Daryl Brooks Runs For Council

TRENTON-- Longtime Trenton activist Daryl Mikell Brooks has announced that he is running for City Council at Large. Brooks, a two time failed United States Senate candidate and a vowed member of the Tea Party, declares that if elected, he will fight to overcome the foreclosure crisis, reverse economic disinvestment and  foster opportunities for viable youth development, family stability, and educational and economic advancement for all according to a press release. Along with this, the Trenton native says that if elected he will make it a priority to get corporate funding to reopen four shuttered city libraries that were closed due to budget cuts last year.

I think even though Brooks is running in a non-partisan election, his candidacy raises an important question: why aren't there more independent voices in local politics? Sure, some may say fundraising obstacles, organizational backing, and other issues prevent independent candidates from being serious contenders in general elections, but I think Brooks and other independent candidates also face the challenge of trying to win over a constituency that is historically loyal to the Democratic Party despite the dilapidated conditions of inner city communities. Indeed, high levels of unemployment, a dismal high school graduation rate, crumbling infrastructure, and an ongoing public safety issue are all problems that continue to plague inner city communities like Trenton.

Candidates like Brooks hope to turn the tables on the conventional way of doing things in Trenton. In a brief interview, Brooks claims that he is disappointed with current leadership and how they lack vision for the 21st century. He is a member of the Tea Party, a political group that many people in the Trenton community are suspicious of mainly because of its criticism of the Obama administration. However, according to a Tea Party website, they stand for “limited government, fiscal restraint, and individual liberty”, some things that may actually help inner cities like Trenton if they were applied.

In this sort of climate where inner cities face tremendous challenges, I think now is all the more time to hear alternative visions and viewpoints that might actually work. I think it will do us a lot better than staying politically loyal to a party that has not substantially turned things around for the better while they have had power. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Feel free to disagree and chime in on this larger discussion about improving the city of Trenton...

For more information on Brooks and his candidacy, click here.

Brooks Overcomes Death Threats And Presses On

TRENTON-- In a recent interview, local activist tells all about his recent bout with the New Jersey State Parole Board.

Daryl Brooks, a longtime Trenton political freedom fighter and now member of the Tea Party who served a three and half year bid in prison for flashing two minors (a crime he insists he did not commit), decided to sit down for an in-depth interview last week.

During the interview, Brooks spoke out in a way that he hasn't done before. The brash and outspoken political firebrand was in rare form last week as he opened up about his longstanding fight against injustice and persecution.

Since being released from prison, Brooks has sought to bring about social and political change within his community. According to an Occupy the Hood New Jersey blog, Brooks was the first person to run for U.S. Senate from Trenton, New Jersey. Although his campaign proved unsuccessful, he has coordinated numerous community organizing activities to stop violence and bring different people together.

Despite his efforts, Brooks has experienced problems with the State Parole Board and the public at large. In May, the Parole Board required that he attend counseling sessions. In these sessions, Brooks reports that he was required to admit guilt for a crime that he insists he did not commit.

After not complying with their request, he was ordered to take a polygraph exam or lie detector test as a part of the Parole Board’s Containment Approach that monitors the activity of individuals that are on parole for sex offenses. This test was required despite Brooks having had no parole violations since being released from prison according to Philadelphia Tribune reporter Linn Washington. Once he was given the lie detector test, Brooks reports that he was told by the Parole Board that he failed.

Brooks speaking at rally

Brooks subsequently requested a copy of the results to determine why he failed but was denied. The Parole Board confirmed this. When a parolee fails a lie detector test, they can have stricter restrictions placed upon them. The political activist questions the results and has voiced concern over how the lie detector was administered. He has expressed concerns involving the use and application of testing equipment, the recording of information, and the polygraph examiner’s impartiality.

Research bears out what Brooks is saying. According to Polygraph Specialist Joseph Buckley , the polygraph technique is highly accurate, but at the same time, errors can and do occur.

Most errors happen when the examiner fails to prepare the subject properly for the examination or by misreading the physiological data on the polygraph charts. This makes it all the more important that the examiner be properly trained. According to a State Parole Board representative, parole officers can and do administer polygraph examinations because they have gone through training and are required to undergo recertification every two years.

Brooks and another parolee that spoke on the condition of anonymity both question the accuracy of lie detectors. They wonder why the results of these tests can be used to restrict an individual for Parole Board purposes, but cannot be used in a court of law. Mother Jones journalist Brendan Koerner confirmed this finding when he reported that polygraph test results are generally inadmissible in court.

