Morpheyous' Revolutions Blog

The Rebirth Of Morpheyous Is Upon Us!!!!

The Revolution Begins..........

Oh, and regarding the images above, I will explain how all are connected to this city of ours by the river. We are destined for change

This Sunday, I was afforded the opportunity to sit in on a forum designed to allow a number of the male children from our community as well as many men of our community have some very candid talk about what they want. This forum was an "everything out in the open" type of discussion, which to me was a breath of fresh air. Now many would assume that the children would want some "expected things", but this day was one of those moments in time that 10 years from now if everyone, or at least a majority of individuals keep their commitment, we can say we made a difference in the lives of our youth that can spread positively vs. the negative actions that continue to spread in our community.

Ages for the children ranged from 7 years old to 20 years old. The younger children really set the tone for the rest of the meeting. I heard requests such as "I want gangs STOPPED!', "I want killing STOPPED!", and “I want the men in this community Please keep in mind, these three requests came from children below the age of 11 years of age! We did hear from older young men and what really got me was the candid request a young man made. His request was, "I know al about illegal hustles, but I know that leads to a path of not only my destruction, but others as well, I want to know more about making ends meet the right way. 

Now in the midst of all of these requests, I noticed what had become the prevalent actions of the room, men literally crying, and many had reasons which were one in the same, as men of this community, we have failed on one way or another.

Now knowing some of the men in the room, we don't take failure lightly, nor are we ok with even the thought that failure came into the equation, so that competitive spirit was motivation coupled with the innocent requests of a child that has fueled this rebuilt engine of men with engine parts from all over, and proving once again that you really can make something meaningful out of what appears to be nothing special

I will keep you posted on the progress, for this sounds like the beginning stages of a revolution. 

So before you jump all over me allow me to explain my position.....

For many months now many of us have blogged regarding the cease and desist of character assassination of our community leaders, regardless of who it is. It is indeed one thing to disagree with decisions made by those that represent us, but to literally attack, plot to destroy, and decimate the image of our community leaders as if it is some sport, is truly a step in the wrong direction, and quite frankly those in positions to make change should, and not rest on their literary "arses" and try to gain reader numbers by constantly attacking those in our community who at the very least, have enough hardihood to make the sometimes difficult effort to represent our community.

Now that you have a foundation, allow me to build the structure a little more. Wendi Thomas, while I am not an avid reader of your column, there are times it does catch my eye for the sake of making me wonder just why you still have that job at the CA? Your sensationalistic approach to what you think is journalism, ranks down there with the National Enquirer, Star Magazine, or any of the other so called "news rags" that people only look at for time filler while standing in line at the grocery store. This community has grown tired of your constant assassination attempts on the community leaders that are working for this community. If you don't like the way things are going, there are some better ways to handle it, but since you seem to get your pleasure from going a different route, you leave the citizens of Memphis no choice.

Otis Sanford, I am calling for you to ask for the resignation of Wendi Thomas, if she refuses to submit her resignation, I am asking for you to dismiss her on the grounds of constant defamation of character, and derelict of duty. Now mind you, Ms Thomas is an Opinion Columnist, but her opinions do have a responsibility to be human and professional. I can provide tangible truth that Ms Thomas has abused her authority, and this community.

For Proof click:

Here

And Here

While many of us know that the CA is loosing readers and have been at a constant pace for many years now, there are those that continue to fund The 'All Commercial, Less Appeal" , in many cases because they fell like there is no other alternative. Now we all know that is a cop out in this day and age, the media sources are endless. Now my "preference" is....well that's another blog all together, but in having that preference, don't you want quality for your money, or do you simply want an inexpensive poop catcher for the bottom of the bird cage?

Trust and know this is not just about a blog topic, I will be forwarding my resignation request to the CA, let's see if I get any response. Oh, and Wendi, I know you read the blogs, so this will be no surprise to you at all, you knew it was coming.

