Archives July 2011

Grim and I Break Up A Fight (with video)

Grim is the newest recruit to the XJL, he only started patrolling with us last saturday, he says that he has been doing this off and on for a while now, in his words: “he’s done it a coupla times” on the east coast. but he has decided to join our ranks. He wears blue, which is great variety in the XJL color scheme, which is red, green, and a lot of brown and black. Anyway, he joined me for the gaslamp patrol (as I always get there before anyone else) so I explained to him a few of the things we do on gas lamp patrols, and what to expect. Sure enough, we come across a situation. Down the street we see a guy down on the ground and a bunch of people surrounding him. I’m not sure what is going on, so I switch on my shoulder cam to record anything that may or may not go on. I’ve been mentally training myself to do this as I always forget to do when entering a situation, defeating the whole purpose of the camera! below is the video I recorded of the situation we encountered:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgxWbNOM_tc
We continued about our way after I shut the camera off. I approached an officer around the block and told him about what had happened. he said he’d heard about it, and we went on our way.
continuing to walk down fifth ave. where all the clubs are, we saw a fire engine going down the street, they announced from their PA system: ‘URBAN AVENGER!” I gave them a big wave and kept on walking.
I think that has to be the single coolest thing I’ve ever encountered on patrol. Being given a personal shout out on PA system. Later on after everyone else showed up and the patrol was starting coming to an end, we came across a bicycle cop who thanked us for breaking up the fight earlier, and that they appreciated what we did, and to keep up the good work. props from a cop, that was awesome.
the entire patrol went really well, aside from those two instances it was a pretty standard patrol. Grim has quickly proven himself a valuable asset to the team and the XJL is very fortunate to have him with us. He proved himself quickly as calm and collected in a hairy situation, and came out on top.

10 Real Life Superheroes Committing Crimes Against Fashion

Originally posted: http://fashionindie.com/10-real-life-superheroes-committing-crimes-against-fashion/5/
Styled by on Wednesday 07.20.11 7:31 PM
And speaking of Voguetron, there are actual superheroes among us. They’ve leapt off the pages of comic books, into the minds of fearless nerds that have re-envisioned their own crime fighting alter-egos. And they’re actually fighting crime. I know it’s true because I read about it yesterday in the August issue of GQ. In fact, there more than 200 costumed (and tweeting) vigilantes protecting average citizens from this cruel, cruel world. Meet some of the bravest, and most eccentric, here while they’re all gathered at Comic-Con in a most serious manner.
Phoenix Jones is a badass motherfucker. As the main focus of GQ’s story, it starts off with him in the hospital after being hit with a baseball bat in the same spot beneath his armor that he got punched with a key earlier that week. He was peeing blood. He went out that night again to right more wrongs. The story concludes with him and two sidekicks staring down a pack of armed crack dealers, guns pointed at them ready to shoot. The crack dealers walked away in defeat. Yes. This man is for real. And he protects Seattle. @ThePhoenixJones
Superhero is a trained policeman turned pro-wrestler turned, well, superhero. He once saved a girl from drowning in her car. When the people of Clearwater, FL ask him what they can do in return, he simply responds, “You don’t owe me anything. I’m a superhero!”
Mr. Xtreme has been a volunteer crime-fighter for more than a decade. Coming from a history rife with bullying and gang attacks against him, he decided he must take a stand and protect the innocent. Now, with spiked cuffs, x-game equipment, a bulletproof vest and crazy eyes, he protects the streets of San Diego.
Urban Avenger is Mr. Xtreme’s sidekick. He patrols San Diego covered head to toe, bespectacled green behind a gas mask. He’s bummed that his city doesn’t see as much action as Phoenix Jones, but that leaves him more time to tweet @urban_avenger.
Knight Owl admittedly went a little overboard with the costume, at one point donning a cape. He is a paramedic student by day and a real life superhero by night. @iamknightowl
Samaritan is our very own superhero here in NYC. He is a skilled martial artists and wears military fatigues to accomodate. He is a self-proclaimed peacekeeper and humanitarian that paroles the streets preventing and putting a stop to violent crimes.
Super Gay does exactly what is sounds like he does. He seduces gay-straight men and calls them out on it. Sounds like entrapment Us Weekly. But he does fight tirelessly against homophobia. We should introduce him to Unicorn Man, his new (un)faithful sidekick.
Phantom Zerois more of the bureaucratic type of superhero from North Jersey (typical). He helps people who have been screwed by circumstance by directing them to the proper lawful paper-filing way to solve their problems.
Lunar Veil and her partner Dark Wolf fight crime in Portland, but mostly work to protect animals. They’re trying to shut down a puppy mill now. But then where would we get miniature chiuauamaltipoodinese from? But I will say, steppin’ it up ladies.
Terrifica, though allegedly retired, patrolled the streets of New York City to prevent little drunk ladies from actin’ a ho. She’s been called the anti-cupid for putting a halt to the One Night Stand. Just trying to get these girls a hot meal the next week after a proper phone call is all.
See more real life superheroes in the August issue of GQ.

