Rihanna & Chris Brown Incident: My Perspective:

***I preface this piece with the statement that I in no shape or form condone a man putting his hands on a woman.***

**I also plainly concede that there will be women that will be upset with my perspective on the topic.**

I support Rihanna and Chris Brown equally in their musical careers.

The incident that occurred Feb 8th between these two young, talented, superstar musicians was horrifying.

Violence is never acceptable in a relationship from either side.

I waited to speak on this issue until I saw both the MTV Chris Brown interview and 20/20’s Rihanna interview tonight.

I still find is very difficult to believe that this physical abuse began as a result of a text message from one of Chris Brown’s ex-girlfriends.

Rihanna claims that a verbal argument escalated into this physical altercation as a result of the text message and lie that she caught Chris in.

I feel that there is more missing from this story.

What motive and purpose would Chris have to flip out in such an angry and hostile way based on an argument?

Some of Chris’s fans have opined that Rihanna must have provoked Chris by first hitting him.

Rihanna stated in her interview that if she did start the incident by hitting him first, that that is not an excuse for him putting his hands on her.

Food for Thought:
1. Why is it OK for a woman to hit a man and not vice versa?
2. If we can give rapists, murders, and criminals 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances, why can we afford that same accord to Chris Brown who made a one time terrible mistake?
3. Chris Brown is not Ike Turner (who constantly beat his significant other) so why can’t he try to move past a dark instance in his life to maintain his career and livelihood when he is trying to better himself?

The plain truth is that both Chris Brown and Rihanna have personal experience with seeing their fathers physically abuse their mothers and this is where we must focus attention and seek to create change. Domestic violence is a cyclical problem and we must educate ourselves and change ourselves for the better!

For more information visit http://www.loveisrespect.org

Sincerely,
David Ruiz

My RESPONSE to Off the Wall: Race and Michael Jackson

http://www.billoreilly.com/newslettercolumn;jsessionid=1F6A5524FA72396C62B4212307DC61B0?pid=26847

First of all, I have heard TV pundits espouse the general theme that Mr. O’Reilly discusses. I would like to say that the late Michael Jackson was MORE than an entertainer. He was indeed a pioneer for African Americans in the entertainment industry in many aspects and an extremely charitable celebrity. He supported, donated to, and raised awareness about many issues from poverty to HIV/AIDS. He was a humanitarian in every sense of the word. So, he was more than an entertainer! Through his many deep feeling songs he did teach us how to love (ex. Black or White, Heal the World, How Much More Can I Give, Man in the Mirror, We Are the World, etc.)

Mr. O’Reilly points to a poll that shows that Blacks “are far more interested in the Jackson story than white Americans.” Mr. Jackson was a world-renowned entertainer/celebrity/icon. You simply need to take one look at his supporters and fans that span every continent, race, religion, color, etc. Of course the Jackson family story is unique to African Americans after all they are Black.

Surely, we can claim Mr. Jackson is a black icon regardless of some characteristics of his personal life. No famous individual/person in American history we have elevated to historical significance is without controversy in their personal life but we overlook that to admire their worldly contributions. In short, the men and women we place on a historical pedestal are often wrought with some sort of personal controversy but we as flawed people overlook that to focus on the positive.

As far as an example of “minority group sticking together”, it is understandable to gravitate toward that based on the historical repression of a group. Sometimes beating on one individual can feel like a group attack.

I don’t believe that media is deifying MJ. I watch both CNN and FOX News and from all the coverage I have seen they equally discuss his contributions to society and his personal failings. I do however argue that we should focus on his success and contributions at least until the man has been buried. After that, we can go back to debating his personal choices, lifestyle, controversies, etc. I do not believe that the media is labeling Jackson as a hero. That should be left up to individuals to decide for themselves.

While there are aspects of Jackson’s personal life and decision such as letting little children sleep in his bed/plastic surgery that we don’t agree with, that in no way should undermine his rightful place in history as a musical, entertainment and humanitarian icon.

Let me Address Rep. King’s comments: Michael Jackson was ACQUITTED (FOUND NOT GUILT) of child molestation charges! The constitution says INNOCENT until PROVEN GUILT in a court of law!

Let me address Speaker Pelosi’s comments on not honoring Jackson with a resolution: The hell (You know I want to use a different word!) with Pelosi. Debating someone’s personal failings by no means should negate Congress from RECOGNIZING this American’s contributions.

