Now What?

I must apologize. It has been a minute since I posted. I initially thought I’d take a few days and marinate about the magnitude of Obama’s presidential victory. Then it turned into a month. Anyways, since I didn’t post about that, let’s talk a bit. I am happy that we have a new president that is qualified, certified, and the best man for the job. It is simply the icing on the cake that he is a black man. If you voted for him because he is black, shame on you and you really don’t deserve the right to vote. [seriously] If you had the foresight and intelligence to review the issues and actually pay attention to the debates, platforms and campaign stump speeches and chose to vote for him because he IS the best man for the job, then congratulations. Those who actually reviewed the candidate’s views, stances and platforms know that there really wasn’t much in the way of difference between McCain and Obama, however Barack Hussein Obama IS our new president (I know he hasn’t taken office yet, but that’s the way I want to say it).

I was never more embarrassed than to see so many black folk over the age of 25 who were voting for the first time in this presidential election. What the hell have they been doing? Where have they been living? I would be willing to bet that these are the same idiots who ran around complaining about the mayor, governor, city councilman, etc and were too lazy, stupid or trifling to take part in the process. I always say that we have the right to vote, but we have the responsibility to be informed voters. I hope those who are 1st time voters aren’t last time voters. I believe we ought to vote every time there’s an election. Vote for everything from dog catcher to county tax assessor, they all affect you and your place in this society.

Now, I know this might not be a popular stance, but hear me out and, by all means, share your views as well. As I was saying, I believe that the election of this nations first non-white president says less about this country and racism than it does about the black community. Case and point…we keep hearing, “they finally elected a black man.” Think back and name three black men who were qualified, competent and available to run for POTUS in your lifetime…I’m still waiting. I didn’t think so. We’ve had Jesse and Al, neither of which were suited, competent or qualified for the job, and both are opportunistic racist morons who care about nothing more than the spotlight being shined on them and their fake causes. Then there’s Alan Keyes, from the republican Motissa tribe. He is an idiotic, moron who doesn’t have sense enough to know that they use him to try and divide the black vote every time they can. In order for there to be an indictment of this country, we ought to have had someone who was qualified in the position to run for president. Who’s to say that we wouldn’t have had a black man in the white house before? I can call Barack an African-American, because he IS one. He is 1 generation removed from the continent and actually has family to visit there. I’m about sick of black folk claiming to be African American [that’s another topic for another day].

Anyway, I say congratulations to America, Barack Hussein Obama, and all of my countrymen who will put their shoulders to the plow and work to make this country a great one under this new administration. This country and its leaders need our prayers, determination and ingenuity to turn around this economy and our reputation in the world’s eyes. While it is a great feat to have achieved, I’m not sure it is one that is going to be as great as he thought considering the plight he faces. He’ll be criticized greatly for not implementing all of the things he promised during his campaign, but those who pay attention will know that he can’t with the economy as it is, spend some of the money needed for the implementation of some of his platform programs. In 2012, his opponents will play looped tapes of him promising things that will not have been delivered. We musn’t be fooled by such. I simply pray that he and his administration are able to steady this economy in one term, then we’ll go from there.

This musing is entitled ‘Now What?’ for a reason. Regardless of why he won the election, as black people in America we are in a different position than we were this time last year. We have all heard folks complaining about being held back just for being black...not any longer. Now what will you use as your excuse? A black man now holds the most powerful title in this land [some would say the world]. What I really appreciate is all of the statistical realities that he shattered. In a time where black men aren’t respecting their women we have one who tells us every chance he gets that she is his rock and showers her with affection regardless of where they are. In a time where black men aren’t staying around to raise their kids we have one who is not only married to the mother of his kids, but is active in their lives. In a time where statistics say that the product of a single parent home is more likely to go to jail than college, we have one who graduated top of his class from one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. In a time where women are putting off having kids for their careers or having kids and letting someone else raise them for their careers, we have a strong, competent black woman, putting her career on hold for her the well being of her children. This family is a great American story as well as an inspirational story. Congrats to us all…I look forward to seeing the accomplishments he’ll be able to make in his second term.

It’s Just My Opinion, But I’m Not Wrong.

CNN's New 'Nappy Headed Hoe'

In a time where we criticize the likes of Imus for calling basketball players ‘nappy headed hoes’…where political groups create caricatures of a presidential candidate on food stamps…where there are still James Byrd style draggings taking place…we have the likes of Darryl Lynn Hughley. When I initially saw the trailers for the show, I anticipated seeing something like ‘The Daily Show’ or ‘Colbert Report’, since I like both of these, I was eagerly anticipating the show’s debut this past week. I was sorely disappointed. Whether it was the seemingly endless barrage of racial jokes and stereotypical montages; the blatantly racist correlation between Obama’s candidacy and that of every minstrel on film from Sammy Davis, Jr. to Tiny Lister; or the jokes about the cholesterol level of black people I think he missed the mark.
Some may say, ‘lighten up, they’re just jokes’ others will say, ‘I liked it’. I, however, don’t think so. I believe if I would have been offended with Dennis Leary, Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart saying it, then it ain’t right for him to do it either. Darryl was trying to add a comedic spin on the presidential election, but wound up making black folk fodder for jokes by everyone watching. The appearance of ‘Freddie Mac’ discussing the pimp game and his cousin Fannie Mae was ridiculously offensive and, in my opinion, not funny at all. When will we as a people get past this type of crap?
He went on to explain Obama’s health plan’s benefits to include gold grills? Come one D. L.! You know you can do better than that. I would be less offended and disappointed had this been an up and coming comic who needed a ‘big break’, but D.L. is one of the Kings of Comedy [even though he wasn’t near the funniest]. He had the responsibility to evaluate and turned down this opportunity, or at least do it in a more responsible manner.
While I’m still pissed at Hughley, I’m equally irritated that a supposedly ‘real’ news channel would put this type of crap on the air. This type of crap has no place on an allegedly “mainstream” news network, especially within arm’s reach what’s called, the most important election in our lives. Sadly, I don’t remember any of DL’s jokes that didn’t focus on some stereotypical aspect of the black community. He helped perpetuate the notion of ignorance and shiftlessness that is pervasive in some circles.
I don’t understand what CNN hoped to accomplish with this program. I’m befuddled by this turn from legitimacy to lunacy. If they were trying to appeal to the black audience, they could have given a 30 minute show to Roland Martin. He would have filled the void we’ve had since BET stopped doing news [just a thought]. While on the subject of Martin, he ought to be offended by this garbage and the slap in the face by not giving him an opportunity to do something serious. I mean, if Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity can do it, I KNOW Roland could handle his own. At least he wouldn’t have feigned legitimizing the Obama campaign/presidency with saying Flava Flav would succeed him in the white house.
Don’t misinterpret this for me standing on a soapbox and pointing a finger. I love comedy and some comedians that make jokes about what they know, black life. I like Katt Williams, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and loved Bernie Mack, but these comedians stretch their abilities and don’t always fall back on the ludicrosity that D.L. does. My ‘black power’ fist isn’t always in the air and my dashiki isn’t in the dry cleaners. I do laugh at some things that maybe I shouldn’t, but I call a spade a spade.
I now understand why Petey Greene did what he did on the Tonight Show. He thought it was his big break, but came to the realization when he got there that they weren’t laughing at his jokes, they were laughing AT HIM and those like him. Maybe D.L. ought to watch ‘Talk to Me’, if he hasn’t already. If he has he ought to watch it again...and call up the creators and writers of ‘The Boondocks’ to watch it with him.

Is this really who we've become? Have we reverted back to being minstrels for 'the man'?

It's just my opinion, but I'm Not Wrong!!

