Former President Jimmy Carter responds to an audience question at a town hall held at his presidential center in Atlanta - September 16, 2009.

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African American..."I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shared the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African Americans"

..."Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care," he said. "It's deeper than that."

..."And that racism inclination still exists. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply."

Former President Carter continues and predicts President Obama will..."triumph over the racist attitude that is the basis for the negative environment that we see so vividly demonstrated in public affairs in recent days."

It just seems to me that there are deep rooted hatred and dislike for President Obama, along with major opposition not for his few policies, nor his performance, but clearly towards him as a person.  There is a distinct cry in their rhetoric and attitude that yells out "you don't belong in this position, as our President of the United States".  

As I look at these issues closely I see undoubtedly the fear that is exhibited...the fair of losing power and of having lost control.  I frequently wonder why in their hearts and mind an African-American person can not govern or run a country effectively?  I know for a fact Racism is a subtle thing that is not easily understood in oneself, but how can they not see what their actions portray.  For example, some weeks ago when the "Back to School" speech issue arose, I witnessed folks while being interviewed literally crying and complaining that they do not want their Children to hear President Obama's speech, which by the way was a lovely speech.  This was one of my "eye-opening" moments, because their words and tears were significantly racial in nature.

Even though I am familiar with all that is taking place in this country, it's strange to observe and sometimes I just don't understand what's going on.  Subsequently, how can one disrespect the President of the United States in such a manner and even while he is addressing Congress, and all of it just gets brushed over.   NONE OF IT SHOULD BE TOLERATED!  

People are forgetting if you cut President Obama or any of the previous Presidents skin the color of their blood are the same.  The color of one's skin should not be the reason why one is hated, because we all are human beings.  So I pray that President Obama is kept safe from all harm and that this outrageous behavior towards him STOP!  

These issues are so foolish and the craziness definitely must be stopped, we - the many of us who are concerned must stand up, stand together and demand that all these crazy issues and behaviors stop...After all, this is the President of the United States, he is our leader, our Commander In Chief; and a majority of the nation voted unanimously for him to be in this position and this nonsense must stop...ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

I am eager to hear your thoughts on this issue, so I look forward to having you share them with me: susan@ariousentertainment.us.  

Still thoughts about our trip to Trinidad lingers in my mind, because it was soooo...fantastic.  Actually, this is a great time to say once again that we appreciated the kindness of Mr. Frederick Bowen of FB Promotions. Mr. Bowen and his partner Yorkie Inc. have come together over the years and have marketed a number of high quality cultural events.  Based on these events, they were able to make substantial charitable donations to a number of institutions, including Rainbow Rescue Home in Belmont, the Ministry of Social Development, St. Elizabeth's Home for Handicapped Children and only recently in June 2009 the group donated a bursary to the UWI Alumni Association for the cause of an eligible needy student meeting the Association’s criteria.

Look out for Mr. Bowen and his partners' next big event in December at the Salybia Resort and Spa.  

As promised here are some of the pictures I captured of the performances at the Salybia Independence Fest  CLICK HERE TO VIEW!  Additionally, check out Shurwayne Winchester and his band YOU Live Performance of "Make It Yours" at this event - PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Remember to check Ms. Wedderburn the Manager of the Playa Del Este Resort and Private Sanctuary if you plan on visiting Trinidad, she would love to have you as a guest. Contact her at: Telephone is (868) 691-5227 or 691-2632 or via e-mail info@playadelesteresort.com  and website: http://www.playadelesteresort.com/aboutresort.asp.  Please let her know that you heard about her resort from Arious Entertainment.  

Please check out a video Todd produced "The Sights and Sounds of Trinidad".

Papa Wabe's 50 Birthday Celebration at Rams Head Live in Baltimore's Power Plant Live (Entertainment Complex) was fantastic!  Check out highlights of this special event produced by Todd Mangatal.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW "Papa Wabe's 50th birthday party and Concert!"

