#MNR: 2021 Uncut (Year in Review)

Here I am. Here we are. 2021 is damn near in the books. We made it (prayerfully). I didn’t jump into this YIR raw doggie. I did a lot of pondering and the obligatory research. 365 days is a lot to cover (actually 361, but we’ll tweet any amendments if need be) in a blog that doesn’t read like War & Peace. I had to get the pertinent shit in and weed out the things I didn’t feel were worth mentioning. This is, after all, my MF blog. Anyway…get your method and light that shit. This is going to be a trip.

DEARLY DEPARTED

PERSONAL VIP LIST: My mentor Brad Ballou, Black Rob (Jeff Houses/Eastside Harlem’s Greatest), Queen Cicely Tyson (Eastside), Yaphet Kotto the Great, Ditrius Medley (HCHS Blue Comets HOF), bell hooks, New Jack (for all my wrestling fanatics & real niggas worldwide), Young Dolph, Leonard “Hub” Hubbard (bass guitar player for the World’s 8th Wonder The Roots), Ronnie Wilson (The Gap Band), Michael K. Williams (Omar), Biz Markie, Henry “Hank” Aaron (love you sir – thank you), Paul Mooney the Great, Earl “DMX” Simmons, “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (my GOAT along with Sweat Pea & Iron Mike), Rev. Fred Price (first preacher I ever saw on TV), Sonny Chiba (my guy), Beverly Cleary (thank you, lady), Dustin “Screech” Diamond (miss you my guy – you’d love the new show), Larry Flynt (I’m a freak, and so was he), Larry King (pioneer journalist), Tommy Lasorda (Top 5 manager ever IMO), Walter Mondale (my birth VP), Tanya Roberts (Midge Pinciotti from That ‘70s Show), Joanne Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ wife and concert pianist), Paul Westphall, Clarence Williams III (THE SHIT! – Tales From the Hood/Mod Squad), AJ Johnson (Ezal), Sarah Weddington (lawyer who argued and won Roe v. Wade – she was 26).

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kangol Kid, Demaryius Thomas, Virgil Abloh, Lee Elder, Lil Antwan Fowler, Rush Limbaugh (couldn’t stand you but I super respected your persistence), Alberto “Alpo” Martinez, Melvin van Peebles, Greg Leaks (Nene’s husband), Chucky Thompson, Tim Lester (Steelers RB), Charlie Robinson (Night Court), Monster Kody, Lee Evans (PGA), Pervis Staples, Shock G, muMs, Elgin Baylor, Bunny Wailer, Irv Cross, Prince Markie Dee, Vincent Jackson, Mary Wilson, Leon Spinks, Coach John Chaney, Floyd Little, Ed Asner, Ned Beatty, Coach Bobby Bowden, Senator Bob Dole, Charles Grodin, Dusty Hill (ZZ Top), Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Tawny Kitaen, Cloris Leachman, Norm MacDonald, Jackie Mason, Markie Post, General Colin Powell, Lloyd Price, Donald Rumsfeld, Willard Scott, George Segal, Dean Stockwell, Don Sutton, Dennis Thomas (Kool & The Gang), Al Unser Sr, Bobby Unser, Charlie Watts (Stones), Drakeo the Ruler, Slim 400.

NEWS TIMELINE (that I deemed relevant)

January: 1.6 – the Insurrection, The Presidential inauguration
March: Ever Given container ship was stuck in the Suez Canal for 6 days, billions lost
April: Pig Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the assassination of George Floyd
June: Private building collapse in Miami, FL – 97 dead
July: Summer Olympics in Tokyo – USA led medal count with 113; virtually no fans (COVID)
August: US completes withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after 20 years/2K casualties
August/September: Hurricane Ida claims 115 lives from Gulf Coast to the Atlantic
September: Texas Heartbeat Act signed; abortion illegal at six weeks in the state
November: 3 white bigots were found guilty in the assassination of Ahmaud Arbery
December: South/Midwest USA tornadoes claim 90 lives

CHAMPIONS

Alabama (NCAA FBS), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Braves, Tyson Fury, Kamaru Usman, Chicago Sky, Italy (Euro), MANCHESTER CITY (Premier League), Chelsea (Champions League), NYCFC (MLS), Bayern Munich (Bundesliga), Lille (French Ligue 1), Atlético de Madrid (La Liga), Baylor Bears (NCAA men’s basketball), Stanford (NCAA women’s basketball), Mississippi State (NCAA baseball), Oklahoma (NCAA Softball), Kyle Larson (NASCAR), Max Verstappen (Formula One).

MUSIC

Nas is the GOAT.

ERRTHANG ELSE

Of course, COVID spun the block. This year, we were allegedly over the virus as of July 4 (according to Sleepy Joe). Then the Delta variant said “syke!” Then, when it seemed that things couldn’t get any shittier, here comes Omicron. In addition to two jabs, there is now a third booster shot. Its efficacy is a matter of debate. I’ve got mine. I feel that after twelve months, I’ve spoken on my position on vaccinations enough that I don’t need to speak on it any further. I’m still not mad at any anti-vaxxer. I respect your right to object. Just cover up in public (indoors). Please and thank you.

There is still a border crisis amongst the southern US states that border Mexico. Many have tried (unsuccessfully) to cross both legally and illegally. This year was lowlighted by the treatment of Haitians attempting to cross. I’m all for freedom, and I’m all for Black folk. That supersedes my at-time conservative approach to these types of topics. Prayers go out to my Haitian folk. Y’all have been through more than enough, including the assassination of y’all president (also in 2021). Love y’all. Praying for y’all.

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday on the American calendar, and it’s long overdue. June 17 is our day. School is still in session in New Jersey. I will not be in attendance that day.

The Tulsa Massacre has finally been formally recognized by the federal government. Thanks.

Kamala Harris became the first Black Vice President in US history. Kamala Harris became the first woman Vice President in US history.

Raphael Warnock became the first Black US senator from the state of Georgia. He’s got a lot of work ahead if he wants to defeat buffoon Herschel Walker and maintain his seat next November. LMAO. Walker is a wife-beating, self-hating plant and semi-carpetbagger who speaks with the eloquence of a menstrual show filling station attendant. He’s perfect for the Republican Party.

Zaila Avant-garde became the first African American winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the almost 100-year history of the contest. You go, girl.

A lot of you PPP loan niggas got football numbers for your fraudulent transgressions. I’d say that y’all were dumb as fuck, but I’d be partially incorrect. I saw some of the numbers. Y’all definitely went for it. I can’t hate on that at all. My ire is with all the dumb MF who found it pertinent to self-snitch and put all your business on social media, immediately drawing the attention of the Feds. But that’s the world we live in today. Y’all do it all for clout. Never mind the millions. Never mind freedom. Smmfh.

Rarely at this point in life am I ever intrigued or fascinated by anything, but this NYC drill scene is captivating. London birthed it. Chicago revolutionized it. New York City may prove to be its reckoning. Chicago seems to be a lost cause at this point. Their homicide number is the Secretariat of US murder stats. But NYC trended downward before the pandemic. As I mentioned in a recent blog, NYC was deemed one of the safest big cities in America for much of the 2010s. But gang culture, bail reform, and the pandemic ignited a drastic uptick. Now, the drill music scene is playing the fourth Beatle. It’s not just the artists and their affiliated people, it’s the civilian kids who listen to it while living the very lives the artists live. Take away the cameras, jewelry, and money, and they’re no different. They live in the same areas. They walk the same streets. They have the same fears. They’re carrying the same heat, too. As of last month, 124 city kids younger than 18 have been shot, with 21 deaths in 2021. Eight handguns have been FOUND in city schools. Social media is the lynchpin. The kids post all types of incriminating shit on FB and Twitter and speak it in front of an audience on IG Live. Sometimes they are on Live WITH EACH OTHER, threatening violence in front of all types of random MF. Drill music is at the center of it all. Brooklyn was the first borough to adopt the subgenre (big ups to 22Gz – I think he’s the best at it from the city), but my homeland of #BXNYC has wrestled the crown from Medina and is running with it like no other. The recent arrest of artist Kay Flock for murder brought it all to a climax. This is after his well-publicized beef with his own [blood] cousin, DThang, a #BXNYC drill artist as well. At the end of the day, it’s indicative of all the social ills of America. It was a crazy 2021 for NYC drill. I’m damn near scared of what 2022 may have in store.

There you have it, 2021 wrapped in an Original Backwood. Here’s to 2022. I wish LOVE PEACE HEALTH PROSPERITY LONGEVITY to all. Except for the MF I can’t stand. Fuck y’all. Crew niggas to the exit, we out. ###

tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG

#MNR: Christmas Rappin’

“Merry Christmas, nuhccas!”
Pinky – Owner, Pinky’s Records & Discs, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Ah, yes. Gather round ye olde yuletide fireplace. Bring your reefa and rollie with you, and it better not be harracha. Alas, it is Christmas time again in the city. I don’t know which specific city that white man was referring to in the song, so I’ll accept any city. Regardless, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Did y’all see what I just did? I gave y’all every damn piece of holiday lingo I could muster. If that’s not enough of a reason to get in the holiday spirit, then I have a “bah humbug” and a lump of coal for you.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Never forget the true blessing of Christmas, which is the birth of Christ, even though he wasn’t born in no damn December. That’s beside the point. Think of Christ. Think of his love for others. Think of his love for YOU. Think of the ultimate sacrifice he made.


Speaking of lumps of coal, here’s my Top 5 list of coal recipients for Christmas 2021:

Covid-19 – This makes two Christmases in a row for you, you punk, uninvited MF. You’ve been a bad, bad boy yet again. And now you’ve promoted Omicron to lead vocalist. That MF is running through America like Forrest Gump, just as steady and perhaps even more simple-minded. I just pray that you miss me and mine. We don’t need the suffering. AND…you finna have the NBA Christmas day schedule looking like a summer Pro-Am Saturday. Damn near errbody is in protocol. The NBA already looks like the NFL strike of 1982 (IYKYK). At this rate, a nigga who backed up the backup in high school may get a ten-day contract.

US Senator Joe Manchin – Man, just sign off on the BBB legislation. I’ve been through your poor ass state twice. Your constituents could use the extended Child Tax Credits, universal free preschool, and expanded Medicare. But, knowing old Money Manchin, he’ll reconsider if Sleepy Joe and Congress fluff him to a good ejaculation. Just tickle his [CENSORED] while you stroke. Don’t look at me sideways. I got that intel from a multimillionaire coal mining executive.

President “Sleepy” Joe Biden – Old man, you didn’t keep your word. But in all fairness, you seem to be in some phase of senility, so you may have forgotten what you promised.

Every “Karen” in America – You’re giving my great friend/soon-to-be retired coworker and my old English teacher a bad name. Your privilege is especially appalling. You MF really think you have carte blanche and autonomy to give orders and shut shit down like y’all own the world. Or maybe that’s the root of the problem, thinking that you really do own the world. All I can say is…please don’t test my level of retardation (my apologies to the PC readers, or fuck you, whichever you choose), for I will be forced to revisit the old Ty Nitty of Huntley World infamy and talk to you crazier than a drunk pimp in a liquor store cussing contest. I don’t disrespect women [anymore – long, long time], but I’ll do a “Karen” extra dirty. SMMFD. Bitches.

