Your CALL OF DUTY-the real MODERN WARFARE

In all my years of living On the Ave of Jamaica, Queens and off of Kingsbridge in the Bronx and even on Lyons and Zeraga; my lullabies have been the vibration and sounds of the J, the 6, or even the sirens of NYPD and EMS; whizzing by in the mists of the night. (Squids aren’t all that common in NY)

In suburbia Maryland, where the trees glisten and the flowers blossom; I have been put to sleep with a different type of lullaby for the past 3 nights. In the still of the night; gunfire’s blasts due northeast approximately 3 blocks from where I was laying me down to sleep. And every night I’d wake up ready to hit the deck asking myself the same question; “WTF?!?!?”

According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are 311,600,448 people living in the United States today. In 2010 production data from manufacturers, alleged that there are 300 million firearms owned by “civilians” 100 million of them which were handguns. This is not including the unregistered guns. (Which chances are was the culprit behind my sleepless nights)

In 2010, the following estimates of private firearm ownership were found based on surveys conducted.

	Households With a Gun	Adults Owning a Gun	Adults Owning a Handgun
Percentage	40-45%	30-34%	17-19%
Number	47-53 million	70-80 million	40-45 million

Now, I am no mathematician but these numbers don’t really add up. Even if, I were to add all the numbers in the pretty little table; the surveys show 178 million firearms are privately owned. The production data from manufactures are suggesting 300 million firearms have ownership.

IDK, America, 122 MILLION firearms unaccounted for… that seems like a lot; don’t you think?

There is so much controversy regarding this topic. 67% of owners claim that they own guns for protection, 66% stated target shooting as their reason, and only 41% said hunting is why they need to pack heat. There is also much debate on the relevance of the 2^nd Amendment.

As it stands right now, there are controversies regarding the need of the 2^nd Amendment. The 2^nd amendment was originally implemented to create a society of “Armed Citizens.” After the originals SETTLERS IMMIGRATED to the US to escape their oppressive totalitarian government they felt that there was a need to ensure a free state. In order to maintain a free state, the 2^nd amendment posed that the people must retain the right to keep and bear arms. The thought behind this was that the presence of Armed Citizen would keep the government honest. (Wouldn’t that be nice...an “honest” government?) The original IMMIGRANTS felt that the government wouldn’t be dumb enough to impose dictatorship on people who can resist. (Hmmm now that’s food for thought)

NO GUNS= BETTER SOCIETY

Sure we could have a NO GUNS society… IF we charge into everyone’s home, use telepathy or clairvoyance to find all hiding places for guns and confiscate each one.  Yeah that would be possible… Oh yeah and we have to shut down the black market for illegal gun trafficking.

As always I stated the issues and upon serious deliberation and investigation… the AP MCghee Solution: the streets need to answer your CALL OF DUTY, MODERN WARFARE BLACK Ops Editions 2012…because as Tupac once said “It's war on the streets and a war in the Middle East”, (Disclaimer: I know you’ll think I am crazy but hear me out first)

PROVIDE TRAINING FOR EVERY CHILD, FEMALE, MALE, ELDER IN THE COUNTRY AND GIVE US ALL GUNS!

According to all the data found, there is about 1:1 ratio on gun ownerships and people living in the America… TRAIN US TO USE GUNS! TRAIN US TO ASSESS EVERY SITUATION, and act responsibly. If we were to implement an intense/mandated training for ALL people living in the USA in self-defense, gun use, gun control, and knowledge of guns we would virtually eliminate deaths by accidental discharge and create a society of street soldiers ready to defend their country if needed. GIVE US A FIGHTING CHANCE … “to defend the country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, so help us God”

IF WE ALL STRAP UP WE WILL ALL BE SAFE

v       DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL- MIMICK WHAT WORKS Give us the same training given to POLICE AND MILITARY. §          Shouts to PGPD, I hear your training is something serious! (and some QT’s on the streets “Wee Ooh Wee Ooh Wee”) v       People would think twice before committing a crime. §          (How many criminals actually jack up or try to rape a uniformed COP or Military personnel … lets get serious!) v       I know there are dumb criminals; so let’s just say someone does try to pull some dumb tihs off and commit a crime. They will be out numbered by all the people who have undergone the training, ie everyone who lives in American soil.

You see my Dear Watson, it’s all elementary! We have the privilege to drive. There are approximately 230 million vehicles in the USA. We are taught how to use the cars through drivers ed. We are taught how to defend ourselves through defensive driving courses. We are tested on proper usage and knowledge of laws at the MVA. And driving is just a privilege! Why not have our RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS, be treated same way?!?!? Something is just not adding up…

" They took my right to bear arms/ what I'm posed to fight with bear palms?" Good Effin Question EMINEM 

Till next time my dear Watsons…

Knowledge is power; give us the knowledge so that we may use our power to create a peaceful society! <DO SOMETHING>

CHANGE THE STREETS DON’T LET THESE STREETS CHANGE YOU!

Signed,

A.P MCghee
"The Sherlock Holmes of your Streets"
In The Streets
React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM

A.P .  MCghee

When Salsa and Jazz Had a Baby:

Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

 

The Nine-time Grammy Award winner, Eddie Palmieri had his audience on our feet and moving as rhythmically as his fingers hitting the keys. Eddie and his 11-piece Salsa Orchestra closed the DC Jazz Festival this past Sunday, June 12.



Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

Eddie, a born and raised New Yorker from the South Bronx whose parents migrated from Ponce, Puerto Rico to the States back in 1926; was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the DC Jazz Festival.

Eddie was inspired and followed in the steps of his older brother the late Carlos Manuel Palmieri aka Charlie Palmieri aka “The Giant of the Keyboards.” By the age of 5 (Eddie) and 14 (Charlie); the brotherly duo were winning an array of prizes playing Jazz.  By the time Eddie turned 14 they started their own band. In the1950’s they fused Latin Salsa (from their parents homeland ) and the smooth vibes of Jazz. They're achievements at such a tender age earned them the right to play with various artists including Tito Rodriguez. Throughout his career he has played on the same stages as Patti LaBelle, Bob Marley, and More.

Picture provided by: J.L. Jordan

Sunday’s event was just as magical as his past events. He lit up the stage and got the crowd to our feet! Eddie kicked off his set with a dedication to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who made an appearance. My heart fluttered with pride as I witnessed this dashing and educated Latina humbly stand and receive a standing ovation from all who were at the National Mall. Eddie showed his gratitude of Justice Sotomayor’s presence by serenading the admirable Latina with “Muñeca” a salsa/jazz fusion that made those who were sitting jump up, igniting the event.



Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

 The passion, love, and admiration circled the ambiance of the event. People of all generations, colors, creeds, nationalities were not only present, but were partaking in the festivities. We were dancing in our seats, on the grassy lawn, on the side of the stage, and behind security. We were singing and cheering and embracing our inner Latin ‘Sazon’!

Congratulations, goes out to all the folks who prepared the DC Jazz Festival 2011! The event was a huge success and brought back to light that Music is the language of love that fires the passion in our souls and blossoms the admiration for the artists, the listeners, and our respective communities. At the end of the event, when Eddie and his 11-piece Orchestra took their final bow, an onlooker summed up the thirst for this type of event in the DMV area by stating the obvious, “Awwe, their done?!? I was hoping they’d keep going”. Mr. Eddie Palmieri, I congratulate you on all your achievements and thank you for your ongoing dedication to not only your music and fans but also for your generosity in mentoring countless young musicians throughout your career!

And to all the young aspiring musicians and artists of the DMV; please don’t forget why you started with music in the first place. Of course it’s an outlet for your emotions. Just don’t let out the true purpose of your art and have it tarnished by the want to emulate what is not conducive to the progression of your full potential. #justathought

As always CHANGE THE STREETS DON'T LET THE STREETS CHANGE YOU......DO SOMETHING! 

Signed,

A.P .  MCghee

A.P MCghee
"The Sherlock Holmes of your Streets"
In The Streets
React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM

Silence = New NO?!?

Alright my dear Watsons'

OK! So we just graduated College, WOOOOHOOOO! It's all fun in games until we realize the BS we are about to get into! No, I am not talking about Bachelor of Science; I am talking about the other BS!
So let’s cover the catch 22’s; shall we?

®    We are about 40K in debt, and the average salary for a fresh-outta-college kid, according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers NACE; is 48k.

Yeah right...in what world? Everyone I know makes 40k OR LESS!

®    Most jobs require 5 yrs of Experience for a paid job or College Credit Requirement

How the hell am I going to get the eff’in experience if you won’t give me a shot! And hellooo fresh outta-college means I am done with College…there’s no way I am going to get 5 years experience interning when it takes 4 yrs in college to graduate!  SMH

®    When you do find something on craigslist , snag a job, CareerBuilder, or monster, you apply and never get an answer...Yes?? No??Maybe??

Is it just me, OR HAVE EMPLOYERS FORGOTTEN TO REPLY?..

In this world according to A.P MCghee;   SILENCE = ACQUIESCE

What does that mean…..

Debt + Silence=	You’re sweeping the problem under the rug… you’ll hate yourself in a few  years
Jobless + Silence =	You’re accepting the situation without putting up a fight!
Opportunity + Silence =	You’re ok if you don’t get the job and don’t really care to know how you  could have improved.. pfft what a  Putz you are!!

You’re going to see that I don’t take the “Waaahhh” mentality lying down. So true to form, my question is HOW DO WE FIX THIS?!?

Debt	Look into consolidation, Direct Loans  has a great program. There are mixed feelings about this, so be wary... BUT TO EACH HIS OWN; DO YOUR RESEARCH! I personally preferred this route
Jobless	Go EVERYWHERE and if you have to damn near beg for placement, DO SO!  With the influx of recent Grads and   people moving in search of a better life; WE CAN’T AFFORD to be complacent.  If your online job hunt is not giving you  results, go to door to door. (A woman in her 40’s just left her resume with me as I'm writing this post…and I know she got more experience than some of us! LMAO)
Silent Employers	If you do not receive an answer from the places you have applied to…DO NOT TAKE THAT AS A NO! Follow up! There is just sooo much that a black and white piece of paper can say bout you. Get in front of the person and let them know why they will loose out by saying no to you. You do not have a physical address because you found out about the placement through a search engine and the employer didn’t disclose that information? Go to Jigsaw or LinkedIn, hell even the white pages.

REACT and DO SOMETHING! There is no way that we are going to get out of this recession if we continue to be OK WITH NOTHING!

I know how perseverant our generation can be when Steve Jobs announces the next iPAD or on Jordan’s Release Dates! We can and we will camp out sleeping on sidewalks to get the first of the items we want. Yet, HOW THE HECK ARE YOU PAYING FOR ALL THIS $hit, WITHOUT NO DAMN JOB!

Get the career; you can get the stuff…

Till next time my dear Watsons…

CHANGE THE STREETS DON’T LET THESE STREETS CHANGE YOU

Signed,

A.P .  MCghee

A.P MCghee
"The Sherlock Holmes of your Streets"
In The Streets
React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM

Getting to know each other....

Welcome to "In the Streets with A.P. MCghee! If your wondering who the heck are you A.P. MCghee, let me tell you my dear Watson...

In order to know who I am and where I am about to go, you have to know where I came from...I was born in Perth Amboy, NJ.. (Jersey girl YES.. pumping fist, bronzer addicted, Guidette NOOOOO!) I would say that even though I lived in Amboy most of my life... the catalyst of my becoming the woman I am today arose when I left to St. John's U in Jamaica, NY. Not only did I become a founding sister of  Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc, I learned who I was and what I wanted in life. Notice how I said who I was... Yes, that innocent little Jersey Girl, filled with naivety... died in the summer of 2007 when she moved to the Boogie Down Bronx. On Lyons & Zerega I learned to love and I learned to hate, I learned to fend for myself and I learned to be humble and ask for help. Basically I grew up…After graduating in 2009, I moved to Miami…got my heartbroken and came to the DMV in hopes of becoming better!

Since my move, I have become borderline obsessed with progress! Progressing in my life and helping other’s progressing theirs.

As all pessimists will say… “but shorty you took 2 step forward and 5 steps back!”
to which I always say…”Mah dude, that only means I have to take 8 steps forward”
or the good old
“but shorty, you know only 1 outta 10 people make it in the industry!”
to which I say “ Mah dude, that only means I have to try 10 times to be guaranteed to make it in this industry ..pfft I could do that!”….

You see it’s all elementary my dear Watson!

Now, why this blog, why work with React Radio DC, why give a hoot?!?  Well as I detailed before every problem has a solution… All you need is a calculator! I want to be that calculator! (Don’t get it twisted though my math is horrendous! Thanks a lot STJ I can barely add! LOL jk jk)

I hope this blog and our programming over at React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM will serve as a median of progression and an outlet of aggression. I hope that you will stay tuned to find out my humble suggestions on solutions. From Music, to Finance, to Love, to Family, I am no expert but I will find you the answers….

I will investigate “In the Streets” so that you can CHANGE THE STREETS DON’T LET THE STREETS CHANGE YOU!

Thank you so much for checking out my blog and please Tune In… After JULY 4^th 2011 to React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM!

Signed,

A.P .  MCghee

A.P MCghee
"The Sherlock Holmes of your Streets"
In The Streets
React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM