels like I'm starting out again. The rules have changed, and barriers to entry are back up, But that just means there are more voids to fill and more opportunities. My concern is that there are fewer people up for the challenge. There is a level of conscienceless, skill, energy and time required that is increasingly rare.

This makes headlines news in the most recent NY Amsterdam News. The writer, Herb Boyd, asked the same question you do waterstar concerning a similar threat being leveled against Laura Bush.

"Religion itself is harmless. It is like a gun. A gun by itself is harmless." The above was an analogy made by Waterstar in I thought it was interesting enough to spawn a seperate discussion on the topic Interesting analogy Waterstar. A gun's sole purpose it to cause harm. Otherwise it would not need to exist. What would you argue is religion's purpose? How has it be used in this country as it concerns Black people? Has it done more harm than good? On a global scale has the impact of religion been good or bad? Note: I'm making a distinction between "religion" and "spirituality".

"Religion itself is harmless. It is like a gun. A gun by itself is harmless."

Yes, Waterstar it is asking for Utopia humans are flawed and even the most well intentioned make mistakes with their children. One issue is where do we draw the line when an innocent mistake needs to be punished. Any law will get the wrong from time to time and people can't be trusted to used their judgment -- especially when it comes to applying laws to Black folks. That is not to say that things can't get MUCH better. I believe they can. Things will have to get much worse before the get better...

Many people feel that real people in the collage are Uncle Toms, traitors to the race -- especially Clarence Thomas. I think the 60 minutes interview made Clarence a more sympathetic figure, tragic even. Despite all his success he is hated by many, perhaps most, Black people. Who would want to be in that position? He can't even find Black love at home. Steve Kroft reiterated all of the criticism from white folks about Clarence's qualifications, but left them hanging not really providing evidence that Clarence was indeed qualified. Thomas was too young, no experience on the beach and picked by Bush because he was a Black republican. The man who benefited from Aaffirmative Action,then prevented anyone else from benefiting from it, This is rather sad... I guess the interview took place before Anita Hill called Clarence's wife up. I'm not sure I ever knew the motivation for Anita's call, and I'm too lazy to look it up right now. Clarence vehemently denied all of Anita's accusations.

Oh I never knew these were Hallie Selassie's words I know them from Bob Marley's War. Of course it make sense to extend the sentiment globally. I'm sure religious fundamentalism will prevent this from happening. It is odd to consider that religion would be an impediment to global harmony. Humanity has a long way to go.

Classic Cynique. I don't think anything will change, for the better, in this country until all people are respected. As long as we are fragmented into various groups, factions and sub-factions pitted against one another -- making advances only at the expense of each another. Unless this changes we are doomed to failure or, at best, continuing to support the extremely small minority of people with the real power and wealth. In my short 50 years I see people isolating themselves even more, private schools, private parks behind gated communities. The most lucrative and cushy corporate gigs beyond the reach of most people. The idea that ANYONE in this country would be against universal health care -- given the wealth that has been created here is alarmingly bewildering to me. The idea that ANYONE would tolerate entire generatiosn of kids being under educated, then incarcerated just unbelievable. In my mind this is no different that when Black people were enslaved (&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>&do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>). The minority of rich White folks kept a system going they KNEW was morally wrong, because they benefited financially. The masses of, mostly poor, white folks were easily manipulated into believing they were superior to the enslaved African and helped fight, and even die, to keep a system in place that did not benefit them. Slavery only ended after a conflict so bloody the nation was almost destroyed. I suspect an event, just a great, will have to occur before any of the ills that plague the Black community -- indeed the vast majority of people in this country -- will improve. The nation's unity must span all people, otherwise this country is doomed.

I actually believe the government is earnest in the desire to protect the first lady as well as the rest of the first Family. I'm not very interested 2nd guessing the details in how they actually accomplish this.