All Botters (Except for my bro Lo) – I refuse to pay $1,000 for a PS5. I’m tired of paying $100-200 above retail price for my kix. In all honesty and full disclosure, I’m just hating because I don’t have bots of my own, or else I’d be taxing the fuck out of y’all for any and everything I can get my hands on. I know, I ain’t shit. But this isn’t about me or my desire to make a fortune in the resale bitness. This is about all you bitches who make sites like StockX imperative to being able to cop shit. Fuck y’all.

There are others, but I just wanted to highlight those who most excelled at being dipshits this year.

ACCOLADES

Merry Christmas to the great Tsunami Surf. With all due respect to Eazy the Block Captain (the talk really is different), you’re my battler of the year. Keep your foot on the gas pedal. Keep holding Big Jersey down. Salute. And by the way, your album was crazy too.

RESPECTFULLY

I really do love Mariah Carey and almost everything she’s done professionally but, on behalf of the Black community, we’d like to let all you white music “experts” know that “All I Want For Christmas Is You” IS NOT our GOAT Christmas song. It’s not even on most of our top five lists. So please stop propagating that myth. If we’re not talking The Temptations, Donny Hathaway, or Boyz II Men/Brian McKnight first, there is no discussion. She’s in my top ten though. I love you, Mariah. I always have and I always will.

If I can see the pole in your faux Christmas tree, it may be time for a new one. Having said that, I’m certain that if Queen Shareon were still alive, the Christmas tree would be making its 42nd consecutive appearance. It looked more like the Festivus Pole (big ups to my Uncle Frank Costanza) with decorations the last ten years of its run. Love you mommy.


PRESENTS!

I hope everyone gets EVERYTHING they want on Saturday. I’m going to assume that you are all flawless or near-perfect like myself and deserve any and everything you ask for like myself. Look, if you have to max out a couple of credit cards or borrow from a neighborhood loan shark to put a smile on your ungrateful chillun or tired ass husband’s/wife’s faces, it’s all worth it. What’s a bit of bad credit or threats from a known leg breaker to appease the ones you love?




NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

All jokes aside, I wish the best for everyone this Christmas. I pray that every child at least gets something off their lists, if not everything (but only if they were nice). I hope everyone has some family and/or friends that they can enjoy the holidays with. I know the feeling of being lonely on the holidays. It’s horrible, although it can lead to some brilliant writing. I pray that all are nourished properly and have clothing and shelter. As for me…I don’t have a need, and I have few wants. I’m blessed beyond measure, and I’m thankful. I’ll also be accepting any and every gift given. It doesn’t matter if you’re a stranger. Thank you in advance. Merry Christmas. Our highly anticipated Year in Review blog hits the newsstands next Monday. You won’t want to miss. Until then, I’m a be thugging behind a project building…

tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG

#MNR: [The Right To] Kill at Will, Part 2

“I walk around town with the pound strapped down on my side. No frontin’, just in case I gotta smoke somethin’.”
Steele of Smif-N-Wessun

I remember having a conversation with a young shooter from #BXNYC about a decade ago. At the time, I was only a few years removed from my street exploits, so I had a good understanding of how crazy shit was in the streets of New York at that time. But I hadn’t tapped in with MF who were really putting in pain in a good minute. The kid and I chopped it up for a while. I spoke on my time in the streets, about some of the gun clappers I know/knew personally. He soaked it all in. I don’t know what his lasting impression of our talk was, but I damn sure remember the thesis of what he told me. It all boiled down to a single statement: “It’s all about the bodies.”

I still think about that kid’s stark and stoic assessment of the times. Ironically, NYC (at the time) wasn’t nearly as crazy as it was in my childhood (the crack era), the early 1990s (the end of the crack era), or even the early 2000s. NYPD tactics like “stop and frisk” (I’m sure you’re all familiar with the term; I lived it), mayor-designated “red zones” (high crime areas which were in turn supported by mandated 2X the police presence), and covert entities like the “gun boys” (a team of police ONLY interested in illegal & concealed guns) were responsible for drastically reducing the murder rate in the city. In fact, the murder and overall crime rate had fallen so steadily and drastically that NYC for a time was unofficially labeled the safest big city in America.

Sure, the murder rate had fallen in the city, but I knew that that young man’s mentality wasn’t an outlier. I knew that his mentality was echoed by plenty of others, exacerbated by the rise of gang activity and social media. I knew that the potential for disaster, though dormant, was ready and waiting for a catalyst to rekindle the deadly inferno of eras past. Then it came. Its name? Covid-19.

Through 12.5.2021, New York City has logged 443 homicides, quite possibly on pace to slightly eclipse its 2020 total of 468. To add perspective, there were “only” 318 homicides in 2019, which ironically was the highest since 2016. But it’s ok, right? It’s only NYC. The Rotten Apple is just doing what it does regardless, right? Wrong.

Murder is [again] on the rise across the United States of America. There were 21,500 homicides in 2020, the highest total since the mid-90s, and a 30% increase from 2019 (the largest single year increase in the history of the US). 77% of homicides in 2020 were from guns, up 3% from 2019. Unfortunately, 2021 is almost certain to be even worse than 2020. Almost every major city has seen an increase in homicides in 2021. Louisville, KY, Columbus, OH, Albuquerque, NM, Tucson, AZ, Rochester, NY, Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN, and Nashville, TN have all already set records for homicides this year. Austin, home of the University of Texas and the state’s fastest growing city, has witnessed its deadliest year on record, with 88 homicides so far. This number shatters the previous mark of 59 in 1984. Indianapolis, IN has recorded 230 murders in 2021, already more than its 2020 total of 215. Memphis, TN has 310 homicides (as of 12.6) a drastic increase from 186 in 2020. Baltimore, MD has recorded 320 bodies, quite possibly on pace to eclipse its 2019 total of 348, a record for the city. California has seen an uptick of murders in its four largest cities: San Francisco has already bettered its 2020 total of 42 homicides with 45 so far this year, San Diego is eight better than its 2020 total of 74 with 82 this year, Oakland is currently at 112 murders as opposed to 81 in 2020, and LA is way ahead of its 2020 total of 284 bodies with 352 this year. Philadelphia, PA has positioned itself as the number two deadliest city in America with 513 homicides so far in 2021, its highest total since 503 in 1990. The dubious distinction of “America’s Deadliest City” belongs to the Raq, formerly known as Chiraq. Chicago has tallied 761 homicides in 2021 (as of today), well on pace to better last year’s total of 775.

The only major US city that I’ve seen with a substantial decrease in homicides is St. Louis, MO. It will almost certainly lower its number of 263 in 2020, as it sits at 178 homicides as of this morning.

The final portion of this blog may read better as a Power Point, as it feels that there are enough bullet points to make for an A+ presentation. There are diverse factors which have led to America’s insane homicide numbers: the pandemic, gun sales, gun violence, relaxed gun laws, social unrest, and gang activity.

THE PANDEMIC

The Covid-19 pandemic is the number one reason for the uptick in murder in America and it is basically the spark for most or all the other factors. I should probably subtitle the pandemic with mental health, as its forced isolation led to the deterioration of social interaction. Not only were people not able to mingle in social arenas like bars, clubs, and other social events, but many were also ostracized from family and close friends. Students were taught virtually. Many people were forced to suffer the loss of loved ones without being able to visit them in the hospital or attend their funerals. The mind is so fragile. Isolation meant way too much time for many to be alone with their thoughts. Over the course of months and a year, many thoughts grew dark. Some were unable to process these thoughts in a healthy manner. Some chose violence.

SOCIAL UNREST

The assassination of Mr. George Floyd was the removal of the pin from the grenade of the angst of Black America. Watching that man suffer in agony for nine minutes before his life was extinguished angered many to the point of self-uttered calls to arms. MF were angry and scared at the same damn time and chose to arm themselves against all perceived threats.




GUN SALES

Combine the pandemic and social unrest, and you’ve suddenly got a previously unseen sense of urgency across the nation to self-protect. Racial tension, fear, political propaganda, etc. They all played a role in America’s sudden need to either become armed for the first time or to become “extra” strapped and cop all the guns and ammo possible. I should research gun sales in 2020. I’m certain to be fascinated.

RELAXED GUN LAWS

Texas immediately comes to mind. Good ole Governor Abbott wants as many guns on the streets as possible. This type of policy only makes it harder to police day in, day out. Just like Project Pat said – errbody strapped. It’s damn near impossible for police in places like Memphis to discern who is and who isn’t legally carrying. Refer to the aforementioned social unrest. A lot of this unrest called for actions ranging from logical police reform all the way to the extreme of defunding police outright. Like it or not, police were ostracized. Some walked away from their line of work altogether, whether retirement or change of occupation. Many who remained felt angry and undervalued. We all know disgruntled workers are quick to develop apathy. Apathy leads to looking the other way and slack work. You can finish the thought.

GANG ACTIVITY

Increased gang activity across the map was already an issue. Today’s rap music only adds to the allure. The pandemic only made it worse, in tandem with all the previously mentioned factors. Add a thin layer of cloth to conceal facial identity and you’ve got the perfect blend of aggression and anonymity. Walk a MF down, unload the clip, skate off. The cameras just see another young Black male in a mask, hoodie, and skinny jeans/sweats. The code of the streets ensures that no one’s talking. Without Lester Freeman or the Bunk to work a murder police miracle, there’s a good chance that a body remains in red on the murder board.

I pray for this nation.

tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG

 
#MNR: [The Right To] Kill at Will
 
“Just throw your guns in the air, and boop boop like you just don’t care.”
Onyx
 
[As of 12.6.2021] There have been 29 school shootings this year, 21 since August 1. Here are some quick facts:
 
The latest shootings occurred on 11.30.2021. The first shooting that day occurred at Oxford High School in Oxford, MI. There were 4 dead, 7 injured. 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley is the alleged shooter.
 
*On the same day a school shooting at Humboldt Junior/Senior High School in Humboldt, TN killed one and injured three at a pair of basketball games.
 
**There was a school shooting in America THE DAY BEFORE on 11.29.2021 at Cesar Chavez HS, Laveen, AZ. A 16-year-old is in serious condition after being shot by a 15-year-old. There were no fatalities.
 
There have been 87 school shootings since 2018.
 
60 have been killed or injured in a school shooting:
11 killed -- 8 students or other children killed, and 3 school employees or other adults killed
49 injured
 
I’m fairly certain you were unaware about the other shooting on 11.30, the very same day as the Oxford tragedy. I’m willing to bet a large amount of money that you were unaware of the shooting that occurred the day before the two incidents. I’ll BET MY LIFE that you had no idea whatsoever that America’s had damn near 100 school shootings in the past four years, and that time INCLUDES COVID LOCKDOWNS. We have become so desensitized as a culture that complete tragedies often go unnoticed by the masses. Barring a special circumstance (such as the Crumbleys, who will be addressed in this blog), these tragedies are typically forgotten within short time. It’s beyond disgusting. We are all to blame for America’s relative apathy.
 
THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
 
Amendment II: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
12.15.1791
 
Please take note of the verbiage and date of the amendment.
 
Along with abortion, the right to bear arms has been perhaps the most contentious topic of recent debate in America. I don’t give two fucks if you are on either end of the spectrum, or somewhere in-between. You can be a pacifist, tree-hugging, protect the whatever enthusiast or a MAGA hat wearing, card-carrying NRA member. I’m not mad at either side. I don’t debate the right to bear arms at all. I am fully in favor. But don’t pass me a MAGAt hat and surface-to-air missile just yet. I’m all for the right to pack heat, but I don’t think that assault weapons should be in the hands of everyday Americans. I feel that way because these types of weapons were made for wartime scenarios, not for “regular” defense of self or property. I don’t think private citizens should be able to carry weapons with enough ammo to take out a company (2 or more platoons, not Nabisco) without reloading. I’m all in favor of handguns for self-defense and rifles for hunting and game, but I don’t think anyone should be in possession of weapons that can cause mass casualties in mere seconds. I don’t want another Vegas incident. I also feel that there aren’t adequate prerequisite mental health checks for arms purchases. Except for Cali, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, NJ, and NY, a valid state ID is pretty much all that’s required to walk into a gun shop, weapons show, or pawn shop and purchase multiple firearms. The background check is only searching for a few things, namely prior felonies and/or gun charges. The second amendment is open to a great deal of ambiguity, enough to make for perpetual debate. Some use the amendment to claim that the right to bear arms is inalienable and not subject to scrutiny while others feel that the amendment itself is archaic, a relic from the birth of this nation, a time when most facets of local law enforcement had yet to be established. The Supreme Court has left it in the hands of the states, only adding to the discrepancies. The aforementioned NRA (National Rifle Association) has been vital in the advocacy and preservation of gun rights, as it has put plenty of money in the pockets of many a politician (allegedly). The debate also depends on where an American lives. Rural areas are the largest proponents of the second amendment, while those who live in urban areas are usually more in favor of gun restrictions. Suburban areas are somewhere in-between, usually leaning more toward being less restrictive. Throw it all in the pot and mix it up and we have the confusion that exists today. America, the beautiful.
 
ETHAN, JAMES, AND JENNIFER
 
Yesterday, James and Jennifer Crowley, parents of alleged school shooter Ethan, were apprehended and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged “assistance” in the murders allegedly committed by their son. They were briefly on the run, with reasons yet to be explained. The two are allegedly responsible for providing Ethan with the pistol he allegedly used to kill four and injure others. Ethan has been charged (as an adult) with terrorism, first degree murder, and other counts. As of press time, both parents had retained legal counsel while Ethan has been issued a public defendant. On the day of the shooting, school counselors and the Dean of students were alerted about concerning drawings and written statements made by Ethan. He was removed from the classroom and taken to a counselor. After speaking to the counselor and after an unsuccessful attempt to reach his parents, Ethan was allowed to return to class. He allegedly went on to take four lives that very day. The day before, Ethan was seen viewing images of ammunition on his cell phone during class. The Friday before, Ethan’s parents basically gifted him the gun used in the shootings. Jennifer allegedly took her son to the gun range to test his new toy. I’m not clairvoyant, but I’m certain that if I were Jennifer or James, I would have seen this coming from a country mile away. I was raised by a Black woman who kept her tentacles in damn near every aspect of my life. She damn sure wouldn’t have gifted me a pistol. There were enough red flags in this situation to make a UBN set jealous (IYKYK). I’m one of MANY Black folk who are certain that this is the result of bad WHITE parenting. Pay better attention to your child. Please DO NOT gift him a pistol under any circumstance until he is of legal age. Please make sure he’s not a fucking psychopath or sociopath before you do, though. It’s not that hard. This could have been avoided. Let’s see how things progress.
 
We have digressed to a point in civilization where news of school shootings is no more troubling than an impending late summer hurricane headed in our direction. Each talking point is debated until the event fades into our distant memory, usually a few days after the latest shooting evaporates from headlines and until the next shooting. Repeat process. But what if your child was the victim? What if your child WAS THE SHOOTER? Would it MATTER then? I mean TRULY matter. Would it stick with you? Would it be enough to push for change? Of course, it would. But that’s how America works. It doesn’t matter until tragedy forces you to have to put one of yours in a grave or mausoleum. Or seek counsel. Then and only then do we speak the fuck up. But don’t worry. It’s all good. It doesn’t matter [to you]. It wasn’t your child. Not this time…
 
tymonday.com: @tymonday on Twitter & IG
crewunb.com: @crewunB on Twitter & @theunbearablescrew on IG