Through these issues with the lie detector test and by refusing to comply with the Parole Board’s requirement that he admit guilt for a crime he claims he did not commit, Brooks was now in violation of his parole which meant jail-time. In a previous interview, Brooks said the possibility of going back to prison was “terrible”.

Brooks went on to call his experience with the Parole Board an instance of 'persecution' citing that it was unjust to have this happen to him, because he has already served his time and he has had no parole violations since being released.

Brooks in Mississippi with poor children

Along with this travesty of justice, the political gadfly spoke out about countless situations where he was spit on, threatened with violence, and physically attacked by members of the Black community, a community that he has consistently fought for over the years with his protests and rallies. It came to a point where even his daughter was threatened by others in his community. Indeed, the Trenton activist had serious concerns that someone was going to kill him and that he was going to have to maybe kill someone to defend himself or his family.

In the interview, Brooks describes how utterly disappointed he was in the Black Community because of the way he was treated. He could not understand why they hated him when he did so much to improve things in the Black Community. It came to a point where the political activist threw up his hands and said, “my own people are trying to destroy me”.

After this, it came to a point where 'enough became enough' for the political activist. 

After years of fighting injustice, facing fierce opposition, and wrestling with the possibility of going back to prison for something he deemed to be unjust, Brooks says that the pressure became overwhelming and he came to a fork in the road where he felt a life or death decision needed to be made.

In the interview, the political malcontent said that the night before he was arrested in May, he sat in his room all night staring at a bottle of prescription pain pills that was lying around his house, contemplating whether or not to take them. His intentions were to take the pain pills as a way to end his misery and cut his life short. That particular night, all sorts of thoughts ran through his head as he glanced as that bottle of pills. However, something stopped him from taking them.

Brooks says that the only thing that prevented him from taking his life that night was listening to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s sermon But, If Not, a 1967 speech that highlights the importance of what King called civil disobedience where one refuses to abide by an order of the government because your conscience deems it unjust.

The political activist said that he had no worries that following morning when he received a 7 o’clock call from parole because he knew that he never “walked alone”, God was with him always. So that following morning, Brooks buried those pain pills saying that he felt strong and inspired, like Martin Luther King, Jr. before he was escorted to that Birmingham Jail in 1963.

Brooks being interviewed for U.S. Senate

Brooks went on to say that despite the persecution he is currently going through, history is ultimately on the side of right and that justice will eventually prevail. However, the political activist is still concerned about the social implications of others going through a similar ordeal with the Parole Board that he went through.

The Trenton born activist expressed concern regarding the Parole Board's use of power. In the interview, he makes the case that the State Parole Board is abusing its power whenever it administers a lie detector test, but does not provide the parolee with a copy of the test results. Brooks fears that the Parole Board may begin to require others that have been convicted for non-sex offender related crimes take these same sorts of tests and not be given a copy of the test results either. The political firebrand thinks this could have damaging social effects as it relates to one’s civil liberties.

Brooks says, "Are they [the Parole Board] testing this out for the next line of individuals? This may start off with people with sex offense and lead to people with regular crimes. This could be the start like when we used drones in other countries, now that was a test, now let's see what its like to use drones here in America. Now let’s do it [lie detectors] with people that shoot people, drug dealers, people that do a regular crime, let’s test it out on a group of people that people are going to despise because they're not really human".

In general, this issue brings up questions about how we treat parolees. Does society care about how people on parole are treated since they have already served their time or does society think that it doesn't matter how these individuals are treated because they committed crimes against society? Are parolees being pushed around by the Parole Board or are their rights being protected under the law?

Independents Square Off In Trenton Once Again

TRENTON-- Independent U.S. Senate candidates met in Trenton to discuss immigration, national security, and foreign policy Wednesday evening at Mercer County Community College.

Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- hosted and moderated its second U.S. Senate Debate at Mercer County Community downtown at its James Kerney Campus. The debate was designed to increase voter turnout and raise awareness about the upcoming General Election.

All senate candidates were invited, but mainstream candidates Democrat U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and Republican Joseph Kyrillos did not attend.

During the debate, all three independent candidates that did attend, Greg Pason of the Socialist Party, Daryl Brooks of the Reform Nation Party, and Steve Welzer of the Green Party in place of Ken Wolski, said that military spending should be reduced and that our country should instead be invested in a jobs bill or some form of education reform.

Later, during the debate, the candidates went on to discuss illegal immigration. Greg Pason of the Socialist Party said that he supports the DREAM Act, a narrowly tailored bill to give undocumented students a chance to earn legal status if they came here as children, are long-term U.S. residents, have good moral character, and complete two years of college or military service in good standing. Daryl Brooks of the Reform Nation Party had an opposing view. He said that "illegal is illegal" and that he did not support the DREAM Act. Steve Welzer of the Green Party said that he supported stricter enforcement of the immigration laws already on the books.

Indeed, from my observation, the event was a lively and engaging. However, the turnout was not as expected. Many were invited, but few showed. With rising prices, unemployment, and lack of healthcare afflicting the lives of many, it is a wonder why more people didn't come out to hear what the candidates have to say. Do the people really want change? Questions remain...Yet, in any event, the struggle continues.

For more information on the upcoming election, visit VoteSmart by clicking here.

To see video coverage of the debate, see below:

Video streaming by Ustream

Anwar's Reflections Hosts Senate Debate To Combat Voter Apathy

TRENTON--"Anwar's Reflections"-- a Trentonian affiliate, in association with Occupy the Hood NJ will be hosting a U.S. Senate debate October 17th at Mercer County Community College from 4 to 6 pm to combat voter apathy.

This debate was born out of a concern for voter apathy.Voter apathy refers to a situation where eligible Americans choose to boycott participation in elections, for whatever reason.

This November 6th, the President, U.S. Senators, and different members of the legislature will all be on the ballot.

According to Real Clear Politics, 56.2% of the people say that the country is going in the wrong direction.

Indeed, as more and more citizens wrestle with unemployment, rising prices, and a lack of healthcare, it would seem that for this year's election, the stakes could not be any higher. However, whether people will actually turn out this year is another question. Alas, even as it is recognized that voter turnout has increased over the last three presidential elections according to CBS News, there is still this nagging sense that more and more people are showing a lack of interest in politics or the political process due to busy schedules, cynical resignation, or perhaps even due to their sheer confusion about how the voting process works, it makes one wonder how many people will actually turn out to vote.

And to make matters worse, across the nation, there have been changes made to voting laws that could potentially affect "minorities", the elderly and student populations. Many of these laws require that voters present identification at the time of voting. According to TechnicianOnline Staff Writer Lindsey Rosenbaum, "these laws were mainly implemented by Republican congressmen in an attempt to fight voter fraud, but some voting rights advocates see this instead as voter suppression targeting main Democratic demographics". For more on this issue, click here.

With these sorts of issues looming, "Anwar's Reflections"-- a Trentonian affiliate, in association with Occupy the Hood NJ, have decided to hold a U.S. Senate debate at Mercer County Community College's Kerney Hall located in Downtown Trenton October 17th from 4 to 6 pm. 

The event is designed to raise awareness about the upcoming election and to encourage involvement in the democratic process. Information on how to register to vote will be available for those that need it.

During the debate, we will be discussing a variety of issues affecting Mercer County and urban centers like Trenton. We will address issues like jobs, workforce development, and the role of government. If you are interested in submitting debate questions, click here.

Greg Pason of the Socialist Party, Inder Soni, Kenneth Kaplan of the Libertarian Party, and Daryl Brooks of the Reform Nation Political Party have all confirmed that they can attend. Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Republican candidate Joe Kyrillos have also been invited, but as of today, they have not confirmed their attendance.

Food and refreshments will be available.

For more information on the event, contact Anwar Salandy at 609.968.6114 or email him at anwarsalandy@ymail.com.

Local Firebrand Takes Another Shot At Public Office

TRENTON-- Local activist makes yet another bid for U.S. Senate this November. Longtime Trenton resident and political firebrand Daryl Brooks sat down with Anwar's Reflections--  a Trentonian affiliate-- to discuss his candidacy Tuesday afternoon.

During the nearly one hour interview, Brooks spoke about issues like education, jobs, and immigration.

The political malcontent took no time in calling out a number of community leaders and activists for what he deemed to be their failure in addressing issues like crime, education, jobs, and prisons.

From West Ward Councilman Zachary Chester to Trentonian talk show host Darren Freedom Green, Brooks took no prisoners as he spoke about the city's crisis of leadership. Brooks went on to say that these leaders are too busy singing, dancing, and having 'cookouts' to tackle today's problems. He said today's leaders are weak and "have no ideas".

Aside from the community's woes, Brooks also spoke about two hallmarks of his political campaign, immigration and education.

The outspoken activist is no stranger to running for political office. In the past, he ran two senate campaigns that proved unsuccessful. Over the year's, the local activist's political career has been marred by a 1995 conviction for lewdness, endangerment of a child, and assault. At that time, Trenton, NJ police and prosecutors claimed that Brooks flashed two adolescent aged girls. Since day one, Brooks has maintained his innocence.

After being released from prison, Brooks published an audiobook chronicling his life. Over the years, the Trenton activist has made it a point to fight for issues affecting the prison industrial complex, violence, and other forms of injustice. He is currently a member of the Tea Party and has affiliations with Occupy the Hood NJ and Occupy Trenton.

For more information on Brooks or his campaign, visit his website by clicking here.

Please see the video below to see Brooks take to task community leaders: 

For access to the entire interview, click below:

Local Activist's Quest For Justice Leads to Jail Time

TRENTON-- Local political activist and blogger, Daryl Brooks, was jailed Thursday for not complying with his parole counselor's request that he admit to a crime he insists he did not commit according to close friends of the beleaguered activist.

Brooks, a former senate candidate, was convicted in 1998 on counts of lewdness, endangerment of a child, and sexual assault, a crime for which he has maintained his innocence.  After serving his time, the political firebrand has confronted issues plaguing urban and suburban neighborhoods alike: drugs, guns, gang violence, inadequate educational system, prison system, police corruption and poverty.

Brooks' most recent bout with the criminal justice system comes at a time when he had initiated a hunger strike protesting what he thought to be unjust treatment by the Mercer County Parole Board.

In a recent Occupy the Hood blog, Brooks said that his hunger strike was brought about by the parole board's decision to revoke his Internet privileges. According to Brooks, the parole board denied him the ability to appeal or challenge their decision. He reports that they will not let him or his attorney see or have a copy of the lie detector results. The activist views the parole board's actions as somewhat like what would happen in communist countries like China or North Korea, not in America.

Now as Brooks sits in jail, his friends and supporters demand an immediate investigation of the matter.

According to the embattled activist's mother Jane, his bail has been set at $1,000. She has already put together $500 of that amount.

Hometown Blogger Sparks Discussion At Trenton Library

TRENTON-- Marcus Garvey once said that a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. It was in this tradition that area residents and activists alike met at the Trenton Public Library Wednesday night for Anwar's Reflections First Ever Black History Panel Discussion.

During the nearly two hour discussion, a variety of topics were explored and addressed. Members of the audience were invited to ask questions as well.

From education to black leadership, to President Obama and social problems afflicting communities in Black America, the panel covered a lot of ground.

Panel members included hip hop artist Big OOH, businessman Tracey Syphax, New Black Panther Party spokesman Divine Allah, Garvey School principal Baye Kemit, community activist Darren 'Freedom' Green, and Today's News NJ's Daryl Brooks.

Baye Kemit said that leadership does not have to be monolithic, it does not have to be one person, our leaders are our parents and grandparents. Darren Freedom Green said that President Barack Obama needs to 'stand up and just be a man on some issues' as it relates to problems afflicting the black community. In his analysis of President Obama, Daryl Brooks said that the president has bailed out Wall Street but failed to mention the word poverty in any of his State of the Union speeches.

As a blogger or citizen journalist, I thought it was important to carry on the tradition of the words of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, by inviting a variety of different community leaders and activists to come to the table and have a discussion that would illustrate the diversity of Black America on a local level here in Trenton, New Jersey.

As a viewer and reader, I invite you to determine if the discussion reached that goal.

Please see footage of the event below:

Outspoken Trenton Activist No Longer Supports The Mayor

TRENTON-- Local political activist says he no longer wants to be a part of the mayor's team.

Wednesday morning, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- sat down with Daryl Brooks, a former Tony Mack supporter and failed U.S Senate candidate, to discuss what he calls 'the inside truth' surrounding Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor Jojo Giorgianni.

In an exclusive interview, Brooks, a Trenton native, chimed in on a variety of topics. Despite being one of the chief spokespersons at a City Hall rally last June in support of the mayor, Brooks is now calling Mack an outright liar' saying that he had questioned Mack's loyalty even before he won a seat in the mayor's office in 2010.

During the course of the 50 minute discussion, the outspoken activist cited broken promises and misrepresentation on the part of Mack and his underlings. According to the hometown activist, during a phone conversation with the mayor, Brooks asked him about the recent layoff of one third of the city's police force, and the mayor said, 'f*** the police'.