Papa Wabe is a popular host of a reggae radio show in Baltimore at WEAA 88.9 FM every Saturday morning from 10am to 1pm - for "Reggae Roots and Culture".  Listen on line @ www.weaa.org 

Finally, I received some information from Erica Williams-Connell (The late Prime Minister of Trinidad Dr. Eric Williams daughter) regarding the biennial "Eric Williams 'School Bags' Essay Competition, which is sponsored by The Eric Williams Memorial Collection (EWMC) at The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.  The contest is being offered to all final year Sixth Form students (or equivalent) in the former and current British-colonized Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.  It will be held from September 2009 through January 31, 2010. Winners will be announced on April 30, 2010.    PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT THIS COMPETITION AND FOR THE DETAILS!       Thanks for all the comments regarding Shana (Todd's Sister) being Michael Jackson's 3rd child Blanket Jackson's mother.  Even though they were funny, they were very interesting....LOL   Please feel free to send more comments, and to pay your tribute to Michael Jackson by adding your memories or comments to our MJ's Memorial Site CLICK HERE TO ENTER SITE!         This Saturday, September 19th, check out (1) SekouFlex 3rd Anniversary Celebration "Islands United" taking place at Zanzibar-on-the-waterfront in Washington DC; and (2) The Caribbean Students Scholarship Fund Inc. End of Summer Jam Fundraiser hosted by the T & T Working Women's Committee of Washington DC and The West Indian-American Military Members Association at THE CLUB at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.  For more details click on the flyers or just scroll down to the "Featured Events".  You can also check our "Events" page.  If you would like to share your thoughts on any of the issues above,  feel  free to send it directly to me at:  susan@ariousentertainment.us  Finally, as I close out for this week, please remember to check out all the "Featured Events below, as well as all the upcoming Caribbean Carnivals and upcoming exciting events on our "Events" Page.  Have a lovely and safe weekend!   FEATURED EVENTS To Enter The "Events" Page Check out our "Featured Events" listed below.   Also, there are several events taking place, so to view all the Events please log on to our "Events" Page above! September 19, 2009 - Maryland September 19 - Washington DC September 20, 2009 - Brentwood Maryland AKAN SPIRITUAL UNITED ORDER HEAD SPIRITUALIST NANA OKOMFOHEMA AKUA AMOABAA BOTWE 1 AND THE PAN MASTERS STEEL ORCHESTRA Present : DANCE FOR THE ANCESTORS FEATURING :THE PANMASTERS STEEL ORCHESTRA ; THE ASUO DRUMMERS ; DJ SHORTMUS PRESENTED BY LENNARD AND OMETHA JACK (KWABENA ASIEDU AND OKOMFO BADU)   2:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M. AT THE PANYARD , 4559 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE , BRENTWOOD, MARYLAND   DONATION: $15.00 (includes food, drinks can be purchased)   September 21, 2009 - Washington DC September 26, 2009 - Washington DC October 3, 2009 - Washington DC    Featured Caribbean Social Network - LOG ON...JOIN...MAKE IT YOURS!   Join Arious Entertainment and My Caribbean for The Miami-Broward Carnival "After Carnival Cruise".  A 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise Starting at $229.00/per double occupancy (a substantial savings of up to 80% off the brochure price of $849.00).   Departing Miami on October 12, 2009, and making stops in (1) Key West: for us to explore the beautiful island, and to get a taste of its signature dessert-the Key Lime Pie; and (2) Cozumel Mexico for us to discover the ancient Maya ruins, as well as to play on the white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen on the mainland.  Finally we return to Miami on October 16, 2009.  Please note while on the ship all meals are included (24 hours a day,) with lots of fun and exciting things to do while aboard including a casino, live shows, entertainment, games, dancing and lots more. To learn all about this exciting cruise and to book your ticket now click on the picture below.  Once on the Cruise Travel Page, scroll down and select the October 12-16th Cruise to learn all the details. CLICK HERE TO ENTER MYCARIBBEAN.US EXCITING TRAVEL CLUB TO LOG ON TO THE LINK TO LEARN ALL THE DETAILS AND TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR THIS CRUISE   YOU CAN ALSO CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THIS FANTASTIC CRUISE DEAL!