LOL! Waterstar, have you considered that you did not post the 60 minutes idea because it presented a more balanced portray of the man. While 60 Minutes did shy away from the controversy surrounding the man they showed another side of Thomas. A side that Black folks want to ignore. People are very complex. As far as the collage I have no problem with any of the folks in them. Since I've been an adult I have not expected Black people to behave in stereo typical "black" ways. In fact I actually respect Black folks that express and opinion that goes counter to the standard Black position. It takes courage to do this. I don't have to agree with them, but in this regard I do respect them. MLK was vilified by many if not most in the Black community when he started out. Malcolm X, the Black Panthers, and other great leaders were also rejected by the majority of Black people. MLK, Malcolm, had courage -- courage that has not been demonstrated by likes of Obama or the vast majority of other politicians. As far as the collage, Armstrong Williams is fine. I added the fictional characters in jest. I not sure we are doing ourselves any favors by casting folks like Condi and Colin as traitors to the race.

I'm not disagreeing with you Waterstar, I'm trying to help you understand how these things happen in the real world. You realize that many Department of Family and Children Services have work loads that larger than most people can reasonably be expected to handle? These are very stressful jobs and not always performed by the people best suited for the role. As far as why the father allowed the toddler to "discover" porn on the PC. Maybe the father did not want to get the keyboard sticky, and washed his before closing the window

Waterstar I get it this. Further I believe most thinking people would get it was well. I just do not agree that using the word "Slave" or "Enslaved" will change anyone's perception one way of the other. It certainly makes no difference to me. I only consider the use of "Enslaved" to be respectful when I'm around the "ultra-afrocentric". Years ago Toni Cade Bambara famously made this distinction. This is old story. I did not think you were equating the term Nigger with Slave. But if we were to run with the analogy. I live in Harlem I doubt I can go outside for more than a few hours without hearing the word Nigger. Typically used by Black men of all ages. The meaning of Nigger is very different depending upon the context. You have to allow for these distinctions this is the way the language works and evolves... I guess you've never been to the Dominican Republic. So while I fundamentally agree with your position Waterstar I just don't think out of the universe of things we need to fight for, that this is a very important battle for us.

Hi waterstar I think your equating the use of "Slave" with the use of "Nigger" is a stretch. This enslaves Africans were slaves. Of course they were many other things, like any human. This seems, to me, too obvious to debate. Now if anyone wants to say ALL these unfortunate souls were, were ONLY slaves -- then I'm with you. That would be wrong and factually incorrect. That would be like describing me as "Black". The single adjective is too narrow to accurately describe myself or anyone. Indeed the term is only meaningful when compared to someone who is not Black -- even then, at least in America, the work "Black" still may mean virtually nothing. We could call the 'Enslaved Africans", more accurately, "people of African ancestry forced to work against their will, by a more heavily armed evil white racist society", but I'd still prefer to use the word "slave" in this case all the rest is obvious. If I thought is was not obvious I'd use a more accurate descriptor. Waterstar what would you call the enslaved child of the mulatto house servant and the master? Would "Enslaved African" be more suitable than simply "slave"? Especially when you are talking about the entire group of people?

Waterstar, often laws trump common sense, because they are arbitrary. Laws are a necessity because people, including those entrusted to protect us, are too wicked to be trusted with the freedom to behave properly without rules. Despite the individual failures, over all, the trade off is worth it at least in theory. The problem we now have now is that no one is trusted to use judgement under any circumstances. No authority is smart enough to come up with a rule which works 100% of the time. But apparently few individuals are smart enough to operate without being told exactly what to do. In your case, suppose the father was innocent and the 2 year old got the idea by watched some porn the father left open on my PC. Maybe some over zealous social worked arrested the father, based upon the toddler's story and subsequently discovered found the porn on his PC and locked the man up for incest and pedophilia. Now in prison and labeled a pedophile the father gets shanked in prison and dies -- even though he was innocent. A story similar to this has happened, on more than one occasion. We need rules, but could use more people with common sense.

Watestar what do you think would have happened if this happened to Laura Bush? As you suggested this "news" story is only part of the story whole story. Of course the story's purpose was not meant to convey relevant information that the public actually needs, but to provide content that "sells". As a result we will probably never know the truth.

Waterstar the living color video led me to this video of Clarence Thomas on 60 minutes: Thomas is perhaps the most vilified Black man, by Black people in the history of the country. While Steve Kroft did a decent job with the interview -- especially when he summed up the public's opinion of Thomas, but a Black person would have a WHOLE 'notter set of questions