Dexter's Vantage Point!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and everyone received what they desired. For many this Christmas will be memorable for the horrid weather we experienced in the Midwest. Many were without power and shelter. Some merely wished to be warm with a roof over their heads for Christmas. The ice storm we witnessed showed some what’s really important during this holiday season. The ice storm was symbolic to me indeed for it showed, like in life, we all have the most precious gift of all and that’s another day of life. It also displayed the power of God is greater than man’s greatest creation. Perhaps if we slowed down and recognized the many gifts we already have perhaps we don’t need gifts at Christmas to validate us. As I advance in age and wisdom I’ve come to believe what one can give someone takes precedent over what one receives. As a matter of fact I've grown not to expect gifts nor even care if I receive anything on Christmas. I try and live in a fashion where what I've done...

O.J. Simpson will finally go where many thought he should’ve been 14 years ago and that’s prison. Accounts vary, but Simpson was sentenced Dec. 5 to at least nine years which could extend up to 33 year max. No matter the number of years Simpson will have plenty of time to think about his life and the mistakes he’s made in solitude. The latter is rather sad, but it’s true. Most people can recollect where they were when the verdict was read in October of 1995 when Simpson was found not guilty of murdering his ex-wife Nicole-Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman hence ending what was hailed as "The Trial of the Century." For a year America was captivated by this case because of all of the intricacies involved. Race, sex, police corruption, celebrity, and affluence were integral factors in the murder trial. It was riveting stuff. This trial clearly lacked the media attention of the murder trial, and rightfully so. In 1994 two human beings were murdered. This time around a 61 ye...

Self-anointed guru Charlie Weis managed to dodge the bullet. After being thumped by U.S.C. 38-3 last week many felt Weis had limped along the side lines as Notre Dames head coach for the last time. The Irish brain trust decided Weis is still their guy so they reframed from pulling the trigger on the Charlie Weis era. Surprisingly Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick suggested The Irish are going in the right direction under Weis. He stated, “I am confident that Charlie has a strong foundation in place for future success and that the best course of action is to move forward under his leadership.” Typically past success is a strong indicator of future success. Based on the latter what success has the Irish experienced the last two years that warrants Weis to continue coaching? After playing one of the weakest schedules in the country this year the Irish still failed under Weis. After starting the season quickly at 4-1 they limped in at 2-5. Is this the type of faltering leadership...

On Monday Barack Obama made the speculation official by naming Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State. Despite their bitter primary battle Obama believes Clinton will be a good fit for what he’s trying to accomplish with respect to getting the country back on track. To me Obama is throwing his rock but hiding his hand. He’s merely assembled a cabinet filled with allies who served under Bill Clinton and his wife. It appears he’s acquiescing to his foes rather than administering to the voters who got him in the White House. Is selecting Bill Clinton’s guys and his wife as Secretary of State the change Obama professed during his campaign? Obama will be sworn in come Jan. 20 in Washington D.C. but based on Obama’s cabinet selections it has remnants of a third Bill Clinton term. To some this comes off as a surprise but not to me. Remember a few days before Clinton was to concede the primary race to Obama the two met secretly at undisclosed location? Remember? During that meeting I think ...

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. My holiday was special this year because I unearthed some information I didn’t know about the Thanksgiving. My findings made my holiday very satisfying. Last week I was thinking to myself how Thanksgiving was rapidly approaching. I knew it’s celebrated every fourth Thursday and saw it was November 27th. So I wondered why is Thanksgiving celebrated every fourth Thursday of November. After some researching not only did I find the answer to my question I found much more. First off, a man born in 1715 named John Hanson declared every fourth Thursday Thanksgiving shall be celebrated. There’s more. Hanson was the first President of the United States, not George Washington. Also, if Hanson were alive today he’d be considered an African American thereby making him the first African American President of the United States. Some may wonder, ‘How can this be true if Africans were entrenched in American slavery during the 1700’s?’ Well, in an Act proposed ...