Why No RL SuperVillains?

Yep, there are no such thing as Real-Life Super Villains! The people we label as a “RLSV” are either trolls, politicians, or other Real Life SuperHeroes who’s goals and methods are at odds with our own.
I hear you ask “How can they be against my noble cause?”, so please stay with me as I explain; but first, a quote!

Quote from Isaiah Berlin, 1958
“It follows that a frontier must be drawn between the area of private life and that of public authority. Where it is to be drawn is a matter of argument, indeed of haggling. Men are largely interdependent, and no man’s activity is so completely private as never to obstruct the lives of others in any way. ‘Freedom for the pike is death for the minnows’; the liberty of some must depend on the restraint of others.”

Berlin has summed up a fundamental issue about heroes and their role in shaping our society with ‘The liberty of some must depend on the restraint of others.’ .
Sociological and Economical Theory as well as the Principles of Thermodynamics describes ‘Civilization’ as a Dynamic whole that seeks equilibrium from a CONSTANT resource pool. Anytime we act in society as either a private citizen or RLSH, there are always far-reaching consequences (often called the “Butterfly Effect”/”Ripple Effect”). Or more simply, to give something to one person, we must take it from another.
“How does it relate back to the RLSV/RLSH idea?” For this example: your goal is feeding the homeless in (insert place here), and manage to get food donated through a Good Samaritan Law in (insert place here).
That should be a win-win situation right? But what about the people under similar financial constraints, who work hard, abstain from the little pleasures in life so they can pay the rent or mortgage in (insert place here), and have little food because of it? What about when other Homeless people in other nearby towns hear of ‘Free Food for the Hobo’s in (insert place here)’? Why wouldn’t they flock to the free food?.
With so many homeless in one area living there for nothing, the real estate prices would plummet, and hobo’s / non-paying people loitering in front of store fronts, shoplifting from stores and reducing customer access would impact their bottom line to the point when they can no longer provide excess/surplus food through the Good Samaritan Laws in (insert place here).
The crime rates go up, and another hero comes out Phoenix-Jones Style to ‘Clean Up the Streets’ and break up the crowds, only to be called a RLSV…
The pot has been stirred enough, so I’ll leave you to stew on the implications… What are your thoughts?
 

RLSH Philosophy

“” and it’s practical applications, and will post it elsewhere.
The basic principles will be;
1) Protect and Serve as part of the community.
2) Protect yourself Legally. (worded deliberately so you may defend yourself via any legal means necessary.)
3) Protect the RLSH Community.
 
If the gun is Illegal for you to carry, don’t use it as you will break guideline 2 and 3.
 
Otherwise, do what you can to get one and train in it’s use, so you can fulfill guideline 1 and 2.
 
Just don’t be foolish, or you’ll break guideline 3.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: INSPIRATION!

Captain America: The First Avenger Poster
Nadra Enzi
Capt Black

Captain America has always had a special place in my heart as a comics fan.
 
The fact he wasn’t superhuman ( despite clearly Olympic-level enhancements ) always sparked my interest in human potential expressed in fiction, alongside fellow icons Doc Savage and Batman.
 
Cap made patriotism look cool instead of corny. My formative years included images of Watergate; protests and flag burning.
 
Captain America was a welcome alternative. Like my late grandfather who raised me he actively pursued good citizenship instead of merely discussing it.
 
The 2011 movie captures his Old School spirit which is much needed as economic fear tightens nationwide.
 
His transformation from scrawny kind to brawny commando demonstrates our ability to literally become whomever we consistently try to be.
 
The comic book legend was recently upgraded to acknowledge the role of Black men in defeating the Axis.
 
The first Captain America was Black http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Bradley in this retelling; a nod of the cowl to otherwise unknown soldiers like my late grand uncle Harold who was wounded in 1944’s Normandy Invasion, code named ” Operation Overlord ” by the Allies.
 
Captain America’s story is every American’s story: idealism despite crushing poverty; determination despite impossible odds. He cuts away every possible point of division by embodying ” E Pluribus Unum ( Out of Many One ) ” in a way that inspires skeptic and supporter alike.
 
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT BLACK promotes finding your ” super ” through creative crime prevention; homeless outreach and political advocacy. (504) 214-3082
 

Phoenix Jones says he's sorry

Originally posted: http://www.komonews.com/seattlepulp/blogs/phoenix-jones/126086459.html
By Jennifer Kuglin Jul 24, 2011
Phoenix posted this note on his Facebook page about Hope 2011:
“Hope 2011 is an event run by Razor Hawk that will be taking place in California. At my request, a news publication that recently featured me provided a majority of the funding for Hope 2011. I assumed I would be able to attend the event and be able to help with the homeless outreach but I am the only superhero that has been banned from this event. I’ve never communicated with Razor Hawk directly, but I’ve heard via a third party that I am too controversial because I confront criminals directly and detain when necessary until the police arrive.
When I first became a superhero I was excited about joining the RLSH community and was quickly disappointed when I was banned before I ever even had a chance to make a post. I was notified by email the reason for my exile from the online community is because I lie about my deeds and there was no proof I was actually fighting crime. I would be fine with that if everyone else on the site had to prove their actions as well, but they are taken at their word. In the past few months through news media sources, guest patrols with other RLSHs, video, Phoenix Cam, and police it has been proven I patrol on a regular basis with a purpose to fight crime and stop acts of violence.  I am offended that I am still ridiculed and put down by this community. I have more documentation and actual crime interventions than any other ‘superhero’ other than Master Legend of course.
I have not participated in the online bashing and gossip that consumes a lot of superhero’s lives. But there has been media publications quoting me saying less than favorable things about certain members of the RLSH and of that I am guilty. Most of the comments I have made come from feelings of resentment that have arisen from being so discriminated against by the community. I have identified myself as a Rain City Superhero Movement member as opposed to an RLSH for three reason: 1, Certain members of the RLSH hacked my FB and deleted it and told me not to use the RLSH term because I was not one. 2, Most of the RLSH I know focus on humanitarian work and crime fighting second. 3, RLSH is a broad term and I wanted something more city specific to what we needed in Seattle.
I have always felt that the most effective outreaches are done in safe environments. I know a RLSH in Seattle who was robbed of his handout food during an outreach. If they would target him, I can only imagine what they do to the people receiving the food after I have left. If I am able to take away the violent offenders in these areas our homeless outreaches will be a lot more effective.
The point of this message is that we are all masked human beings trying to better the environment that we live in, each in our own specific areas of expertise. Hating each other, bickering and slandering, and banning people from events is ridiculous (I will enclose links that support my statements). It just minimizes our effectiveness, corrupts the message, and takes up valuable time that we could be using on the streets. I have tried my best to stay out of this drama but from this point on I am not participating in any way, shape, or form. I think its important to live your message, so here it is, I AM SORRY.
I am sorry if I have said bad things to you directly, I am sorry if I have sad bad things behind your back, I am sorry if you haven’t understood or were offended by my crime fighting methods. But most of all, I am sorry that we had to make this public. I forgive anyone who has said anything bad about me. From here on out all slates are clean as far as I am concerned. We are fighting each other when we should be fighting the evil in this world.”

The Keystone Crusaders aim to save Harrisburg from blight and despair

Originally posted: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/07/the_keystone_crusaders_aim_to.html
Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 8:49 AM     Updated: Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:07 AM
By JEFF FRANTZ, The Patriot-News
The Keystone Crusaders clean vandalized buildings in a single bound![/caption]
The walls shake underneath the wail of a skidding train.
A sudden splatter of white paint scatters spiders and “Young Prophecy was here 5/21/06” is blotted out, gone from the history of this place.
The Keystone Crusaders have won!
But there are many foes to vanquish in the Market Street tunnel and across the city, broke and nearly broken.
Harrisburg was great once. With their help, the Crusaders believe it can be great again.
Their next nemesis, a looping whirl of black spray paint, taunts them. An emblem of disregard for decency, it steals the eyes of passing pedestrians. It must be defeated.
The Crusaders go to work beneath a urine yellow floodlight, standing between puddles of uncertain origin. With their own supply of cover paint exhausted, they choose new weapons: industrial cleaner and steel wool.
Commonwealth is the inspired leader. He wears a motorcycle helmet, hand-painted blue and gold, gold lacrosse pads, a blue jump suit and work boots. The letter “C,” framed in a keystone, adorns his chest and blue cape. His utility belts sag, loaded with tools to fight his three mortal enemies: Blight, Hunger and Dr. Despair, the monster behind it all.
Armistice, his youthful and ever-loyal companion, hides his wiry frame in a blue track suit, and a wispy beard shows beneath the purple half-mask, tied from behind like the valorous turtle-ninjas of old.
They fall silent, scrubbing so close their elbows nearly touch. Over 15 minutes, the pitch-black paint fades to speckled gray, but the graffiti will not concede. After one last burst of spray, Armistice steps back.
Next time, he says, we’ll be better armed.
He picks his next target and takes aim. Commonwealth takes his trash bag to collect all the discarded bits littering the pathway of honest citizens: the flavored cigar wrappers, the soda bottles, cigarette butts. It’s only then that Commonwealth notices disaster.
“Armistice,” he calls out. “I forgot my dustpan!”
Chapter 2: Months earlier….
He sits alone sketching what he is to become.
Motocross gear for armor. Kevlar-lined gloves to catch a knife, in case some creep refuses to back away from the good people he will protect. A collapsible steel baton in the utility belt, just in case.
In the margins of the page, he crosses out one name after another.
Pitboard? He won’t have time to explain his name while fighting crime.
Dragonheart? Superhero names are not born from a logo on your wife’s hoodie.
Keystone Crusader? Too long. Maybe if it were a group …
A group!
I want to find a crime-fighting partner, he soon tells his wife.
You should, she replies. Did you think I was going to let you go out there alone?
He starts sketching again, a costume of blue and gold. A crusader cross overlaid with the state seal.
He needs a partner.
He knows the man he must call.

Keystone Crusaders Comic

JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-News


Chapter 3: Birth of a partnership…
He started as a mentor.
Living in a rough Pittsburgh neighborhood — a place where you wouldn’t get shot, but you might get punched — he was doing well. The lessons he learned at the Milton Hershey School had paid off. It is time to pass them on.
He meets a teenager trying to avoid trouble. They share the same nerdy hobbies. He wants to help the boy, several years younger, and soon calls him a friend.
Then the bottom falls out. He looses his retail job the week before Lehman Brothers collapsed. He, his wife and their two children are evicted.
When he had nowhere to turn, the boy — the one originally in need of mentoring — offers help. Come live with me and my mother. Stay as long as you need.
And still he is despondent. No job, no money, no prospects to move forward. His car forever running on fumes. Over and over, the words ring through his head: “Nobody cares!”
After a year, he gets an interview for a job near Harrisburg.
A cop follows him into the store’s parking lot, lights flashing. He cries, explaining to the officer why he can’t afford his registration. His potential boss walks past, taking in the scene. After the cop lets him off, he locks his keys in the car. More tears.
Still, the boss says, “You’re hired.” A landlord doesn’t require a security deposit for his new home. He regains his confidence. He gets promoted. Looking back, with the help of his recent success, he sees all the people that kept saying, “We care!” Those people, he realizes, the ones he ignored, they kept him going. They saved his life.
I have to give back, he says, but so much more than before. He finds the Real Life Superhero website, a community of regular people in capes and masks, just trying to help.
That leads him to the pad of paper and the search for a name.
That, finally, leads him to picking up the phone and calling his younger friend back in Pittsburgh. You’re looking to move anyway, he tells him. You want to save for college. I’ll help you find a job. When the time comes, there are plenty of colleges close by.
Come and help me save the city!
The boy, now 19, agrees. I shall be called Armistice.
Only then, does his new secret identity reveal itself. I am Commonwealth! Together, we are the Keystone Crusaders!
Keystone Crusaders on Patrol

Keystone Crusaders on Patrol


Chapter 4: A plan of attack…
We will fight crime!
We will patrol the city’s neighborhoods, deterring punks and acting as a second set of eyes for the police. If needed, we’ll take down a bad guy ourselves, cuff him with the plastic zip ties in our utility belts.
Except, they thought, maybe we shouldn’t.
The city has police. They’re trained. They’re strong. They have back-up at the ready.
We, the Crusaders decided, are relatively in-shape retail workers. Maybe there’s a better way.
Reading what Real Life Superheroes face in other cities, they saw the grind of squaring off endlessly with ne’er-do-wells and negativity.
That wasn’t the idea at all. Commonwealth wanted people to see that someone wanted their lives to be better. In every way, the Crusaders would shout, “We care!”
So, he decided, we will care.
Pick up the trash. Feed quarters into expiring meters. Scrub the graffiti. Collect the dog crap. Give a homeless man a bottle of water.
We will be the good Samaritan personified! If people see we care, maybe they will care. And if we feed a person in need, and that person doesn’t need to mug someone to afford a meal, haven’t we prevented crime? Yes!
Block-by-block, kind act by kind act, we will retake the city!
Chapter 5: Into the streets…
First they must escape.
A superhero never knows when spying eyes are watching for masked men, ready to reveal a secret identity. They emerge from Commonwealth’s lair just outside the city, unmasked, their costumes hidden under rain coats. Only when they reach an undisclosed parking lot do their faces disappear.
They begin — as they have at least twice a week since March — in the Market Street tunnel.
“Good Morning!” they bellow, warming up their superhero voices to the office workers walking west, and the residents heading east.
How can anyone, Commonwealth asks, feel good about their city if their first sight of it is this cavern of filth?
The battle is joined, and Commonwealth’s three utility belts/fanny packs, come open.
A hand-held vacuum for cigarette butts. “L.A.’s Totally Awesome,” the Dollar Store industrial cleaner they don’t bother diluting. Spray paint bought on clearance. Their real superpower is bargain hunting.
When danger arises, they reach for the original crime fighting tools. Broken glass is no match for Kevlar-lined gloves! No clogged gutter can withstand a steel baton!
After toiling in the tunnel, the Crusaders emerge into daylight.
“Can I get a picture?”
The calls start almost immediately, and the Crusaders do not disappoint their adoring masses.
“Would you mind striking a superhero pose?” Armistice asks the beaming admirer. “Everyone can be a superhero!”
And of course, “Check us out on Facebook!”
The Crusaders strut, trashbags over their shoulder, dragging a cooler of bottled water behind them.
“It’s too late to save this one!” Commonwealth moans, after seeing a car with a parking ticket. But his despair does not last long. With expiring meters lining the streets, there are so many innocent windshields to protect.
At Third and Market, they see a man hunched over at a bus stop, his blackened toenails sticking from swollen bare feet. They swoop in.
“Hey, how you doing,” Commonwealth beckons.
Armistice whips the cooler in front of the man and grabs two bottles of water. “Good to see you again.”
The man nods and picks through the Crusaders’ bag of snacks, passing over the granola bars for a few bags of chips.
Around the corner, they see another homeless man, Francis. He pulls out a small flashlight the Crusaders gave him after severe storms tore through the city in May. After a few jokes and some water, he’s on his way.
We know, Commonwealth says, that some of the homeless people we meet have deeper problems. We know they need more than water and a little food. That’s why we want to start carrying contact information for shelters and mental health organizations. But we also know we might be the only ones to show them any kindness during the day.
Chapter 6: A citizen in distress!
ZZZZZPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!
The plastic cuffs pull shut, and a dangling “Push here for walk signal” sign at Second and Forster is secure. The wind will not claim this victim!
“Are you guys superheroes?”
Hearing the voice, the Crusaders halt their march toward Midtown and spin around.
“My car won’t start,” Shamicca Gentry says. “Do you think you can help me?”
They freeze.
“Well, we don’t know much about cars,” Commonwealth says, “but we’ll take a look.”
I ran out of gas on the way to physical therapy, Gentry says, waving at her Grand Prix sitting next to a fire hydrant. I put gas in, but it still won’t start.
She pops her hood. Commonwealth leans in.
“Here,” he says, “try it.”
The ignition cranks but dies soon after.
“It’s hard to hear with this helmet,” he says, asking her to try again. He leans closer to the coiled metal.
“I actually know what this is!” Commonwealth exclaims. “This used to happen to me when I was homeless and ran out of gas. You flooded your engine.”
You’re going to have to let it sit for a few hours to let the gas settle, he explains. She can’t leave it in front of the hydrant, Armistice says.
Blast! A nearly perfect rescue cannot be foiled so easily.
They spy an open parking spot across Forster, across a mere six lanes of traffic. The light turns green, and they push.
Secure, Gentry gushes thanks as they feed her meter.
The Crusaders set off again. Before they’re gone, Commonwealth turns back:
“You stay safe,” he calls. “We love you dear!”
Chapter 7: The coming battle
Harrisburg needs saviors.
Financial distress looms over every block. Streetlights are out. Sewer drains are blocked. Street cleaning becomes more sporadic with each passing week.
The Crusaders’ nemesis, the plotting Dr. Despair cackles. Once honest citizens are worn down, he will descend into the streets.
But the Crusaders will be ready! As long as people care, the battle still can be won!
They will not be alone.
Already, Vigil has joined them on patrol. She hunted down Commonwealth and Armistice on Facebook, and then appeared, shrouded in purple.
Soon, Gia will join the fight.
Streak will come forward.
And in some secret place, a Norseman is now finishing his costume.
There is much work to be done, and they cannot conquer every foe.
But the righteous people of the city will not be abandoned in this dark hour. So if you look down the street and see these costumed warriors, do not be afraid.
The Keystone Crusaders have come to fight for our victory!

Keystone Crusaders: More Than Meets the Eye

Originally posted: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1107/16/smn.01.html
CNN SATURDAY MORNING NEWS
Aired July 16, 2011 – 06:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Good morning, everybody. Nice shot there from WPVI this morning.
I want to take you to something else as we look to the song, “Help Somebody.” we are talking about superheroes this morning who are cleaning up the streets of Pennsylvania. They are doing this literally. Take a look here at the Keystone Crusaders. That is what they call themselves. They are dressed up, yes. You don’t know their identities, but these are not vigilantes, or out there fighting crime. No, of course, they don’t have super powers, but they are doing something that some will tell you is pretty super special.
These crusaders are here with me this morning. Let me bring in, Commonwealth, that is him on the left. That is Vigil, sitting in the back. She is not miked up. We won’t be hearing from here, but she still there in support. Then there is Armistice on the right.
Thank you all for being here. And Commonwealth, I will let you start this off. A lot of people are looking at the screen and thinking what in the world are they doing? First of all, tell me the whole idea. What is the point of the Crusaders?
COMMONWEALTH, KEYSTONE CRUSADERS: Well, the point of the Keystone Crusaders is pretty much to inspire goodness out of others by going around and doing good things, like picking up garbage and giving food and water to homeless. Random acts of kindness. Helping anybody out in any way they need it.
HOLMES: Armistice, helping people out? You talk about picking up garbage and handing out food and water. And doing these acts, but also this includes sometimes, maybe just dropping money into a parking meter of somebody whose parking meter has expired?
ARMISTICE, KEYSTONE CRUSADERS: Yes, of course. Commonwealth carries around a roll a big roll of quarters. If we can save someone a $15 ticket with a quarter, then that is a very good thing we can do. That could be rent money or their food money for that week.
HOLMES: Now, Commonwealth, you all could have done this by walking around the streets and doing it in plain clothes. What is with the superhero get up? Why go that route?
COMMONWEALTH: Well, you know, the superhero idea really comes about when a person sees a superhero, they see more than a person. They see an idea. They see something that may inspire them, that in the future, go out and do something good themselves. Not necessarily in a superhero costume, but just to be good people. Children see Spiderman and they know that is initially good. The idea of being a superhero is we can inspire goodness in others.
HOLMES: Now, Armistice, I have to say, and tell our viewers, you all take this quite seriously, at least the part about keeping your identity hidden. There is no way I can get you to lift up that mask this morning, is there?
ARMISTICE: No way.
(LAUGHTER)
COMMONWEALTH: It is not that we feel any real need to, it is more on principle. If you see someone that you don’t know who they are doing this, it could be anyone. If it could be anyone, there is no reason why it couldn’t be you.
HOLMES: What is the-Commonwealth-I guess, what is the idea here? It sounds like you are trying to inspire children with some of the get up and what they see. And you say, like Armistice just said. If you don’t know who it is, it could be anybody. That could be you. How far do you want to take this thing and keep it going?
COMMONWEALTH: You know, believe me, one day I would love to retire the helmet and cape. But as long as the city needs us; as long as the people feel like they need somebody out there to help them. That is how long we want to keep going. As I say, until our legs give out. This is something we feel our City of Harrisburg needs, and-just the people, itself, they need it. You can see it in their faces. Since from when we began to now, their attitudes have completely changed.
HOLMES: Armistice, it is important to note here, and people might be wondering, when do you do this? You all do have day jobs.
ARMISTICE: We do it whenever we find free time that we can put together. The Commonwealth is a retail manager. I work in retail. We always just have to organize our schedules together.
HOLMES: Are you recruiting?
ARMISTICE: Anyone who really wants to help out. Vigil, here, has only been out with us twice now. She is the latest person to join. There are some more people are getting ready. Anyone who wants to join us, why not? You do not need to be wearing a costume to be a good person, is that what you want to do?
HOLMES: And the last thing here to you, Commonwealth. You went through some struggles of your own. You are out helping the homeless now and doing what you can. You had struggles of your own. You probably wished a superhero would come along and help you out?
COMMONWEALTH: You know what I had my own personal superheroes; people in my life that just gave very generously without asking anything in return. They did not wear costumes, they were just genuinely good people. They are part of the inspiration for this. Their amount of generosity for no reason at all, they gained no benefit from helping me. You know, through their help, I was able to get out of what I was in, and find myself-you know, now I’m a superhero. I’m going out and paying it forward.
HOLMES: Guys, thank you so much for being here. This story got a lot of our attention. At first, when we see the outfits and people jump to a conclusion. But once you dig into it and hear the story and hear why you are doing it. It really is a cool thing you are doing. Maybe, really, it will inspire some folks whether they are in superhero costumes or not. Thank you all so much for taking the time. Keep doing what you are doing. We will see you down the road.
ARMISTICE: Thank you.
HOLMES: All right. We are getting up on the top of the hour here. I’m going to run and put on my superhero outfit. I’ll have that for you right after the break.

About

Greetings RLSH, This first post will address the fundemental Issues of Super-Heroics…

I aim here to discuss;

  • Why do we don a Mask and Costume.
  • The ideals and reality of Super-Heroic individuals.
  • What sets us apart from Vigilantes.
  • The Idea of Fearlessness vs Foolishness with capes, masks, spandex, gadgets, weapons, armor, etc.
  • How society contributes to everything we do, both positively & negatively.
  • Being a Symbol and Being a Human at the same time.
  • And any Ideas that you wish to request.

Any Ideas, comments or flames can be posted as a comment in the comments section.

 

"SUPER" HAS NO COLOR.

Nadra Enzi

Capt Black

One fact sets creative activists ( RLSH & X ALT ) apart from their larger communities: our impressive absence of racial hangups (or good sense not to air them- take your pick! lol ).

Real life superheroes and extreme altruist community members come in all shades. That much is obvious. Why we unite around this sub-culture is the next logical question.

The sub-culture we share uses fictional themes to inspire inventive dogooding. These themes transcend racial categories and instead become an entirely new category all its own.

The bonds formed in practicing this sub-culture are often stronger than those usually found in conventional ties.
While politicans; political parties and pundits racebait to promote prejudice for some narrow purpose ( like the 2012 presidential campaign ), RLSH and X ALT consistently demonstrate our one elegantly simple truth:
“Super” has no color.

 
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT BLACK promotes finding your “super” through creative crime prevention; homeless outreach and political advocacy. He also reminds readers that, “…the ‘Black’ in Capt. Black is an acronym (brotherhood-loyalty-ability-courage-kindness )defining five core principles instead of skin color. ” (504) 214-3082.