If you like the power and energy of a heavy metal concert, you won't be disappointed this Spring. During April and May there will be a number of great metal bands hitting the stages.  Upcoming concerts include acts like SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, EXODUS, MASTODON, KROKUS, SEPULTURA, JUDAS PRIEST

SAXON, ARMORED SAINT, WHITESNAKE, TWISTED SISTER, STEEL PANTHER AND MORE!!!

If you want to check for upcoming heavy metal concerts in your area visit ABC TICKETS - CLICK HERE ...MAKE PLANS TO SEE A CONCERT NOW, BUY YOUR TICKETS AND BANG YOUR HEAD IN APRIL AND MAY!!!

Baseball season is here, and so is the future for the Chicago Cubs.  Be there to see the growth of a team with World Series aspirations.  Rizzo, Soler, and Bryant...see them live!  Get your tickets now!

CLICK HERE FOR CUBS TICKETS 

When talking about income inequality the subject often -- and rightly -- goes to the benefits of being in the top 1% on the economic ladder.  Income inequality is in the news now being used as a political football, but who's throwing that football?  Politicians, currently trying to score points with their voters, need to first look in the mirror when dealing this issue.

The person who serves as President of the United States is set economically.  I don't have a problem with this, seeing the straines and stresses of being the leader of the most powerful nation on earth.  It's often mentioned that presidents come into office with their natural color hair, but leave grey.  However, the perks are still worth a look.  Besides a hefty salary, the president is taken care of upon leaving office:   A nice pension, transition and office expenses, travel expenses, secret service protection and more.  Being a U.S. President is like hitting the lottery!

My real problem is with the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government.  Everyday people struggle to make it day-to-day, whether working or retired.  Senators and representatives don't even work day-to-day -- thus no struggle.  Members of Congress only "work" when Congress is in session.  Members of the Legislative Branch spend more time on getting re-elected than they do on addressing the concerns of their constituents.  On top of this light "work" schedule, they're paid handsomely; and, if they serve the required time, also get a sizeable pension.    Oh, did I mention that they get to give themselves pay raises!

There are many problems with our economy.   We live in a "Twilight Zone" of two Americas:  One where caviar is the norm, and the other where hunger is.  When looking at income inequality, one of the first glances should be cast at the hundreds of congrssional members who live like royalty at public expense.  CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES SHOULD BE VOTED ON BY THE PEOPLE!   

Breaking Black Metal News:

The original guitarists for the legendary black metal band Mercyful Fate, Michael Denner and Hank Shermann, are back together again.  Michael Denner, the melodic metal master, and Hank Shermann, with his energetic riffs, these two make black magic when they perform together!  Their new creation, the "Satan's Tomb" EP is sure to please!  Check it out and show this tandem of black metal royalty your support!

According to a cryptic post by Derrick Rose's ex-girlfriend, Mieka Reese, the former MVP of the Chicago Bulls will return to action tomorrow, April 8th.  Derrick Rose has been out recovering from his third knee surgery in as many years.  Now it's wait and see as to whether or not Ms. Reese is accurate.

This is just one more example of how little an African-American life means to many in today's society.  It seems like every week a video is surfacing showing African-Americans being brutalized by the police.  This latest episode shows the murder of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina.  At least in this case the officer, Michael Slager, has been charged.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

If you feel unsafe because of how racists in general, and racist law enforcement officers in particular, react to you and people like you, maybe it's time to arm yourself. If you are looking for the means to defend yourself in the current climate where Black people are shot down as easily as deer in a hunt CLICK HERE

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

It was previously known that hackers had breached computer systems in the U.S. State Department.  Now it's being reported by CNN that hackers also breached computer systems in the White House, and gained access to the schedule of President Obama's movements.

With an increasingly hostile Russia on the world stage, such sensitive information could easily have found its way into the hands of terrorists.  We -- meaning the West in general, and the U.S. in particular -- need to recognize the Putin-led Russian government as a threat and an enemy.  The Russians have physically attacked Georgia and Ukraine in recent years, and now they've launched cyber attacks against America.

Response:  

*Increased sanctions against the Russian economy

*Move towards accepting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO

*Arm Ukraine and Georgia to better defend against future Russian invasions

*Cyber warfare against the Russian government and the country's financial systems

If the Russians really want to be our enemies, let's treat them as such! 

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

If you agree with me that the United States' long-running drug war has been a failure, join with me in calling for the release of the prisoners of this ineffective war.  Click the link below to send a letter to President Barack Obama, calling on him to free these prisoners:

CLICK HERE 

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

Map courtesy of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

There is a territorial dispute simmering that has the possibility of breaking out into open war.   At present Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have claims to part or all of the Spratly Islands.   These islands, and their associated maritime geological features (reefs, banks, cays, etc.) are located in the South China Sea.

The Spratly Islands are deemed desirable for a number of reasons.  First, they are thought to house vast reserves of oil and natural gas.  The islands also sit in a major area for world fishing.  Lastly, they are in one of the busiest areas for commercial shipping, and are located on major trade routes to Northeast Asia. 

Based on these reasons, countries in the vicinity of the islands seem to be preparing for a naval war.  With the distances involved from the countries in question, naval ships will have to be used to take and hold claims in any hot conflict.  To this end, a naval arms race is in effect:

   *Malaysia has ordered 6 Gowind-class stealth frigates, and is adding next generation Kedah-class patrol vessels.

   *The Philippines is looking to add amphibious assault ships and frigates to its naval force.  There are also plans to put its first submarine into service by 2020.

   *Taiwan has a 20-year modernization plan covering the acquisition of 4 new frigates, new amphibious warfare ships, and 4-8 new submarines.

   *Vietnam has purchased 6 Improved Kilo-class submarines from Russia, 4 Gepard-class frigates from the Russians, and 2 Sigma-class corvettes from the Netherlands.

   *China is engaged in a massive naval building program.  New stealth destroyers, frigates, nuclear and diesel submarines; and the country has put its first aircraft carrier -- the Liaoning -- into service.  There are plans to operate 3 aircraft carrier battle groups by 2020, with 2 planned for operations in the South China Sea.  Also, in 2013, China started dredging in the Spratly Islands, creating new islands from reefs.  When the project is completed, China will have her first military airstrip in the islands from  which to project military air power.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spratly_Islands_dispute

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/spratly-conflict.htm 

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON