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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 7:09 pm
I was going to type a long drawn out post that I'm sure would annoy many but I am only going to thank Rehtse, Julieboo and Lexie_girl for mirroring my thoughts exactly. I totally understand the 'black community' idea; just like areas have Chinatowns, Koreatowns, etc. The difference being they welcome everyone and don't try to keep others out of those like Abasi wants to keep everyone else out of theirs. Like I previously stated, they want to have their cake and eat it too.
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Sunshyne4u
Member
06-17-2003
| Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 10:02 pm
Abasi simply lectures. He has no real desire to win over or educate the God Warrior about his life or his perspective on the world/his community. He is not invested in this swap as an opportunity to have a real exchange. It's of no consequence to him if he opens her eyes to anything or not. nicely said. i think He is just expanding his 'audience" by doing this show. After all, he already has his own TV show and wants to get his message out further. Am I incorrect in thinking that Abassi wants a reverse Apartheid?? For petes sake, South Africans fought for years to destroy segregation and why would anyone want to create it? Anyways, as for Fema not "helping" black people. I think it can be decerned that the Help Abassi wanted was 'payouts' to the people who didnt have insurance. I am sure that there were low income white/ mixed race who lost their places and had no insurance. It just shows his narrow mindset to suggest that only black people lost out.
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 10:28 pm
I have no sympathy for people who own homes without insurance. I know. I'm mean. If you own a home that is financed, insurance is required by the banks. Therefore, the only way I know to not have insurance on your home is to have it already paid for. You have no mortgage but can't pay insurance? Right. I'm so tired of the people who want something for nothing or think the world owes them.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 12:44 am
Afrocentrism is nothing new. There was a real movement toward it at the time of Booker T. Washington, in reaction to BTW's style. (See articles about Marcus Garvey. I remember this from taking a Negro American Lit class during my college days.) Not trying to put words in your mouth, Chiliwilli, but I must speak up about a phrase you used. The only people I've ever heard use the accusatory phrase 'wanting something for nothing' are whites. Too many whites use that phrase as code for blacks or other non-whites. Using the term is the same as making a sweeping generalization about people's motivations. I doubt you meant it that way, but IMHO the phrase is not only unfair and wrong, it's also divisive.
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Sunshyne4u
Member
06-17-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 12:45 am
If you own a home that is financed, insurance is required by the banks. I am not sure about that. Some people, especially if they are paying off Manufactured homes/ condos, they dont actually have mortgages per say. It is more like a loan. I dont think lack of insurance actually means that you own the home outright. also, lets not forget that if you rent it is optional to have Contents insurance. (at least here in Canada it is..unless specified in the rental agreement) just throwing in my 
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 1:07 am
Well, I am one of those basically non-white and since I personally know many more non-deserving white people on welfare than I do blacks or non-whites, I'm pretty sure I meant everyone. If I mean blacks or non-whites then I would have said it. There are a lot of people out there who expect something for nothing and they are every color of the rainbow. This particular instance we are talking about blacks because that's who was on this show talking about the blacks not getting what was owed them. I just want to know what was owed them. If they didn't have insurance who's fault is that? I understand the rental insurance and all that stuff. I'm pretty sure they were talking about people who owned their own homes and didn't rent. They were talking about them not being able to rebuild and that house they showed was what we call here a stick house so not a trailer, prefab, etc. I'm assuming if they are worried about rebuilding they are not talking about a rental home. I've never heard of getting a home loan where insurance on the home was not required.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 1:59 am
Hey, Chiliwilli, glad you didn't overreact to my post. I didn't get the impression that Katrina was the reason why Abasi and his wife feel the way they do. I think it goes much deeper than that. So, if the question is that some people who suffered in Katrina feel as if they deserve help even though they did not have home insurance, then that is a separate issue from the examination of these people in this situation. Personally, regardless of whether people had home insurance or not, they deserve help. We can't just let their economic plight determine if we are going to throw them a lifeline, can we? And help can come in many forms, as we have seen it extended by the generous cities who hosted many of the New Orleans 'refugees.'
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 2:35 am
I think Katrina came into it because of Abasi's comment and I quote "Hurricane Katrina was used as a weapon of mass destruction against black people by the U.S. government." He's trying to make us all believe there were no white people or any other race who was hurt in Katrina. And, if you watch the news, so are the news reports. He's trying to sound like our government planned it to take out black people. I do think you're right though. Abasi has seriously deepseated issues that have nothing to do with Katrina. Katrina is just one more little weapon to use in his attacks. Part of my determination in whether someone 'deserves' help is how much can they, could they or are they doing to help themselves. There are many down there (not a majority by any means) who are just waiting until someone comes and hands it to them. There is no free lunch nor should there be. My biggest issue with the whole Katrina thing is they knew many years ago this could happen and no one did anything to fix it. I have never been to NO and only been through LA once in 1973 and I knew there were huge issues with the system they had in place. I saw a long, long documentary on PBS about it. They knew it was bad, they knew it had to be fixed and they did nothing. Now we're supposed to feel sorry for them and spend millions upon millions to bail them out? Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Did I overreact? Do you think? I just stated what I thought.
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Lexie_girl
Member
07-30-2004
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 6:23 am
I am sure that there were low income white/ mixed race who lost their places and had no insurance. It just shows his narrow mindset to suggest that only black people lost out. This statement couldn't be further from the truth. If you will read my post from last night, I pointed out that more middle class, upper middle class and upper income families lost their homes in Katrina than lower income blacks - but evidently it doesn't make good news for the media. If you are ever down here Sunshyne, I will be more than happy to take you on an 8-hour tour without ever going into the Lower 9th Ward (which is only one small section of the New Orleans area.)
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Beachcomber
Member
08-26-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 9:24 am
Thanks for sharing Lexie, I had no idea about the volume of loss outside of the 9th Ward and shame on the media for not presenting the whole story.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 10:14 am
quote:They knew it was bad, they knew it had to be fixed and they did nothing. Now we're supposed to feel sorry for them and spend millions upon millions to bail them out? Whatever happened to personal responsibility?
Woa.
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Lexie_girl
Member
07-30-2004
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 10:57 am
You are welcome Beach. Unfortunately, 90% of the country that has not been down to NO post-Katrina has absolutely no idea the extent of the devastation. Between the NO area (Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parishes) and Mississippi, over 200,000 homes were lost. This may also put it into perspective - the Lower 9th Ward is only 1.25 miles from east to west and 2.0 miles from North to South. That is how small the Lower 9th is. But the damage from Katrina was 75 miles to the west of the eye and 75 miles to the east of the eye - it would be like Long Island getting wiped out. And I reiterate my previous offer, I will take anyone who comes to NO on a personal devastation tour for 8 hours that will leave them absolutely heartbroken and speechless. and then just maybe, maybe, people will understand the magnitude of Katrina's destruction and not believe what they see on TV.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 1:26 pm
Chiliwilli, no you did NOT overreact. I meant it when I said you didn't. The Katrina issue is certainly grabbing everyone's attention, here--despite the fact that it is merely a piece of what came into play in the dynamics between those two people on this show. It is not the central issue, however, and some have been sidetracked because the topic hits home with them. It's clear that even here, people have very marked opinions about that whole incident, from beginning to end, and esp those who live in the area. Abasi's statement that Katrina was used as a 'weapon of mass destruction against black people by the U.S. government' was shocking. But I am sure that was his intent. I don't doubt that Abasi believes it--but he could simply be using it as a metaphor for what he sees as truth about race in America. His reality is not the same as yours, but his basic life constructs are based on what he has experienced and wrestled with intellectually. You have to keep that in mind. Abasi's words represent an extreme view, but after the whole fiasco with the stadium, it's not hard to see why some blacks in NO have come to that conclusion. (Whereas my conclusion is that a series of blunders--some of which go way back to the decision to build there--all contributed to the crisis. Still no explanation that can ever satisfy me why people directed stadium were left there to practically fend for themselves. Anyway, back to these two. At present, Abasi (and his wife) are so certain of their beliefs that they have decided to work towards shutting the door on part of the world--and seeing things in black and white only. Sad. And the God Woman, for all her piousness, is not using her beliefs in any essential way to communicate with Abasi. Perhaps she recognizes she is simply not equipped to amicably argue some points.