Brooks went on to express frustration and disappointment with what he calls the mayor's arrogant management style. He believes the mayor has a 'napolean complex', where the motto is, 'its either my way or the highway'.

The Trenton activist left no stone unturned. He called out elected officials, religious leaders, and also what he calls 'Facebook activists' that talk a lot on the popular social media website, but ultimately do nothing outside submitting posts online.

Brooks issued a scathing critique of these leaders and said change is needed.

During the interview, the political firebrand did not hold back.

With regard to Jojo Giorgianni, he said that the owner of JoJo's Steakhouse, has on numerous occasions, openly called many African American city officials 'spooks' and other racial slurs. He went on to say that Giorgianni sells 'crack pipes' at his North Trenton store.

When asked why he has decided to come forward now after being a vocal supporter of the mayor, Brooks said that he had become so sick and tired of being lied to and that he wanted to 'wake people up'.

For more information on Brooks or his blog, Today's News NJ, click here.

Please see a video of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Daryl Brooks below:

Interview with Outspoken Political Activist Has Been Pushed Back

TRENTON-- In a post last week, it was reported that Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- was going to have a sit-down with outspoken politcal activist Daryl Brooks.

Brooks, a former supporter of the city's mayor, claims he has the inside truth about Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor Jojo Giorgianni.

To my readers, I apologize, this particular sit-down is still in the waits due to schedule conflicts. However, as things stand now, the interview is scheduled to be released Wednesday, stay tuned.

Former Mack Supporter Speaks Out

TRENTON-- Outspoken political activist Daryl Brooks says he has the inside truth about Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and local steakhouse proprietor JoJo Giorgianni.

In a recent phone conversation, Brooks, a former Mack supporter and staunch recall opponent, informed Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- that he has something  new to say about the Mack administration.

Anwar's Reflections is scheduled to interview Brooks Saturday.

Stay tuned for breaking news related to this story.

Anwar's Reflections One Year Anniversary

TRENTON-- Ladies and gentleman, Anwar's Reflections, a cutting-edge local blog, survived its first year, learning a great deal about the city of Trenton and the larger Mercer County area. Thanks to all the supporters of the blog that made it possible.

In particular, I as editor and chief, would like to take a moment out to acknowledge some very special people. First, there is Meggin Sanez, Anwar's Reflections' first guest blogger. She is highly professional and her work is both practical and entertaining.

Secondly, I would like to give a big thank you to Monique Corbin, she was my camera-person on more than a few occasions, we have been friends since high school.

Third, I would like to publicly say thank you to Hallie Townsend for her support. She works diligently to teach people the virtues of online education. Visit her website by clicking here.

I would also like to give a shout-out to the Trentonian newspaper for helping me and Anwar's Reflections extend our reach.

With their help, I have been able to reach a much broader audience through their regular blog alerts. In particular, I want to thank Aaron Nobel, former editor at the Trentonian, along with Joey Kulkin, managing editor at the Trentonian. Both Aaron and Joey gave me tips to become a better a citizen journalist/ blogger.

Next, I want to give a special thank you to Leslie Taylor, a person that is near and dear to me and my family. She has consistently been there for me and my endeavors over the years. I like to think of her as my MVP (Most Valuable Player). I love her dearly.

Then there is one of my strongest supporters, Janice Flynn. Janice and I met through Facebook and she is great. I enjoy her thoughtful comments and ongoing support.

I can't forget one of my best friends, Rance Robeson II, a former classmate and colleague at Rider University. Rance has mentored me through thick and thin and is like a brother to me. So, I would like to extend a big shout-out or acknowledgement to him.

Also, I can't forget about all the community leaders that have helped me. From Daryl Brooks and Dion Clark to Eric Maywar and Baye Kemit, these individuals do great work in the community. In particular, I want to shout out Raul 'Polo' Cortes, a highly talented poet that truly loves his community and has been very supportive of Anwar's Reflections.

Last, but not least, I can't forget my big brother, Rahman, he originally gave me the idea to create a blog in the first place. I love him immensely along with my mother, Sandra, and my father, Kalaama.

For all those I forgot to mention, please chalk it to my head and not my heart.

Last year was a great year, but now is not the time to cool off and rest on my laurels. Now is the time to build off the momentum of last year and make this year better than the last. Thank you for all your support.

Best wishes to everyone in the New Year ahead.

