About Me

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
A former homeless man in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I am now back to my first love since being homeless no more, politics & racial oppression. Come join me on this adventure.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Some Common Sense & Logic.

By Jueseppi B.


Below are some words from some of my Facebook friends. The words are important enough for me to share them with the world. I take no credit for these words.



Taken from Mr. Marvin Clark....
"IF ONE CONTRACTOR WAS HIRED TO BUILD YOU A HOUSE AND HE FUCKED IT UP SO BAD IT COULDN'T PASS CODE, YOU WOULD HAVE TO HIRE ANOTHER CONTRACTOR TO FIX IT! THE NEW CONTRACTOR WOULD HAVE TO TEAR EVERYTHING DOWN AND REBUILD FROM SCRATCH! YOU CANNOT SIT AROUND THE SITE AND BLAME THE NEW CONTRACTOR FOR NOT COMING IN UNDER BUDGET AND WHAT TOOLS HE USES TO COMPLETE THE JOB. YOU CANNOT YELL AT THE NEW CONTRACTOR AND TAKE OUT ALL YOUR ANGER ON THE NEW CONTRACTOR BECAUSE IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE LONGER TO COMPLETE THE JOB THAN INITIALLY THOUGHT! THE CONTRACTOR MUST BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO COMPLETE THE JOB WITH THE TOOLS HE HAS AND YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO ABSORB ANY ADDITIONAL COST BECAUSE THE MORE YOU FIX THE MORE MONEY IT WILL COST! I AM VOTING FOR HIM AGAIN BECAUSE IF GEORGE DUBBYA BUSH GOT A SECOND TERM TO FUCK IT UP BARACK SHOULD GET ANOTHER FOUR YEARS TO FIX IT!

Taken from Ms. Jane Pittsgreer MSW.....


Misinformation is harmful to all human beings. Misinformation about peoples of color is harmful to all people. Having racist attitudes and beliefs is like having a clamp on one's mind. It distorts one's perceptions of reality. Two examples: the notion that "flesh color" is several shades of pinkish beige; the use of the term 'minorities' to describe the majority of the world's people.

No one holds onto misinformation voluntarily. People hold onto racist beliefs and attitudes because this misinformation represents the best thinking they have been able to do at this time, and because no one has been able to assist them to change their perspective.

People will change their minds and let go of ingrained attitudes under the following conditions:

1) the new position is presented in a way that makes sense to them;

2) they trust the person who is presenting the new position; 3) they are not blamed for having had misinformation.


Taken from the administrator of The Black Long Island Iced Tea Party.....
This is the mindset that we will be fighting for in 2012. The complacent ones that sat it out November 2, 2010 because they felt that President Obama did not turn into their Fairy Godfather and magically change everything that happened since America was discovered. You do know that these people actually think that he should have put all homeless people in homes by now and guess what they want all water turned into Pepsi and Coke. I am only being facetious because I cannot and will not understand how so many of these people have the voice that they have now but have allowed all that has gone on since 43 previous Presidents. We can actually blame all of the previous Presidents for what is going on before we blame President Obama. Whenever we move into a neighborhood that has already gone down, they blame us for it going down. America is going down as we know so they blame President Obama.



Taken from the YMCA Website....This can't be posted enough....

10 simple ideas to eliminate racism

1). Don't laugh at racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic and other stereotypical jokes  or assumptions. 
By laughing, you're acknowledging the joke is appropriate and encouraging more  inappropriate comments.  You can interrupt without being rude.  Don't let your  silence speak for you.  Simply say, "I don't find that funny," or "I don't  appreciate jokes like that."

2). Make an effort to get to know people different than you.
Look for things in common with other people and celebrate the differences.  We  can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.

3). Learn about other people and their culture. 
By learning about other people, your life will be greatly enriched and your  appreciation for your own culture will deepen. 

4). Think before you speak. 
Words can hurt, whether you mean them to or not.  When describing a person,  think if mentioning their race is important to the story.  Do you refer to everyone  from South or Central America as Mexican?  If you don't know someone's  country of origin, don't assume.  Some people prefer Black, while others like  African American. Some prefer Latino/a, others like Hispanic.  If you're unsure  which to use, ask.  It's important to use the correct language. 

5). Be a role model. 
Be vocal in opposing discriminatory views and practices, especially with friends  and family who respect your opinion.  Don't criticize, but help educate others  about issues and about your own experiences. 

6). Don't make assumptions. 
Do you assume that African Americans like rap music or that Asians are good at  math?  Stereotypes hurt everyone.  Examine what your prejudices are and make  adjustments to look at everyone as an individual. 

7). Explore the unfamiliar. 
Attend an organization meeting, religious service or travel to a new region where  you are in the minority.  For example, if you are Christian attend a Jewish service  at a synagogue.  If you attend an all white suburban school visit an inner-city  multi-cultural school.  This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you  perspective. 

8). Work on projects with members of groups different from your own.
Working as an equal alongside others from different groups on a common  project is one of the best ways to undo prejudice and increase familiarity with  others. 

9). Be a proactive parent. 
Expose your children to diversity at a young age.  Read stories that explain the  point of view of other groups.  Discuss TV shows, movies or books that present  stereotypes.  Children can benefit from knowing other children from different  groups at very early ages, before prejudices and biases are formed. 

10). Support anti-prejudice and anti-racist organizations. 
Whether your efforts are in volunteering, financial donation or being an  advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to  you and the community.  You'll meet great people and find real support for your  efforts.  By getting involved, your voice can make a big difference at the local  level.

"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth".

Friday, June 24, 2011

How To Erase Racism.

By Jueseppi B.




10 simple ideas to eliminate racism


1). Don't laugh at racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic and other stereotypical jokes  or assumptions. 
By laughing, you're acknowledging the joke is appropriate and encouraging more  inappropriate comments.  You can interrupt without being rude.  Don't let your  silence speak for you.  Simply say, "I don't find that funny," or "I don't  appreciate jokes like that."


2). Make an effort to get to know people different than you.
Look for things in common with other people and celebrate the differences.  We  can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.


3). Learn about other people and their culture. 
By learning about other people, your life will be greatly enriched and your  appreciation for your own culture will deepen. 


4). Think before you speak. 
Words can hurt, whether you mean them to or not.  When describing a person,  think if mentioning their race is important to the story.  Do you refer to everyone  from South or Central America as Mexican?  If you don't know someone's  country of origin, don't assume.  Some people prefer Black, while others like  African American. Some prefer Latino/a, others like Hispanic.  If you're unsure  which to use, ask.  It's important to use the correct language. 


5). Be a role model. 
Be vocal in opposing discriminatory views and practices, especially with friends  and family who respect your opinion.  Don't criticize, but help educate others  about issues and about your own experiences. 


6). Don't make assumptions. 
Do you assume that African Americans like rap music or that Asians are good at  math?  Stereotypes hurt everyone.  Examine what your prejudices are and make  adjustments to look at everyone as an individual. 


7). Explore the unfamiliar. 
Attend an organization meeting, religious service or travel to a new region where  you are in the minority.  For example, if you are Christian attend a Jewish service  at a synagogue.  If you attend an all white suburban school visit an inner-city  multi-cultural school.  This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you  perspective. 


8). Work on projects with members of groups different from your own.
Working as an equal alongside others from different groups on a common  project is one of the best ways to undo prejudice and increase familiarity with  others. 


9). Be a proactive parent. 
Expose your children to diversity at a young age.  Read stories that explain the  point of view of other groups.  Discuss TV shows, movies or books that present  stereotypes.  Children can benefit from knowing other children from different  groups at very early ages, before prejudices and biases are formed. 


10). Support anti-prejudice and anti-racist organizations. 
Whether your efforts are in volunteering, financial donation or being an  advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to  you and the community.  You'll meet great people and find real support for your  efforts.  By getting involved, your voice can make a big difference at the local  level.


"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth".

Misunderstanding Homelessness

By Jueseppi B.


The following post and comments took place over a few days time, and points out the ignorance of Americans who are fortunate enough NOT to ever need, want or be without. This is not being used, as subject matter for this blog entry, to magnify this gentleman's ignorance, rather to show an example of the mindset of Americans. Now I have no clue about his religious background or his political affiliation...I can only assume from his attitude, but that would make me as mistaken about him, as he is about me. 


This is why Americans/America need re-education about their way of thinking, about their way of understanding other humans. No where in any blog post I have written, do I state any need for pity, charity or any assistance that I have not been paying my taxes into, for over 35 years. Homelessness, hungry, poverty or mental illness, these are things we have no control over, believe that, not one person I met along the way from homelessness to "normalcy" wanted to be homeless.  Going from homelessness to self sufficient in 84 days is not a record, of that I am sure, but it in itself proves that there was never any need to "get off my ass" because there was no time to ever get on my ass. Had this gentleman actually read the blog, and not one post, he might have comprehended that....or maybe not.


"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth".



    • William Daniel No offense but why didnt Obama find you a house to stay in? Everything was supposed to be better with him in charge, so what happened? You arent alone and until things change it will keep happening.
      Yesterday at 12:15am · Reply
    • Jueseppi ReelectObama Baker 
      POTUS Obama was not responsible for my homelessness, so why should he remedy my troubles? That is the problem with you weak ass Americans...you expect someone else to solve your troubles.

      I won't even go into why government is NOT responsibl...See More
      Yesterday at 12:36am · Reply
    • Burt Singersmith wtf? You expect him to go door to door asking what they need?
      Yesterday at 1:38pm ·  ·  1 personReply
    • Jueseppi ReelectObama Baker Like I said, common sense and logic is missing from us Americans.
      Yesterday at 1:39pm · Reply
    • William Daniel lol Burt no, but everyone acts liek he is gonna save them all. Remember the Detroit money lines?
      17 hours ago · Reply
    • William Daniel Juesseppi I notice you have Ranger there on yoru profile picture, are you a veteran?>
      16 hours ago · Reply
    • Jueseppi ReelectObama Baker I am Mr. Daniel.
      15 hours ago · Reply
    • William Daniel Then you had no excuse to be homeless for 84 days, your depression kept you on your ass instead of out looking for housing, There are countless veteran organizations that will help you with counseling, deposits, rent, you name it and it isnt so difficult. VA is the biggest. Yeah not having a home will suck but it is quickly remedied because as a vet you have far more resources than your average citizen.
      4 hours ago · Reply
    • Jueseppi ReelectObama Baker 
      I won't bother to answer your post intelligently Mr. Daniel, that would be as asinine as wearing an Armani to mow the lawn. I will try to tailor my response so you can comprehend my words. The blog was written for two reasons, to inform a public, like you, that has no clue what it means to be homeless and to let other homeless people know there is hope and there is a way back to "normal". I would never need, want or take any advice from an individual who reads a blog entry, and misses the entire point of said blog entry. I have found it is always easiest to dole out advice when one is ignorant to the situation.

      Please do you and me both a big favor and do not even think of responding, mainly because talking to idiots is a waste of time. But I do thank you for your advice and assessment of me and my situation. Enjoy your weekend Mr. Daniel, and may the good Lord bless you and your family.
      7 minutes ago · Reply

                                                                                                                     

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Disappointment With POTUS Obama

By Jueseppi B.


Let's get right to it....If any sane person thought that by electing POTUS Obama to the White House, all your personal problems would be magically wiped away...If you thought you'd wake up on February 1st, 2009, and find all your concerns had vanished, and this great nation of ours, called The United States Of America, would be a perfect place to live....well, you are officially an idiot.


Take your disappointment and wipe your ass with it. This is the real world, not some rose colored glasses, fairy tale you read for your snot nosed, spoiled children. Get real. I read a post, by some moron in Facebook, yesterday how "disappointed he was with Obama", and how he voted for Obama in 2008, but will not do so in 2012. He then went on to say he was sick of "Obama's wars". This state of mind of some Americans is proof we, as a Nation, need to turn off the television, put down the game system controllers and turn on the computer for more than porn, shopping & social networking sites.