For over 31 days, Morpheyous has been silent. I have been silent simply because of the chain of events that have transpired in our city, and my literary feeling of needing to really ask some questions addressing them not only to me, but also to the community I love so much.  Look at what has happened in our city, a constant stream of murders, not only of adults, but children as well. Our City's School System is spending over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to search for a Superintendent for the School System, and for over a million dollars they are doing what our Board Commissioners could have done, ask the constituents of the districts they serve.  Now last but certainly not least, our Mayor had opted to resign from his current office, only to want to take the position of Memphis City Schools Superintendent.

I ask my most important question first; City Of Memphis, What do YOU really want? Do you want our city to continue to in the unsafe, backwards thinking, negative financial whirlwind, spiraling down into a pit of endless minutia? If so, keep doing exactly what you are doing. If you really want change of our current situations, can we get some dialog started as to what we can do to bring about some realistic changes in our city? Trust me folks, I am really not trying to reinvent the wheel, but what I am trying to do is get some responses from those that care about their city, and what to see it be better, than it is.

For those of you who really want to take this opportunity to express your negative feelings towards me and get this thought process off track, WASTE YOUR TIME SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!! We have work to do, and if you really want to help, I am all eyes and ears.

Something is happening in Memphis, and quite frankly some of us may be the one who help decide if it will be positive or negative.

Oh, and my final question is; What are you waiting for, this your oportunity to do something other than what you have been doing?

Let's talk blog family......

As you read this, think about the Allen Iverson interview where he talks about practice, not a game, but practice. Because we are talking about preference, and not a decision.

I have to say this much ado about nothing concerning the preference of who the next Memphis City Schools Superintendent is realy getting ridiculous. These knee jerk reaction to statements taken out of context are really getting in the way of forward moving progress.  Since those of you who are really outraged at the fact that Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum has openly expressed his "preference" for the next Superintendent as a "youthful, courageous male black from Memphis.

People come on!!!!! If the makup of MCS was predominately hispanic, I am sure the recommendation would be for an individual who could really identify and rectify issues plaguing the youth of the school that they serve.

The very makeup of the MCS system is at least 94% African American. The issues that plague the youth of the MCS are primarily those of young African-American males. There is clearly an issue of mentorship, and true role models in the African American community, and this is really a good begining to remedy that.  After all, we are talking about "preference".

I know I have made reference to "preference" many times over in this article, and I want you to be put in the mind of Allen Iverson when he was talking about his committment to practice. We are not talking about a decision, we are talking about "preference". We are not talking about the feelings of the entire board, we are talking about an individual's "preference".

All this talk about...., what are we talking about again, oh yeah, we are talking simply about one individuals "preference"!!!

And you wonder why we can't effectively make decisions to better our school system. We are too caught up in minutia.   

Alright Fox13, since you were not allowed into Hamilton High School today for their Black History Program, simply because of the attendance of one of the guest speakers, namely Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, I will report the news for you, after all Morpheyous was in attendance.

There is something not quite right about today's chain of events that strikes me as, can we say outright shady!!! The media was allowed to cover a similar Black History program at Lester School, but not allowed to enter Hamilton High School. The only difference between the two would be that Dr. Whalum was not in attendance at Lester. This is really shaping up to be an outright violation of freedom of the press. So since the media was not allowed to attend, and Bloggers don't have to identify themselves as members of the Media, the media was in attendance.

During the assembly there were three previous speakers, one from the Civil Rights Museum, City Court Clerk Thomas Long, and Lasimba Gray. While most of the speakers did have at least a positive word for the children, it was Dr Whalum who garnered the attention that the program deserved. As Dr Whalum spoke, you could literally hear a pin drop except for the applause, and support cheering that Dr Whalum's heartfelt words manifested in the auditorium.

There is a connection there that many of our School Board Commissioners really don't have with the children of the district they serve. Dr. Whalum, has demonstrated that age has nothing to do with the disconnect, it has to do with his genuine love and care for the children of this community. Quite frankly, if more individuals on the Board of Commissioners would exercise the care and love for the children that was displayed today, then we would be further along in the process of solving what ails our school system.

Dr Whalum spoke to the media afterwards and he told the students "they needed to take action and demand changes to have a better school district.” Dr Kenneth T Whalum, I salute you, as a result of today’s words from you, our children are better, stronger, and wiser.  Thank You!!!

Hmm, here's an idea. Hold the parents responsible for their children, and take away their excuses for not being more involved in their children's success in education. In a recent article in the Commercial Appeal, Mayor A.C. Wharton is proposing a change to state law that would "punish parents for neglecting their children's education, for sitting on their hands as children fail or drop out of school". The actual change to state law would be changed to redefine child neglect to include the failure, without justification, to take part in your children's educational progress."

I congratulate Mayor Wharton for exercising the common sense that was given to him in relalizing that while our elected officials do need to step up their efforts, so do our parents. Thie really boils down to parents needing to know that if you don't become more active in the success of your child, then you will be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law.  If passed, then we are truly moving in the right direction.

The question now becomes a two fold question; Who is willing to write, email, and/or call their state and U.S. representatives and let them know we want this change to state law, and we want it to pass the first time? We also want to know when will our city Mayor follow suit with support for this change to law?

Let's talk about this folks, this is a topic that we all can chime in on.

To be frank, it is Dan "Everyday Leave Another Child Behind" Ward, and some of the members of the Memphis City School Board of Commissioners.

Entirely Too Many Children Are Able To Slip Through The Gate, And Bring Hell And Destruction With Them!!!!

Three children have been shot in our schools, and another child as of this morning has been found carrying a gun on the campus of Lester Elementary School. I am tired of Tomeka Hart and Dan Ward smiling at the citizen's of Memphis like some "Stepin Fetchit" routine, really trying to use the media to steer the community into believing that these so called "isolated incidents" are just that "ISOLATED INCIDENTS" !!!!

It has become more than clear that Dan Ward, and many members of the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners, including Tomeka Hart need to be immediately relieved of duty, since the duties and roles that these individuals swore to uphold are not being upheld, and in unbelievably blatant fashion. For those not in the know, the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Commissioners and The Superintendent are as follow: Those roles and duties include: Being responsible for establishing goals for the school system and adopting policies for the effective operation of the school system. The Board appoints a Superintendent to oversee the operation of the school system in accordance with the educational goals and policies it establishes.

Please note that Safety is apart of the duties of Dan Ward as well as that of the Board Commissioners. As citizens we have the authority to hire and fire public servants, even if that means by vote. The obvious disregard for the safety of our children has to be addressed by more individuals than Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum. If the Superintendent and Board would get their heads either out of the sand or out of their arses, then we may be able to prevent another child, teacher, or administrator from dying at the hands of those who knowingly, willfully, and openly bring weapons into our schools.  

I am tired of our children dying, so please help me prevent another child that could be one of our own die at the hands of senseless violence. Please come to the next School Board Meeting, and or send countless emails to Dan Ward and the members of the Board of Commissioners to put and end to this violence.

Their contact information is below.

superintendentmcs@mcsk12.net  -Dan Ward

hartt@mcsk12.net - Tomeka Hart, Board President

jonesmartaviusd@mcsk12.net - Martavious Jones, Board Vice President

williamsf@mcsk12.net - Dr Freda Williams - At-Large Position One

whalumkennetht@mcsk12.net - Dr Kenneth T. Whalum - At-large Position Two

gatewoods@mcsk12.net - Stephanie Gatewood - District One

MallottBettyJ@mcsk12.net - Betty J. Mallott - District Two

robinsonp@mcsk12.net - Patrice Robinson - District Three

warrenj@mcsk12.net - Dr Jeff Warren _ District Four

webbsharona@mcsk12.net - Sharon Webb - District Six

I say email the all, and let them know that since you seem to be having trouble making decisions for the constituents you serve, here is what we ant you to do.

We can do this let's make it happen, even if you don't have children in City schools, you know of someone who does.

