Monday, December 08, 2008

Young, Gifted and Strapped

Am I too old fashioned or am I just out of rhythm so much to expect that a young man who comes from the hood, is gifted with an extraordinary talent that blesses him or her to levels beyond their wildest dreams should act and carry themselves with a modicum of poise and discipline? Am I to think that today's urban culture is so edgy that a young millionaire has to be strapped at all times? It seems that one would leave all that back in the 'hood if, in fact, they were exposed to that type of lifestyle back then...

According to news sources, Between 1 and 2 a.m. Saturday 11/29, New Yotk giants football star, Plaxico Burress was preparing to the enter the upper VIP section of the Latin Quarter, a club and restaurant at 511 Lexington Avenue. He was holding a drink in his left hand and fidgeting with his right hand around the waistline of his pants; A witness then heard a "pop" sound, followed by Burress saying, "Take me to a hospital." Burress' legs began to shake, and a blood-covered pistol fell out of his pants;

-- Burress was taken by private means to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound.Burress does not have a valid weapons permit for the .40 caliber Glock, which was recovered Sunday at Burress' house, and he is facing charges that could result in a prison sentence of between three-and-a-half and 15 years.

He was not required to enter a plea and is due back in court on March 31 -- the result of Burress' lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, asking that both the prosecution and defense take their time sorting through this case. Ahhh the fruits of a pampered lifestyle. He certainly was not extended these courtesies because he is such an example of community goodwill. This brotha's trying to thug his way through life and we are rewarding him for it...!

That said, people experienced in the handling of firearms will suggest to you that anyone dumb enough to carry a gun in their waistband without a holster deserves whatever happens. And still others will tell you that carrying "Mexican" is a style of carrying one's weapon and that there are definitely do's and don't's to observe when doing so... To " Mexican Carry" is 4 or 5 o:clock ( depending on butt size ) through the belt , Outside the pants , barrel/slide in rear pocket. It can't fall downwards , shoot the genitals or go bang unless the trigger is pulled with the safety off ... add a backstrap safety and one will not have a problem. Carrying in front is something else. And definitely a bad idea.

And so, Plaxico (and most wannabegangstas) obviously did not have the proper information on how to safely carry his firearm. But what in the world was going on with him to make him believe he had to carry? I mean a man of his wealth could hire security if he is in danger. Is it that the hip hop baller status lifestyle requires him to play tough and carry a weapon? It seems that Plaxico has a LOT to lose if he were to throw down on somebody. So what gives?

To me his actions send the wrong character message to those young people who may look up to him as a role model.. Plaxico should be talking about being Young Gifted and Black, not young gifted and strapped.

If this is the future, then God help us....