How in the hell can any war started by George "Dubbya" Bush, be thrown on the shoulders of POTUS Obama? Will some Obama hating knucklehead, please, using logic and common sense, explain this to my dumb Black ass? I do not get it at all. How can the problems, fuck up's, mistakes, bad judgement's, lack of caring or concern with corporate backing, of the previous 43 POTUS, be placed squarely on the head of this one President?? Do we not have enough brain power to recognize that POTUS Obama didn't create ONE problem we had years before he took office? Are we really this stupid to assume that because POTUS Obama is President, he is to blame for our misfortune's and our hardships?


Do you blame the neighbor down the street because you're out of work, or your heating bill is too high? Do you blame your paperboy because the OPEC nations have oil at all time highs, which we feel at the gas pumps?
I have reached the conclusion that America is a racists nation. Will always be a racists nation. Actually enjoys being a racists nation. Why do I say this? Simple. We elected a Black American to be President Of The United States (POTUS), and then we turned around and got disappointed because he didn't wave his magic wand and make us all better human beings.


There are websites all over the internet that chronicle the hundreds of accomplishments of POTUS Obama, do some research when you get finished with the porn, shopping, social networking sites and discover the many great things this POTUS has done for ALL Americans, not just the top two percent. If you can find some time to stop gaming, look up what has been done by RepubliCANTS/teabaggers to stop POTUS Obama from accomplishing even more. Read about the many road blocks thrown up to prevent appointments from being voted on in the Senate. Discover how these same RepubliCANTS/teabaggers have made it their "mission" to keep POTUS Obama from being re-elected....hell most have built campaigns on  platforms about nothing more than making sure this nigger does not return to the White Man's House.


The time is here for us to stop being a racists America. The time is here to stop hating POTUS Obama because he is Black. Yes I know you racists ass's say "it's not because of his skin color, but his policies". Did you hate Dubbya because of his policies too, because George Dubbya Bush is why we are where we are now. 
That line..... "it's not because of his skin color, that I dislike Obama, but his policies"....is the new "I'm not racists, I have many Black friends". 
Like I said, take your disappointment, and go pay your bills with that. Or...get off your ass in "NO"vember and vote Democratic.


"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth".

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Clicking For Homeless Veterans.

By Jueseppi B.

This is a monumental effort to feed homeless Veterans, and all it takes from you is a 3 second click of your mouse.
Please click the mouse, and feed a homeless Veteran today. 100% of ALL money goes to feed homeless Veterans. Follow the link below please.....all you need do is copy the URL address below, into your browser's URL address field at the top of your browser page, then click enter. 



http://www.theveteranssite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=10&origin=VET_FACE_FLAG_ADGROUP_CLICKREMINDER_0622_CTG


We always wonder what we can do for the millions who are less fortunate than we are, well this is a way to help feed a group of homeless people who have spent their time fighting for our freedoms. We never say thank you to the Veterans, this is a way to say thank you and a lot more. Anyone can click a mouse, so let's all click at least once a day, or once a week if you are busy...it means so much to those who are in need. Thank You All. 


Just a side note about this blog, Erasing Racism Now will not be posted to every day by me. So many bloggers are out here posting daily, but I am a bit different, I believe if you don't have anything to say/post, then thats what you say/post,...nothing. I will be posting to this blog only when the mood or current events situation strikes me. Which won't be everyday...I hope.
Thank you in advance for your daily/weekly clicking for Homeless Veterans.


"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth".

Erasing Racism Now...The Beginning.


By Jueseppi B.

I am no longer homeless, and I am no longer going to continue to tell the homeless story. It is a chapter in a life of ups and downs, but not the entire story. I am not a professional blogger, as a matter of fact, I am not a professional writer, so this blog may not be as grammatically correct as it should.

I have hated racism from as far back as I can remember, it is a disease that America, and the Planet must find a way to erase.  In my first blog, Erase Racism Now, I chronicled the way racism started, and how it has crippled America, so I will not go through that again. This blog will be about things that must be accomplished to erase racism, this blog will be about re-electing POTUS Obama, which I believe is the only way to bring the racists asshole who are in the forefront of making America racists, out in the open. This blog will also be about anything that fights oppression and it will be about helping our fellow man.

I hope that people will read this and pass the URL on to their family and friends. Only we human beings can reverse hundreds of years of oppression for people all over this planet. 

We have to make the first step, not our government leaders, not our religious leaders, not our community leaders, but US. You and I. The election of this wonderful POTUS has brought the racists out of the woodwork and onto the front page of every local and national news agency. Racism is no longer content to hide in the backrooms of corporations, hide in the closed bedrooms of our neighbors, conceal itself behind a smile from our church going friends. Racism is the new politically correct thing to be these days.
Time to move America, and this Planet forward, so that future generations experience love, peace, and a shared pleasure of human existence. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions or criticism you may have. But understand, I am opinionated, stubborn and very hardheaded, so do not be offended if I do not actually changes due to your suggestions. Join me, please, in Erasing Racism Now.

"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth."

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Final Chapter.

By Jueseppi B.


I have now been in my new apartment for going on the third month, and this is like being reborn. I can not express what it means to have the safety and security of your own home, be it a one room apartment, a five bedroom house or a 20 bedroom estate, it's all the same when it is yours. I have been truly blessed the past few months, I've been the recipient of love and grace from God, and the receiver of countless words of encouragement from friends. I never put much stock in friendship, I am what my grandmother called a loner, but the relationships I have nurtured through Facebook and in real life the past 6 months are priceless.

I have lost some people whom I thought were friends, but thats a part of life and growing. By far I have had a very positive experiences with friends, and that has helped me to recover form my hardship.



Now for the update on my situation after resolving the homeless issue....
I have my apartment decorated, as far as I intend to decorate for now. New bed, new recliner and love seat (not enough space for a couch), new TV and lap top and all the little things like towels, dishes, pot & pans...and so forth. I had to literally start all over again. So you see, I have been blessed to be able to land on my feet after such a rocky start to the new year.

I am volunteering at the local food pantry, I would love to volunteer at one of the three homeless shelters but those places, even the best run of the three, make me sick in how they are operated. There is no concern or understanding for, or of, the homeless person, and they make you feel worthless and useless. They treat you as if you are homeless because you choose to be, and that you are lazy and not hard working.

Once, a follower of this blog, left me some comments in the comment section, and he appeared to be telling me that the local area homeless shelters were not to blame for my predicament, that they were here to assist and provide resources. I strongly disagree. A homeless shelter should strictly be for the providing of a safe and stable place to live/sleep until you can locate housing and employment. Yes, I also have a problem with making us homeless leave to roam the streets all day long, from 7 AM to 5 PM each day, but at least they are open at night.

I also intend to locate a publisher to get this written daily journal published, if that is possible. America needs to read, get informed, understand how homelessness is OUR problem, all of us. Many of us are one to two paychecks away from being homeless, ask yourself, If you lost your source of employment or income, could you hold on and survive until you found another job? If you get sick and can't work, or are injured and don't qualify for workers compensation or unemployment...can you survive?

Let's all of us try to help at least one homeless person or hungy person or someone we know to be indigent. A warm coat you no longer find fashionable, canned goods you no longer have a taste for, old worn shoes, somebody out here has no shoes, those worn shoes would help. Those old blankets you are going to throw away, that used old ugly pot you no longer use, all those fat clothes you no longer can wear since your weight loss.

We ALL can do our part, something small to you is life changing to someone who has nothing. And those well off enough to afford this, pick up an extra tube of toothpaste, or an extra deodorant, or some wash cloths at the store the next time you are shopping...then drop these item off at your local homeless shelter.


After tonight, the posts here will become political, as it is vital to America and Americans that we elect POTUS Obama to a second term. Imagine this country if some backwards thinking RepubliCANT/teabagger who is worth a small empire, becomes the next POTUS. That can NOT be allowed to happen.
Thank you to all my facebook friends, those who have helped me with kind words, thoughtful suggestions and all their prayers and positive thoughts. A special thanks to all the followers of this blog, and those who have let me know they are reading and appreciate my struggles.


I leave you with two quotes I strive to live by at this point in my life.....
"Get busy living, or get busy dying".....& "What does not kill you, only serves to make you stronger"


"Disagree Intelligently, Use The Facts & Truth".