Well, we all for the most part survived the massive winds that hit the city and surrounding areas on Tuesday. I for one believe that for the most part, the city handled things fairly well, other than MLGW, and the Memphis Police Department. I will digress for now on MLGW, but the MPD is another story. I say that because if you realy look at it, the Memphis Police Department has allowed a good program to go astray. The Memphis Police Department's Police Service Techinician program is designed provide individuals with a desire to become police officers in Memphis some training while still in college. The PST's generally take accident reports on scene, and provide traffic control in certain situations such as when TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE OUT ON MAJOR STREETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Now for those of you who are wondering why I eem to be irritated by the PST's, well allow Morph to share his observation. The traffic light at teh corner of Park and Mt. Moriah has been out since the wind storm began, and at NO TIME has a PST been on the scene to direct traffic through that busy intersection. I travel that area often during various times of the day and night, and it is always as I suspect, NO PST!!!!

I have witnessed enough close calls, especially since all I can do is watch while the traffic backs up almost to the previous light on Park Ave!!! I say if we can't get the PST's to do what they are designed for before some gets hurt or killed, then we as citizens need to call for an end to the program. I know it does good for those who need it, but just like I have said before, one of the best ways to combat crime is to have our officers actually drive around and be proactive, no chill at their favorite spot. I say the ame for the PST's.

NOW FOR THOSE AT THE DEPARTMENT WHO READ MY POSTINGS, HERE IS A MESSAGE JUS FOR YOU!!!!

If this makes you angry, then please do something about it, and make sure what you do wil benefit the citizens of Memphis, it's all we ever ask!

Recently the President of the United States of America announced that all tax paying individuals will be recieving rebate checks of various amounts to aid in bolstering the economy. Translation, He wants us to spend the checks as soon as we get them!!! Now any logical individual knows that this goes against most finanacial freedom, or finanacial growth teachings. Initially I really thought that I must have misunderstood what was being said until I did my research. Basically, this "rebate" of "our own money" is designed to come to us, and instead of the government simply doing what they normally do with money, and that is spend it frivioulsy, and never truly or truthfully explain where our money is being spent, they want "we the people" to simply cash the check, and spend it. I say it is far time for us to do just the opposite, and take that money and make it make more money for us and our children's children. Allow me to explain.

Once that rebate check arrives using these principals I can guarantee you will see a return on the money, which will enable you to build wealth with money that you never expected in the first place. Here is what I propose, and for the purposes of those that do not share my faith these principals are not geared to offend, but simply to offer suggestions on building wealth not only for you, but for you, your children and your children's children.

Upon arrival of the "rebate check", set aside 10% for tithes, 5% for offerings, and with the remainder, split it right down the middle(50/50) and take half and invest it with the assistance and advice of your financial institution, and the remaining half in savings for yourself or for your child (born or unborn). With the principals I have outlined, you are sure to make money, and not have to do anything but leave it alone, which for some will be the hard part, but think of your children. It is better to invest and save something than nothing at all.

Remember, this is money that you did not count on, so let's make the best of it, and if you do have an actual "need" to spend the money, please make sure you bolster the economy with businesses that actually need the help, such as minority businesses, or businesses in your community that can accomodate your needs.

Or Does it Really!!!!

While reviewing the latest graduation rates for this year(2007), I have found that there is a rise in the graduation rate from last year(2006). Now while on the surface of it all, I am glad to see that there have been some improvements to the tune of 2.4% overall, which is better than the graduation rate dropping. I simply want to believe that the numbers are not skewed. With the "No Child Left Behind" initiative, there is a "failure is not an option" mindset in many of the city schools which will simply have students passed through school when truly they are not prepared to advance tot he next grade, or even graduate from high school. I am not against the mentality of "failure is not an option" so long as we don't treat our children like assembly plant subjects, and actually teach them.

I have went on record and said that we as a collective parental, educational, and mentoring body have failed our children. It is time for us to get back to the business of really taking care and exercising our due diligence for our children. This will have to be a colaborative effort beginning individually (take care of your children first, and in turn begin to assist others who aren't capable of doing so). That is the basis for "it takes a vilage to raise a child". We are all responsible for each other tot he point of survival, and if ther eare those who deisre to survive but for one reason or another just can't seem to get over the hump and we can help them why not?

If many of you would simply do as I ahve done in the last month or so, just take a ride into the most undesireable communities we have and get out and talk to our people, you will see that in most cases, these are people who have fallen, and just need help in getting back up. When are YOU going to help?! 

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday has come and gone, and I have this feeling of utter disgust by our people!! I see us each year during the MLK Holiday gathering on the same streets, marching on the same day for the same reason, and people wonder why the movement is in trouble! An honest observation can clearly see that the very things Dr King wanted have been realized, but once again we have sat down and not came up with anything of purpose that is fresh or new. We are still riding on the coat tails of those that have come and gone. It woudl appear that we have become complacent in mediocrity, and I for one say, NO MORE!!!!

Just what are we marching for now, and what does marching do other than make us "filler" media coverage for the television stations. Marching serves no purpose anymore, and it is time for those that are actually interested in seeing the movement move on and grow, get your heads out of the clouds wondering if Dr King would be happy with the progression, I say happy yes, but content, hell no!!

Now since I know I have raised the brow of some individuals, allow me to offer a foundation for my opening question. Sleep walking is defined as a disorder characterized by complicated actions that result in walking during sleep. Persons affected with this disorder usually have their eyes wide open in a stare. This really speaks to the slumber that many of us are in regarding forward movement. Complacency has become the norm for many. It amazes me that when the holiday comes around, or even during "Black History Month", many of us have this heightend sense of awareness, but one day removed from either the holiday or the month of February, it's as if nothing has happened.  We do this over and over each year.

Malcolm X has a quote that fits this issue quite well. You can always chase a dream but it will not count if you never catch it. I say we have caught the dream, and now it is time to wake up and take action. We have communities to rebuild, and make over. We have families to heal and help. NOw will you continue to sleep, or will you WAKE UP from your slumber, and exercise your right to prosper.

For those who still don't get it, if you continue to march, and march for no other reason than to demonstrate, then that will surely constitute insanity. The days of us holding signs saying "I AM A MAN" are over, we have proven that. Now is the time for us to prove what kind of men and women we actually are.

The subject of consolidation has come up since the first of the year with a fever pitch, in part because of the apparent push by our Mayor W. W. Herenton. I have stated before and will stand on my statement that consolidation can work for Memphis, but it has to be done in the correct manor which is my main concern.  The Mayor in his rush to consolidate has once again put the cart before the horse. Why in the name of all that right in the world would our city's CEO not try to clean up all of the loose and dangling ends of our city government before even trying to consolidate? The best thing for the city is to consolidate governmental services, and clean up any dangling positions that really serve no purpose or prove fruitful to the forward direction of the city.

Once the laundry of the city is done, then we will be ready for consolidation of city and county governments. Now allow me to dig even deeper on this subject. Recently the mayor issued a statement that he is richly interested in taking over the Memphis City School System. I have a couple questions for the mayor and will close with a statement.

What in the name of our children are you thinking?!!! You’re Honor, while I support you in your forward movement of the city I think you need to slow down and clean up around the front door of government before you decide to take the School System and further place it in the abyss of chaos in city government.

What benefit will this pose at all? If you are really smart as you try to get us all to believe, then you know that for our city to keep it's current board structure, and simply modify it to accommodate the county schools is the best option. We will be the dominate system, and better equipped to handle the additions to the school system.

In closing, I really think at this point you need to take your own comments into consideration. I will paraphrase to fit this topic.

Mayor Herenton, Get the Hell Out of Our School System!!!!!

Media Executives, will you please get your “ish” together, so we can all go back to our shows of choice!!!!! Don’t make me miss 24; there will be repercussions and consequences for me missing 24.