I find myself indifferent about the Senate's recent apology over failing to pass anti-lynching legislation until the 1960's, in which around 5,000 blacks were murdered by white mobs.  I mean, it wouldn't hurt for them to do it, as it's nothing but a petition they signed.

But the apology really doesn't have any teeth, considering none of these senators were in office when this legislation was being considered.  It probably wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway, as federal judges generally came from the districts they resided in, and were probably just as bigoted as the state police and legislators in the South.  All it takes is one "not guilty", or an appellate court to yell "remanded", and the lowlifes are set free.

One little nugget that the press is leaving out of this story is why the legislation was never passed.  Indeed, it had support from at least seven presidents after the Civil War and was passed in the House of Representatives three times.  But in the Senate, Southern Democrats were able to kill those bills with a filibuster.  As we stated before, the cloture rule was at 3/4ths then instead of the current 3/5ths requirement it is now, so even a smaller majority was able to hold up anti-lynching legislation.

But this fact is being passed over quickly by the media.  Why?  Because the newspapers had just stood up in defense for the filibuster, and of course they can't trash the Democrats, who were reponsible for blocking every kind of civil rights legislation throughout the 20th century.

For example, take the New York Times (via Captain's Quarters):

There have been 4,742 recorded lynchings in American history, Ms. Landrieu said. Historians suspect that many more went undocumented. Although the House passed antilynching legislation three times in the first half of the 20th century, the Senate, controlled by Southern conservatives, repeatedly refused to do so.

Instead of reporting the truth, the NYT decided to protect the Democratic Party from their own historical grievances, spinning what truly happened.  The NYT decided to use the term "Southern conservatives" instead of Southern Democrats, which is what the senators were.  The Democrats literally ran every Southern state until the Republicans finally started catching up in the 1990's, but that's something that was obviously missed by the Times.

Another problem with this article is the idea that the Southern Democrats "controlled" the Senate, which is an outright lie.  The whole purpose of filibustering defeats that point, as the filibuster is a tool used by a minority of senators to kill legislation.  If the Southern Democrats controlled the Senate, then they could have easily brought it to the floor and voted it down or even killed it in committee.  Instead, they filibustered it because they had no other choice.  Southern Democrats never controlled the Senate.

It's doubtful if we'll ever see anyone tell the truth about why anti-lynching legislation was never passed.

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UPDATE:  Captain's Quarters links to an LA Times op/ed by Andres Martinez that goes to the heart of the anti-lynching legislation opposition and the hypocisy of the media and the Senate for keeping the filibuster today:

What wasn't said is that the Senate was "uniquely culpable" because it cherished the filibuster — a procedural rule that enhances each member's individual power — over the Constitution. The Senate's failure to acknowledge the cause of its homicidal negligence robs its apology of much meaning or sincerity. ...

It's hardly shocking that Landrieu wanted to keep the f-word out of the resolution. She was one of those moderates who saved the filibuster from attempts by conservative Republicans to "nuke" it for judicial nominations — by allowing some of President Bush's stalled nominees to get a vote. During the Gang of 14 news conference, Landrieu exuberantly proclaimed: "I am so proud we were able to reach an agreement that truly reflects the best traditions of the Senate."

She went on to say that the deal "helps protect these cherished traditions by ensuring that the minority, even a lone individual, will continue to have the right to speak up and be heard." Her fellow sensible centrist, Republican Susan Collins of Maine, said the agreement "helps preserve the unique culture of this institution," a "culture in which legislative goals are reached with patience and perseverance."

Read the whole thing.

Right now I'm watching Scottie Pippen in an interview with Ahmad Rashad.

Scottie must read this blog, because he's biting the same points I made a little while ago.  The least that negro coulda done was give me credit for it.  Anyway, he said the Pistons simply isn't shooting the ball well and they need to get off to a good start from the start to have a chance to win.  He picked the Spurs to win, though.

More coming up...

All I got to say is thank God that Bill Walton isn't in the announcing booth this year.  Hubie Brown is like a breath of fresh air, and I like the chemistry he and Al Michaels have.  Brown knows his stuff.  Walton jumps into the world of hyperbole way too much.

9:12:  Lord.  They done dragged Stevie Wonder's ass on the court to do the national anthem on the harmonica.  It wasn't bad, but I'd have rather hear him sing.

They're doing starting lineup introductions.  I dunno who they booed worse; Duncan or Ginobili.  But really, some of that sounded canned.

Detroit comes out with some Kid Rock music.  Ha!  Actually it didn't sound too bad.  Both arenas need to work on their PA work, though.   

9:22:  Ginobili collided with someone's leg, so he's out of the game rather quickly.  He'll probably just need to take a breather.  Mohammed's has his second foul before the 10 minute mark.

9:29:  Biggest flop in history by Ben Wallace.  Kat flopped like someone hit him with a sledgehammer, and the refs fell for it.  Ha. 

Anyway, Detroit's starting out fairly well, getting a decent start from the Wallaces.  Sheed's having 9:4an easy time posting up Horry, who came in for Mohammed, and Ben is now on defense against Duncan, and he had a great block to start off the game.  However, they're going to have to put some points on the board before Mohammed and Ginobili comes back.  Detroit's up 9-6 with 7:00 in the 1st.

Ginobili's back in the game.

9:35:  Wallace is a beast on the defensive glass.  With the exception of Duncan, nobody is making anything under the glass, and Duncan isn't having an easy time at it either.

The Spurs are still having success with on the arc.  Bruce Bowen's three cuts the lead to one with three and a half remaining.

9:40:  Wallace continues to dominate on the defensive glass....when he's on two feet.  However, he can't get his teammates to collaspe and help, which means once he gets off balance after making a block, nobody's there and San Antonio gets the put back.  If Detroit is to win, one person can not dominate the game for them at one time.  Spurs up by 1.

9:44:  Ben Wallace's line:  3-5, 7 pts, 5 blocks.  The Finals record is eight, which has been met five times but not broken.  Kudos to Michaels for that tip.

9:45:  I understand the Pistons have made some big defensive plays, but the Spurs are leading by six, and Duncan sat for a couple of those minutes. 

And the way they're killing them is the Spurs' guards are constantly driving to the basket, the players are collasping on the slasher, and all of a sudden the Spurs make a wild pass from the paint to the open man on the arc.  Either he's going to take that shot, or he's making another pass to another open guy that's in the paint.  Killer.  That's what happens when you place substance over style.  27-21 end of the 1st quarter.

9:55:  Tayshaun Prince starts off big at the second quarter, scoring six of Detroit's seven to start it off.  Duncan was given a technical foul after complaining about a call, which it was pretty obvious that he fouled Prince from behind.  Duncan's not letting it affect him though.  Spurs lead by one.

Yes, I am here and I will liveblog.  I'll start with the pregame around 9PM.

Tonight is a very crucial night, as it's do or die time for the Pistons.  The chances that they can come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series is right around slim to none.  They have to play a spirited game where they can stay in it throughout, or they'll toast.

The only positive from Game 2 that was previously a negative for the Pistons was Antonio McDyess.  Hey; maybe that tongue lashing that Stephen A. Smith gave him worked (albeit being stupid for suggesting that the Pistons' bench is at fault for the team only scoring 69 points in a Finals game).  Whatever it was, McDyess deserves more minutes, especially if Rasheed Wallace doesn't produce early in the game.

Tayshaun Prince told reporters offense doesn't lose games, defense does.  In this case, he's wrong.  Offense is the primary factor why the Pistons have been blown out in back-to-back games.  How many games you think you're going to win when you only put 69 and 76 points on the board, respectively?  Regardless of what Ginobili and Parker are able to do through the lane, the problem is that the Pistons can't match it on the other end.  The Spurs scored 84 in Game 1 and 97 in Game 2.  Those are not high scores.  When you can only manage to have one player on your team to shoot 50% from the field, and he's only getting 24 minutes off the bench (McDyess), then you have a problem with offensive production, not defense.

Therefore, Sheed's finally got to step up his production, and Rip finally has to have a good shooting day.  Prince simply needs to play harder.  Bottom line.  No one is going to be able to help you because 1.) Double teaming leaves a man open, and Ginobili can get the pass to anyone, and 2.) there's nobody else on that team that can keep up with Ginobili for more than a couple of minutes, so it's fruitless.  And the guys on the bench have to make their minutes count, especially McDyess, who could be a difference maker tonight.

After winning the first two, the Spurs might take this game off.  They generally give at least one to their opponents in the playoffs.  Thus, I think this one will go to the Pistons, although it will be fairly close.

See ya tonight.

I attended my nephew's birthday party on Sunday.  The little man was turning three years old.  Several kids and parents from around the neighborhood came over, along with his grandparents from the other side of the state, and his mom's co-workers, who had met and played with him from time to time. 

His dad manned the grill, grilling chicken legs and thighs, hot dogs, and corn on the cob (yes, you can grill that), while his mom was running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get all the supplies for the party.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time.

The day before, I happened to mention my nephew to a girl at a basketball tournament I was working.  In the middle of the conversation, she asked me what complexion did he have.

I shrugged.  "Hell, I don't know....beige?"

The lady I was talking to was white.  She had dated black guys in the past, and was curious as to what a mixed child may look like.  My nephew's mom was white, my brother is black.  At the party, there were just as many white kids as black ones, including a mix of kids in the neighborhood.  This is the North Carolina my nephew grows up in, and the only one he knows.

I'm glad he grew up knowing this North Carolina, and not the one that elected as a senator one of the most bigoted men in the latter half of the 20th century.  Jesse Helms represented the worst of my state, and left a black mark (how ironic) in North Carolina history.  While most politicians in the Deep South were denouncing their racist pasts and making amends to the black communities they oppressed, Helms never repented.  In fact, his racist antics intensified as the country moved forward.

that must mean the jury has reached a verdict in the Michael Jackson case.

Yup...they're suppose to announce the decision at 4:30...in about 20 minutes.

I'll be right here to comment.  I think it'll be a partial conviction with no jailtime.  I'm liveblogging the verdict.

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UPDATE:  Yall can't tell me Mike ain't black....he's supposed to be there by 4:30, he's just rolling in at 4:50.  How are you going to be late for your own verdict?

UPDATE 4:59:  Mike finally gets into the courthouse.  Tito is the only one in the family that looks like he did 30 years ago.  That's a crying shame.

The verdict:  NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS. 

Then again, I figured that.  I knew he wasn't going to be found guilty of the molestation charges, which really amounted to nothing but Jackson's word against the teenager.  But I thought they might get him on the intoxication charges.

I felt the prosecution knew they didn't have a case, yet went for it anyway.  Sneddon will have a problem trying to convince the county to allow him to keep his job after this embarrassment.  But I also said that about Paul Howard after the Ray Lewis trial.  Let's hope California is more competent than Atlanta.

UPDATE:  Can anyone explain why Drudge has a picture of Sneedon and the caption under it says "Arrest This Man!"?  Drudge is a little over the top with that one.

First, let me apologize for not being able to liveblog Game 2 on last night.  I attended my nephew's birthday party with someone else, and we weren't able to get back home in time for the liveblog to do any justice (and it was an hour and a half drive).  But no problem; we'll have things rolling again on Tuesday.

But at this rate, this series won't make it to Sunday.  The Spurs are firing on all cyclinders, drilling a Pistons team that can't put points on the board nor get any kind of consistency from their starters.  They scored 69 in Game 1, and then turned in 76 in Game 2.  That's pathetic.

But while others are saying that Detroit is underperforming, I simply say they can't get anything done against this Spurs team.  I always looked at this series as to what the Spurs did, rather than the Pistons.  ESPN's crew thought the Pistons front court could neutralize  Tim Duncan.  They were wrong.  They thought Tayshaun Prince could shut down Manu Ginobili.  They were wrong.  They thought Billups could once again lead the Pistons to victory.  They are wrong.

And why the Pistons are behind is really simple too; while the Spurs and the Pistons are defensive equals, who can humble the best scoring teams in the league, the Pistons are NOT equal to the Spurs in offensive production.  That was a key point that a lot of analysts that were picking the Spurs are missing out.  After the Spurs easily handled the Suns by playing a run and gun style, you'd think someone would have factored that in.

With the trio of Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan, the Spurs simply have too many weapons for the Pistons to keep up with.  They can't double team anyone because the Spurs are one of the best ballhanding teams in the league, and will always find the open man.  Can't play zone either, because Parker and Ginobili will run circles around them and Duncan isn't afraid to shoot a mid-to-long range jumper to stay away from the Wallaces.

In other words, the Spurs are so versatile that it's virtually impossible to blow them out.  You have to play hard for four quarters and squeak in a win because they match their offensive prowess with tenacity on defense.  The Pistons can't do the same, which allows the Spurs to pull away from them at any moment of the game.

I had a very long weekend, both working and attending my nephew's birthday party.  Too tired to place an entry in last night.

I'll have things up and running this evening, including thoughts about the Spurs win in Game 2, Tyson, Jesse Helms, and other things.

Just finished watching the pregame.  ABC's boys seems to think it's the Pistons series to lose, because all they have done is talked about the things the Pistons can do to win this game.  I think that's quite disrespectful.

Al Michaels is hyping this series.  It isn't boring, blah blah blah...I don't think we should attempt to persuade people that don't have a clue about basketball, but I understand it from a ratings perspective.

Wait a minute...I thought Detroit swept the Lakers in the Finals last season?  I have a bad memory.


9:27 - The Spurs are coming out cold.  Ginobili can't allow Prince to get the ball that deep in the paint; he'll post him up every time.  Duncan has missed his first couple of baskets, which is a sign that they aren't totally prepared right now.  Duncan's also been charged with an early foul.  7-4 Detroit.

9:40 - The Pistons ran up a big lead by 13, while the Spurs had been generally cold.  However, the Spurs are getting their groove back with some great fast break opportunities by Parker and Duncan.  If they can do that most of the night, they can cause some problems for Detroit.  19-11 Detroit.

9:53 - Detroit is losing momentum.  They were able to get the Spurs into early foul trouble, but the Spurs are drawing fouls on the other end.  Ginobili finally gets on the board.  A great half court trap forces Hunter to cough up the ball, followed by a dunk by the Spurs's Robinson.  The Pistons aren't getting any kind of calls their way right now.  20-17 Detroit. 

10:00 - 2nd quarter.  Detroit recovers, as Billups takes the initiative on the offensive end with a great three.  Prior to that, he got a steal off of a lob from Ginobili to Duncan.  Speaking of Ginobili, Rip and him are going at it on both sides of the court.  Right now Ginobili seems to be getting the better of that exchange.  Detroit still leads by three.

10:09 - Billups has scored all of Detroit's points in the 2nd quarter, which is seven.  Duncan is starting to heat up, as he has eight.  When Duncan goes out of the game you can see how the Spurs lose that key inside presence.   Horry and Muhammad can't make up for it no matter how hard they try.  In fact, Billups took Horry to the hole on one of the most beautiful behind-the-back pass fakes you'll ever see.  Ha.  31-26 Pistons halfway into the second.

10:25 - Duncan has stats that sneaks up on you.  It isn't even halftime yet and this kat already has a double double:  12pts, 11 boards.  Billups is having a great game as well, as he has 13.  However, he needs help, and he's not getting it.  Game's tied at 35 with a minute and a half to go.

10:32 - Halftime.  Billups looks like he got caught in a tsunami, as he's got enough sweat for the whole team.  Actually that's appropriate, because nobody else is stepping up on offense.  Considering they led by as much as 13 in this game, they should be leading by more than 2.  The only one close to making something happen is Rip, and he only went 4-11 for 8 points.  Also the Wallaces remained relatively quiet.

Tony Parker took up the slack when Duncan sat on the bench, and is in double digits, but Ginobili will have to do better than a measly 1-6 for the Spurs to win Game 1.  Robinson helped out a little from off the bench and Horry hit a key three-pointer earlier in the second quarter, but they need to get more out of their starters.

10:53 - Detroit comes out with a couple of baskets by Rip and Billups, but then they've missed a handful of baskets that could have solidified their lead.  Ginobili hits a three, something that he definitely needs in order to get into the rhythm.  Duncan's still going to work on the offensive board, and gives the Spurs their first lead.  42-41 Spurs.

11:03 - Duncan continues to go to work on the low post.  Sheed has gotten a few blocks tonight, but that hasn't deterred Groundhog Day from doing what he always do.  A lot of defensive work by both teams, with blocks and steals being more of the norm than it would with most basketball teams.  But Detroit's problem is that they need someone to step up and help Rip and Billups on the offensive end, because both of them are cold at the moment.  Surprisingly, Muhammad has put up some good baskets to start off the second half.  Spurs up by three.

11:15 - Sheed picks up his fourth foul.  Not good.  I would say Sheed in foul trouble takes out an offensive threat, but he hasn't been much of one.  In fact, Sheed nor Prince has done much, which has left the burden on the backcourt.  Billups has done a good job not only keeping Detroit in this game, but Parker hasn't gotten anything going in the second half.  The Spurs are going to work defensively, and are forcing turnovers.  Prince gets fouled, and two ft's cuts the lead to two.

11:25 - End of the 3rd.  Duncan is having a great night, and it looks like it isn't going to stop anytime soon.  Someone on that Pistons squad needs to step up, or else they're going to lose this game, especially with Ginobili getting hot. 

11:30 - The 4th doesn't start off well for Detroit.  Ben Wallace, not Sheed, becomes irate for a blocking foul that he thought should have been a charge.  I kind of agree with him.  There's been a number of calls that have unfairly went against Detroit tonight, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear Sheed or Ben's mouth about it after the game, especially if they lose.  Ben gets the tech.  Later, Ginobili gets a no-call when he attacks the basket on a clear charge.  Oh well.  You know, Ginobili acts as if he's 10 feet tall.  He has no fear.  Spurs up 60-53 with their biggest lead of the game.  Nine minutes left.

11:36 - As I stated in my preview of the game, Tayshaun Prince can't handle anyone that constantly attacks the basket like a Dwayne Wade or a Manu Ginobili.  He doesn't have enough speed to do it, and now that Ginobili is hot, it's starting to look like a Harlem Globetrotters exhibition.  Unbelievable.  Larry Brown is going to have to figure out what to do with Ginobili if they plan to win this series.  He's got 15 points in the second half.  Spurs up by 12 with six minutes left.

11:45 - Tim Duncan goes to work.  I don't understand how anyone could ever say this guy is boring, or he's not the best player in the league.  He is making a mockery of both Wallaces in this game, and that's after getting shots blocked several times.  That's simply having comfidence in what you do best.

The Spurs extend the lead to 17, but a handful of baskets cuts their lead to 11 with 4:11 left.

11:53 - Detroit switches to a smaller crew to try to keep the ball away from Ginobili and Parker.  They did a good job, as they forced Bruce Bowen to take the shots and he missed every one of them. 

That leads to a 10-0 run for Detroit to cut it to seven, but then Ginobili realizes there's no inside presence on the court.  Not only does he take the ball straight to the hole, but he dunks over a Pistons player.  Next time down the court, he drills the three.  That looks like the nail in the coffin.  Spurs up by 12 with 2:00 left.

 - Folks, that is how you win a basketball game.  You keep it close and within reach for the first three quarters, work through the bad stretches of the game, and then you walk away with it in the fourth. 

As I stated earlier, Billups can not be the only scorer for that team.  The Pistons struggle too much on the offensive end, and the Spurs can run up the clock on you at any minute.  That's precisely what happened when Manu Ginobili got hot and others got involved in the game, including Nazr Mohammad and Glen Robinson.  Larry Brown better worry about guys getting involved in this series, or they'll be swept before they know it.

First, I'd like to remind everyone that I will liveblog the game tonight, as I plan to do with all of the Finals games.  Coverage starts at 9EST on ABC.

I honestly think these are the two best franchises in recent years.  The defending world champions will face off against the previous champions from two seasons ago.  Both casual and diehard sports fans do a lot of griping about the NBA, and a lot of it is warranted, but this year's Finals have two teams that provide excellent examples of what a championship team should be.

This won't be a fast-paced series, but it will provide a few players to shine on both ends of the court.  The matchups that we'll see are very competitive:

- Tim Duncan vs. Rasheed Wallace.  The primary matchup, as Groundhog Day (every game he plays the same way) faces off against Mr. Volatile.  Duncan's offensive skills will be tested here, as he has to deal with both Wallaces and then play defense against one of the best jump shooting power forwards in the league. 

Sheed will have to put points on the board consistently throughout this series.  More than likely, Duncan's gonna get his, come hell or high water.  For each night Sheed takes off, that's a game the Spurs win.  Advantage:  Spurs.

- Tayshaun Prince vs. Manu Ginobili.  Very intriguing matchup, as Prince's stock has grown ever since last year's playoffs.  He's scrappy, and unlike Sheed he'll give you 100% effort every time he steps on the court.  His lanky arms give NBA jumpshooters fits, and he can hustle with the best of em.

Janice Rogers Brown was confirmed by the Senate today by a 56-43 vote.  Every Republican along with Ben Nelson voted yes.  She is the second African-American woman to sit on the D.C. Circuit Bench, and America is lucky to have her there.

I hope she is unwavering in her relentless fight for individual rights and the advocacy for the true interpretation of the Constitution.