Capitalism is Evil

Capitalism is a system in which the objective is to own as much as you can... It takes money to own anything... The Bible says the love of money is the root of root of all evil... Therefore, by me using deductive reasoning, I have come to the conclusion that capitalism is the root of all evil in contemporary society. Does that mean America, as a whole, is evil? Well being that America continually professes to be the leader of the free world and the Word says that the world is evil, I think that saying our nation is a cesspool which breeds evil would not be too far fetched. This is not to say that there is no good coming from the nation. It's just saying that, the more greedy and materialistic we get, the further from God we get. I bet everyone can fill in this blank - "Sex ----s." Right. Money. Food for thought.

If you're thinking "deja vu," type "capitalism" into the blog's search bar. I'm pretty much revisiting a previous post from a different angle.


Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Shoutout to Howie Z.

We have to stop wars... We have to get out of the "habit of war. It's more than a habit. It's an addiction... Is it possible that having military bases in over 100 countries arouses a lot of antagonism (and) provokes terrorism when (you're) all over the world occupying this country and that? ... Why do we have to be a military superpower? Why can't we be a humanitarian superpower?" -- Howard Zinn


The reason most countries hate the United States of America is because we are on their land there telling them what to do with their cultures, as if we've had it right for our nation's entire history. Great Britain abolished slavery before we did but did they come to the United States and say "Free the blacks because we did it first?" No. They let the U.S.A. fix its own mistakes. They let the nation kill and abuse human slaves. Hmmm...

First of all, it is not right to watch another nation inhumanely treat it's citizens. And I wish Britain had come with the goal of setting us free. But they didn't. So how hypocritical is it of us to tell another nation what injustices they will cease immediately? I am a man, and, however barbaric it may be, if another man comes into my home and says "You're going to eat dinner at 7pm instead of your traditional 3pm because I said so," I'm going to do my darndest to throw him out of my home just because of the sheer disrespect he just showed me by demanding that I do something in my own home.

So, there is an alternative to this - How about we fight ihumanity with love? Crazy concept right?! Because, the thing is, everytime we fight it with violence, we end up instilling more and more hatred against ourselves. It's easy to send resources to the nations that support you. That's like giving your cousin a meal... it's expected and it's not really that nobel of an act. But when you give a meal to a vagabond, one who looks like he doesn't fit in and has characteristics you deem unbecoming, then you are truly maturing. We are an immature nation. We have a lot of growing to do.

This is not to say we should not defend ourselves. But let's stop provoking and antagonizing these nations that are smaller than us because, they might not have size but they definitely do have heart and that's what left Goliath on his back.


Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Why? Why Not?

So, I was tweeting, and I had said "in 5 yrs, who's going to care about what kind of phone you had or whether you wore RL or USPA or what org you were in? Just be a good person." I say this to say, no one gives a damn if you keep it Playboi or if you wear Ralph Lauren every day or if you get a new phone every year. We put so much emphasis on status that 1 - we always want more and 2 - we waste a ton of money. I am planning on purchasing my first car soon and today I decided that I really do not care about all the extra features or how cool it looks as long as it's good on milage and gets me from point A to point B. Why should anything else matter? So I can show off to my friends? Nope. I refuse to spend an extra dollar to look good for people who already like me. So I can get a girl? Already got one.

Don't get me wrong, having nice things is cool but let them be an investment and not pedestal upon which you look down at others or use to make others look up at you. When I have a family, I want a nice home and nice car in a nice neighborhood. But right now, I am about to move into a basic apartment and, even after purchasing this car, I am going to ride the bus to work. Why? Because it's going to save me money. Why not? Because I won't look cool going to work. And maybe I'll start wearing USPA. Why? Because it's cheaper than Ralph Lauren. Why not? "Because it's not real?" Actually it covers just as much of anyone's body as Ralph Lauren does. And maybe I won't go get an iPhone until it's free. Why? Because my phone makes calls and my iPod touch does everything the iPhone does. Why not? Because I want to keep up with everyone else.

We have to get past this superficial BS. We are all regular people. We shouldn't be too good for anything. Jesus wasn't. I'm sure Jesus didn't go to a name brand tailor. My savior was a carpenter. He walked everywhere. He couldn't afford a horse so he rode on an ass. Come on people. Let's look at ourselves and our habits and ask 2 questions: "Why?" and "Why not?" And, if, after looking down our list or responses, we have the same caliber of responses in one column that an insecure 14 year old girl would have, maybe should go with the opposing column.

And this is going to continue to be something I struggle with because, if you know me, you know I like nice things, from top shelf drinks at the bar to buying a pair of earrings that have been named "Down" and "Payment" by one of my brothers. But at least I realize that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. And now, so do you.