President Elect Barack Obama has been busy from his offices in Chicago assembling his cabinet, meeting with former foes (Hillary Clinton and John McCain), and mapping out his strategy to get America back on track before he takes office January 20, 2009. Obama asserts his preeminent concern is to get the economy back in good standing-that’s a tall order but considering how he orchestrated his campaign perhaps he will deliver the change he’s often professed. One of the things I marveled at during Obama’s historical run is how he diffused racism enough to win the election. I believe the reasons why this event is historic should serve as the catalysts to engage in dialogue to finally get that elephant out of the room. The elephant I’m referring to is racism. Obama’s ascendance demonstrates he has the capacity and the means to make a difference along racial grounds. How big a priority is this to Obama? That remains to be seen. Given the historical development of this country few thought Oba...

The government has once again come to the aid of big business. A.I.G. just received an additional 55 million dollars from the 700 billion rescue plan. This brings the total outlay to the insurance giant to 150 billion. I don’t know about you but this rubs me the wrong way on two fronts. One, the American people are being screwed. Two, it reminds me of a wrong that’s yet to remedied. Historically government and big business has gone hand in hand commencing with the rise of American slavery. Slavery is a topic most shun but I think it’s a perfect opportunity to provide insight into the past so we can better understand what’s happening today with the economy from an African American standpoint. First, we must acknowledge slavery did happen. This country still suffers from the effects of slavery but, like racism, no constructive collective dialogue has taken place to put the scars of slavery in its proper historical context. The first slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619 as ...

It’s a done deal. Barack Obama has officially broken the ultimate color barrier in politics. With Obama’s historic presidential victory the flood gates are now officially opened to the White House. One of my favorite CD’s is Sam Cooke’s Greatest Hits. When Obama sealed the deal in becoming the first African American president of the United States it reminded me of my favorite song on Cooke’s CD titled, “A Change is Gonna Come.” The lyrics state: “It’s been a long, a long time coming but I know a change gonna come. Oh yes it will.” Though Cooke’s song was made in 1964 his lyrics certainly ring true today. African Americans historically have triumphed despite racism and a lack of societal inclusion. Obama’s journey surely hasn’t been absent of obstacle. Despite the Clinton’s antics, a biased media, and threats on his life Obama was the last man standing. Obama just kept his eye on the ball and took care of business. I view Obama’s run at political glory as an extension of history because...

The Associated Press recently reported two Neo-Nazi skinheads were arrested October 22nd for plotting to shoot and decapitate 102 random African Americans and attempting to assassinate Barack Obama. According the A.P. report Daniel Coward, 20 of Tennessee and Paul Schessleman, 18, from Arkansas were determined to get the job done. The report stated, "They seemed determined to do it. Even if they were just to try it, it would be a trail of tears around the South." The report continued, "They said that would be their last, final act — that they would attempt to kill Sen. Obama. They didn't believe they would be able to do it, but that they would get killed trying." When asked about whether he’s concerned Obama stated, “I have the best protection in the world. The secret service.” First it was Mike Huckabee joking about the possibility of someone shooting Obama as he spoke at N.R. A. convention. Hilary Clinton raised the possibility with bringing up the assassinati...

I was recently in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida for the World Series. Despite my beautiful surroundings I can’t afford to take my eye off the ball. I surprisingly encountered a bit of trouble settling on a topic to write about. I quietly wondered: “What’s the real story here?” I could’ve written about the Tampa Bay Rays unbelievable season. After being the worst team in their division now they are the best. I could write about the last years’ World Series winner the Boston Red Sox and how they persisted this year but still came up short in defending their crown. Finally it hit me. It’s not about the glitter and glamour of being at the World Series-it’s about historical perspective. It’s about who paved the way for me to be here in this professional capacity. Yeah, that’s the story. I must pay homage to the marquee African American writer of his day. His work opened the door of possibility for the African Americans who write today. Few know this pioneer’s birthday falls during Game Two ...

Before game two of the World Series I had several goals I wanted to reach and I did. They were to go on the field with all the reporters/writers and just take in the atmosphere. The second goal was to go to the FOX both and ask analyst Tim McCarver about whether baseball pioneer Curt Flood should be in the Hall of Fame. I managed to get into the FOX booth 9 minutes the start of game two and I spoke to McCarver briefly. We both agreed that Flood should be in Hall of Fame. I'll see what I can do to get Flood his due! After walking down the stadium stairs and eventually on the field I looked to my left and there's Dick Vitale. I exchanged a few words with him and kept it moving. After walking a few steps I'm noticing the people I've watched on TV for years and we were all on the same field. ESPN's Chris Berman and Peter Gammons. I spoke at length with MLB.COM and TBS analyst Harold Reynolds about baseball, sports, and life. After taking in more of the scene I realize...

After personally watching the Rays split the first two games with the Philadelphia Phillies in Florida I saw first hand what a special group they really are. Whether the Tampa Bay Rays win this years’ World Series or not I feel they are winners. As much as I love and follow sports I must admit this team flew under my radar. Like most of the baseball world I’ve now taken heed to the message: the Tampa Bay Rays are for real. I predict they’ll win it all. The Rays are collection of young players who were unknown to most in the sports world. Their claim to fame was being the worst team in baseball last year. Now they are on the cusps of shaking up the baseball world. Of course they are playing a game while making millions of dollars but they don’t play for the money. This squad truly plays for the love of the game. The way this team plays they’d play in an empty stadium with passion. I think they’d play at a public park just as hard as they are now playing on the world’s biggest stage. I ...

Before game one of the World Series I was settling into my routine when suddenly I saw T.B.S commentator Harold Reynolds. Formerly of E.S.P.N. Reynolds was killing time before he was to go on air. We had a brief conversation consisting of my admiring his work and for him to keep it up. We took the picture shown here and parted ways.While taking in the scene on the field prior to game two of the World Series Reynolds recognized me and extended a pleasant hello. After a brief conversation we both kept it moving as the media was asked by security to leave the field it can be prepared for play. Approximately 20 minutes later I again ran into Reynolds in the media area over in the stadium. We again engaged in a conversation about baseball, Curt Flood, and about athletes speaking out. We spoke for approximately a half hour. Indeed the time was appreciated and rewarding. We both agreed that we need more African Americans playing baseball. Just 8.2 percent of players in the Major Leagues are A...

The juice finally gets squeezed from OJ Simpson NFL Hall of Fame running back OJ Simpson will likely spend the rest of his life in prison. Simpson was convicted in a Las Vegas courtroom on twelve counts of robbery and kidnapping. Simpson, along with several cohorts, burst in a Las Vegas hotel room seeking to secure memorabilia from those who reportedly stole it from him. Nicknamed “The Juice” during his playing days Simpson was known for his elusiveness on the field. Unlike the past Simpson couldn’t elude the courts this time because the judicial system finally managed to squeeze the final drops of freedom from the “The Juice.” Some suggest Simpson didn’t receive a fair trial and he was convicted based on his past. I believe the latter, along with the racial composition of the jury, and shady media coverage spelled the end for Simpson. Let’s examine. During the1995 murder trial Simpson had a male judge in Lance Itto. The jury was comprised of nine African Americans, two white, and one ...

The proposed 700 million bailout plan was scrapped by congress by a vote of 228-205. Congress is scheduled to meet again this week to hopefully hammer out a deal. Irrespective of ones political affiliation I believe the people have grown weary of empty rhetoric and promises. It’s time for so meaningful results. I think if something isn’t achieved soon we’ll be headed for another Great Depression. The government is supposed to be “by the people, for the people.” We now hopefully see the latter isn’t true. It’s about government control and big business. I believe if you work hard for your earnings and pay taxes you should have a voice in how your dollars are allocated. In short, if the American people will be affected by such a vast decision by Congress the people whom it will affect should be involved in the decision-making process. Doesn’t that make sense? The Harrison Square project is a local example of what’s going on nationally. In my opinion Harrison Square was forced down our thr...

NBA star Allen Iverson held a celebrity flag-football game in Baltimore, Maryland in July. Fellow NBA player, Josh Howard, of the Dallas Mavericks participated in the game. While the National Anthem was playing Howard stated the following on video: "The Star-Spangled banner is going on. But I don't even celebrate that shit. But I'm black. God-damn Obama and all that shit." African American journalist like ESPN’s Scoop Jackson suggested, “to come off unpatriotic is not good.” I personally don’t have a problem with Howard’s statement. Many allowed his obscenities to deflect from his underlying message. Once you analyze his words he’s actually making a relevant statement. Allow me to dissect for clarity. “The Star Spangled Banner is going on.” The song means nothing little to Howard because African Americans were systematically oppressed under the ole red, white and blue. While America is typically noted for its positive efforts this country has also committed heinous ac...

As I was leaving the YMCA last week after a workout I encountered a gentleman as I was walking to my car. As I was opening my car door the gentleman said from afar, “As salamm alakaim,” which is an Islamic greeting meaning “peace” or “peace be upon you.” I really didn’t know how to take his greeting initially because I’m not a Muslim. I’m just someone who is trying to live his truth. I rarely delve into the religion discussion for various reasons. But I think now is as good of time as any to share my personal thoughts on the church and religion. First off, I’m a child of God who has been given the precious gift of life. I'm of African heritage and I’m a citizen of the world who resides in America. I believe in humanity irrespective of perceived differences in terms of religion, color, sexuality, and social status. I don't subscribe to nor confine myself to the jurisdiction of a specific religious. I’m merely a spiritual being. While I think all religions are good I chose not to...

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards suggested three years ago, "A scared man won't gamble and he won't leave his wife alone at home, I'm not scared." Obviously Edwards no longer subscribes to the latter. Under Edwards’ leadership the team is more conservative than Ronald Reagan was when he was president. The Chiefs looked dismal in their home opener losing to their arch rival the Oakland Raiders 23-8. The offense was horrendous as usual. Herman “you play to win the game” Edwards simply isn’t putting his team in a position to win. Last year team lost nine consecutive loses and kicked off this year with two more. Despite getting younger and hiring a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey the offense still stinks. The Chiefs are being held hostage to the conservatism of Herman Edwards. I think he needs to get his ship righted soon or the organization should get another coach. It pains me to write this column because I love the Chiefs. I’ve been a die-hard ...

Covering the US Open was a dream come true. I believe in dreaming big, living hard, and never giving up. It's the stuff champions are made of and in my own way I consider myself as such. I guess dreaming big, living hard, and never giving up makes things you want come your way. I've been to the US Open six times as a fan but this was the first as a journalist. When I went to the grounds to pick up my credentials on the grounds I was nervous. I felt as I was getting ready for a big match. This time I was entering the stadium as a writer first, fan second. At first it was a bit difficult to separate the two. I did a good job because I kept it real. I wrote good columns, networked and watched great tennis. I had big fun. I met people I've never would have met if I didn't have a vision. All dreams are possible because I just did something I consider big that I've always wanted to do. Hit a wagon to your dreams and have at it. My overall experience ranks up there with th...

Moments after Serena Williams won her third career US Open title the first person to greet her courtside was her father Richard Williams. He was smiling from ear to ear as he watched one of his two champions secure another Grand Slam for the family. Richard Williams had raised and coached two African American champions who dominate a sport historically reserved for whites. Lets put this into perspective. Could you imagine if Tiger Woods had a younger brother just as good as in terms of talent challenging him each Sunday to win Grand Slams? Enough said. Richard Williams' has been hailed as a genius for what's done in raising two tennis champions in one household. I'd agree he's a genius but I'm more impressed with how he did it. Just like Frank Sinatra's hit "I Did it My Way," Williams surely did it his way. Williams taught himself the game and passed on his knowledge to his daughters. He didn't have his children in USTA tournaments traveling the co...