I close with "Do you remember the time, when you looked at the man in the mirror, questioned whether he was black or white, thought he was so dangerous, a smooth criminal, and finally decided he rocked your world. Catch a thriller because his memory will never beat it."

REST IN PEACE MJ!!!

~David J. Ruiz

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

David is THANKING all the Men & Women of the United States Armed Forces... Your sacrifice, service, and leadership makes America what it is! HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!

Support Me in the March for Babies or Join the Team as a Walker

The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who we are walking for -- all babies. It’s very exciting to be a part of the “first” March for Babies!

Although the name of this signature event changed, the mission did not. The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

Our team has joined thousands of compassionate teams across the country that support March for Babies. Won’t you please help us in this worthy cause? Join us in the walk that helps all moms and babies.

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

I was born premature on April 12, 1982 and this walk and organization are very dear to me. Please support my walk, my team, and the mission of saving babies by donating financially. You can donate the amount you wish. Remember, any little bit helps ($5, $10, $15, $20, etc.)

http://www.marchforbabies.org/davidruiz

To join my team and walk with me click on my Team’s link below. Under Here’s How You Can Help Section, click “Join This Team”

http://www.marchforbabies.org/530625

Walk Information:
Team: Big Babies
Walksite: UF Campus, 2014 Turlington Hall, Gainesville
Date: 11/16/2008
Time: 2:00 PM, registration 1:00PM

Support Me - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk

The nationwide walk is to raise awareness and funds to cure leukemia, lymphoma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The event serves to bring hope to thousands of patients battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost. The Society funds lifesaving cancer research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and many other types of cancer treatments.

This year I'm participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancer. I have been walking in Light The Night for several years (4) because it is one of my top community service priorities. Help me make my 5th Annual participation/walk a SUCCESS!!!

I will be walking again on October 16, 2008 in Gainesville at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

"Life isn't just about what you can have; it's about what you have to give." ~Oprah

Please make a donation to support my Light The Night Walk and help save lives. You can make a secure online contribution from my Personal Donation Page by clicking on the link below. Any little bit helps ($20, $15, $10, $5).

My personal page at http://www.active.com/donate/ltnJackso/2369_djr2008

Thank you for supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

3 P's: Passion, Preparation, & Perseverance! ~David

Have A Nice Day,
David

It's a Tough Job But Someone Has To Do It... Speaking/Standing Up!

Dear Dr. Hernandez,
It was brought to my attention by our President Luis Nobriga that he will be the Party President for the Gator Party in the upcoming Fall Student Government elections in October.

I expressed to him that I do not agree with his decision to accept and embark in that capacity because he is the elected leader of the Hispanic Student Association. I feel that it is a conflict of interest for him to be the representative of the largest minority student group on campus while simultaneously serving as the head of a political organization vying for election.

If not for the mere implication that HSA could be perceived as a politically partisan organization, Luis should not undertake this role because HSA has maintained its “code of neutrality” in past elections.

The main role of the HSA president is to represent the needs and issues of the Hispanic-Latino population on campus and in the community. At the same time, he/she must lead an organization in service toward those constituents. Fall is the same period that includes the programming of Hispanic Heritage Month. From past experience, we can see that a president who is not fully engaged in oversight of HHM and HSA objectives can cause great injury to our purpose and operations.

HSA must also take into account the possible unintended consequences of such an action of having a seating president become an executive party member of a political party. HSA could be adversely affected by the results of the election if they are not the results that were expected, etc.

Simply put, HSA’s mission and purpose is too grand to be subjected to potential political consequence. I would like to know if Luis spoke with you prior to his decision and what your feelings were. If he didn’t come to you before he decided to step into this responsibility, will you be meeting with him and what will be your advice on this topic.

I disagree wholeheartedly with Luis’s acceptance of this position and hope that HSA will remain undeterred from its longstanding tradition of non-partisanship.

Sincerely,
David J. Ruiz

29 August 2008
2:36:08 AM

Rest In Peace Selena (April 16, 1971 - March 31, 1995)

A Fan Singing her music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeeHvk3aooQ

http://www.selena.org/
http://www.comolaflor.org/
http://www.selenaforever.com/
http://www.freewebs.com/selenamexicolaweb/
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Selena

David is saying Rest In Peace Selena (April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995).