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Rehtse
Member
08-17-2005
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 1:45 pm
Why should the government have to bail anyone out? I gathered from the show that the FL family felt like Blacks in the US have gotten the short end of the stick exclusively. As an immigrant from Mexico I can attest to the fact that poverty and bad luck is not only a Black thing. I'm not an Oprah fan, but I agree with her concerning the whole controversy over her school in South Africa. Why is that someone like me (my folks were not able to go beyond the 1st grade in elementary school) can go on to get an advanced degree? Answer: good role models and work ethic. At no time, did my parents accept handouts from the government. Heck, my mom still has the food stamps that they gave her and which she never used. A bit harsh, I know, but people should stop blaming others for their lot in life. We all determine what our future will be...if you want to have nice things, you will work for them...or win the lotto.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 2:16 pm
I doubt that, Rehtse, about Abasi believing only blacks getting 'the short end of the stick.' But he is only focused on African Americans. And that means he is looking at the world with a filter on it that eliminates all concerns save those that affect blacks.
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 2:38 pm
I think Abasi's wife is handling herself with alot of class with her temporary family (even though those "wife friends" seem a little racial)& I actually feel sorry for her having to live with him. I wanted to reach in my TV numerous times & sock him. It has nothing to do with what he stands for. It is how he presents himself. If you ask me, he's not doing his cause any favors. Keep your opinions to yourself for the short time that you have this guest in your home because she hasn't knocked you, she is just sick of constantly hearing you preach about it.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 2:56 pm
Texasdeb, I agree with you about the classiness of Abasi's wife and also about how Abasi is so pugnaciously 'in the God Woman's face' about his beliefs. He is taking advantage of the show to push his beliefs (I agree with someone's earlier take on that), but hey, the show is using him, too. Doubt if his approach would have been any different, no matter who the 'swapped wife' was. Be a miracle if Abasi and the God Woman can find some common ground about something.
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 3:15 pm
good point Herckleperckle, they pick & match these families for a TV show that get's us, the audience in these types of discussions. The producers know the "God Woman" more than likely will crack & show some good drama. Heck, who wouldn't crack! That man would rub anyone wrong.
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Rehtse
Member
08-17-2005
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 4:58 pm
LOL, Texasdeb! Bring on the God Warrrrrrior!
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 7:56 pm
And the God Woman, for all her piousness, is not using her beliefs in any essential way to communicate with Abasi. Perhaps she recognizes she is simply not equipped to amicably argue some points. I think she tried to at the very beginning and was run over by him. He doesn't necessarily let anyone get a word in edgewise and he's definitely not interested in hearing anyone else's point of view. He's a huge racial bulldozer. God Warrior watched herself after the first show and said she was devasted by her behavior and is working to improve herself. It looks like she wasn't lying and is doing a good job. I still don't know why she got to come back though. I really don't care to see repeats. <> wife at least had a little tact when she dealt with God Warrior's biotchy friends. I really dislike that blond woman, can you tell? Maybe God Warrior will show her true colors when she finds out <> mom made her daughter move out.
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 7:57 pm
Amen, Rehtse. ITA Lexie_girl, I have always wanted to come to New Orleans and, if I am ever so lucky, I would be honored to take your tour. Can I sleep on your porch? Or tent in your yard? LOL
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 8:57 pm
God Warrior did yell at him and plugged her ears and said she wouldnt listen anymore so she isnt trying that hard
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Cricket
Member
08-05-2002
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 10:05 pm
A bit harsh, I know, but people should stop blaming others for their lot in life. We all determine what our future will be...if you want to have nice things, you will work for them...or win the lotto. Exactly, Rehtse. If everyone felt the same way, there would no racial problems. The black couple on the show have a lot of anger and they don't represent everyone. The producers just had to resend God Warrior to that household didn't they...just to get ratings. Had they sent someone else, maybe Abasi might have learned something. He's an activist, no matter his color, and he wants attention, pure and simple, so he says outrageous things. I completely agree with Martin Luther King about everyone being judged for the content of their character and wonder what Abasi thinks about that. I'm sure he'd try to turn it around.
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Puzzled
Member
08-27-2001
| Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 10:10 pm
They could have sent a mannequin to with Abasi. He's only interested in getting his message across on network TV. LOL--God Warrior woman should just try to bond with the little girl who's adorable. Those friends of God Warrior make my skin crawl. They're so smug and self-righteous.
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Cricket
Member
08-05-2002
| Monday, January 22, 2007 - 12:47 am
I have to agree about the friends, Puzzled. I can't imagine them being her friends, even. They seem so prissy. Their mouths couldn't drop any farther. Their faces were priceless. Does everything shock them and yet they are Warrior God's friends. Amazing.
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