Pacman, Palin, and the Bailout

Most people who know me know that I am a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan. I have been for a very long time. I often tell people that’s why I moved to Dallas. However, they’ve made some decisions that I don’t agree with as of late. They brought in T.O. a couple of years ago and I stopped buying season tickets. He hasn't negatively affected the tem since he joined, I still don't like the decision. They brought in Tank Johnson after being dropped by the Bears. He stepped into the defense and s doing a good job, hasn't been in trouble with the law since coming to Texas. We actually got him for a deal due to his legal indiscretions. Then they brought in Adam [Pacman] Jones after a spree that all black folks ought to be shamed of. Why? We all know that [whether we admit it or not] black folk are maligned by the actions of other black folk. I was conversing with a colleague in regards to his present situation and he commented that Goodell was too hard on him. I had to look at him twice to make sure he wasn’t joking, then I asked why he felt this way. He quipped, “If he was a white boy they wouldn’t have done nothing to him.” First of all, we ought not set out standards on looking at other folk, least of all white folk. I’m so sick of hearing that as an excuse for the actions for people’s actions. Why can’t we set standards for ourselves that WE reach for and exceed? Why is it that we can’t set objectives that have nothing to do with others? Matter of fact, if we want to emulate others [regardless of race] why don’t we emulate the likes of Michael Dell and Bill Gates? How about Chris Gardner or John H Johnson? Back to ‘Adam’; I think his suspension was just and Goodell wouldn’t be wrong if he’d ban him for life. Tough? Cruel? I don’t think so. He’s been given over 15 chances and acts like he can’t act right. It’s a privilege for him to be paid a king’s ransom to play a child’ game; obviously he doesn’t appreciate that privilege. The other thing they need to do is similar to what they do in baseball, start a mentoring program for these new millionaires when they enter into the league. Make the program mandatory and a part of their contract. Many of these young men don’t know what to do with that type of money and may not have the network around them when they sign their contract to handle it properly. Limiting the amount of their contract they get over the first 2 or 3 years wouldn’t be a bad thing either; a graduated contract contingent on participation in the programs they have for them [with guaranteed payout in the case of career ending injury during that time]. Just a thought…

The Republican Party has received a lot of flack for the choice John McCain made in his vice presidential nominee. Alaska’s governor, Sarah Palin, has been maligned for not being experienced; she’s been criticized for her support of abstinence only education while her own daughter became a statistic; she’s been ridiculed for her devout Pentecostal beliefs and made fun of for not knowing what periodicals she reads. I, for one, have a little sympathy [very little] for her. According to those that served with her in Wasilla, she was a good councilwoman and mayor. Her role as governor has been tarnished by the outcome of an investigation with regard to her brother-in-law and his job. All of this being said, think about her position. Coming from a small town and a sparsely populated state and thrust onto the national spotlight has to be difficult to handle. If you look deeply into any of our lives you’ll find some things that others might find inappropriate, may not agree with or might be critical of. Much of what she’s been criticized of, many of us have experienced. No one’ s life is above reproach, NO ONE. That's why you'll not see me on a stage of this altitude. I'd like to keep my closet closed. Just a thought…

It’s been a few weeks since my last post. Life kind of caught up with me for a minute. Anyways, I’m still trying to figure out how congress, who’s elected by their constituents, could pass a bill that’s opposed by over 70% of America, their constituents? Hmmm…makes me wonder. By the way, I’m no economist, but using my limited math skills the total for this ‘bailout’ is gonna cost those of us who got a house we could afford, paid our mortgages on time and live within our means over a trillion dollars [maybe 2] when it’s all said and done. Nothing chaps my hide more than wasting my money!!! However I don’t feel like there’s nothing I can do. I’ll be posting the names [before Nov 4] of every senator and congressman who voted for that crap here and encouraging us all to vote for somebody else. With my understanding of the political system, elected officials are supposed to act on the wishes of their constituents. If most of America, who aren’t happy about the bailout would let their elected officials know by electing someone else, their successors would take notice. I’m one of those who believes that you ought to do what you say you’re going to do and every elected official claims that their main role is to serve their constituency. By the way, where'sthe bailout for the college grads strapped with over $40,000 in loans? Just a thought…

It's Just My Opinon, But I'm Not Wrong!

Where My Daddy!!!

In recent weeks we’ve come to know not only that Sarah Palin’s teen daughter is pregnant, but that her 17 year old 'baby daddy' will be marrying her soon [insert shotgun here] . Now, a video is circulating on the net of a young man claiming that he’s her baby daddy and Gov Palin won’t allow him access to the mother of his unborn child and he fears that this will translate to him not seeing his child when it's born. Did I mention that he’s black? Don’t want to leave that out do I? Did I also mention I don’t really care and it really shouldn’t matter to any of us?
How many times have you heard of the mother of a pregnant girl not allowing the supposed father of the baby access to her daughter? How many times have you seen teen girls act irresponsibly and get pregnant and possibly lie to her mom about who she’s been with sexually? Why is this a matter of national scrutiny? Why isn’t this written off as normal teen behavior? Why don’t we look at the larger underlying issue here? What is it you might ask? The major underlying issue is the casual attitude that pervasive our society has toward extramarital/premarital sex? How about the fact that this attitude flows down to our youth?
No matter where you look you see sexual activity promoted and used to promote products, services and anything else. Palin is then criticized for promoting an abstinence education program that was implemented in the Alaska school system. She was criticized because she refused to dedicate state funds for a sex education class, but opted for the abstinence education route. The talking heads are debating the efficacy of abstinence education and saying this shows her lack of judgment. They’re saying teaching abstinence education is a waste. Hmmm…I wonder why this is?
One argument is that sex is a normal human function and they’ll do it anyway so why not teach them sexual education? Another argument touts the lack of efficacy of the programs and the fact that they don’t teach birth control methods to the youth. Still another says teaching abstinence education brings religion into the classroom and shouldn’t be done. All of these are crap! When was the last time they advised that we not teach kids ‘Just say no to drugs?’ They’re going to do it anyway. They’re going to try it, it’s only natural. This type of logic is stupid as hell. What needs to be done is to keep advising them of the responsibilities that come with the acts and what decision would be best for their future.
Now to talk about the bringing religion into the classroom argument; while the Bible does advocate abstinence til marriage (ATM), it’s just as much an economic issue as it is a moral, or religious, one. Let me elucidate:
Each year there are upwards of 900,000 teens who have babies. These are the ones that are delivered...not those that are aborted (a whole other issue for me). Of these about 78% don’t have the medical plan, family support, or tax payer money to aide them that Bristol has. She’s not the norm. Most of the kids are supported by tax payer money through programs like WIC, TANF, CHIP and the like. Why these kids should be encouraged not to have sex until they are married, or at least older, can be made from an economical perspective. They are a drain on our tax base and these young people aren’t equipped to handle the pressures of being parents. They more often than not are unemployed or underemployed due to necessity. They cause undue pressure on their respective communities and families because they weren’t responsible enough to wait. Forget birth control how about self control?
Besides, too often the ones who suffer in this situation is the child. More often than not the father isn’t in the life of the child as they are reared. The result is a son who grows up without the support of his father or an example of who he ought to be when he becomes a man. Or a daughter who grows up being reared sans the father daughter relationship that models to her what she should expect from a mate later in life. Not only do these children become an economic drain on society as they grow up, but studies show that they (regardless of race) are more likely to spend time in the penal system in their adult lives. There are a multitude of reasons why young people ought not be indulging in activities whose consequences they aren’t prepared for. I just stated a few.
We are breeding a generation of youth who think they can do anything they want to and everything is for them without limits. You have schools that make rules that anyone who tries out for a sport must make the team and get playing time. The crowd is barred from heckling or booing in some states during interscholastic sporting events. High schools are directed to give a student no less than a 50 even if they don’t do the work. Rather then advising them to exercise self control we want to teach them to be careful (especially since birth control isn’t guaranteed). I haven’t even scratched the surface of the over 3 million sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS) transmitted between teens each year. Our answer to that is 'rap it up' or 'know their status.' How stupid is that?
Where has personal responsibility gone? Where has make the right choice gone? What plateau have we reached when we approve of and facilitate everything? Or should I ask what depth we’ve reached?
Stop worrying about who Bristol’s baby daddy is and address the real issue, who’s gonna take care of all the babies like the one Bristol is carrying that are being born every day. Who indeed…try looking in the mirror for the right answer to that one.

It’s Just My Opinion, But I'm Not wrong!

So you organized your community huh?

The other night I sat and watched the republican nominee for vice-president of the United States make a moving speech. One in which she defended herself against attacks from the media that should never have been done (leave the kids alone); she introduced us to her family and her daughter’s fiancé (why was he even there?); she talked about her accomplishments as mayor (whatever); and her accomplishments on the town council in the same town (far from congressional experience). She also told us how she exemplified being a reformer in the top post in Alaska, the governor’s office (poor brother-in-law). Much of this was impressive. However, she, and the ‘grand ole party’ faithfuls who spoke before her went down a path that they really shouldn’t have. They chose to belittle Obama’s experience as a community organizer as though it meant nothing; as though it made no significant impact on the lives of those he helped; as though no one today remembers who he is, what he did or the fact that it was done for free. She made the unfortunate decision to continue on the path trodden by Guliani.

After watching the diatribe of malevolent verbiage scoffing at Senator Obama, and everyone who, like him, saw a need in the community and took it by the horns rather than waiting until they got in a ‘position’ to do it. They saw a need and met that need. They made fun of community organizations like the NAACP, the SCLC, the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta, the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, as well as the illustrious Royal Blue family of Zeta Phi Beta Sigma. These are all community service organizations that do what they do because it needs to be done. These organizations and many more not listed here, don’t do what they do because they are receiving a government paycheck or recognition for that matter. They go to their respective jobs and then take time away from their families and lives to do what needs to be done in their communities JUST BECAUSE IT NEEDS OT BE DONE! While the BGLO’s wear different colors, were founded in different paces and on different days, they have a common foundational purpose, the innate desire of bettering their respective communities.

With this in mind, anyone who has worked as a community organizer should have been insulted when Rudy Guliani said, “…Barack Obama has never led anything, nothing, nada.” After quipping that he had experience as a community organizer. We should all be bothered by the fact that Sarah Palin, moose hunter extrordinairre, says, “…it’s not just a community and it just doesn’t need an organizer” as the gop guffawed their approval. What more is this country than one huge community? We are all Americans and we all have the same core values (for the most part) and what more does a president do than organize a cabinet, advisers, etc and assure that the country runs properly? Unless you’re GW, then you listen to the advisors and then do what you want to.

What I saw on that stage was a war cry…stirring the proverbial pot for continuing to fight in Iraq and the rest of that region; affirming that everyone in the convention center agrees that we’re winning the war on terror with the surge in Iraq. Let’s make this clear, the republicans keep stating that Obama will raise taxes. Anyone who knows anything about politics know that’s what democrats do. They create a bunch of social programs that help some people, cripple others and raise taxes to pay for them. However, what the republicans showed me the other night is that they will be raising taxes as well. They’ll keep us in a war that costs this country more in a month than Obama’s healthcare plan will cost us in a year. I’d rather find that than a war that no one knows why we’re fighting.

Furthermore, for this party to make fun of the grassroots, feet on the pavement warriors who go out every day and get things done, means they are not only making fun of those organizations I listed earlier, but let me introduce you to some others they are ridiculing.

• Susan B. Anthony was a very well known leader in women’s suffrage. She played a very important role in the women's rights and was integral in securing women's right to vote in this country. In order to accomplish this, she didn’t get elected to town council or governor, she traveled and gave speeches, organizing the community behind a cause and a movement. Even after the right to vote was granted, she continued this effort for almost 45 years.
• Martin Luther King, Jr, while he’s best known for his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on the steps of the Lincoln, but he was a preacher and activist in addition to being a community organizer. His accomplishments are many and the impact on the lives of others is still felt today.
• Cesar Estrada Chaves was a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist as well as community organizer. He was one of the founders of the National Farm Workers Association. He worked with them as well as the Community Service Organization. Due to his work, many Latinos relish the right to vote and make their voices and votes count. His efforts achieved fair labor conditions and a fair working wage for migrant workers. His work was so well known that then Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (later to be attorney general) called him "one of the heroic figures of our time."
• Dorothy Day was a journalist, social activist and devout member of the Catholic Church. She became known for her social justice campaigns in defense of the poor, forsaken, hungry and homeless. Day, with Peter Maurin, founded the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933, espousing nonviolence, and hospitality for the impoverished and downtrodden.
• Mohandas Gandhi peacefully led the people of India in effort to acquire labor fairness, women's rights, and ethnic tolerance, and he helped secure the freedom of a nation. Wonder if anyone remembers him in that country?
• Jesus Christ advocated for the poor, for the sick, for the socially excluded. His legacy continues to help provide people solace during their "quiet storms." His community helped found the religion known as Christianity. He said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
  

When the republicans made fun of community leaders they further separated themselves from ‘real people’ with ‘real issues’. They fail to realize the importance of the inspiration these people bring to people in every community. They insulted the support base for one major community organizer in doing so as well.

• Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton worked hard to galvanize a constituency behind her and put 18 million cracks in a glass ceiling, in doing so inspired millions of Americans, especially women, to realize that they can reach the highest level in all fields of life.

What they fail to realize is the fact that this country was founded by community organizers like Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. Men who realized that the country should be run by citizens who ‘temporarily’ become lawmakers (hence George Washington’s short time as president), not by lifetime career politicians like McCain. People who make laws that benefit the country as a whole including the common man because they are the common man, not someone who has received a government check for over 30 years and has never had a regular job. They forget that the American way was forged by citizens who stepped out on faith and went against the status quo; people who set trends and forged paths; people who were relentless in their pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom. American was built on the backs of people who did what they did for a better America, not because they were paid to do it; but because those who were wouldn’t do it. This country was set firm due to the actions of a community activist who said, “If you hear the dogs…keep going. If you see thee torches…keep going; if they shout after you…keep going; don’t ever stop…keep going. If you want to taste freedom, you have to keep going." [Harriet Tubman]

I advised a friend that I still had not made up my mind who I’d vote for as we spoke last week. I said I was going to wait until after Barack’s speech at the close of the DNC and McCain’s at the close of the RNC so I could weigh the two evenly. Unfortunately, I lied. I made up my mind after hearing Palin’s speech and witnessing the fervor surrounding it. I fell asleep on McCain’s speech last night so what he did or did not say really played no role in my decision NOT to vote for him. You see, being one who has worked as a ‘community organizer’ and in several capacities, I still do, I desire to support a ticket that respects those in the community that actually do the work whether the camera is there or not. Those who not only do it for free, but those who make a difference and are under compensated for their efforts like the police, fire, teachers, and military men and women of this country.

I read somewhere that “…it's never really about the organizer; it's about the community...” and what more is America, than one huge community?

I’ve made my decision and will stick with it. You MUST make your own and get out and vote on November 4…I don’t care which you chose all I ask is that you choose wisely and choose whomever makes best sense for you AND America.

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!

The DNC...what a joke?

As I sat and watched the DNC over the past couple of nights this week I was left with a few questions and brought about the confirmation of a feeling that I’d had for some time. To some this Democratic convention exudes with a vibe that was weird and jittery, this was in a stark contrast to the early rousing, cult-like feel of the Obama uprising.
You could cut the tension with a knife. There were some who tried to act as though they didn’t have it, there were others who were overt in their feelings. I’ll call it “secreted hate.”
Even with the attempts of the main stream media to mask the division, there was a large contingent of acrid Clinton associates, fund-raisers and factions wandering the halls, spewing malice, complaining of slights, calculating their actions for Hillary’s roll call and scheming trouble, with some in the Clinton camp disrespecting Obama by planning their untimely exodus, even prior to the nominee speaking.
Then you hear Hillary make the statement “Remember, 18 million people voted for me, 18 million people, give or take, voted for Barack.” While she gave herself credit for 18 million, it was ‘give or take’ for Barack. This was her poorly veiled attempt at making an anti-Obama point. Every time something contrary to the party takes place, she acts like her delegates aren’t controlled by her. I personally believe that she privately encourages and directs her minions to keep her dream alive, even at the expense of Obama and the democratic party.
She couldn’t even lie convincingly about the campaign’s vice presidential selection, Biden, she stated that he added “intensity.” Is that kind of like telling someone with an ugly baby that the outfit they’re wearing is cute? Or possibly describing a fat, or ugly, chick as having a good personality?
Then, to add to that, she came out last night wearing a very intensely orange pantsuit…hmmm I wonder if that was a hint that she’d like to have been his campaign partner? To add to that, she expressed gratitude for her “sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits,” as she said she couldn’t wait until Barack signed her health plan into law.
Then she followed that by dropping a quick jab at McCain with the statement, “It makes perfect sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together in the Twin Cities because these days they are awfully hard to tell apart,” That even sounded insincere when she prefaced it with the statement that he’s her colleague and friend.
To add to all of this abhorrent activity, they decided (CNN did) to interview one of her passionate supporters who was fighting back tears and telling us that those who voted for Obama should realize that they chose the wrong person. As she was interviewed, she went on to say that Hillary’s speech proved that she’d make a much better president than Barack Obama. She went on to add that he has “two months” to prove himself. This after stating that he’s not qualified to be president because he had no experience. She asked the question …would you allow someone to be CEO of your company with no experience? All he has is a Harvard education…nothing else.
There are those who are still very angry at Obama, not because they don’t think he’s qualified, but because they feel as though he stole their dream of seeing a woman president before they die. This is epitomized in a 74-year-old lady from Washington state who spent time volunteering for the Clinton campaign. She’s adopted a uniform of a Hillary T-shirt and hat signed by Clinton accented with a “Nobama” button. She has been known to stand in the back of rallies and booing every time his name is mentioned.
People like her are in one of two categories, voting for McCain, or not voting at all and most don’t have anything at all positive to say about Obama. Most are so passionate in their disdain that they can’t even articulate to you why they can’t stand the man…or his wife. It’s amazingly peculiar…and quite juvenile.
Some are discussing the fact that Bill is still pretty pissed about being painted a racist during the campaign for the several gaffes he was credited for. While some compared Barack to a young Bill, Bill was having problems putting together the right words to praise his campaign when he speaks to the convention on Wednesday night. Even after being offended by the Obama campaign wanting control over his speech. This isn’t too far off the mark for the presumprive nominee, but to Bill, it was just another slap in the face. They normally did this in order to control what’s said and to lessen the likelihood of the other party getting something more to use against the party’s nominee. In this case, they didn’t want him spending his speech time defending himself against the accusations that were made against him during the primaries.
After discussions, the Obama camp relented and said that the ex-president could say whatever he wanted to. Then again, when doesn’t Bill do that? This didn’t bode well with Obama supporters, who thought it made him look weak in the face of controversy.
There were some who even had issue with the casual appearance that Obama had while sitting in the homes of some supporters during Michelle’s speech. While others had issue with the fact that no one was making speeches centered on gas prices and against McCain’s campaign. I’m of the mindset that Obama has some platform stances that are counter to my personal beliefs, as does McCain, for this reason, I am still in the process of deciding who I’ll vote for. It’s very difficult at this point, I have to make sure I read, study, and learn as much as I can about the two nominees so that I can make the proper choice in November.
I encourage you, who are reading this, to make sure you are voting for the person who most closely meets your needs. No one candidate will meet all of your needs and line up with all of your beliefs, so you have to have certain key issues that are deal breakers. I’ve said before, that we ought to review their platforms and prioritize them in the following order (1) according to your Christian beliefs (2) according to your American beliefs (3) according to your ethnic needs. The rest of the week will be interesting, to say the least and next week shall be as well. Both conventions are a gross waste of money and resources that could serve mankind in a much better way. I don’t care which party you align yourself with; they are both wasteful and insincere. I beseech each of you to evaluate each candidate on their own merits and make your decision according to who they are and how they stand on your values. DO NOT vote the straight party ticket!! That’s why we are in the situation we are in today with everyone playing ‘party politics.”

It’s Just My Opinion, But I’m Not Wrong.

Segregation in the church? Who ever heard?

Some may have issue with the question itself. Some may say that even asking this question undermines the integrity of the black church by insinuating that something is ‘wrong’ with this stalwart fixture in the community for many years. Some would venture to say that had it not been for the church in the black community some of us would not be here now.
Let’s not get it twisted; I grew up in the church. I grew up in many churches across the southern portion of Louisiana; from Merryville, to Sulphur, to Westlake, to Oakdale and Rayne, not to mention DeRidder. However, I still must ask the question, “What’s wrong with the black church?” I dare not belabor the point any longer, I have toiled with this topic since reading an article from CNN entitled, “Why many Americans prefer their Sundays segregated” After reading this article I was not only confused, but angered, especially by some of the responses some Christians gave to this reporter. I must ask myself, What God are some people serving? What scriptures are they reading?
Yes, we all know that there are different types of praise and worship. That’s what makes the world go round. Even within one congregation, you’ll find various genres of religious themed music, so this isn’t the issue. However, when you have people who make statements like, ‘That’s the one day I want to go somewhere and not feel racism.” What? What kind of world does he live in? The Love of Christ knows no color, creed, or national origin. So, if we are to live out the true meaning of the title Christian [translated means Christ-like], then we ought not have respect of person either. Whether you are black, brown, green or purple the only thing that ought to matter is your love for the God I serve. If we were all uncomfortable with something that goes on with life, which we are, then there would be no reason to go to church. Let me elucidate:
I could feel as though that is the one day I don’t want to have some one break into my car – every Sunday someone’s car is robgbed or vandalized while the owner is in their respective place of worship. Some wome may want that to be the one dya that no one is ogling their breasts and undressing them with their eyes – NOT!!!! I don’t even need to discuss this one. The list could go on for days. However, this is crap. There will be no white and black heaven. There won’t be anyone having to enter through the back . No one will have favor over another.
As Christians, we ought to do all we can to eliminate ‘Holy Prejudice’…one God, one Faith and one Baptism. If this be the case, then we all need to reevaluate who we are and what we are doing. All I’m saying is racial makeup ought not be the basis of setting up or serving in a church. Jesus spent time with the adulterous woman at the well, who was a racial minority in her region; he told of the story of the good Samaritan who was a racial outcast of the region; I could cite example after example from His teachings that are contrary to what we are practicing as Christians. No more of this segregation in the name of Jesus.

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!

Not My Black America

Everyone heard of the CNN special that aired last week that highlighted being black in America. Hopefully some of us took the time to view it and gained some insight as well as conviction. I've had a couple of offline conversations with colleagues in this regard. Some more in-depth than others, but this morning I received a scathing analysis of the series that I really can't disagree too much with. Therefore I thought I'd share it here.
A graduating senior from Spelman wrote this blog on her facebook and sent it to CNN. She makes some great points and asks some poignant questions of the news magnate. Some of the questions we may have asked ourselves while watching or discussing with our contemporaries.
Take the time to read her comments and contemplate on what we can do to promote a better image of who we are as a people. Our image was less than stellar, while not disastrous. If you haven't watched it...make the time to do so. When you do...bear this sister's viewpoints in mind when you do. In all...be blessed.

Here are her comments as I received them:

April wrote this on her facebook blog and sent me a copy. She was pretty disappointed in the content and depth of the CNN special. I thought I'd pass it on for your thoughts (older folks).
Take care,
Casey
*****************************************************************************
CNN BLACK AMERICA
Certainly Not Mine....By A.E. Curry

1. Who represents the black experience in America, the experiences and the realities of the majority or the experiences and reality of the handful they could find?


2. I know that CLEARLY we're not the majority, but how do you do a segment on black people living in America without even mentioning the middle/upper class, and without visiting the places that are heavily concentrated by African Americans?


3. Where did they get the black people from?


4. WHO ALLOWED Soledad O'Brien to host this series?? Furthermore, where did she get the questions that she selected to ask those she interviewed??


5. I wonder if she feels a sense of accomplishment?


6. Before airing, a group of people saw this series and probably gave it the go ahead. Where can I find the list of the Negroes who viewed and approved this documentary?


7. Yes there are negative images of black men (and women) that are perpetuated in the media.........did this segment challenge or support these images?


8. Did they really only designate 7 minutes for the damage rap music has done to the black male psyche? REALLY? Only seven?


9. Are there only two types of black people? : (1)Poor black and ignorant & (2) affluent, culturally unaware with no sense of identity?


10. Jack and Jill of America?


11. The Links?


12. The great organizations that comprise the National Panhellenic Council? Including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first black sorority who just celebrated 100 years of Service to All Mankind?


13. Why is this segment sponsored by McDonalds. Is it because black people love that new Southern Style Chicken Sandwich?


14. Did they only choose to interview a segment of the black population?


15. Why didn't they interview me?


16. I wonder if Soledad knows that black people live in places other than that ONE town she visited....?


17. "I tried to be as black as possible...like get my hair braided........" Are you serious?


18. Why didn't Michael Eric Dyson, in all of his brilliance and intelligence, get more than 1 minute and 30 seconds on the "The Black Man" ???? 18b Why was most of the emphasis on the stark contrast between he and his imprisoned younger brother?


19. Is Dr. Roland Frier the voice of educated black people? Is he the only black Ph.D. they could find to shed light on black people in America?


20. The ONLY affluent black family shown during the segment on "The Black Man" have three sons: Two betrothed to women of the dominant culture...one with a criminal record. IS THAT THE ONLY AFFLUENT BLACK FAMILY THEY COULD FIND????


21. How do you designate 9 minutes to a disease that is plaguing the black community and is the leading cause of death for African American women?


22. Whenever they interviewed someone, they did a detailed snapshot of their background, prior convictions and/or college experience. When they interviewed Spike Lee, in the segment about the black male, why oh why did they fail to mention his alma mater, the ONLY all-black all-male institution in the world?

While these questions capture the essence of the misdirected nonsense that was "Black in America: The Series" , there was one topic that pushed me over the edge:

"Why are so many black women still single?"

While this IS a discussion that is held among black women, and has been featured in Essence, Ebony and other magazines that cater specifically to the black female population, CNN failed (whether accidentally or intentionally) to mention a few pertinent details...

...I logged on to CNN's website looking for news.

• Maybe some information on the Mississippi Oil Spill?


• Europe's anti-terror efforts?


• International news?


• A headline jumped off the page:"Is Marriage Only for White People?"

Quite a sensational title for one of the nation's leading news networks. Instantly, I felt my blood boil as I thought of my parents, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and my grandparents who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August. My first instinct was to scream "NO… what kind of stupid question is that??"But then I remembered that I was sitting in my cubicle, on the fourth floor of the building, where I was interning.So, I clicked on the link expecting to find some new statistics on how black relationships are failing....and black men are incompetent and black women are overly demanding.

I found that once you click on the link, the title has a little more to it. Now it read:"Black and Single: Is Marriage Only for White People"The article paints a vivid picture of a successful black woman who had "Prince Charming" dreams that were crushed when she was hit with the ALLEGED reality: Black women don't get married.According to statistics they, excuse me, WE are about half as likely as white women to marry.There are quite a few things to address here.........

First of all, again...CNN failed to quote the ENTIRE statistic. The statistic should read:"45% of black women between the ages of 18-30 have never been married compared to only 23% of white women.""Between the ages of 18-30"

hmm.........what an important part of the statistic to leave out.When I was 18, I was finishing up my freshman year at the nation's top liberal arts college for African American women, my beloved Spelman.Marriage was far from my mind.

Now, a graduating senior at age 21, my plans include a JD/PhD in Psychology and opening up my own practice, and perhaps a few years of working for the company I interned with during my college days.

Let’s see.......so after a 4 year JD/PhD program + 3-4 years of working at , that puts me at 29 years old.

At 29, according to CNN and Soledad, I will be in danger of becoming a spinster for the rest of my life.

What they failed to mention is that women, not just black women who have been painted by society to be successful, loveless powerhouses, are marrying later. For women, their goals have shifted greatly in the past few decades because of new opportunities, new interests and the changing family dynamic.

Bennett College's President said that there were three main factors that explain why black women are not getting married:

1. Education


2. Economy


3. Incarceration

She said that there is a growing education gap between black women and black men, which places black women as more successful than their male counterparts. This, she says, makes it difficult for them to find a mate they can relate to since education and socio-economic status are linked, she says that educated black women are more affluent than the black men in their dating pool, which renders them economically unequal.

Furthermore, she says that there more black men in jail than are in college thus creating a "shortage", so to speak.

Why is CNN taking the reality of a handful of African American women, including the writer of Something New, the movie that tells the story of a black woman crosses to what some call the "other side" to find love, and calling it an epidemic that is plaguing the black community??

Because of my career aspirations, why have I become a statistic?

Where did they get their data?

Did circus monkeys conduct the research?

Perhaps it is an issue worth mentioning, but to even suggest that marriage is only for white people is crass, tactless and in bad taste. Not to mention it is completely untrue and it perpetuates the myth that black women are lonely, overworked, over achievers who are unlovable and high maintenance.

What about the happily (or unhappily lol) married black couples?

What about those engaged?Or those who are just shacking up? (since the latter has recently become a cultural norm and is considered a form of pseudo-commitment)

While I think its GREAT that CNN is suddenly interested in the black American, from the articles that are in rotation now such as:

• "Being Black can mean being a suspect"


• "Black Women's Hair: Tied up in their Identity"


• "What Black men Think: Stereotypes and Misrepresentations in America"


• "Being Black: Growing up poor and black and the struggle to end segregation"


• "Black women and Interracial Dating"

There are at least 25 of 40 new articles posted that pertain to black people and issues that "relate" to us. Glad our experiences are so popular these days.

The series and the articles share a common theme. They scrape the surface for those issues that we consider common knowledge that have existed in our literature and studies for decades. [Patricia Hill Collins. Ellis Cose. bell hooks. Lawrence Otis Graham. Akiba Solomon. Michael Eric Dyson. Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum. William C Rhoden. Jill Nelson.]

Our relationship status', hair texture, racial injustices and D.W.B.(the infamous driving while black)?? These are not the sum total of our existence.

Being black is so much more than absent baby daddies, AIDS, incarceration and broken relationships.

From the "Black in America" series, if I were to watch having no knowledge whatsoever of African Americanism, sadly, that is precisely what I would think...

• That black men have led impoverished lives and all of them have had experience with the prison system.


• That success and education for black women means a love less life.


• That black children don't enjoy learning and the only way they will learn is if they are paid. (see segment 1: "The Black Woman and Family")

This program's aim, which may have been to challenge negative stereotypes about African Americans only, simply highlighted the lives of African Americans who (usually at no fault of their own) embody the stereotype.

So the subtitle of the article on black women and marriage read "Single, Black and Female: Is Marriage a part of their Reality?"My response is a resounding yes.

It is my reality.

It was my mothers reality even though she was born, raised and college educated in Washington, D.C. where in her days statistics that that only 1 in 10 black women will be married before 30 and after 30 they have a better chance of getting hit by a bus.

It was my grandmothers reality even though she was born, raised and college educated in the south in an era when black men were under attack and many were hung from trees before their 25th birthday.

It was my great grandmothers reality, it is the reality of my godmother, many of my aunts, cousins, mentors, friends and while I may not represent the majority, my experience is certainly worth highlighting in a series that claims to talk about blacks in America.

Is my experience not a black experience?

So referring to the title of the series "Black in America: The Black Woman and Family & The Black Male",

I ask…Who's Black America?

Certainly, not mine.

"It's Just Her Opinion, but She 's Not Wrong!"

Sit your *#% Down Jesse!!!

As many of you might have heard over the past couple of weeks, Jesse is back in the news again. For years I've referenced him as a camera whore and have been less than impressed with his antics and shenanigans over the past couple of decades. There are several facts that Jesse needs to come to grips with.

1. His run for the white house was less than mediocre and a waste of time and money
2. He failed to gain the nomination of the party because he was running to be president of BLACK folks, not president of the USA
3. Obama’s campaign and presumptive nomination don’t resemble either of these.
   

Jesse has fallen into the delusion that too many of our people have. They seek out injustice and racism wherever they can find it and often times wherever they can create it. His last little statement that was ‘accidentally’ caught on a hot mic was indicative if the REAL, do as I say, not as I do Jesse. It was also a screaming example of his idiocy. He was on FOX for crying out loud. Everyone knows that FOX News is a tool of the extreme right wing Conservatives. He should have known they’d try to do something to get him to make a fool of himself and, to them, black people. I, unfortunately, had to come to grips with the fact that when one black man does something stupid [like this] we are all painted with the same brush. I had to come to grips with the fact that when a black preacher [I still don’t ever recall hearing him preach] does something stupid [like this] all black preachers are put in the category with him. Don’t agree?? Look back over the years and focus on times and events that shaped this country and the lives of black Americans. Who do they ALWAYS go to as the voice of Black America? Hmmm…Jesse and his perm wearing cohort Al!!! I don’t know about you, but neither of them speak for me!!!

He started out by making statements about Obama not acting ‘black enough’ after the Carolina primaries, now this comes to light. I was taken aback by the ludicrosity of this crap. He’s been in TV stations and interviewed across this land for over 30 years and makes a mistake like this? Come on Jesse!!!! I believe it was intentionally done so that this little whore could get some more camera time. So that this little sissy could let everyone know tat he’s sulking in the corner with sour grapes because this ONE campaign eclipsed BOTH of his in one fell swoop. I think it was his way to get back a Barack for the speech he gave on father’s day about black men needing to stand up and be real men. Take care of and nurture the children they made. To Jesse that was like a kick in the stomach…stomping on his toes…kicking him in the shins. Oh yeah, most of America has forgotten about the staff member he knocked up and hid away. That was what 8 or 9 years ago wasn’t it?

When’s the last time Jesse decorated for a birthday party? Went to a parent teacher conference? Went to a piano recital? …soccer game? …read a bedtime story? You see, Obama has the credentials to make the statements he made because he’s doing the things he says others ought to. He lets his constituents and staffers know tat he needs to get home every once in a while to see and spend time with his kids. Not have his organization send a check over every month. Don’t get m wrong…Obama was kicking me in the shins and stomping on my toes as well. However, rather than getting mad at him for telling the truth, I looked internally at myself and what I can do to change the future and my position as a father. I challenge other men out there to do the same. If you’re not a good dad, do your best to be the best one. If you’re a good dad, try to be a great one. It’s your calling, your responsibility, your duty.

Jesse…get a job…do something constructive with the rest of your life!

…oh yeah, take Al with you!

And stop the bitchassness [ I never thought I'd use that word, but it's so fitting here] !!

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!!!

Illegals...what to do

What is Immigration Reform? How do we achieve this?

In recent days, this has been a subject of great debate. I received several emails in regards to the fact that Parkland Hospital births the second highest number of babies in the country; second only to its charity/county nemesis in Miami [Florida]. It’s unfortunate that we have the issue that we have in this country, one that can easily be solved if we weren’t such a capitalistic society. Unfortunately we look at the financial impact of the exploitation of these people. I think its bull to make this a racism issue; it’s even less plausible to argue that we need these criminals in our midst. Oh, don’t get it twisted, they are criminals. The PC term is undocumented immigrant, yea, and you can call stealing embezzlement, but the perpetrator of the act is still a thief. I heard it said, “There are no illegal humans” That’s a load of bull. You see, if you enter this country in a manner that is anything other than the manner that the laws of this country prescribe you are breaking the law. The definition of a criminal is one who breaks the law. If you continue to live in this criminal manner, you are an ILLEGAL, therefore there is such a thing as an illegal human. I watched as a group of illegal criminals held a rally in Dallas last year. One of these idiots even got on camera and said he had been in the country illegally for over 10 years; another child admitted that she was born here, but both her parents are illegal. THAT’S WHERE MY MAJOR ISSUE COMES IN…how can you exploit the constitution of the United States and call the ILLEGAL BABIES that are birthed to ILLEGAL ALIENS citizens?

You see, I eluded to Parkland Hospital and the level of births they have. More than 70% of the babies birthed out of that hospital are birthed to young unwed ILLEGAL ALIENS, birthing ILLEGAL BABIES that are then counted as citizens through the perversion of an amendment to the constitution that was created strictly for the inclusion of Native Americans, Chinese, and Black people. This amendment wasn’t authored to include the offspring of people who are breaking the law. These people come to this country, have babies in charity hospitals that are paid for with our tax dollars, then they are fed with our tax dollars through program like WIC, TANF, free lunch, etc. they fail to learn the language and culture, they send their kids to schools paid for with tax dollars, they call the police and fire when they have emergencies [each of these entities paid for with tax dollars]. They drive on streets, and highways that are paid for with tax dollars. All the while, they work jobs that pay them under the table [no income taxes] and send most of their money back to their homeland to the family they have left there. I’m sorry if this sounds heartless, but they are no less criminal than the moron who chooses to sell drugs because ‘I gotta feed my family.’ That’s a cop out and it’s a load of bull.

They made a conscience decision to come to this country, illegally, live in this country, illegally, partake of the advantages of this country, without contributing to it, and then cry foul when an arm of law enforcement enforces the laws they are breaking. I personally believe that the laws they are trying to implement in Farmers Branch ought to be the law of the land across this country. English ought to be our official language. Do you realize how much of our tax dollars are wasted every year in interpreters, signs, pamphlets, and the like that have to be printed in several languages because people come here and choose not to learn the language. I’m not suggesting that they forget their culture, just respect the one you live in. You can’t name one other country in the world where you can go and not know their language and live without learning their language. We, like fools, adapt to those who come in rather than requiring them to adapt to us. I have an idea; let’s round up all of the illegals in the United States, no matter where they are form. Whether they are on an expired visa, snuck across the border, or whatever the case; round them up and drop them off at the border. Whether in Canada or Mexico is irrelevant, we just drop them at the closest border. Forget all of these detention centers where we house them, feed them, etc for months on end then spend funds to fly them back to where they came from. We didn’t help them get here, so why pay to send them back. Drop them off at the nearest border and let them make their way home the same way they made their way here.
Does this sound cruel? How about this? We add up the value of all of the public services the average tax paying citizen uses in a given year and multiply that amount by the number of years they have been here and make that amount their fine. Then after they pay the fine, they still have to go through the legal process to b admitted to the country. If they choose not to pay the fine, they are ejected form the country ad barred from ever returning [even for a visit] because they aren’t trustworthy enough to visit and leave [they’ve shown that]. Do you realize how many of our country’s ills could be cured by the effective ejection of ILLEGAL ALIENS from this country? Let’s see…school overcrowding would be nonexistent, especially in California, Texas, and Florida. Our finances for school expansion wouldn’t be used as much, therefore freeing up funds for more educational programs for the children of tax payers [citizens] and teacher pay raises/incentives. School transportation wouldn’t be as imperative, fewer kids, less need for buses, therefore freeing up more money for use in educating the children of tax paying citizens. Less wear and tear on the roads means less funds being spent to repair, replace, and improve them. The infrastructure of the country would greatly benefit from this as well. You see, it’s not about Mexicans, El Salvadorans, Columbians, Ecuadorans, or any other person of Hispanic descent. It’s simply about what’s right and what’s wrong.

Some have asked who’ll cut your lawn. Who’ll build your homes? Who’ll clean your businesses/homes? If these are good excuses for allowing people to break the law, then why did we ever abolish slavery?

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!!!

Who's She Trying to Fool?

We've all seen and heard all there is to see and hear with regard to the Democratic Party’s selection process and how they are STILL dealing with two presidential hopefuls. I have a question for "the other candidate"...Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She sat in the smoke-filled rooms several years ago as a decisions maker with the Democratic Party and aided them in putting together a process that would assist the party in choosing their nominee for the election in November against whomever the republicans chose as their sacrificial lamb. However, since this race began and she wound up in the role of the underdog, she has done all that she can to circumvent the very process she helped construct. This last gaffe is just one in a series of blunders, screw-up’s and mistakes that she has committed that have driven people away from her and embittered those who are sticking with her. Even some of her most staunch supporters are most likely sitting in the audience as she makes her pseeches whispering to one another and asking the qieston, "Can she really win?" or "How's she going to pull this off?"
She has done everything from have her husband state that black people only voted for Barack Obama because he's black to releasing photos of him in an African garb to fuel the rumors of his religious beliefs. Many have forgiven her of these. Then she had imaginary sniper fire in Bosnia that she irresponsibly took her daughter into on a good will trip to the country. [Yeah right] Many forgave her if this as well. However, I cannot and shall not overlook the statement that she made on several occasions that came out this past Friday. She basically stated that she's waiting around to see if Barack gets assassinated, like Bobby Kennedy did. The she'll become the nominee of the party. No matter how you spin, twist, or turn it, that's what she implied. Then after being called on it she simply states, "...if this offended the Kennedy family, that wasn't my intention." Not even saying I apologize, I'm sorry, or anything else that would indicate that she was even remorseful that she made the inference toward the senator.
Now, to take attention away from that 'Slick Willie' is out on the stump reiterating what Hillary has been stating for the last few weeks. She can win in November against McCain. She is ahead in polls; she has more white people voting for her...blah, blah, blah. All of these accusations, inferences, innuendo and crap is going to cause a major issue in this country come November. Many, like me have stated emphatically, that they would have no problem voting for Hillary should she become the nominee of the party. Even after careful scrutiny, the platforms of Obama and Clinton don’t have much difference between them. However, their tactics are where the differentiation comes in. This race has shown exactly how they will and would react in time of crisis. She pulls out all the stops and gets down and dirty, even underhanded while not seeing reality. He keeps a cool head and calculates his next move in accordance with what he believes his opponent’s shall be. Which do you want running this country at this time next year? Should she gain the favor of the party and become the nominee against the votes of the people, I would hate to waste a vote on Nader, but I would have to. I couldn't have someone like that as my leader.
Hillary is on a path to assure that McCain will be our next president. She’s giving directives to her supporters not to vote for Obama should he win the nomination of the party. She’s ostracizing those who support him referring to them as turncoats and Benedict Arnold (i.e. Richards); she’s doing all she can to tear the party apart using the victim card and inferring that she’s not getting the same press, respect, or treatment because she’s a woman. What’s next? Will they accuse the ‘Obama people’ of being racist? That brings up another question. Why is it when I watched the news the other night when they were talking about the race and referenced Clinton’s ‘camp’ and Obama’s ‘people?’ Hmmm…I guess I’ll close with that.

It's Just My Opinion, But I'm Not Wrong!

Was Wright Wrong?!?!?

In the wake of the fervor over the statements of Rev Jeremiah Wright and how the snippets from his sermons have been causing issues in the presidential election, he granted an interview. As I watched the interview on PBS (Bill Moyer's talk show), I was enlightened and inspired. All I can say is thank you for what you said and for the gospel you preach. Please don't accept what the media tells you. They will do what they deem necessary to keep you as a viewing audience. They'll cut it up, edit it, and switch it to say whatever they desire it to say. I've posted about 10 minutes of this sermon particularly because it is the one that has caused the greatest amount of uproar in order that you might be able to put it all into context.
In order that you might be able to see that what he is being credited for saying was actually a quote that he actually attributed to the original author within the context of a sermon. It's amazing what we can receive, what we see, what we hear, that is in some ways distorted and in turn distorts our views on things. After hearing this sermon in context, I have no issue with it being proclaimed from a rooftop, pulpit, or a street corner. I have no qualms with the admission that I see things differently when presented with a new set of facts. I also don't have a problem saying that Wright may have made other remarks (riding dirty, etc.) that I don't agree with or think should have been said over the pulpit. What I am saying is, I challenge us all to read, investigate, and learn...that's what it's all about.

