Problems? What Problems?

So Susie and I had an interesting meta-discussion earlier this evening about President Bush's speech before the United Nations regarding Burma (or Myanmar, or whatever it's called this week). She mentioned how the only reason world leaders are paying attention to it is because of the monks protesting in the capital* against the junta, when there are far worse atrocities committed every day by America's "friends and allies". Not to excuse what's going on with all of the junta tomfoolery, but worse goes on every day by countries America has sworn to protect.

Meanwhile, back in the hallowed, have-nothing-better-to-do-today, photo-op land that is Congress, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee had hearings on degrading lyrics in rap music, rather than trying to balance the budget or try and find this guy. They have two rappers testify - Da Last Don himself, Master P (there's a name I haven't heard in a while) and Levell Crump a/k/a David Banner. While Master P was falling all over himself apologizing for past transgressions, David Banner (in what the New York Times described as "testimony laced with swear words") spoke truth to power. Here's some DB food for thought.

"Change the situation in my neighborhood and maybe I'll get better. . . If by some stroke of the pen hip-hop was silenced, the issues would still be present in our communities. Drugs, violence, sexism and the criminal element were around long before hip-hop existed.''

Hova's not saying nice things, but it's art. And it's true.

*Jake and Susie in Spain's official editorial position: Go Monks!

Also, we like the First Amendment.