David is listening to Selena music for the week in reflection of her talent, success, and charity!

Biography:

Selena Quintanilla, born in Lake Jackson Texas on April 16, 1971. Her name was a coincidence, and suitable for her. They picked the name from a patient form the same hospital at the same time they were going to have their baby. They had picked a name already for a boy which was MarcAnthony, but when they knew that they were blessed with a girl, they use the name the woman had picked for their baby which turned out to be a boy. Selena. The name alone characterizes her vibrance, her talent, and charisma.

Her father, Abraham participated in a group called "Los Dinos" in his bachelor years. They would go to different gigs, hoping to get accepted to play and be liked. It was a struggle at those times, something that probably remains vividly in Abraham’s memory. He had a great passion for music and the environment in which it settled in, but then he settled down with a loving wife and three loving children. Even with his family, he took time aside at home to play small tunes that he used to play at his gigs. It was until one day Selena displayed her undiscovered talent, her voice. Abraham was so impressed of her adaptive and matured voice that he wanted to start a band. Selena Y Los Dinos.

After their practices he saw that they were really talented. As opposed to his other job, Abraham started a Mexican Restaurant in which Selena y los Dinos would play their music. When the oil industry went bust they had to shut down their restaurant, "Papa Gayos". They were then on the road and performing in gigs were methods of putting food on the table. All of those gigs paid off in the long run.

In 1989, she was one of the last acts in a festival rodeo and Jose Behar, president of EMI Latin, was there at the right place at the right time, soon he signed up Selena with a contract hoping to make Selena into a singing sensation like Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey. In 1989 her self- titled debut album was released in the summer. It was not until "Ven Conmigo" in 1990 which catapulted Selena into a success but a wider audience. After ": Ven Conmigo" more records became produced and her music was reaching across the Southwest region of the U.S. In 1993 she won a Grammy® for "Selena Live". Her later album in 1994, "Amor Prohibido" had also reached the charts and went double platinum which was also nominated for a Grammy in "Fotos y Recuerdos". Music was not the only hobby Selena wanted to do. Since she was small, she always wanted to design clothes. With the dream coming true with Selena Etc. Inc., Selena again achieved success. She had everything she could want, a guaranteed career, a loving husband, Chris Perez, her contract with SBK records and her fashion business, but soon that all will come to an end.

It was a person that Selena trusted as her confidant, Yolanda Saldivar. She was the President of her fan club which handled all of Selena’s business transactions and her boutique. Yolanda seemed to care so much for Selena and Selena’s business that she worked long hours with Selena in the boutique. Yolanda considered herself important because she was included with her business and her family.

One day Abraham was investigating some records from the boutique and discovered that Yolanda was embezzling money from the business. Some of Selena’s contacts suspected something going on with Yolanda, but when they confronted with Selena, she would not believed that Yolanda would be a person like that until the proof was discovered. It took her dad to make Selena realize that Yolanda was not the person everyone though she was.

On March 30, 1995, Selena and Chris Perez went to a Days Inn Motel in which Yolanda was staying to get missing records for the business. They went there, got what they needed and left. While Chris and Selena were in the car, they noticed that still some of the records were missing. Selena called Yolanda back and explained that there were still missing records for the business. Since it was late Chris and Selena decided to leave it for the next day.

On March 31, 1995 Selena woke up early in the morning to get the other part of the records from Yolanda. She knew she had a rehearsal for the English album, so she went to the Days Inn motel and then decided to head for the studio afterwards.

In the room 158 of the motel, Selena and Yolanda were obviously arguing about the subject matter. While they were arguing, Selena got shot by a Yolanda Saldivar. Trying to escape was Selena where she later collapsed at the Lobby of the Days Inn Motel. Doctors tried to save her but a major artery was punctured by the bullet which prevented her from recovering. On March 31, 1995 later in the afternoon Selena was pronounced dead from loss of blood.

Her music still lives in the heart of millions throughout the day. Her legacy is never forgotten. That is why Selena is still so popular even today and years to come. We are very thankful that we are able to experience such a great talent that touches us all in special ways. Her English album went at No.1 on Billboards the first week and displays her versatile voice and what could have been. All we have is her memory and music to live by for years to come. She would want to be remembered not as an idol, but a good example and role model.

Source: http://www.comolaflor.org/