All Science of Breath Episodes

The concept of society is based on rules and agreements. The authorities constantly program the people with ideas that they can either accept or reject. Acceptance breeds inclusion and greater degrees of comfort if you will. Rejection, on the other hand, is basically tantamount to declaring all out warfare on the system. When the rules of society are not obeyed, we have police and the legal system which are supposed to deal with the corruption.

However, what happens when the authorities themselves make a mistake in perpetuating their precious societal mores? How do the people governed by, and accepting of these laws react when they are attacked by the very same authorities that are supposed to protect them? These are the questions that surround the Oscar Grant verdict coming up this week.

The anticipation hangs in the air, thick that the rapture of swollen vines. Windows are already boarded up here in the studio and throughout downtown Oakland in case rioters take to the streets. There have been whispers that OPD is calling in back up from as far south as LA, in addition to many of the surrounding suburbs in the Bay. It feels as if everyone is expecting the worst reaction possible.

Do they know something that we don’t? If justice is truly served, and Johanne Meserhle, the murderer of Oscar Grant is convicted, than there is no reason to protest. Oscar’s life can never be given back, but a ruling of manslaughter would at least acknowledge some degree of negligence. I am concerned that Meserhle is acquitted. In that case, there is definite reason to be angered. We were angry already, but this is the stuff that destruction is made off.

I wonder if this had been a young white man shot face down on the Bart in San Francisco would it even be a question as to the guilt of the murderer. No, what is being called into question is the value of black life in American society. How easy is it to kill a young black man in cold blood, and without reason? It seems that they are telling us what they think of us with every deliberation and negation of justice that takes place. I understand the rage, but please, breaking the windows of small shop owners downtown will not do anything to bring redemption. Calm and cool minds will prevail.

Tune in to this week’s show as special guest J Period, Robert Collins, Amp Live, and 1-O.A.K. discuss the importance of how we handle the verdict.

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DOWNLOAD: Science of Breath - Episode 45

1. 7-Zumbi X Bannon

2. Casio Training- Flying Lotus

3. Come Together-J Period ft. the Roots & Zumbi

4. Subliminal Minded-J Period ft Black Thought

5. Rumble in the Jungle-J Period ft Q Tip, Busta Rhymes, & Lauren Hill

6. Red- Dilla

7. Mister Magic- Grover Washington Jr

8. Whats the Difference- Dr Dre

9. Ova the Woods-Outkast

10. the Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers-Crooklyn Dodgers

11. Road to Zion-Damian Marley

12. Ur the Man-Nas

13. Can’t See the Soldiers-J Period

14. Cell Therapy-Goodie Mob

15. Cold as Ice-MOP

16. Testament-Cormega

17. Hip Hop-Dead Prez