55 Comments

1. 

   brian

   February 21, 2019 at 8:20 am

   how do I delete my sympathy from this site when the story first broke and we all were horrified for him. I have delete all his music and will never listen to his songs again. The shame he has brought to all gay men is tragic.

   Reply
   • 

     Momo

     February 21, 2019 at 11:39 am

     Now when others report attacks, people may be skeptical.

     I don’t know that he has brought shame to all gay men. He himself is shameful and what he did is shameful. IMO it’s just tarnished him.

     Reply
     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 5:12 pm

       So true, Momo.
       I feel nothing but contempt for Smollett. He is a usurper who took advantage of the turmoil going on……he knew/knows how strong the biases against Trump are…..used it to the hilt!!
       He wished to garner sympathy…..blaming Trump supporters, as having low tolerance for blacks and gays? Other way around….It backfired!!
       All he did was accomplish nothing…did not move any needle except for career suicide.

       Reply
   • 

     Celia

     February 21, 2019 at 11:45 am

     To be honest, brian, I had never heard of him before….I do not watch any program except LAW AND ORDER: SVU and FBI ( new show)…..I will catch NCIS on Tuesdays, when I can…..I dvr them most of the time. I love repeats of BOSTON LEGAL—-those writers have wit ( cannot compare to anyone else—they are intellectually over-the top) with a twisted sense of humor—love it!!
     Sorry for regressing…. What I hear in the news is taking me aback. This guy had no regard for the hurt he was inflicting upon his own race; where the symbol of the noose is atrocious. What about the consumption of time spent where the police could have been engaged in real crimes?
     Why? To bolster his career? To besmirch Trump and his supporters with his fake red-block threatening letters which read MAGA?
     There were over two-hundred preventable crimes committed in Chicago during this Smollett (sp) farce ( if I heard right). The hours, the manpower, the overlooking of serious crimes and the monies spent over a falsehood is above reprimandable.

     Reply
     • 

       Celia

       February 21, 2019 at 3:05 pm

       Sorry, brian….autocorrect hates me. LOL….I did type “digress”, yet when I wasn’t looking! autocorrect changed it to “regress”. HaHa.
       As Momo remarked, this horrible “put-on” will be disastrous for those who truly are/will be victims of hate crimes–
       I know first hand what two of my very best friends, who are gay and whom I have known since pre-school, have faced….the hate; the slurs; the mean, mocking looks…
       Yes, homosexuality is seemingly accepted, in the modern world; however, the viciousness still exists. This guy, just set us back some, did he not? Shameful!! I hope he rots in he!!.

       Reply
   • 

     Viewe88

     February 21, 2019 at 3:27 pm

     Brian,
     Don’t feel shame for your sympathies ever.
     This event came at the perfect time. I feel sympathy for Jussie too, he’s obviuosly a lazy couch potato, listening Whoopie and Joy’s hate filled rants on The View, every day, and became a bit unstable, thats all it is.
     The world is coming into balance slowly.
     Only racists, can fight racism.
     Only homophobes can fight homophobia. I could go on, but the list is a black hole to Hell.
     It only ends, when people start thinking for themselves, and banish their brainwashing.
     Jussie did a great service in waking people up.

     Reply
     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 8:20 am

       What an admirable way to phrase your sentences, VIEWE88!!
       “Only racists can fight racism….only homophobes can fight homophobia.”….I never looked at it that way—-very philosophical of you!! And, I agree. Unless one knows a gay person well, or there is a family member who is gay; one will not understand that homosexuality is not a mental disorder, or that the parents did something wrong rearing their child.
       You make so much sense……Smollett’s actions were an eye-opener. Yet, sadly, some people will never see the light; no matter how bright it shines.❤️

       Reply
   • 

     Scor

     February 21, 2019 at 6:13 pm

     As a gay MAGA man, I would say that we still have to be kind to all and reserve judgment. I knew this was a hoax because people don’t stalk people in Chicago during a polar vortex, screaming this is MAGA country. I was in Chicago that week. It was too cold to walk a block, much less attack a man in a low crime part of the city. I’m concerned that our rush to believe people’s stories when they villainize people we fear, yet are misinformed about, well, I’m concerned the anger and violence it incites. I’ve been attacked physically and violently by my fellow gay men for voting for Trump. If I had reported these attacks on my safety, on my life, and my attackers convicted, would I have been greeted with warm words of support? Probably not. Therein lies the problem. We want to believe our tribe, and we want to vilify the ones we are told to hate. This is no different than the Russian revolution or the rise of fascism or even the taliban. But today, tribes who have been marginalized in the past are quick to believe the worst in our enemies. What if we all become individuals who think independently and reserve judgment until empirical facts are proven and available and stop aligning with our tribes and instead aligning with America. We all make America great. We had a recession and a few wars that we need to recover from. Maybe something so benign as MAGA has no meaning but what it says. With all due respect, no one should have run to his defense or rushed to judgment avoid the Covington boy or got on the me-too bandwagon during the Kavanaugh hearings. Victims often lie. We can have compassion, but development of opinions based on no facts is a problem in America that is ripping us apart. Even Robin Roberts looks foolish and unprofessional now. She needed this story to be true to support a narrative she may be too uncomfortable to re-evaluate and abandon. I’ve done that step, and I’d like everyone to join me in giving up our tribes and choosing our American family first over all else.

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     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 8:20 am

       Kudos!!❤️

       Reply
     • 

       Patrick

       February 22, 2019 at 12:43 pm

       that “Covington” boy KNEW what he was doing… was this not more horrific , especially, coming from a child. AND now – he’s suing the Washington Post for $250 million dollars. The Native American chose to “forgive” him. and if that was shared by that “Covington” boy.. then I hope he has no chance with his lawsuit. I cried.. I literally sat their crying as this was going on. I agree with your message. do not be so quick to act.. be it for or against.. rushing to judgment … in the heated moment is not easy

       i’m sorry you were victimized. I will never stand with McConnell, and Graham. EVER. this 2 year obliteration of all we hold dear to our democracy. is in shambles AND all the people of middle class and the lower socio-economic are paying for it. along with people of color. at this time I find it unfathomable that LGBT Men and women would fight amongst themselves because of their political affiliate ? that’s what the GOP WANT. Godspeed

       Reply
       • 

         Celia

         February 23, 2019 at 11:45 am

         Hey, Patrick,
         The media was quick enough to rush to judgment over Nicholas, the Covington student. I don’t know exactly what you mean, Patrick. He knew what he was doing? He wasn’t doing anything except waiting for the bus and wearing a Maga hat. The Indian approached him….beating that drum in his face. An old jailbird instigating a fifteen-year-old!!
         Phillips has a criminal record—plus, he lied about serving in the Vietnam war–he is a vagabond.
         Did you not see the videos and hear what went on before the media decided to show only “what we saw”? The black Hebrew Israelites were ferocious and disgusting against children—-who were only there to march for Pro-Life. A very peaceful demonstration…..unlike ANTIFA, adults–rebels without a cause who have no clue what fascism is.
         Perhaps you missed the aftermath, Patrick, my friend—-everyone apologized to the kid, not to the Indian; once the truth came out.
         The Indian should be put back in prison, as the instigating mean-face, that he is.
         I thank God, Trump has been in Office these past two years. Isis would have spread globally like wildfire.
         I dread to think what will happen to this country if he loses the 2020 election.

         Reply
     • 

       Deborah

       February 27, 2019 at 7:36 pm

       Excellent post. As an African American Trump supporter I feel you. It is insane what all this “tribal” nonsense have done to critical thinking. People in my own family and friends have called me names for supporting Trump, or I should say supporting our president and praying for the country to succeed. No one president have ever been perfect and I in agreement with all their policies, but I do think it is important to allow an individual to feel free to support who they want and don’t attack them for it. Jussie fell into the attention seeking, everything goes as long as you can trash Trump and his supporters trap, set up by the mainstream media. They will support you no matter who you are as long as you gave out the Trump trashing talking points. He knew by saying MAGA it would blow up his popularity. Too bad for him, he will be more known for the hoax than his talent,

       Reply
   • 

     Patrick

     February 22, 2019 at 9:56 am

     Hi Brian – I agree with @Momo that this is not a representation of ALL gay men. as this indirectly does not constitute a legal HATE CRIME. he did this because he wanted empathy ???? AND he thought “Empire” would throw a little bit more cash on all his paychecks? Money and Greed turned his mind ? AND he brought this all on himself. I don’t know how much he was making off of his music… PLUS his salary from the show. I’ve never heard of him prior to EMPIRE. dag! he wanted it all, right here and now. who doesn’t ? yet, I will stand with ; you and I and all friends of.. and live the life we bear and VOTE and fight for equality, for people of color and LGBTQ.

     even if I’ve never watched Empire nor heard his music… I knew in the back recesses that this man was making inroad AND featuring a GAY MAN.

     when you hear on the news that , like never before, hate crimes RISEN … AND you have that much more groups of people with differing viewpoints who are readily sharing supremacy ?

     in the past 2 years… you would think we are becoming unglued.. not caring of our fellow man and taking liberties of ignoring our constitution.

     Salute

     Reply
     • 

       Momo

       February 23, 2019 at 6:53 am

       How to get a pay raise by Jussie Smollett: mail yourself a threatening letter. If that doesn’t do it, orchestrate an assault. Lie to police and go on TV and continually lie, showing your bosses how great an actor you are. This will surely get their attention. If confronted with irrefutable evidence that you organized it all, keep lying! Your bosses will surely appreciate your dedication to the lie!

       Reply
2. 

   Momo

   February 21, 2019 at 8:56 am

   I hope he gets prison time and loses his job. He went on a PR run after his “attack”. He really put the spotlight on the Chicago PD and Chicago.

   He has lied to police before.

   He just continually lied. I wouldn’t want to work with him.

   There are better ways to go about getting a raise and publicity. How stupid and sad he resorted to this.

   Reply
   • 

     su000

     February 21, 2019 at 2:29 pm

     hi Momo–
     He has ”lost his job”
     he will not go to prison he is charged with disorderly conduct.
     Nonetheless; He has created for himself his own prison.

     Reply
     • 

       Momo

       February 22, 2019 at 7:49 am

       I read that he’ll probably get probation, but considering the magnitude and scope of his lying and how he basically went on a PR run repeating his lies, I think he should get some prison time AND a huge fine.

       Maybe if he’s charged with federal crimes, that might create some prison time.

       How did he think he could get away with this??? It just boggles the mind.

       Reply
       • 

         Shay

         February 22, 2019 at 10:09 pm

         @Momo…From your lips to the justice system’s ears! I would love to see this fool get a no-nonsense judge with some really creative sentencing moves…like making Smollett wear a MAGA hat 24/7 for at least 30 days….be it in the slammer or on display in the public square! Now THAT would truly be just desserts for this criminal’s utterly shameful attempts to not only impugn our president and his supporters, but to further inflame racial tensions in our country.

         Reply
         • 

           Patrick

           February 23, 2019 at 12:01 am

           “growing” UP “Gay” is a myriad

           I don’t know what drove Jussie.. he was sustainable; able to take care of himself at all time.

           if you are not dependent on any “one” to live out your life? and do this? yes you made the spotlight, yet apparently you weren’t being paid enough.. AND thought – effect – would

           I don’t think you were being pressured… by your bloated demon???? come on ! Jessie you could take care of yourself. walk the fine line, mind the safety net, AND vote AND public speak, USE OUR WALK as struggle

           ??? I don’t see this as any more than an incident.. comparable to the past 2 years of sludge AND for the books record of slamming people OUT

           GOD they must yield a lot . LINE your pocketbook… the hands out senators who buckle, especially blinding when you majority

           lobbyists one hand feeding the other

           those kicked to the curb and gerrymandering and voter fraud

           all those attempts that did it

           I vote every time. the blue wave did something.. all this “awareness” on the internet AND “FOX”

           I still voted from the gut… I still voted for pride of our country.. I still voted my instinct… I still voted what I was taught

           YES its at times in your face LGBTQ African American… does People of Color sting ? lesbian gay bisexual transgender ?? Queer ?

           I WAS BORN THIS WAY… this is hurting people

           you tack in people of color .. because you cause infighting… filters

           AND I want to share that I filter obvious

           thru thick and thin this America was strong I don’t see it

           HELP
         • 

           Celia

           February 23, 2019 at 5:47 pm

           Oh, Patrick…..this is an incident to you? Not an incident. It’s a crime!! Punishable by law—-an assault to all that’s right!! Do you consider the verbal assault on Trump’s young son, and his grandchildren an incident, as well? Not laden with hate? …. so heavy, it will explode everywhichway? They are children, for goodness sakes. Taboo. Keep out.
           If there is mail fraud, this jerk needs jail time. No excuses…no one forced his hand…..even as a hoax—sending himself white powder? Sick. Disturbed. Anyone who naysays this.
         • 

           Shay

           March 3, 2019 at 12:07 am

           @Patrick…..Instead of looking at this “incident,” as another means of dividing us, I prefer to consider it as a watershed moment which has finally united usually disparate groups in utter disgust! The notion that anyone would concoct such a phony scenario in order to attract attention for themselves is simply wrong on so many levels…legally, morally and socially….It disrespects those who have suffered actual attacks like the one purported, not to mention, the people of Chicago who are in desperate need of every ounce of police protection the city can muster. There are already plenty of public means to voice one’s opinions on the state of this country and its times…but this sordid stunt, no matter the motivation, was wholly inappropriate and should not be defended or excused, but denounced by all of us who are law-abiding American citizens, regardless of our differing political and personal loyalties.
     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 8:39 am

       Hey, SuzieQ—-so far, he is charged with disorderly conduct….However, the charges are not all presented. There IS a small, little thing called, MAIL FRAUD!! That’s jail time, if proven……..FEDERAL crime!! Just ask my parents!! LOL.
       If the courts let him go, in case he has no previous, outstanding black marks against him; there may be an uproar. We will hear other criminals ( and he is a criminal, at this point) who may go up in arms, if they are serving a sentence for a similar crime.
       By the same token, lawmen/lawmakers must prove a point—-one cannot get away with playing with fire. A baby died during this investigation ( correct me if I’m wrong-I think), and so many other crimes because of police shortage.
       Chicago is already known as a most criminally overwhelmed city—-it’s “windy”, all right!! Back to the Wild, Wild, (Mid) West!!!!—– this ridiculous, egotistcal, fake, concoction of a story does not bode well for this idiot….I guess we must sympathize with him? Is this a cry for help? Does he have family? There are so many questions! He had the life!! He ruined it for a little attention? And as he spoke of President Trump ( for no resson at all–yet Trump is to blame) in his interview with Robin, I felt chills—-the hate and disdain for him was palpable and tangible. I can’t even imagine what would be in someone’s soul to hate ANYONE with such intensity.

       Reply
       • 

         su000

         February 22, 2019 at 12:01 pm

         Hi Celia 🙂
         Time will tell- have to go through this first;
         Federal law enforcement sources tell us they’re still investigating the letter and have drawn no conclusions. Both federal and state law enforcement sources say the operating theory was that the 2 brothers — Abel and Ola Osundairo — may have mailed the letter because, when cops raided their apartment and seized magazines, there were pages missing.

         The FBI tells they are assisting Chicago PD in determining who sent the letter. We asked repeatedly if they are conducting an independent mail fraud investigation, but they will neither confirm nor deny.

         Reply
         • 

           Celia

           February 22, 2019 at 3:49 pm

           The brothers were paid to do Smollett’s bidding, my SuzieQ…..if you ask me, Jussie is a perpetrator with a serious mental dysfunction. No sane person would go through such criminal machinations and lengths to satisfy whatever hunger is within him/her. Too messy—so many clues left behind.
           The brothers are just as guilty, of course—- I bet Abel is the good brother. Oops–forgive me–no Bible jokes. Such a sinner, I am!!
           If he wanted more money, he could have gotten a second job…..My father worked three jobs, and then some, as a teen, to save for College….and then law school. My grandparents helped as much as they could…..but, none of them devised anything criminal to get ahead. This is typical of anyone trying to make a living. Why did he think the money tree was readily available to him? And in such an evil way!! Greed and dishonesty are a bad combination.
           Smollett is a spoiled brat, if you ask me. Did he think he would get away with it? Regardless of whatever punishment, he has still committed a crime. It will not blow over….especially if he is charged with mail fraud. It matters not who sent the letter. Smollett directed those guys to do it. He was the mastermind. I want to smack him a few rounds.
           Perhaps, I’m not as charitable as you or others, but my blood runs cold when I think of the loss of life while the cops were busy investigating this farce of a crime.
       • 

         Momo

         February 23, 2019 at 6:47 am

         He does have a DUI. When stopped he gave police his brother’s name and signed his brother’s name so a history of lying to police,

         Reply
3. 

   Ray

   February 21, 2019 at 9:15 am

   I always thought Jussie had a great talent, killer smile, and was a huge asset to “Empire.” When he appeared on “Live With Kelly,” he had a great spirit that made me wonder if he might eventually be her permanent co-host. This story made me sick when it happened and I never thought the result would be that Jussie orchestrated the attack.

   As I watched the press conference this morning, I held out hope that he was still telling the truth. Now, it makes me realize how much damage has been done by this stunt for attention. We live in a society that bases a “good day” by how many likes we get on social media. Jussie had a great future ahead of him, including music and other shows that might have come his way. It appears those opportunities will no longer be there at his finger tips. He should have been happy with the success he has had on “Empire,” the opportunity to learn from Tarija and Terrance, and appreciate the fact that he had been given a great opportunity that many unemployed actors would have loved to have been given four years ago.

   I think Jussie needs help. His narcissism took valuable sources away from the Chicago Police department. His career is now in shambles. How are fans of the show going to accept that someone that tried to pass this off as racism and still accept him on the show?

   Reply
   • 

     Momo

     February 21, 2019 at 11:42 am

     “His narcissism took valuable sources away from the Chicago Police department.”

     Yes! He ought to have to repay the city for the expenses incurred in investigating his lies.

     And I think this is so much worse than just an individual making a false police report because it got national attention, he went on TV talking about, he talked about it at his concert.

     Are you that hungry for publicity that you will pretend to be a victim? It diminishes true victims. The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

     Reply
     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 8:40 am

       Momo…. Beautiful post!!❤️

       Reply
4. 

   Momo

   February 21, 2019 at 11:45 am

   He could also get federal charges if he mailed that threat to himself. FBI is investigating. He’s in a world of trouble. I think FOX has to write him for the rest of the season at least.

   Used to watch “Empire”, but don’t anymore. I guess Jamal can take a trip or go to jail.

   Reply
5. 

   Timmm

   February 21, 2019 at 11:54 am

   Guilty? Yep and the beaches in the Bahamas consist powdery white sand! He is or should I say was a horrible actor! I knew when he talked to Robin Roberts he was lying! Then, he refused to give his phone to the police. Why? He said he was protecting his lover and had personal info on there. Right. AND evidence that you hired these two clowns to be in your circus! Why wouldnt you help the police? All you did was waste the police departments time, give Chicago another black mark in regards to their high crime rate and make yourself look like a fool!

   Reply
   • 

     su000

     February 21, 2019 at 2:20 pm

     hey Timmm–
     He will get a fine and community service.

     What he did was dirty, bad bad bad..
     but- he is charged with ‘disorderly conduct.

     The law won’t be the tool to greatly punish him, he will be his own downfall.

     Reply
   • 

     davlestev1

     February 21, 2019 at 5:08 pm

     And that sums that up Timmm. You just sit back outraged at his blatant ignorance to think this was at all a good idea, and disregard of those who backed him. He needs locking up. He needs a mental health exam. Jurnee and his other siblings will pay the price for his stupidity as well. I’m gobsmacked. How utterly appalling and embarrassing.

     Reply
     • 

       Timmm

       February 22, 2019 at 8:38 am

       I dont even want to get pulled over for running a red light. I dont get how people like this on this earth have no fear or respect for the law?

       Reply
       • 

         Celia

         February 22, 2019 at 4:03 pm

         I know, T…..the only time I was pulled over? …..late for class and I crossed over, to the HOV lane prematurely ( my sister was riding shotgun). I didn’t even realize I did anything wrong—-chatting away with my sister—-
         Guess what I did, Timmmy? I cried…..the cop let me go with a warning. …..was NEVER pulled over again!! I am the most perfect driver!! Yup. LOL.
         Seriously, this thing was such a fallacy. This guy must be really dumb ( for a thirty-six-year-old), or truly naive, thinking he would get away with it!!

         Reply
       • 

         Shay

         February 22, 2019 at 10:21 pm

         It really is quite mind-boggling, isn’t it, Timmm? Guess in this case, the perpetrator thought the ends “jussified” the means! Now even “Precious” has abandoned this fool…his goose is truly cooked! Serves him right!

         Reply
   • 

     sonniorsolita

     February 21, 2019 at 10:25 pm

     He’s gone well beyond making himself look like a fool. If he is found guilty, which seems highly likely, he will have destroyed his own career and gotten himself a prison term.

     Reply
     • 

       Celia

       February 22, 2019 at 9:29 pm

       For sure, Sonniosorlita…..yet, as the media describes his actions……. ( paraphrasing)….”yes, what Smollett did was not right, of course…. but Trump and his supporters are still racist”——the media is actually downplaying what this criminal did by sugarcoating his actions and blaming ME and calling ME a white supremacist. I speak for all white, Trump supporters.
       Well, what about the black Trump supporters? There are plenty out there. Are they racist?
       What about the gay community who supports Trump? Are they homophobes? This guy is no impressionable child!! He’s way past his “formative” years, and then some.
       This is where our history comes into play—-the slave owners were all democrats, until such time it became advantageous to all….
       The KKK—startd by democrats to suppress newly freed slaves their rights, after the Civil War…no matter how new authors try to debunk this fact, I know my history.
       The Clintons are the best representation of this fact, regardless how much they prance about as tolerant of all things black!! Hypocrites!! Obama called Hillary a racist during his presidential debate because of her association with KKK leader, Robert Byrd. What about her racist comment caught on camera? …as recent as Oct. of 2018–she jocked around, thinking the mic wasn’t on, “They all look alike”….referring to blacks.
       Don’t even get me started on Joe Biden who makes racist comments about black people living in Michigan.
       But, gee….no one hears about them—only Trump.
       Forgive my tirade, Sonniorsolita, but it is so overwhelmingly frustrating to hear these journalists/ panelists trying to excuse this guy by holding Trump supporters accountable for his culpability.

       Reply
       • 

         Timmm

         February 25, 2019 at 5:39 am

         Up to date, the Oscar hypocrites who preach peace, love and equality attacked Trump on what was supposed to be another historic night! Thanks to the classless Spike Lee, Maya Rudolph and Striesand, you showed us who you really are. Also, best picture, the Green Book. What! Bradley and Lady Ga Ga, you were the true winners! Classy and capable! Also, Sam Elliot, you were robbed to!

         Reply
6. 

   Rodd

   February 21, 2019 at 12:23 pm

   So pissed off! I wanted to believe that someone was out to get him. This is just self-sabotage. WTH??? I stood up for him on social media pages, saying innocent until proven guilty. I bet a lot of other people did, too. What a let down. He should be ashamed of himself. Lost me as a fan; that’s for sure.

   Reply
7. 

   su000

   February 21, 2019 at 2:11 pm

   OK– a confession, he is chin deep in trouble.
   What a brain dead thing to do, for a publicity stunt.

   He was not my favorite brother on Empire I like Hakeem.
   Jussie is a black gay man, on screen and off, that was unusual and he has a great voice.
   What a shame seeing him destroy his life.

   Attorney- ”’; “Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked””

   ”’Smollett was charged with disorderly conduct.”’

   Anyways it will soon be forgotten,,

   Reply
   • 

     Patrick

     February 22, 2019 at 12:53 pm

     I truly appreciate that Empire chose to feature a gay black man. YES… VERY unusual.. as the Black Community to this day… will never wholly accept homosexuality. WHY ? I don’t know… as this is just another ring it up against them.. they will never concede.. because of their machismo… and perhaps by women seen as weak… who knows? I will relentlessly voice my opinion on this subject matter.. as all races PLUS sexual orientation in all people of color.. should be on even footing. so much infighting… for naught. have the tactics of fear mongering by the current GOP AND the GOP of the last two years .. done their job? legislated everything they could to keep people of color and sexual orientation stamped out ? kicked to the curb. I don’t think we have totally done ourselves a disservice that we cannot rebound. my only exclamation at this time.. is sincerely supporting the house of representatives do their job and campaign that much for 2020… which is just next year. SALUTE

     Reply
8. 

   Michael Teale

   February 21, 2019 at 2:27 pm

   As an openly gay man, I am angry, stunned, furious and saddened that this case turned out the way that it did. I had strong suspicions right from the get go that Jussie’s story was bogus. When Chicago police didn’t find any surveillance footage of the actual attack, I knew that Mr. Smollet’s tale of woe was going off the rails. Just to be clear, I am not African-American, I am white. For him to hire two men to help stage this “attack” and use a noose which has an extremely negative and horrible legacy from the many lynchings that blacks have suffered hundreds of years ago, is appalling and disgusting and beyond the pale.

   We as a country but more importantly, the LGBTQ and African-American communities must confront the issues that have arisen as a result of Mr. Smollet’s actions. It is my opinion that he could very well have set the advances of the LGBTQ and African-American communities back considerably. Although, I hope that that is not the case.

   I urge the unions that represent actors and actresses cut Mr. Smollet from said unions and revoke his medical/health care insurance AND also urge Fox’s ‘Empire’ to tear up Mr. Smollet’s contract, fire him from the show, cut any upcoming scenes in which he is set to appear in and also deny him payment for those scenes. There must be a strong and united front against the very actions of this man who perpetrated this horrendous crime.

   While Smollet is to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, he is clearly guilty of his actions and it my hope that the prosecutors in Cook County Illinois throw the proverbial book at him and make sure that he serves a very stiff sentence and that the federal government also takes strong measures against Smollet.

   Lastly, I applaud the two brothers for coming forward with the information that ultimately broke this case wide open and wholeheartedly thank the Chicago Police Department for their thorough investigation into this matter and presented the evidence to the prosecutor’s office. Without their due diligence and hard work, we may never have known the full story.

   Reply
   • 

     Patrick

     February 23, 2019 at 12:27 am

     I would cry

     Reply
9. 

   Scot

   February 21, 2019 at 5:46 pm

   As a gay MAGA myself, I have been targeted by radical fascists from the left. Since 2015, I can count almost 20 occasions when I was harassed and attacked, on a couple occasions violently, by unhinged anarchists who have decided I’m an enemy, as if a collective switch flipped on to trigger mobs who live in an echo chamber to become irrational and outraged about EVERYTHING. I’ve NEVER been a victim of a hate crime for being gay. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been bullied for being gay. That means, since 2015, my “community” has attacked me 4 times as much as gay bashes have done my enthtr life.

   What this individual has done has damaged people from all walks.
   1) Future hate crimes may be viewed too skeptically.
   2) MAGA folks aren’t running around attacking people; we are the ones being attacked! I’m living proof! This guy had to hire actors to carry out this hoax because there aren’t people like me wearing red hats and stalking minoriities. MAGA is all Americans. This man highjacked that slogan and used it once again to incite anger and place us in the crosshairs once again.
   3) The arbitrary changing of the meanings of phrases and words because of misguided social justice battles actually hurts the cause. The R word has become so ubiquitous that it has lost its meaning. Racism is an institution. It is evil. His hoax just slapped the faces of all the innocent black Americans who truly were victims of racism. Ropes? Bleach? This is sick. It’s cruel. It makes a mockery of the people who suffered. I’m nauseated because this is so deplorable.
   4) Chicago! My state’s largest city and my second hometown has been damaged by this. Think of the interruption to manpower that could have been used to protect the most vulnerable from gun violence! What if violent riots had broken out? Finally, what about Chicago’s reputation? Many parts of the city are safe enough to walk around at night. It’s not like people are getting shot all over the city. It’s definitely not a city where white people stalk black people, and black people aren’t stalking white people. This city has endured too much for this ignorant misinformed punk to hurt its reputation. Chicago IS MAGA country though because making America great again is something the people of Chicago do every day as they recover from setbacks and endure and excel. Trump doesn’t own that phrase. Bill Clinton said it many times.
   5) HIS SHOW! He may have hurt the show irreparably. Hopefully not. But other people who work on that show depend on their paychecks. He showed zero regard for his coworkers and their security. He just wanted a pay raise and attention and to further enforce the Trump/MAGA myth to stoke outrage.

   Fellow Americans: we need to stop allowing the media and political “leaders” to divide us. They’ve been doing this for a long long time. It keeps us divided and angry and distracted while they plot more and more to grab the puppet strings and. control our lives. We just didn’t see it until the President started the dialogue. He is the symptom of a sick country. He isn’t the cause. We need the tribalism and the divisions to end now. The government gets its power from the chaos. Thankfully, in. Chicago, the truth was quickly found. I’m proud how this worked out, and I’m hopeful we can reconcile our differences. We gotta learn to talk and compromise and tolerate and love and respect each other. Stop blaming others and resisting our president. It’s not going to change, because about 65 million Americans won’t allow it. 2020 marks the next presidential campaign, and the electoral college will relflect the will of the states and elect our 45th or 46th President; per the constitution. We have never been and never will be a democracy federally. We’re a republic, and 37 states aren’t going to change the constitution so that 3 large states can elect the president. Get it out of your heads that we will ever have a president elected by popular vote. The founders made that top difficult to change, and the electoral college is testament to their wisdom and ability to compromise. THEREFORE, we need to ratchet down the outrage and anger. The peaceful transfer of power wasn’t so peaceful in 2016. People are gonna have to respect the results in 2020 and stop the outrageous behavior. Maybe don’t talk about politics because politicians at the federal level have considerably less impact on your life than your local elected officials have. This actor, for whom I have ZERO sympathy or respect, is not some misguided lost victim. He committed a serious crime that could have been a flashpoint for civil unrest that could break out at any moment until we citizens decide to behave in a manner that guides us away from disaster. Maybe if we change, we can elect leaders who represent the good in us. As long as we continue the outrage, the politicians win, no matter the party, because they all are the same and they all want the same thing, and it’s not the good of the country. MAGA and all the best……

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   • 

     Celia

     February 22, 2019 at 9:06 am

     I am an Independent/Libertarian, Scot….and, a Trump supporter. The only choice which makes sense. As an avid believer in national and global follower of politics and its science; I do speak with a modicum of educated knowledge. I definitely do not parrot news; fake news…..nor do I fall, mouth agape, like a wide-eyed gullible fool to whatever propaganda is thrown out there.
     I think I can discern veracity from mendacity and weed-out the ridiculous from the truth.
     Trump followers are the racists, the homophobes, the liars, the uneducated, the misogynists, the Walmart shoppers, the evil, the heartless, the haters!! Right!! This is what’s out there on a daily basis. None of us is perfect—–to lump us all ( Trump supporters) into one bushel, with a few rotten apples, proves the ignorance of those who utter “them there” words. I never use the word hate….but, there is no stronger expression for me. Thus, dems….hate me if you must; but do not hate me for having different opinions, ideals, and principles from yours.
     As you emphasized, Scot—we are all Americans. A proud capitalist country—-no other country in the world can compare to our democracy; our econom; our sense of being; our independence; our goodnesd, our ideals—-please let’s not drown in socialism—never works!!
     MAGA!! You are right Trump did not invent that phrase. It was started by Regan and constantly used by Randy Billy Boy Clinton. Yet, because Trump adoptedit, it has become dirty and offensive.❤️

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   • 

     Shay

     February 22, 2019 at 11:10 pm

     What a beautifully passionate post, Scot! Touche’! I would like to expound upon your notion regarding the left’s well-entrenched stereotype of the in-your-face Trump voter as an ardent wearer of MAGA hats! I happen to live in a highly-Republican area which overwhelmingly supported our president, and I can safely say that in the normal course of any given day since the run-up to the 2016 election, I have seen exactly ONE person donning such headgear in a public, non-political venue. It was an elderly gentleman customer at my bank…a salt-of-the-earth type who was probably of the WW2 generation and who politely held the door for me as I was exiting the business premises…as such, I both thanked him and complimented him on his hat. (Thinking in the back of my mind that I hoped nobody would harass this lovely old man for wearing it were he to wander into unfriendly territory!…..) Even though nearly everyone I know supported DJT, none of us has gone out and about in this supposed fashion staple on any occasion or for any reason, most especially in order to menace people of color or trigger liberals in general.!!! Quite frankly, few of us even own such items and of the ones who do, their caps are strictly kept stored as collectors’ mementos or to appropriately wear whilst golfing at our local private club where nobody seems to object. In other words, the image of all Trump voters being rednecks-at-large who take “great” delight in offending the masses by the regular wearing of that now-famous red hat is largely a myth. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t be caught dead in one….not because I am ashamed to be a Trump supporter, but due to the fact I simply don’t care for any ballcaps as a style statement! Furthermore, I am very discrete in my political activities…I don’t make public declarations with yardsigns, bumper stickers, tee-shirts, anything! And in this day and age, not only do I choose to be private for privacy’s sake, but also because you never know who is unhinged and could act out against one’s person solely based upon a difference of political opinion. And that is a very sad statement of where we are in this country today! The Constitution is supposed to allow all of us the freedom to declare our views and loyalties regardless of whether it pleases one and all…but apparently, in the “Age of Trump,” such rights no longer exist for those of us who have the audacity to love our country and support its leader!

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     • 

       Celia

       February 25, 2019 at 1:48 pm

       Hi, Shaybelle,
       To parrot you, I have never worn a cap, of the sort, in my life—I have been tempted, many times, on the Vineyard during my College days, but, I resisted, LOL…
       Nevertheless, it is ridiculous not to have the freedom to wear a MAGA hat for fear of being harassed or killed even, by some nutcase.
       Then, we have Bill Maher, who disgustingly pulls the elite card, dares to spew his ignorant rhetoric that the ‘red’ states are envious and stupid —“They want to be us”……and, albeit NY and MA may ’tilt’ blue, I certainly do not want to be “them”…..As hypocritical as those who turn the tables and call Trump and his supporters as the disseminators of hate—-it’s the other way around–who hates Jews? Who refers to these noble people as termites? Who commands people to do harm/get in Trump supporters’ faces etc.?
       My father said it was never like this. There was always some dispute, disagreement between parties….but, this new ‘enlightened’ party, who all copy each other’s fake philosophies and embrace perilous socialist ideologies are embarking on treacherous waters. Who will suffer? The little guy!!
       The hate and the spite grows like a cancer. We are Americans, yet some hate the president more than they love their country.
       It simply breaks my heart. I have many democratic friends; my husband is a democrat–we do not tear each other apart—we have discussions; disagreements; pros and cons—-nothing like this….to blame everything that goes wrong on one man is infantile, narrow-minded and disdainful.
       By, the by, Shay….I have tried contacting you….I do not see my posts. Then again, I am not alerted to receiving notifications. So, I need to go to the individual sites to look–it’s hit or miss….
       Later, amica bella. ❤️

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         Shay

         March 2, 2019 at 11:47 pm

         Another great post there, CeeCeeGirl! I always enjoy your political comments because they are so well-reasoned and chock full of actual facts to back up your opinions! I often respond to such remarks with both praise and agreement, although my posts frequently do not make it online. (Two on this thread alone, plus one to Timmm regarding the Oscars….Hey, I’m on a roll! Oh, and I also joined in your Anna/Finn discussion on another thread and it didn’t make the cut either….) At any rate, I respect both your intellect and tenacity, particularly when it comes to politics…you put countless other millennials to shame in that respect! (The idea that so many easily embrace socialism drives me to despair! Seems they value the notion of “free stuff” far more than “freedom,” which is truly disheartening…sigh!) Needless to add, I would love to have an opportunity for more back-and-forth on this subject for which we obviously share a real passion….alas, this is apparently not the appropriate forum for that to happen, but please know that I welcome and relish your thoughts whenever things inevitably turn toward these more volatile issues…’Tis a shame we cannot chat in person, since along with the gossip and soaptalk that would, of course, be the first order of the day, the current state of our country would undoubtedly be another topic we could tackle with equal enthusiasm. Anyway, just wanted you to know that your words were received, appreciated, and most definitely, not ignored!. Later, mia amica!

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     Deborah

     February 27, 2019 at 7:55 pm

     Bravo!!!!!!!! Well said Scot. Amen!!!!!!

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10. 

    LinesofToughLove

    February 21, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    The man is a 36-year-old disgrace, not too young to not know better. To him: You trade on the hideous history of lynching of Black people and so much more in your selfish idiocy if not mental illness. You blur plot lines with real life. If you were constructive, you would have taken your free time to write a “mystery” play, a suspenseful book, a story-song…not script this absurd scenario for “real-life” and think you can get away with such narcissism. I will not mention your name, because somehow it must tickle you that you are a major news item and your mug show is on the cover of newspapers as was seen in New York City today. Lastly, EMPIRE is a night-time soap as DYNASTY was back in the day. Just as Fallon and Steven Carrington were re-cast, I hope the powers-that-be will immediately find a talented African American, gay singer/actor to take over his role.

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      LinesofLove

      February 21, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      “mug shot,” that is…”mug show” is probably his impression of such “publicity.”

      Reply
11. 

    Dan

    February 22, 2019 at 12:35 am

    This whole thing is sickening. I was one of the people that commented my support for Jussie on here when this first happened. I’m sorry I did. I feel taken advantage of, and I don’t like it. He prayed on people’s emotions, he played into the real life issues that are going on in the country today. All for his own selfish reasons. There are many people out there that legitimately do get attacked because of their race, sexual orientation, or religion, and all this is going to do is make it harder for those people to be believed in the future. That’s the real shame of this.

    I hope Jussie is prosecuted for his crimes, and equally as important, I hope he gets the mental help that he clearly so desperately needs.

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12. 

    rose

    February 22, 2019 at 7:21 am

    I think the media has spent far too much time on the guy from Empire!!! Better spent on the efforts of FBI and law enforcement who found the home grown, Coast Guard Lt/ex-Marine who had more guns than I’m sure the founding fathers ever thought we would want or need, and wanted to kill “everyone,” including targeted politicians. Wonder what makes someone like him tick?

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13. 

    Momo

    February 22, 2019 at 7:53 am

    Just in, his character has been cut from the final two episodes of “Empire”.

    Okay, not only did you not get a raise, but you got less pay. So, how’d the whole attack plan work out for ya, huh?

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14. 

    Momo

    February 23, 2019 at 6:57 am

    I think he’s incredibly greedy. He earned $100,000 per episode. Does he know how many people would be thrilled to make a portion of that salary??!’

    Maybe he didn’t want to give his agent a percentage of his pay raise so he decided to “negotiate” It himself. I would like to know how he thought him being attacked would result in a pay raise.

    He should be charged with a hate crime. He did it times 3: gays, blacks, and Trump supporters and it all backfired horrendously.

    Reply