SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia: HATIN’ Because They Deserve It

You knew this was coming. HATERS and followers of this blog knew it was only a matter of time. IT has hit the fan, here in Philadelphia, and it is time to get our HATE on.

In case you are not in the know, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Transport Workers Union Local 234 has gone on strike, effectively shutting down all inner-city buses, subways, trolleys and most trains. More than 5,000 people walked off the job this past Tuesday at 3:00 am, after union reps and SEPTA couldn't come to an agreed upon contract.

Now, before I begin my bashing, I want to be sure that everyone is educated on the situation at hand and understands why the SEPTA union is striking. TWU Local 234 wants SEPTA to contribute more to workers' pensions and a four-percent wage increase each year, for the next five years. They would also like seniority rights in choosing their own equipment to use as well as fixing ongoing racial and gender discrimination, as it relates to pay and picking rights.

SEPTA, through negotiations with, at first, Governor Edward G. Rendell and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, later including Mayor Michael Nutter, offered 11 percent wage increase over five years, 11 percent increase in pension contributions and workers would not be required to pay any more for health coverage.

The union has been without a contract since March 2009

Now that we know the basic logistics, let the HATIN’ begin.

I’m first HATIN’ on the union. Have we not yet learned that pensions are not all they’re cracked up to be? The idea of pensions was derived during a similarly depressed economic time, when the unemployment rate was sky high. The powers that be decided that they would push the older population into retirement, thus opening up the job market and reducing the unemployment rate. It was never meant to be a permanent fix, but more to give the older population an out before they died. Pensions were actually planned to kick in around the time of the peak of life expectancy. The basic concept was: Stop work now so we can give your job to someone younger, retire and just when you hit the age of eligibility for pension, you die.

To the credit of its initial founders, the idea of pensions worked for a while, but, now, the old are getting older and life expectancy is at an all time high. The problem that exists is that most pensions cost more than general operating payroll, and what the union is asking for is an increase on both the front end and the back end. Apparently they don’t understand what a recession is. Philadelphia and SEPTA just don’t have the money… no city or company does, for that matter.

My beef continues with the unions because they have yet to say why they deserve the raises or give a commitment to bettering the service. Will a four percent wage increase make my buses and trains arrive and depart on time? Will it extend the hours of operation for trains and buses? Will it allow me to feel safer on the public transit system at night? Will it stop said workers from hitting bikers and other cars… I doubt it. Again, I fail to see why they deserve the amount of money they are requesting. Did I fail to mention that the average yearly income of a union worker is roughly $52,000 per year and the hourly wage worker makes $24.24 an hour, only $1.79 less than NYC, whose public transit runs 24-hours-a-day. WTF? They are making more than I am... hell, more than a majority of people living in Philadelphia. And for what? What are they held accountable for and is it worth what they’re being paid? I'd like to see their employee annual review process.

On the other hand, SEPTA, the organization, and the City of Philadelphia should be ashamed of themselves. Who lets a contract lapse for this long on a service that is instrumental to the lives of so many Philadelphians? Mayor Nutter and the SEPTA GM should have sat with the union, prior to their contract ending, and hashed out an appropriate deal to last four to five years. They gave the union a BS contract that lasted for one year, thinking that that would hold them. Administration, get your mind right; After receiving a BS contract, as soon as it ends, wouldn’t you come back asking for more? I think its clear how far ‘actual thinking’ goes within this administration.

In addition, I don't believe that the union is truly being heard. Aside from the monetary increases, they requested that racial and gender issues be resolved as well as picking rights of equipment, favored to those with seniority. SEPTA and the City respond by saying workers won't have to pay more for health care. Ummm, did I miss something here? Someone please explain to me how that takes care of the unions civil rights and seniority issues?

I'm HATIN'

The people who are really hurt in all of this are the people of Philadelphia who rely on SEPTA to move them throughout the City. Because when they ultimately come to a decision and appease the union, the money has to come from somewhere… yup, they’re looking right at you and your wallet SEPTA riders. We're probably going to endure yet another increase and will have to pony up more money to ride the same lackluster buses and trains.

I must applaud Philadelphia riders because amidst new traffic jams, I have really seen this City adapt and rise above losing most of its public transportation (I guess we're used to it. I don't even want to delve into how many time SEPTA unions have gone on stike). SEPTA and City officials should be very afraid. Upon reaching their agreement, if SEPTA asks riders to burden some of the costs, even after a steep hike in pricing two years ago, we the people should STRIKE. We’re getting along now, some easier than others, I admit, without SEPTA. A strike by the people will set the tone and let SEPTA and the City administration know that we will not be pushed around and should not have to burden a money-hungry union and a socially irresponsible City government, who don’t know how to come together for the greater good of Philadelphia.

HATERS Stand Up and tell SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia that they can permanently tattoo their lips to your HATIN,' no SEPTA riding, walking, biking and carpooling a$$.

Parenting… or Lack There Of: Because HATIN’ Doesn’t Spare the Rod

I’m Hatin' on Lazy Parents.

I recently read on Yahoo news that Disney, global leader and financial juggernaut of all things children, is offering refunds for its “Baby Einstein” brand videos for allegedly “deceptive advertising” and apparently, as the article puts it best, “not, as it promised, turning babies into wunderkinds.” Apparently the songs, bright colors and annoying puppets, not only have no measurable effect on educating babies, but actually may attribute to a shorter attention span later on in life. These parents think they were scammed, I think it serves their lazy a** right.

I admit, that was a bit harsh, but sometimes HATIN’ is mean. What happened to the good, old days of parenting? The days where parents actually read and played with their baby; bringing them up in the way they saw fit. Since when did we become too busy to raise our own children? Now, I understand, kids are a handful and in this day and age, we are busy people on the go, but sitting your kid in front of a TV, for hours at a time, expecting it to perform miracles on your child’s brain and basically do your job as a parent is ridiculous. I’m cool with educational videos as an accessory, and actually believe they work (I mean, they couldn't put out the product if it didn't test well) but only as an alternative to having children watch whatever filth plagues our TV’s, not as a parent.

I do place some blame on Disney; not for supposedly lying about providing miracle results, but for not adding the disclaimer that it may NOT work on all children. Children all learn differently and at different paces, having one-size-fits-all videos can't possibly cater to every childs individual needs. The video teaching spelling may work for Johnny, but not for Mary. Parents, this is where you come in; It is your job to raise your child, not that of your TV. I’m also HATIN’ on Disney because, I mean really, can someone please tell me what a refund is going to achieve? Will it give your children endless hours of their life back? NO! All it does is let Disney off the hook, giving the parents and kids the proverbial “my bad” shrug and lets them go their merry ways, while the parents are stuck with a refund voucher for $36.95 and having to deal with a kid who can’t pay attention long enough to remember their name.

Parents, get it together!

According to the article and The New York Times, in “a 2003 study, a third of all American babies from 6 months to 2 years old had at least one 'Baby Einstein' video,” meaning that parents were buying these things like HOT CAKES! Did you ever think, instead of wasting your money on those videos, you could have put it into something that helps to free up your schedule so that you can become a more attentive parent. Just a thought.

My advice to all the parents out there: There is no product that will ever be a better substitute for REAL parenting. Get back to raising your own kids. And lastly, if there was EVER a time to sue the pants off of Disney, this may be that time.

Continue HATIN’; even if they’re tryna make themselves so easy to love.

A Philly State of Mind: Because Hatin' Other Cities is What We Do Best

OK, so, this isn't a typical post, but just something I wanted to share with all of the HATERS.

So, if you are from, live in, or frequent Philadelphia you know that the City is on FIRE right now... well, at least in regards to sports (we won't go there on the budget, tax hike, unemployment rate or looming SEPTA strike). The Phillies are in the World Series looking to get that (REPEAT) World Champion title, the Eagles... well they're the Eagles and there are high hopes for the 76ers this season.

All-in-all, there is a lot of LOVIN' going on in the City of Brotherly Love... so where does the HATIN' fit in? In Hatin' our opposing teams, of course.

I've read in the Philadelphia Metro this morning that for Game 1 Phils vs. Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Jay-Z and Alycia Keys will perform "Empire State of Mind," the latest hit from his Blueprint 3 album, that pays homage to NYC. Well, we have a lil' homage paying song up our own sleeves, and may have something special when the game is played here in Philly at Citizens Bank Park.

Below, you'll find the "Philly version" of "Empire State of Mind" by NeeKo, a local Philly rapper, featuring Deana Marie.

Philly Stand Up and Represent! Hate On, HATERS!

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize: Because Hatin’ On the President of The United States is truly American

This is an I’m Hatin’ First… I have absolutely no idea which position or who, for that matter, to hate on.

Let’s look at this rationally.

In my opinion, we really only have three potential parties to hate on; The selection committee for choosing Obama, the nay-sayers who don’t think he deserves it, or the pro-Obama people who think this honor is long overdue and justified.

Now, I’m not taking sides; just being the devil’s Hatin’ advocate, but what was the criterion for which Obama was nominated and won. According to the Nobel Peace Prize website, http://www.nobelprize.org/, Obama was selected "For his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Probably true enough. Hey the exact language says “Efforts” not “Results.” But for the sake of assessing both sides, maybe it was ill gained. Before I can say that, I must also have to ask, who else was in the running for the prize, because based on whomever was his competition, Obama may truly have the upper hand and may have been the valid choice. Sadly, after researching just who was in the running with our fair president, I found out that (and this can also be found on the same website) “every year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee sends out thousands of letters inviting a qualified and select number of people to submit their nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. The names of the nominees cannot be revealed until 50 years later, but the Nobel Peace Prize committee does reveal the number of nominees each year. 205 names were submitted for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, 33 of which are organizations. This is the highest number of nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize ever.” So, it looks like we may never know if Obama truly earned it. So selection committee, you’re in the clear (from being hated on) for now. We’ll see you in 2059!

Now on to the nay-sayers.

Since we don’t know who Obama was up against, you cannot make a strong argument for why he shouldn’t be chosen. So, what is your problem? I keep hearing that Obama won it because he is Black, because the Nobel Prize is politically based, etc. What do I say to those people? Show me the proof. If it’s because he’s black, explain to me why that influenced the decision in his favor, because, to me, that rationale doesn’t have a colored leg to stand on. I mean, as an African American woman, I don’t recall many situations where being black was the trump card and got me in to an exclusive club or gave me awards of high honor and prestige… actually more of the opposite. So again, to show is to prove.

Now, if you think that it is based off of political relationships, I’d say that is more feasible. The only objection I have to that is the current status of the US, as perceived by the world. Right now, we don’t hold much weight. We’re in a war that won’t end, we’re broke, aren’t really running ish’ like we used to and look as though, given enough time, we will destroy ourselves by means of greed. So, political connections? I dunno. Why would anyone want to go down with a sinking ship?, so to speak.

Again, if you got the proof, show me.

To the pro-Obama people: Why do you think he got the award and why does he deserve it? This I can’t answer. Again, we really need to see the scale in which this years nominees were graded on. Although, I must say, to be awarded a prize of this magnitude only after 261 days in office and as President of the United States, is HUGE. I mean, Mohandas Gandhi was nominated and didn’t win off of the technicality of being dead… and Obama is no Gandhi (yet?).

So what makes Obama suitable to win this prize?

My ears are open for ideas!

Now, if there is one thing I cannot stand for, it’s HATIN’ for no reason. So HATERS, if you’re going to hate, which I definitely condone, make sure you know why you’re HATIN’ and what you're HATIN' against. Taking from a quote from my friend Adrienne M. on Facebook “Obama is to the Nobel Peace Prize as Taylor Swift is to the VMA apparently. So many Kanyes!”

Respect the Hate People!

Jon and Kate Plus Eight: Because Hatin’ Times Eight is Just Good Mathematics

I don’t know about you, but I am up to my ears in Jon & Kate Plus Eight talk.

I have a new equation for you:
Jon + Kate + Eight children + Media Attention = DISASTER

I must admit, I was an avid watcher of Jon & Kate Plus Eight… but that was long ago. When it used to be a simple show, one that displayed how tough it is to parent two sets of multiples, but still showed, at the end of the day, two parents that loved and cared for each other and their brood. Yes, each episode, no matter what went down, depicted love, caring and a commitment to the kids. Recent episodes, on the other hand, resembles a really bad episode of Jerry Springer, where the Father is a cheating, emotionally battered and nonsensical jerk and the Mother is a pathetic, bitchy and super needy media whore, both airing their dirty laundry for the world to see. Millions are now tuning in, each week, to watch this awkward and horrible train wreck occur.

Is this really good for the kids? Mommy belligerently crying on the Today Show every time Daddy does something stupid… I don’t think so.

I’m Hatin'.

Message to Jon and Kate Gosselin: Get it together. Retire the TV show and your kids from the spotlight until you can work out your differences, amicably and not in front of the public eye. At this point, I could care less about who is right and who is wrong; and who did what to whom. What should be most important are your kids.

Stop using the media as your soundboard and please begin saving the millions you’ve made from TLC to go towards the innumerous therapy sessions that Mady, Cara, Aaden, Joel, Collin, Hannah, Alexis and Leah, will all desperately need. Everyone gets 15 minutes of fame, when it’s over, what will your time look like and will it be something you’re proud of?

Officially on team “Plus Eight.”

Message to the MEDIA: You are so misguided. There are REAL problems in the world. Countries fighting, no cure for cancer or AIDS (supposedly, but I will drum on my conspiracy theories at another time), racism still exists, Americans are being ripped from their homes, have no jobs or healthcare and are being financially raped by the Banking industry. With all this going on, the only thing you air daily, is the life and happenings of this family? Glad to see where your priorities lie.


Hate on Hater!

2016 Olympic Extremist who Wanted the Games in Chicago: Because Hatin is a No Contact Sport

We’ll try to make this a quickie. The 2016 Olympics were never going to be held here in the U.S.A. Period. There are many reasons why, although we bid, it was never gonna happen.

Here are just a few:

1. Our economy is a bust… Brazil’s is not: If you haven’t heard… or felt the adverse effects of a super slow economy, let me enlighten you, The USA is Broke. On the brink of another, potential great depression, the US and City of Chicago cannot afford to have the games here. Yes, it would be a huge revenue stream and has the potential to create BILLIONS for the City, but you’d have to spend that much just to get Chicago and the surrounding states/cities, who were expected to assist in hosting, in running condition, suitable to putting on an event of this magnitude. Chicago planned to have the entire event financed by the Federal government, no City or tax money would be used… Yea, RIGHT. The bid costs ($49.3 million) were borne by the private sector as would have been the costs of the games. The cost of the infrastructure would have been financed by the government. Sure, But again I ask: WITH WHAT MONEY?

Now Brazil on the other hand is experiencing a great economic growth. It is reported that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the City of Rio de Janeiro proposed investments upwards of $11.1 billion in preparation for the games. Chicago, came in at roughly $5 billion. We were out of the competition before it even started. And, aside from offering the largest budget for preparation of the games, President Lula has been out lobbying and hawking Rio for the 2016 games since 2008. To put it blatantly, we’re a day late and billions of dollars short.

2. Chicago overestimated its support. Just because you get Oprah to co-sign on Chicago, doesn’t mean you will automatically get the bid. Also, we were banking on Obama going over there, after having absolutely NO real input in the matter prior to going to Copenhagen, and being liked by the Europeans. That’s fine, but the Europeans weren't voting. Doesn’t it make sense to get in with the people whose decision actually matters? C’mon Chicago and the U.S. it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out.

3. We lost on International appeal. If I could choose between Chicago and Rio, I would most likely choose the diverse culture and beautiful backdrops of Rio… unless I was looking for a vacation that involves being shot or was interested in parks (which, by the way, was the pitch they were using in the bid to get the Olympics set here. Nice Parks). Again, no competition.

To be clear, I’m not Hatin’ that we lost the bid, I’m hatin' at how this is now a National catastrophe. Seriously? We have far more important things to worry about than the 2016 Olympics, like, oh, I don’t know, the 2009 failing economy, the 2009 failing state of healthcare, 2009 immigration laws, the state of our prison systems... in 2009... just to name a few.

Extremist, please get over yourself. I think people are just looking for yet another reason to place blame on Obama for not getting us a win; for letting us down again. Even on Obama’s best day and if he were give the ability to part the Red Sea, in all likelihood, we still wouldn’t have won the bid.

Spread the Hate!

Celebrities on Twitter: Because Hatin’ Defies All Mediums of Communication

"I will not worry or try to handle more than 1 days worth of problems."

- Rev Run (9/28/2009)

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."

- L.L. Cool J- (9/28/2009)

Some where a Queen is weeping .. Somewhere a King has no wife.

– Erykah Badu (9/25/2009)

"Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself."

- Paula Abdul (9/22/2009)

Is this Twitter or Confucius Says?

Is it me, or does every celebrity on Twitter believe that in order to be seen as relevant, they have to have a masters in PHILOSOPHY?

I mean, each tweet/post is one semi- “Socratic” quote after another. We get it, you’re deep. You are an artist with immeasurable feeling and sense of self… but give us a break. I can just imagine these same celebs out in public dropping philosophic rhetoric in interviews, and whilst’ mingling with fans. Yea, the idea of such is laughable.

I’m Hatin!

Celebrities on Twitter, please take note: Your fans and followers want to know about you and your life. News about your newest business venture, your relationships, what you enjoy… the essential “youness” that makes you our favorite singer, dancer or personality. Everyday folks, such as myself, want to see the human side of your celebrity and see that you have thoughts and feelings outside of just yourself. Like when Trya Banks made an entire diatribe about Bacon, when Perez Hilton told of his personal horror of fighting with the manager of The Black Eye Peas or when Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore tweeted about their anniversary, this is what we want to see (Actually, I could have done without the 140 character lecture on bacon, but you get my drift).

Celebs, please don’t feel that you are fooling us by dropping spiritual and existential quotes. We understand that many of you are well educated. But for those of you that aren’t, hiding behind the thoughts of other so-called wise people, is a cop-out. The bottom line- Be Yourself. We want to see who you are… not the spiritually transformed, pseudo intellectual of your former/current self.

Get It, Got It, Good! Keep HATIN’ Alive!