One more tweet I posted soon after the one that I started this article with: "If my friends don't continue growing, though I will always love them, I will outgrow them." Please grow with me.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Cole World in a Cold World

"They say time is money but really it's not..." -- J. Cole

I am currently standing in the exact same physical location and listening to the same album that I was in a month ago when I found out my father had a brain tumor. Only thing is, I feel 10 years older. Within that month, I've held my mom, sister, brother, really broke down and cried once, drank, prayed, dreamt, nightmared, planned a funeral, made it through a three-step interview process and found an apartment in my new city. It has been a crazy month. And, being here now, things have come full circle; at 24, I am the literal, figurative, and financial head of a family. Time to grit up.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Wale is a Gas Station

So, today, Cory and I were riding down to Charlotte and we had this discussion about Wale's "Ambitious Girl" tracks. The first track is a poem that he reads with a melody behind it, but it is read as spoken word and not as a rap verse. The second is an actual song. The first one I really liked, the second I didn't. But anyway, I have digressed.

OK, maybe my problem isn't with Wale. It's how the word "ambitious" is now tossed around just because a woman has on heels and a dress. A bum can put on a suit but that doesn't make him a millionaire. Our abuse of the English language is nearly felonious. We really abuse words and make them trendy, removing all intentional meaning.

My issue with this "Ambitious Girl" set (series if he decides to do more) is that he really has some of you women believing that you are ambitious. And it's not even based on what Wale said in the poem so I can't be mad at him for that. The poem really was about a woman's drive and her ability to succeed. That's cool. Not just the fact that she's in college but the fact that she's in there with goals. "I'd rather you tell me to hit you later because you've got to finish a paper." Last night I asked one of my friends why she wasn't at the Alpha Kappa Alpha probate. She said she had work she had to finish. That's drive. "I like the person that you are but I'm in love with the person that you have potential to be." I joke with my girlfriend about how much she works but she is getting her life in order now so that, when we make it to the next level, we can really enjoy our life together instead of working dead end jobs. That's ambition.

In short, stop gassing yourselves. Let's call people what they are... some are ambitious. Some are opportunists.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Crossroads - BTNH

Classic song and video. I knew all the words to this before any other rap song.



Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

C.ourage U.nder T.rials

"How do you cope with death knowing it's your closest flesh dead and gone? Left to mourn and hold your breath. I'm a soldier, yes, but I cry too." -- Juelz Santana

I'm sitting here listening to this song off of what is arguably my favorite rap album of all time (not the best but certainly one of my favorites). I'm just thinking to myself, "What is the proper way to mourn the loss of a parent?" This is not some normal thing to deal with at this age. I was well prepared to be the man of the family but I wasn't ready for it. And, being that I wasn't ready, I haven't taken any steps to be successful in this, my life's newest challenge. But that's life. "Deryle get out here... Now stay there." No one can pull you out.

Diamonds & Pearls 2011

Some of these women I used to dig in my younger years
They still haven't changed since my younger years
I mean, these women haven't changed since The Wonder Years
Tea parties like you're a princess? Come on dear
See, I needed a former princess whose grown into a queen
A Christian, mature, strong black female human being
One who deals in reality and not in fantasy
A lady who is humble but still knows when to be fancy
Well-dressed, sexy, but leaves much to the imagination
Girls who show it all are saying "It's not worth waitin'."
And mine is worth waitin'
Shoot, mine was worth chasin'
So I put on my cross trainers and I started racin'
But anyway, enough about you all. More about her
I was on my way to sick and she is a work-in-progress cure
No one is perfect but she makes life worth it
Stick around. Some real feelings might surface
Stick around and a ring I might purchase
Stick around and we'll improve. I'm certain
But anyway, I just wanted to tell you all about herself
She's not a big drinker but I'm sure she's top shelf
She is a big thinker and that's why my heart melts
You can say it's soft but really it's heart felt
Ok, so this was a grown up poem for my grown up girlfriend
The one who I stick with, even through the whirlwinds
The one I want to hold my hand, even as the world ends
No Prince but I hope to make her my DIMEonds and Pearls friend


Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Greek Theater (A Lesson in Humility)

Not to any one person or organization but rather each person in each organization from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and any others who might feel the need to disrespect other Greeks.

Ok, so people did whatever they did and that's cool but stop acting like it was something it wasn't. Yes, it might have been the hardest thing you've ever been through but please believe me, someone went harder than you did so please don't disrespect what anyone else went through unless you want someone to call you out. And that's just on some life stuff, not even just on some other stuff. Don't forget that we have all been humbled and it can easily happen again. Always have the highest respect for your letters but also be respectful of everyone elses. I love everyone who crossed Fall 2008 at UNCG NPHC because, even if there was the superficial organizational "beef" or occasional step show disses, overall, we have a great relationship because of mutual respect. Where is that respect today? Right now I just see a lot of people acting like they don't like another organization just because of some colors. Well guess what? OH and NP used to hang out together after I crossed. And ADZ knows they are always welcome in my home, just like Pi Zeta is, because Twan and I built that relationship after we crossed. Maybe it's just a new age but can we please work on these relationships?

Oh yeah, and we all paid an exorbitant amount of money (some figures higher than others but still all figures high) and we all signed some paperwork and we all went to classes to learn about our organizations. Just in case anyone forgot.


Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Do Better Aubrey Drake Graham!

OK, I'm sitting here listening to this Drake album and I am disappointed. I wanted a rap album. If I wanted R&B, I'd listen to Gerald Levert. If I wanted to listen to some whining on an R&B track, I'd listen to Kieth Sweat. If I wanted to think about times with my ex, I'd listen to Alicia Keys. And if I wanted to listen to a whining R&B rap song that makes me think about past relationships, I'd listen to Drake. But I don't want that. I want the kind of mainstream rap that I grew up on. I want more Pac, more Big, more Jones, more Fab, more Jada. Pick a lane Drake. Or at least be exceptional at either rapping or singing. But right now you're mediocre in a market in which mediocrity is the standard. Our generation is letting you get away with musical murder. And your lyricism is on point but your lyrics are shallow. Now, I know that went over some people's heads so I'll expound upon the statement. Drake has some great metaphors and his word play is impeccable. But he's still not talking about anything. That's like putting grey pupon on a dollar burger from McDonald's. Just use regular mustard b/c it makes you expect even more from a burger that's not going to change. Ok. Well I'm judging this album early. This is my reaction and I'm only on track 5. Maybe it'll get better. I doubt it, but maybe. If it does, I'll write another post.

Oh, and by the way, Rhianna can't sing. She just talks on the track.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Coldest Winter

Classic track



Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

3 Years in the Game

First of all, let me say Happy ##th Birthday Mom. Without you, I wouldn't be here.

3 years ago today, 7 young men crossed into the Pi Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. These men are:

#Ace. Stevan S. Dozier ~ Aud-ACE-c.i.t.i.

#2. Brady S. Moore ~ Born Ident-TWO-ty

#3. Deryle A. Daniels, Jr. ~ In-TRE-c.u.t. reBUTTall

#4. Myreon L. Sutton-Johnson ~ APE-TIME

#5*. Alvin H. Francis ~ Lion-ID-us

#6. Cameron S. Ragland ~ SphInX

#7. Jeremy A. Herring ~ END-Avisible

*Honcho

We are D.E.A.R. WINtE.R. We are all the descendants of slaves. We are all college graduates. We are all employed (PHInally). Many thanks to Gl-ACE-SURE, Intens-A-PHI-ed, and the rest of the Playbois. 06-84-08.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

J. Cole - Lost Ones Video

I really dig this song. The video adds to it though.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Life Tips 2 - Make The Most of Your Time

Time. It is something that we all think we have, especially at a young age. I am less than one month from 24. Who is to say that I won't pass when I walk out this door? (haha... I rhymed). It is unlikely, but so was my father passing at 52 when he was apparently one of the most lively people that anyone knew. This is not to say live scared. This is to say live with a purpose. Why waste time being upset at people and not enjoying your life when tomorrow is not promised to anyone? My dad might not have been rich but he had fun and he knew he had a purpose. I am trying to learn from this. Every moment counts. Why not live it with a smile?

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Life Tips 1: Fiscal Responsibility

My father just passed. I, along w/ my mother, siblings, extended family, and friends, buried him on Saturday. So, in lieu of his seemingly untimely demise, I am going to blog all week about enjoying life.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy life is to live within your means. So often we are stressed out because of money. That is usually because we spend money that we don't have on things we don't need so that we can impress people we don't even like. This is not very logical to me. We have to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and start doing the simple things that are inexpensive but that make us happy. Don't get me wrong, sometimes, it's nice to splurge. You earned the money. You deserve it. But please tell me why we need new phones every 5 months? Do you really need a MacBook, iPod, iPad, iPad2, iPhone, AND the Beats By Dre headphones? Heck no, especially if you haven't got a job or an income that can support that kind of a lifestyle. Do you have to get a new outfit every time you go out with your friends? Then you're struggling to pay your rent or cell phone bill or your savings account has fewer cents in it than you have pounds on your body. I can say this because I've been there. But by the end of this month, I will be completely out of debt (minus those student loans, which were more of an investment than anything). And I'm not getting back in it. This is a new day. My entire view on life has changed. Instead of spending on the 64 GB iPod, why not buy the 32 and toss half of the rest in savings. Then put half of what you still have toward your savings. Finally, put that last bit toward charity. This is not a directive, just a suggestion. But why not do it once a month? Spend less on what you don't need so you can invest in your personal development. In short, spend smarter and be selfless. It's all about discipline and compassion. Believe me, in the end, you'll be happier.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

For My Father (Remarks from his Service)

My remarks from my father's homegoing service (minus a couple ad libs and the poem "The Test of a Man"). Thank you all for coming.

My entire childhood I heard about how smart and well-spoken my dad was. All of his teachers told me how much they loved him. I used to hear about how fast my dad was in high school and how he was a good cornerback but not big enough to play in college. Milford Evans said "I played football with your daddy. He hit me harder than anyone ever did." Even at times when we didn't have tickets, somehow we got into every home Carolina football game I asked to go to. When we'd go to his old neighborhood, everyone would call me "Little Jack" because his nickname was "Apple Jack." I remember how, throughout elementary and middle schools, I would get in trouble for talking in class and, when I got home, he could only get so mad at me because we all know who I got the gift of gab from. At the end of the day, my dad was my role model growing up.

More important than the memories that I have with my father is the impact that he has had not only on my family or a couple of my friends or my home town but on this nation and world. Over the past couple of days, I have gotten messages from people in Chicago, California, New York, New Orleans and so many other places speaking on how my father has touched their lives. Whether it was getting an athlete a workout with a professional team, taking a kid to the movies, or just comforting a mother while her son was in jail, my father was a giving person. He talked so much because he loved people. He loved knowing about people. When I was younger, I remember wondering, "Who cares?" sometimes because I didn't understand why he had such a genuine concern for strangers, but then I look at the way I chat with waiters and waitresses or the mail man at my apartment and I see that I am the exact same way... And for that I am thankful. You don't meet too many genuine people these days. It always seems that someone wants something from you. My dad wanted something for you. He just wanted everyone to be happy. Sometimes, he wanted it so badly that he put his own happiness to the side to help strangers but so did Jesus.

This past Tuesday morning, my brother Devin Agee called me and said "Your father never made me feel like ‘just the friend.’ He always made me feel like his son." Today, I wanted to have my 6 line brothers from my fraternity stand here beside me. And then I thought more and I wanted my closest high school friends to stand beside me. Then I kept thinking, back and back and back to all my friends over the years who my father loved like his own children and I wanted each of them to stand up here with me. But then I realized there would be no one under 25 in the pews. My dad saw potential in every young person he met and he wanted to help that young person develop that potential into character and success. And, as I look out into this overwhelming crowd today, I see some of my father in each of you because I see the character that he helped all of us develop. In this sanctuary, you have everyone from politicians to former inmates to sanitation workers to teachers to college students. And, in all that, all I really see are other children of God, just like my dad did. So, if you really want to remember my father the way he would want to be remembered, politicians, lawyers, doctors, take some time and mentor a young person who needs it. Give that young person who doesn’t deserve it the benefit of the doubt. And young people read a book. Don't have one to read? My father left me a huge library and I don't have anywhere to put it so feel free to ask me for one. But develop your character, give back, and read. That is the best way to remember Deryle, Sr..

I will leave you all with one quote from an old friend of my father's, Dr. Cameron Seay. "Deryle is like the boy scouts. Everybody loves Deryle."

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

The Gift

My father passed this week. I'm the man of the house

No time to be weak. I'm the man. She's his spouse

And my mother so I let her know I love her

That tumor was a lethal weapon like Danny Glover

But I don't struggle with the weight. I just lift

Tomorrow's not promised and the present is a gift

So I pray and pray for sunnier days

Life brings Joy and Pain like Frankie and Maze

We argued but that's because I was the oldest

He was there when I became the coldest

He was my hero. I just hope he knows it

And he still will be after the casket closes

The last poem I wrote was called "Hard Times"

He was passing on but he was far from dying

I know his soul lives in heaven so I am grateful

And yes, this situation could make me hateful

But pain can either make us bitter or better

And when's the last time you saw a weighed down feather

Fly anywhere? Anywhere at all?

A weighed down feather can't even fall

So I will let this make me a better man

And I know it's not for me to understand

So I won't try, I'll just pray and lift this weight

Because tomorrow's not promised and the present is great

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown