Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary defines the following words:

Lust:        An overwhelming craving.
Power:     The right or ability to dominate or rule others.
Clout:       A strong influence over others.
Position:   Social Status.

In this world, power, position, clout, or money are elevated.  People who have them are exalted, and those without are shown disdain.  The "Why should I help them, all they have to do is work, and they can get where I am." mentality shows the lack of value we have for those who have experienced unfortunate circumstances.

Black people have had little, if any, power.  Some would argue The Civil Rights Bill gave us some power.  There are a lot of things that can be given, but power is not one of them.

People without a sense of  power suffer from low, or no self- esteem will do anything to feel superior, and are easy to recognize.  They often speak of material possessions or influential people they know.

The quest to be accepted may cause them to harm someone perceived as a threat.  When a Black person achieves a high position, it is silently understood they are to also assume a position of lackey.

We have many Brothers and Sisters who refuse to assume that horrible role, but those who do, seem to out number those who don't.  The most dangerous of our Brothers and Sisters, are the insecure ones in high positions.  They can be manipulated to do just about anything.

The justification for their actions is the ever looming threat of loss of  possessions/money/clout. It is easy to spot one of these family members.  If you go to them for assistance, what is their attitude?  Can they help, and more importantly, do they?  With whom do they socialize after work?  When you call them Brother or Sister, what is the response?  Do they acknowledge the title or reject it?  How do they describe themselves?  Are they African-American, Black, Negro, or do they deny their racial heritage?  If you don't know, ask and pay close attention to the answer.

How a person describes his/her self is revealing and reveals their mindset.  How do they conduct themselves?  How do they talk to peers or subordinates?  Do they belittle others?  Do they entertain or foster gossip or slander?  An insecure person who lusts for power, money, clout, or position will create hate, discontent, havoc, envy, bad feelings, and overall hell.  Fear is the underpinning of these actions.  They fear position, power, clout or money being stripped, or those in power turning against them.

Their insecurity may lead them to become an informant against another person of color.  They will turn against a friend, supervisor, coworker, mate, or any one else.

It becomes a choice of you vs. them, and guess who they are out for.  It is the old divide and conquer at it's best, and an insecure person will always go for it.  What they do not know nor understand is when they turn against their own,  they are not respected by anyone.  When a person become a traitor, they risk being the target of revenge or retribution and the manipulator will allow it.  The traitor is considered a pawn, or tool to be used.

The movie Drop Squad, illustrates the problem.  The movie shows a few Brothers and a Sister who turned against the family, during their struggle for money, power, clout, position or acceptance.  Without giving too much away, The Drop Squad focuses on a group of Black people dedicated to de-programming and enlightening the wayward Brothers and Sister.

The movie is much like one of Ice Cube's older videos, where he captured a few wayward Brothers and forced them to listen to a NOI Minister.  By the way, if you have a copy of Bro. Cube's video, look closely at the NOI Minister.  The Brother is Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad.  That's right, Bro. Khallid was known in our community long before the Kean College speech was revealed.  Some of our rapping Brothers and Sisters listen to The NOI and spread the teachings, but that's another article.

The time has come where this segment of our family have to be dealt with.  We must talk to these people and try to enlighten them.  The time has come where a lie must be called a lie, slander must be called slander, a traitor must be called a traitor, a fool must be called a fool, a liar must be called a liar, and a sellout must be called a sellout.

These things have helped to destroy our community and must be stopped.  While it takes a strong and committed person to stand up to madness, I am reminded of the gospel song that says: "The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  HE is the strength of my life, day and night, no need to be afraid."

The book, From Niggas to Gods, has a chapter "What would GOD do?" The author writes that he asks himself "Would GOD do ..." prior to any action, thought, or speech.

I found it one of the best chapters, for I found it to be very inspirational for those of us in the struggle of changing our lives for the better.  Brothers and Sisters, please take a long hard look at things happening around you.

When evil is done, don't run from it, don't turn you back to it. Tell each other of the things you see, not to gossip, but to keep informed.  United we can stand, but divided we will fall.  Haven't we fallen enough?  When will we unite?  As Morris Day asked years ago, "What time is it?"