It's just my opinion, but I'm not wrong.

Why is it?

Why is it that a Black Man can create a tiny piece called a filament (electric light - Lewis Latimer) That allows people to see in the dark? But can't be seen fit to lead a country to the true light. Why is it that a Black Man can create an instrument (clock - Benjamin Banneker) that all People use to tell time? But people don't think it is time for him to run a country. Why is it that a Black Man can design a place for the high authorities to meet in & a place for the President to live in (The Capital & the White House Phillip Reid (a slave) & Pierre L'Enfant)? But not good enough to lead these meetings or live in himself. Why is it that a Black Man was brilliant enough to do the first open heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams) And show the world how to get and preserve plasma (Dr. Charles Drew)? But not good enough to put a program in place where everyone can afford this surgery. Why is it that a Black Man was creative enough to design an instrument (traffic light - Garrett Morgan) To bring multiple people (traffic) to a halt? But not seen creative enough to design a plan to bring all this unnecessary and worthless Fighting between countries to an end. Why is it that a Black Man could create the soles (shoes - Jan Matzeliger) that people Walk on everyday? But not seen good enough to fill the shoes of a bad president. Why is it that a Black Man was smart enough & brave enough to teach himself (Fredrick Douglas & Thomas Fuller - both slaves) and others how to read, write and/or calculate math? But not seen (as) smart enough and bold enough to calculate a platform to be President to a country that sure needs another first by us. So you see my Brothers and Sisters what I am saying is let us not forget our past, which led us to our present and can definitely be the backbone to our future. We were good enough, smart enough, creative enough, and bold enough then, so Lets all give Obama the chance to show that we are still these things and more. We all are as strong as our weakest link, so don't be that weak link that denies our people that chance to show we still can OVERCOME & BE THE FIRST

It's just my opinion, but I'm not wrong!!

Not now...not in 2008!

I was recently sent a copy of a letter that was printed in the Ft Worth Star-Telegram this past weekend (30 March 2008). The letter angered me, confused me, and then left me feeling sorry for its author. A scan of the letter is posted here for your perusal, but you can also go to the newspaper's website to read it along with others on the same topic at: http://www.star-telegram.com/244/story/551415.html

As I read the letter that Richard sent in to the paper, I was taken aback by the level of ignorance that was displayed. I even fired off an email to several friends in expression of this ire. After sleeping on it, I've come to the conclusion that this man is a victim. He's a victim of his own stupidity and the media images that he's chosen to take as the gospel. We all know that the media can twist the truth, or share certain aspects of the truth in order to shape our view of what we see. Don't believe me? Try something as simple as watching the local news this evening. See how the FOX, NBC, CBS, and ABC affiliates report the same stories. Mostly the same information, but pay attention to the verbiage and the emphasis. They did it back in the day to Malcolm X, they did it a few years ago to John Kerry, and they're doing it right now in this presidential race.

As it pertains to the stereotypes about blacks [men particularly], I encourage you to seek out and watch Janks Morton's documentary "What Black Men Think". Once you sift through the negro conservative rhetoric and the Robert Townsend "Hollywood Shuffle" level production, there are some truths in there that can open your eyes. Overall, my personal feelings are that letter is an exhibition of the idiocy of some people, even today in 2008. How we still have that splinter of society that has been hoodwinked and bamboozled by the media's images of a sector of society. The author of this letter obviously doesn't know that the ratio of black men going to college (relative to population) is higher than that of white men of their legion. He obviously doesn't know that of the 40 million poor and underprivileged in this country, 26 million look like him. It's an unfortunate truth that when the news reports anything about the poor, those receiving public assistance, etc they inevitably show stock [or real] footage of people of color [black or brown]. The purpose of this is for the poor whites to feel as though they have more in common with the wealthy and give black and brown the mindset of identification with the poor. This is no more an accident than it is that every time they put out their lists of beautiful people there are less than 10% people pf color. Try this when you get the chance - go to Target or Wal-Mart and look in the toy section; count the ratio of white dolls to dolls of color [ANY color]. This is all by design. Give us the mindset that our woman aren't beautiful, our plight is to be poor and that we are disenfranchised in the country of our birth. They even have us, still today, separating ourselves from our country. No other group gives themselves a name that separates them from America. We have to be African American, while they are white, hispanic, or asian.

This letter, while it should raise the ire of many blacks, it should also open our eyes. Yes, he's an idiot of epic proportions, but I shan't leave us out of the fray. Why, you ask? Because in every lie, there is some level of truth; unfortunately, we still have that contingent of niggers that give black people a bad name. On that same token there is a contingent of white bread crackers (like this imbecile) that make all white people look bad. I could get angry and say, "You can’t expect too much from someone whose mother is also their sister and their father is also their grandfather." However, I won't stoop to that level…whether it is true or not.

Sadly there are too many who buy into this type of crap. Unfortunately, many of those that do are people of color. Therefore, the objective has been reached, the disillusionment of a generation, they won’t expect anything more of themselves because society expects nothing of them. They believe the lie that there are more black men in prison than college, that black men don’t graduate high school, that they can only aspire to be a pro ball player or a drug dealer. That any job that doesn’t afford them the luxury cars (Maybach, Bentley, Benz, etc.) isn’t success. They believe the hype that all black people have bad credit, go everywhere late, we're supposed to be po (not poor) and that our men don’t marry their baby mommas or pay child support. They believe this crap. Until we, as a people, stand up and prove this wrong, they’ll keep believing this crap.

You see, there are several tragedies that this letter to the Ft Worth Star-Telegram brings to light. Not only is it a tragedy that this idiot was stupid enough to audibalize this moronic attempt at profundity; it is also a tragedy that this 'supposedly' reputable media outlet was irresponsible enough to print it; but the biggest tragedy is that there is some modicum of what he said that is true. That’s what really angers me. If we, as a people, were in a place where we could indisputably say that none of what this idiot says is true, then I’d be happy. To a certain extent, everything he said is untrue, relative to the proportion of the blacks that are guilty of these transgressions. However, we can each readily name at least one person who is guilty of each of the line items he accused us of. This being the case, there are far too many of them out there that need to change. Yes, we need to be mad as hell about this letter and the lunacy of the assertions made in it. We also need to retrieve the perpetrators of the actions he’s accusing us of and collectively whip them into shape individually and corporately to make everything he said a lie. Then and only then, might we rid ourselves of this niggardly activity and thus, shed the auspicious title of always being the trifling, rabble-rousing, boisterous, ignorant fools that we’ve been called.

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!

It Was Just a Hooker!

I said in my first entry that I probably wouldn’t have postings too often, but this week dictated that I post twice. .

By now we’ve all heard the story of the escort service, the 22 year old hooker, and the straight laced governor. If you haven’t you need to turn away from cartoon network and over to some of the main news channels on cable. I don’t care to rehash the whole story nor do I care to cast any type of judgment on this man. His family has been through a great deal, through no fault of their own. He made a series of decisions that are causing them to have to deal with a lot over the past week or so; and into the future. I pray the best for them.

What bothers me about this whole situation are the statements of the likes of Ben Stein and Alan Dershowitz as well as what seems to be public sentiment about this whole situation. Dershowitz compared the antics of the now ex-governor to those of LBJ, Kennedy, and Clinton and said this is a sexual activity that is private and is not the business of the federal government. Unfortunately, I’m hearing this sentiment echo throughout the community in many people I hear speaking of it, and people I speak to about it. In the mall on Thursday evening I took a few moments out to sit in one of the convenience area they provide for the husbands who are forced to endure the long visits to the mall. On the other sofa were two people, whose conversation I was privvy to by virtue of proximity. I listened in on the conversation of the 40 something’s as they were discussing the whole Spitzer-hooker scandal. One argued that it’s not our business if he cheated on his wife and the other said no it isn’t, but he portrayed himself as a clean cut guy who prosecuted stuff like this. Their conversation went on, but I stopped eavesdropping [you know that’s rude] and went on my way.

Here’s where the line is drawn. Spitzer intentionally broke the law, on the local, state, and federal levels. Having served as attorney general [highest ranking lawmaker] of the state for several years, he was well aware of what he was doing and the implications that it entailed. Some of the laws he broke he actually pushed to be made law and prosecuted people who broke those laws. How can he not be prosecuted for each and every infraction of said laws to the fullest extent of said laws? Clinton, LBJ, FDR, and Kennedy, while being unfaithful to their wives, broke no laws. Yes, what they did was deplorable, yes it was a violation of the laws of God, yes, it was a violation of common decency, yes, it was a violation of their vows; but it wasn’t a violation of the laws of the states they lived in or the municipalities they frequented.

Has our moral compass gone so far south that spending in excess of $80,000 on a hooker doesn't register as wrong? I’m personally still trying to figure out what so special about what she does that warrants a $5,000 an hour price tag - then again I really don’t want to know. We have sunken so low in this country to where I actually heard a news anchor this morning saying, “What we’ve learned from the Spitzer scandal is that we need to legalize and regulate prostitution.” …WHAT???? Is that our answer for everything? In that case why don’t we legalize dog fighting and free Mike Vick? Why don’t we legalize statutory rape and free those caught up in that system?

Since when do we simply change the laws to fit our actions? I was raised on the principal that our actions ought to be dictated by the laws and rules that govern us. How can you rear children and provide them with rules and boundaries, then when they don’t agree, what do you do? Change the rules? Do away with them? That, my friends would be the downfall of modern civilization as we know it, in western culture. Laws and rules are meant to be followed, they give us structure, they give us guidelines, they give us protections...isn't it what makes up civilized?

Had this man not been aware of the laws he violated, I might have some sense of sympathy for him. Had he simply been a victim if circumstance, I might even say that the courts ought to have mercy on him. He is neither! He is a former officer of the court whose role, goal and purpose while serving the state of New York in that capacity was to eradicate crime from the streets of the state. He is one who was characterized by many as being overzealous in the enforcement of crimes while in the office of attorney general. He is one who made people take the ‘perp walk’ through the photographers when he could have allowed them to turn themselves in at the back door of the police station. He is one who showed no mercy, but is now seeking a plea deal and mercy. To this I say, may God have mercy on him and especially his family. May the state of New York and the federal prosecutors throw the whole library at him. I believe in personal accountability. I learned as a child, ‘every tub must sit on its own bottom.’ His is now dented and he's gotta sit on it.

Interesting thing to note here…the Lieutenant Governor of New York has only had to take office one other time in the history of the state. What's totally ironic is the fact that the last time this transition was necessary was when a certain Rockefeller died while having sex with his mistress. Hmmm...interesting indeed.

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!

All's Fair in Love and Politics

In recent weeks we are seeing actions, words, and misdeeds unraveling what should be an easy presidential win for the Democratic Party. With presidential approval at an all time low and public distrust of the whole party [republicans] just as low, the democrats are self destructing with this race for the party nomination. You have one upstart senator from Illinois who’s taking America by storm with ‘rock star’ like receptions everywhere he goes. Then you have the senator from New York who feels the road to the white house is a birthright, and presents herself in a manner that dictates such.

I recently read an article where Hillary Clinton was quoted as saying that the primaries in Michigan and Florida were fair and should be counted. SHOCKER!!!! Especially considering the fact that she [technically] “won” both of those primaries and was the only one on the ballot in Michigan; what had me at a loss for words was the fact that she was actually trying to justify her position in saying these two contests were fair. She then went on the say that if they don't count them as is, they need to do a revote. Hmmm...could that be because she's behind and both of these areas are rich with her voting base? Could it be because she's attempting to get a leg up on the popular vote so that she can have a reason to argue at convention that she should be the nominee for president rather than VP? I'm just speculating. I am one of those who has researched these two candidates in order to decide which I would support. Strangely enough, I really didn’t make my mind up until a week or so before the primaries. What I found was, essentially they are clones of one another with almost identical platforms (substantive exceptions being education and healthcare). In recent weeks, because they really can’t attack one another’s platforms without attacking their own, the personal attacks and underhanded dealings have begun. We have the tale of two candidates:

From the Clinton camp, you hear references to Obama's middle name as if to associate him with Islamic extremists; a staffer [who was later released from the campaign] circulating emails directly [inaccurately] linking him with Islam; releasing photos of him in traditional African garb [including turban]; making a huge commotion of Farrakhan speaking well of Obama [not even endorsing him] to the point of forcing Barack to 'reject and denounce the man; then simply stating that what Geraldine Ferraro said was 'regrettable'. I have a question for the Clinton Campaign...Was it regrettable that she said it? Or was it regrettable that someone heard her say it [for the 2nd time] in public? What we're seeing from the Clinton campaign is plain and simple. I want it and I'll do all that I can to get it - even destroying the Democratic Party’s unity. It's a classic case of simple selfishness - nothing matters, but what I want. This is apparent when she offers the vice presidency to him and he's ahead in all categories. What kind of pompous, egotistical idiot would do something like this? While I don’t like to play the race card [how Ferraroesque of me], I wonder if she would have done this had he not been black? Mathematically, she doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in the Sahara of gaining more popular votes or delegate votes than Obama by the June deadline, but she refuses to concede and continues to berate someone who’s not fit to be commander in chief, but fit to be my vice president [btw-who is second in line to be commander in chief? Makes you think doesn't it?] Keith Olbermann said it best, “Grab the reins back from whoever has led you to this precipice before it is too late. Voluntarily or inadvertently, you are still awash in this filth...”

On the other hand, we have Barack Obama who’s ties to the Rev Dr Jeremiah Wright are being questioned in recent days. Some think that this is an unfair examination, but I don’t. My pastor and my faith have a profound effect on how I view life, the world and those in it. Most who are devout in what they believe would agree. Others draw a correlation between the Hagee and Parsely endorsements of McCain, there’s no comparison. In McCain's case you have a couple of televangelist who have chosen a candidate that they think can lead the country in the way they think it ought to go; in the case of Obama and Wright, Obama has Wright on his African American Religious Leadership Committee and calls him a spiritual mentor. Barack has been a member of the church pastored by Wright for 2 decades, was married by this man and had his children baptized by him. This situation is totally different, and the characterization of Wright, may not take into account his total body of work as a preacher, teacher, and Biblical scholar, but what's being examined shines a poor light on him, Obama, and the ‘black church’ [that’s a horse of a different color] as a whole, especially when some Obama supporters write this off as a typical sermon in the ‘black church’ [Michael Eric Dyson].

Each of us has a number of variables that aide us in shaping our personal views, morality and global outlook, but for those of us who love and serve God in a house of worship where we are tuly fed, the lessons learned from across the pulpit play a significant role. Having been a member of this church for 20 years, I find it difficult to swallow that Barack had no knowledge of at least some of his pastor’s inflammatory statements from the pulpit, yet I’ll take him at his word; taking into account that his travels throughout his senate tenures (state and federal) spanned much of that 20 year period, as well as the fact that even the ‘best’ members don’t make it every Sunday.

I do, however, place blame squarely at the feet of Wright. What He failed to recall when he made statements that are being played as a “greatest hits” of incendiary comments is that he can't always preach the word of God and have people receive it in the manner it was meant to be received. What was he thinking? It's as if he believes that his role, while in the pulpit, is to spew the word of God. He should scour each sermon to ensure that nothing he says can be misinterpreted as divisive statements of hate and ignorance. When he answered his call to preach, his directive was to spread the Word of God in season and out of season, from the hilltops to the valleys’ in the streets and in homes. As long as he is led, directed and guided by the Lord God Almighty, he needs to keep saying whatever it is that God puts on his heart. The editing work done by FOX, NBC, CBS, and the other news conduits really made him look poorly in the light of a presidential parishioner.

What the edited releases of this man’s tirades have done is effectively caused many of Obama's supporters to think twice about him and his ability to bring America together. If he’s sitting in the pews listening to sermons of this nature, what does he really think about America and the people in it who are not the same hue as he? I don't agree, but I can see the reason for the question that some might have...if they only heard a portion of the sermons. Especially some of those that, regardless of context were totally offensive.

Obama will weather this particular storm and those that he'll face in the future on his way to the white house. Due to the nature of the statements and the manner in which they are being dissiminated, Barack needs to get a tad more forceful on his repudiation of Wright's statements, be they exemplative [new word for you] of Wright’s personal feelings and life experiences or not. Obama has won over a great many people by being able to deflect attacks, setbacks, etc. in the past several months, but this is something that he needs to get passionate and forceful about. He needs to face this one head on and not try to deflect it. This type of tom-foolery in the pulpit of ANY church should not take place and if it is, it should not be condoned, regardless of congregational makeup. Scripture dictates that there’s a time and a place for all things. The TIME for him to share his personal views [which we are all entitled to] is NOT when he is representing God almighty as a purveyor of the Word, or when he is formally representing the church. The place for his personal views [which we are all entitled to] is NOT the pulpit. His personal agenda against 'white America' has put a dent in the campaign of a man who not only aspires to be its first black president, but has a great chance of accomplishing this goal [no thanks to the tyrades of Wright].

It’s just my opinion, but I’m not wrong!