Occupy the Hood NJ Holds Forum at Trenton Library

TRENTON-- Members of the Occupy the Hood New Jersey protest movement met at the Trenton Public Library Saturday morning to discuss issues affecting the community.

During the forum, meeting participants discussed an array of issues. They spoke about the prison industrial complex, education, crime, voting, and civic engagement.

Occupy the Hood was born out of dissatisfaction with the larger Occupy Wall Street movement. Occupy Wall Street originated in New York's financial district just three months ago, but has branched out into various cities across the United States (including Trenton) and abroad. 

Occupiers protest a variety of issues, including, but not limited, to debit card fees, the growing gap between the rich and poor, Wall Street bailouts and corporate influence in politics.

Members of the Occupy the Hood Movement argue that issues affecting the lives of 'minorities' and poor people were not being adequately addressed by the larger Occupy Wall Street protest movement.

Out of this dissatisfaction, the Occupy the Hood Movement was born. Hood occupiers speak to a whole host of issues that affect the day to day lives of people living in urban communities like Trenton, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Issues like crime, education, the prison industrial complex, and budget cuts, to name a few.

Saturday morning, members of the community engaged in a robust discussion.

During the forum, Rodney Jenkins, a city man said, that we need to hold our leaders accountable and not just vote during election years, but rather we need to get more involved in between elections.

Michael Johnson, a Ewing man said, he would like to see more young people get involved in the Occupy the Hood movement. He said, "I want to see more people become a part of the solution and not the problem".

Daryl Brooks, a city activist said, he wants the movement to not only raise awareness but also challenge the banks and challenge the prison industrial complex. He thinks this movement has the potential to become the next Civil Rights Movement.

To get involved, contact Occupy the Hood New Jersey by email: occupythehoodnj@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

Please see videos below:

Tea Party Activist Daryl Brooks Pens New Audio Book

TRENTON-- Political activist Daryl Brooks releases new audio-book, Why Me?, chronicling his life experiences as a Trenton resident, activist, and former candidate for US Senate. In the audio-book, the political firebrand recalls his days growing up in the city's Donnelly Homes along with his four year stint in prison for a crime he claims he did not commit.

Brooks was convicted in 1998 on counts of child endangerment, lewdness, and sexual assault. From day one, he insists he did nothing wrong and that he was railroaded for his unapologetic, no hold's barred, political speech exposing corruption in high places.


Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- interviewed individuals that listened to the audio-book to see what they had to say.

Tea Party member George Hathaway, said the audio-book is a "good and courageous attempt to present Daryl to the political community. He came out of the closet, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding his background. he needed to make it clear to the larger community and many of the Tea Party. Its a sad story of corruption and victimization, what goes wrong in the inner city. It shows how a individual can get victimized and have their lives ruined for a long time.

He went on to say that Why Me? "starts a conversation about what can happen when you stand up for what you believe in". He went on to say that Brooks' story illustrates how those who are wielding the power can come down on an individual, what can happen to an individual that goes against established power. The story shows that one takes a lot of risks in their hands when they challenge entrenched power".

Hathaway goes on to say that the audio-book underscores issues that often go overlooked in the mainstream. Issues like "prisoner rights, its just a shame, its ruined a large part of his life. The book opens up a dialogue about these larger issues".

Joe Siano, another Tea Party loyalist said, "I hope it [the audio-book] vindicates his name, I think that's why he's putting it out there, its a good effort to head this issue off and to explain it once and for all. Ultimately, its up to the audience to make their own judgment, listen to it, I think its up to the court of public opinion whether he will be able to vindicate himself, I think its a great way to have his story heard". Siano also thinks Brooks' story highlights issues of abuse of authority on the part of police department, the prosecutor, and the mayor's office.

Founder of the blog, Restoring Freedoms, Lou Jacikoff, said that, "Why Me? raises questions about the criminal justice system, the judicial system, it shows the reader that the system needs a good looking at, it needs repair, it can no longer be about the good ol' boy system".


"Our system is based on who can you hire as an attorney, it shouldn't be that way. There are two systems of justice: those that have and those that don't have, I think Daryl's story is a microcosm of what's happening in our judicial system where people are railroaded because they have a hard time defending themselves. Its disturbing, but there have been a lot of people out there that have been imprisoned but turned out to be innocent because they did not have proper representation. Daryl's story reveals that".

To get a copy of the audio-book, click the link below:

http://www.thepoliticalemporium.com/audio-books-cds.html


Please see videos below: