State Of Black America - Page 2

Burning Spear · (#26 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmahogany777

Tavis Smiley is not merely a tv journalist, his activism and works in our community are well documented and known, but that's neither here nor there. Obama's reason for NOT showing up this year and LAST year, have NOTHING to do with time/schedules or wanting to spend every minute with voters. Clinton was in and out of there in 30 minutes, TOPS. He didn't show up, because he and his advisers think that to do so would turn off or scare white voters.

I never stated that the majority of AA's had a problem with Obama not showing up. My position is the exact opposite. MOst of us DON'T have a problem with it, because we are accustomed to back alley hooker status and we are totally drinking the poison Kool Aid, Guyana style,lol. We'll accept and allow disrespect from Obama because he's Black and we think that somehow it will be different if and when he gets into office. That somehow, he'll STOP being concerned with appeasing white folks. I beg to differ. Once he's elected, he'll want to be REELECTED, and he will still be worrying about what white folks think about him doing x,y/z in regards to Black folks, be it signing legislation, appointing judges, fowarding certain policy agendas.....

I said that GMAHOGANY has a problem with it, and will not be voting for him in the General Election. What other AA's do is their own business. I'm voting for McCAin. with his 100 more years in Iraq agenda, and all......

I'm familiar with the article, CAsh Money posted some comments from AA's who DID have a problem with him not showing up, in the Obama/Oprah alliance thread.

I know you are a supporter, but I still can't give Travis S. a get out of jail card. A person of his supposed intelligence should understand that there is no one answer to the ills that the Black Community faces today. I applaud him for continuing the dialogue to seek answers, but as others have pointed out, that dialogue needs to turn into tangible actions that begin to change our collective plight. And no real change happens in this country until laws and policies are enacted to foster that change. That's why Obama's quest is so important. All the talk in the world will ring hollow year after year unless there is someone in position to champion the causes of our people and the rest of the people of these United States that have similar problems. Obama never dissed the State of the Black Union Conference and in fact stated that it was very important and that although he couldn't come, he offered his accomplished spouse to represent him and to participate first hand. In return, he was dissed by conference through the personage of Travis Smiley and basically told his wife was not welcome. Now from my vantage point, there is something terribly wrong with that picture. Obama does not have to prove to me where he stands on Black issues because I've read his books, heard his speeches, reviewed his policies, and see it on display daily when I look at the choices he made. Choosing Michelle and subsequently heading a Black Family that looks like most Black Families, when he had his pick of any number of Beckys, tells me all I need to know about his blackness. I sure can't say that about a number of our so-called Black elite in this country. His choices has guaranteed that he has and will continue to experience subtle racism as we all have in this country. So I know that he knows where I/we live.

So sorry, I'm not buying what Tavis is selling. If he can't or refuses to understand what is happening and keeps being distracted by the trees instead of focusing on the forrest, then I can't put out the welcome mat for him at my house.

safetyblitz · (#27 (**permalink**))

Yeah I was with Clinton for a while, but her campaign has been dropping some overtly racist snide remarks and making them look as if Obama is attempting to play the race card. To me this is just an side ways attempt to turn vote her way.

Take this instance of Obama in Northern Kenyan dress. Why the hell would her people go there? Because they are attempting to play on Obama's heritage vs racial tendencies. The Clinton adviser did not even defend the distribution of the photo, but attacked how their reactions were "...distracting voters."

I thought that the Clinton's had more class than they have shown in this race, but apparently the bottom line is that you must be willing to do anything to be president of the US. Apparently, this was the first reality show...... "How Low Will You Go?"

Vubundada_Kandaba · (#28 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burning Spear

I applaud him for continuing the dialogue to seek answers, but as others have pointed out, that dialogue needs to turn into tangible actions that begin to change our collective plight. And no real change happens in this country until laws and policies are enacted to foster that change. That's why Obama's quest is so important. All the talk in the world will ring hollow year after year unless there is someone in position to champion the causes of our people and the rest of the people of these United States that have similar problems. Obama never dissed the State of the Black Union Conference and in fact stated that it was very important and that although he couldn't come, he offered his accomplished spouse to represent him and to participate first hand. In return, he was dissed by conference through the personage of Travis Smiley and basically told his wife was not welcome. Now from my vantage point, there is something terribly wrong with that picture. Obama does not have to prove to me where he stands on Black issues because I've read his books, heard his speeches, reviewed his policies, and see it on display daily when I look at the choices he made. Choosing Michelle and subsequently heading a Black Family that looks like most Black Families, when he had his pick of any number of Beckys, tells me all I need to know about his blackness. I sure can't say that about a number of our so-called Black elite in this country. His choices has guaranteed that he has and will continue to experience subtle racism as we all have in this country. So I know that he knows where I/we live. So sorry, I'm not buying what Tavis is selling. If he can't or refuses to understand what is happening and keeps being distracted by the trees instead of focusing on the forrest, then I can't put out the welcome mat for him at my house.

Very well said in the above. The crucifixion of Obama for not showing up at the "State of the Black Union Address" tells me that probably there is more to this thing going on. How in the World his Blackness can be questioned when the Brother is championing interests that will help our people is beyond me. All the talk in the World will not help, unless you put somebody in office that weill deliver the results we seek. Unless the person fails to deliver than we can literally hang Him or Her for taking our votes for granted.

I don't see the Republican Party delivering those goods, and certainly not on healthcare. I recently went to talk serious Financial matters with my Accountant about how best I can achieve the American Dream of Hollywood. I came out of the meeting pissed like hell when the Accountant finally showed me the real figures of how the IRS takes taxes from our Income that we earn through hard pay. The System is put in place so that the Rich are Taxed less and the rest of us making below $150,000 are taxed like plantation slaves. I have not finished my investigation as to who put this unfair tax system in place, but my suspicions tell me that it is the Republicans. I sure won't vote a candidate who aim is to allow the rich to get richer and the rest are placed under a ceiling with a Financial cap above it.

Gmahogany777 · (#29 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burning Spear

I know you are a supporter, but I still can't give Travis S. a get out of jail card. A person of his supposed intelligence should understand that there is no one answer to the ills that the Black Community faces today. I applaud him for continuing the dialogue to seek answers, but as others have pointed out, that dialogue needs to turn into tangible actions that begin to change our collective plight. And no real change happens in this country until laws and policies are enacted to foster that change. That's why Obama's quest is so important. All the talk in the world will ring hollow year after year unless there is someone in position to champion the causes of our people and the rest of the people of these United States that have similar problems. Obama never dissed the State of the Black Union Conference and in fact stated that it was very important and that although he couldn't come, he offered his accomplished spouse to represent him and to participate first hand. In return, he was dissed by conference through the personage of Travis Smiley and basically told his wife was not welcome. Now from my vantage point, there is something terribly wrong with that picture. Obama does not have to prove to me where he stands on Black issues because I've read his books, heard his speeches, reviewed his policies, and see it on display daily when I look at the choices he made. Choosing Michelle and subsequently heading a Black Family that looks like most Black Families, when he had his pick of any number of Beckys, tells me all I need to know about his blackness. I sure can't say that about a number of our so-called Black elite in this country. His choices has guaranteed that he has and will continue to experience subtle racism as we all have in this country. So I know that he knows where I/we live.

So sorry, I'm not buying what Tavis is selling. If he can't or refuses to understand what is happening and keeps being distracted by the trees instead of focusing on the forrest, then I can't put out the welcome mat for him at my house.

Again, this is not about TAvis for me. Tavis is not running for president. As I stated in an earlier response, I don't know or care what Tavis' motivation might be, though because of his history I'm inclined to believe that it connects to concern for Black well being, is their ego in it too, of course. i'm sure there is plenty of ego wrapped up in someone running for president, after 2 years in the Senate, as well. Big deal. Tavis understands that mere words don't solve problems, and he is active in putting the concepts he talks about into action, he even talked about how years ago, Obama was one of the people who came and agreed to mentor one of the young people in one of his programs. That's how they met for the first time.

I don't see how taking 30 minutes out to come to an event like that is inconsistent with subsequently being able to implement policy and change laws. How are those things mutually exclusive. Who needed to have their a*ss out campaigning more than Hillary, who is LOSING?. INstead, she came to adress a group of people whose votes she has NO CHANCE of getting. It wasn't a time issue, it was the same reason that he didn't attend last year's event, and that is problematic for me. Any white people who would have a problem with him being at an event like that are not any white people that I am interested in coalescing with, and concern with what white folks think was the driving reason for his inattendance, both times, imo. As impact said in another thread, he's been showing up to all kinds of Hispanic events, gay lesbian transgenedered events. Showing up at the premiere event of the folks who are the bread and butter of your campaign is not too much to ask, and no one is going to convince me otherwise.

abdurratln · (#30 (**permalink**))

There is really no delicate way to put this. I sincerely want to avoid offending anyone. But, we must habve political clarity. And, if someone must be offended to get such clarity, so be it.

Here is the real deal: Hilary's ONLY real support is based in zionism and the homosexual agenda. Slick Willy's first major act as president was to advocate for "gay rights" in the military. The homosexuals of America have been ever grateful to the Clintons for that. Slick Willy's last major act as president was to refuse to put pressure on Israel to make peace with the Palestinians. The zionist lobby has been ever grateful for that. So, this is Hilary's ONLY loyal support.

So, it is not about Africans at all. Unfortyunately, Tavis Smiley is an African. So, this make it appear to be about Africans. But, it is not. It is about the homosexual agenda and zionism, in my opinion. This is why I think the Obama Camapign is well advised to avoid the Tavis Smiley trap. Tavis is obviously a diehard Hialry flunky. So, it would make little sense for Brother Barack to come on his show, a show which is sure to be used to steer votes to Hilary.

When Brother Barack refuses to take the bait, they try to accuse him of dissing Africans. But, it is about Tavis' support of Hilary and her pro-Israel, pro-homosexual agenda.

Gmahogany777 · (#31 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burning Spear

Last time I checked Obama was bringing in lots of whites and others.

How are Black folks interests much different from those of the majority popualtion.Is there a "Black recession" seperate from a white one?

I agree, that's why I'm not desperate to have a BLack President at any cost. Black folks didn't do well under Bill Clinton because he did anything SPECIFICALLY for us, many people did well under that administration. Having said that though, there are things that effect us specifically and or more acutely than others and we all know that, the same as Hispanics have concerns that are unique and specific to them.

No Black candidate will pass the total Black litmus test.Hell alot of scared Negroes were shaking in their boots when MLK arrived to initiate some change back in the 50's & 60's .But they were beat down for so long,they didn't know they were beat down.That seems to have not gone away.

It has nothing to do with a Black lithmus test for me. I don't doubt Obama's "Blackness", anymore than I doubted Marion BArry's Blackness(I still didn't think that entitled Barry to get a free pass and exploit Black people's goodwill/pride/loyalty, not to do what the hell he was elected to do). What I'm concerned about is, is Obama going to be so concerned with bending over backwards to assure whites and Hispanics and whoever else that he's is or isn't whatever they are worried about him being, that we end up getting LESS than what we would get if a white man was running the show. I'm concerned about whether or not he will have the testicular fortitude to make his regard for Black folks, result in anything tangible or helpful to Black folks, or will his main concern be, proving to WHite folks how much he is NOT just the Prez of Black AMeria.

THe tone of his campaign, and things like not showing up to this event are key in having a cummulative effect in making me feel that this is a legitimate concern. Black folks willingness to be on the back burner and accept certain things in this campaign, don't make me optimistic about things being much different, after he wins, if he wins. A tone is being set for how things are going to be. Maybe it's just me, but I don't let anyone carry me anyway in the beginning of my interaction with them, that I don't want them to carry me down the line. I don't accept behavior from you in the beginning if I'm not prepared to accept it later, because I know that it's hard to put the genie back in the bottle, human nature being what it is. You train people how to treat you, and all that good stuff. It's like some women let a man talk to them or treat them any old way in the beginning, cause they don't want to seem mean or they are afraid of derailing things, and then down the line have a problem with it. I'm not that type of woman. There is no use in me even PRETENDING that i'm going to tolerate certain sh*t. I'd just be wasting both your time and mine,lol.

I find it odd that the Black HRC supporters are turning a blind eye of the overtly racial politics she's using to attack Obama.The playbook is so old and trasparent Ray Charles can see thru it.

First of all, I'm not a HRC supporter. I voted for Obama on Supertuesday(though i regret that now). I voted for him, in spite of feeling that she had the edge in most areas. Secondly, ya'll can save the Johnny come lately, disingenous, "i didn't know that the Clintons will do xyz when trying to win an election" drivel. I am one of the few AA's who DID NOT vote for Bill Clinton in 1992. You know why? STRICTLY because of the Sister Souljah/Jesse Jackson situation. I had Negroes argue me down about the racialistic politics that were being played in that instance. They dogged SS out, instead. I don't like her anyway. She needs to shut up. Jesse Jackson needs to go sit down somewhere, etc. . Ya'll were willing to throw Jackson and Sister Souljah under the bus and vote overwhelmingly for Clinton,anyway. The Clintons came out the box that way, so stop acting like they are any different now than they were in 92, when ya'll voted for them overwhelmingly. You didn't have a problem with it then, don't have one now.....

Beyond that, whatever racial tactics that are being used by Hillary and company, she's paying a price for that. Black folks ARE NOT VOTING FOR HER, so she's being held accountable for what she, her husband and her campaign folks have done in that regard. That is as it should be. I believe in holding ANY and ALL mofos accountable when they say or do something I don't like. Obama is no exception.....

Thirdly, I have been AS offended if not MORE offended at some of the ways that race has been used by the Obama campaign. Throwing certain kinds of Black "leaders" under the bus, holding him up as the Anti Black, Black that Black people can be proud of and white people can feel safe and cozy with, , insulting AA's by trodding out that bullshit about Obama not being Black enough(never heard a real live Negro say that, only heard it in the media and as reguritation of media drivel), Black folks have something against articulate Black people and all that sh*t. Using his lack of comment about certain events and his appearances and lack of appearances at certain events to signal certain things to white voters etc. That is no different than what Slick Willie was doing when he attacked Jesse Jackson and Sister Souljah in 92, in an effort to signal to white voters that would be willing to put Negroes in their place, unlike the other wimpy, liberal white Democrats, and Negroes didn't have problem the first, with it.

abdurratln · (#32 (**permalink**))

The Clintons are the racists. I have not noticed Barack using any racial tricks. He is getting 90% of the African vote because he represents the best interests of Africans. Plus, we are sick and tired of being messed with. This is the first opportunity in history to really teach these people to respect our community. Teach them a lessin 'bout messin with Africans. But, instead of uniting behind our ONE chance to make a point, we get all bent out of shape over a zionist flunky is is very sympathetic to the homopsexual agenda. Then, we run anf join the Log Cabin Republicans. I mean, give me an ever loving break! If the complaints had any legitimacy at all, which they do not, the prostest vote would be for Ralpg Nader, not that psycho, crazy pervert John McCain. Log Cabin Republicans.

CashMoney · (#33 (**permalink**))

BAW: ‘There is No Entitlement Here,’ Hillary Clinton Tells Audience at State of the Black Union

Gmahogany777 · (#34 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by abdurratln

The Clintons are the racists. I have not noticed Barack using any racial tricks. He is getting 90% of the African vote because he represents the best interests of Africans. Plus, we are sick and tired of being messed with. This is the first opportunity in history to really teach these people to respect our community. Teach them a lessin 'bout messin with Africans. But, instead of uniting behind our ONE chance to make a point, we get all bent out of shape over a zionist flunky is is very sympathetic to the homopsexual agenda. Then, we run anf join the Log Cabin Republicans. I mean, give me an ever loving break! If the complaints had any legitimacy at all, which they do not, the prostest vote would be for Ralpg Nader, not that psycho, crazy pervert John McCain. Log Cabin Republicans.

Obama's campaign HAS used racially coded language and played to certain ideas about race in MYRIAD ways(while simultaneously claiming that race is not a part of the campaign), from the beginning of his campaign, and even before. Negroes are just too much in "happy to be there' mode to notice it or even care when they do notice it. The tone of his campaign with it's "he's the first intelligent,articulate, CLEAN(as Joe Biden slipped up and said), "viable" Black candidate for office), was racist, insulting and condescending from the get go. His campaign manager DAvid Axelrod(who I suspect MMD may be talking about when referring to one of his advisers being openly gay), specializes in how to convince white people that it's ok to vote for a BLack candidate, and he does this by signaling white folks(through getting his BLack candidates to behave and speak in certain ways and NOT behave and NOT speak in certain ways, (or SELECTING Black candidates that ALREADY are predisposed that way).

MY protest vote will be whatever the PHUCK I decide it will be. If that means voting for psycho,crazy pervert McCain, then that's just what the hell it will mean. Ya'll Negroes are acting like it's 1865 and Lincoln just got shot, stop shaking and trembling. In most matters, McCain is a moderate, and not nearly as dangerous and dumb(bad combo), as the headcase we have in office now(who lied and got us into this war in the first damned place), and whom, Black male preachers and the Black church HELPED win re-election strictly because of gay marriage, so yall can save the doomsday dramatics, for someone who is buying that bullshit. Ya'll Black asses didn't jump down the throats of the BLack church and all the REverend Chicken Wings who helped to put that fool back in office to CONTINUE the war. You didn't call them Toms and sell outs and say they were going to ruin the lives of BLack folks for years to come, so don't come popping that junk to me. I'll vote for who I damn well please. DEALS, as my friend would say,LOL.

BTW, I don't give a phuck about a Jewish or a Zionist agenda, and I EQUALLY don't give a phuck about an ARab/Islamic agenda EITHER. Some here want us to exchange one for the other, methinks, and they think that having someone in the White House with the middle name Hussein, will do the trick,lol...........

Vubundada_Kandaba · (#35 (**permalink**))

Like I said before, Barak Obama offered a good enough Explanation and stressed that he agrees with Tavis Smiley's "State of the Black Union Address". Furthermore he Barack stated that he will be taking with him those same issues Tavis brings up to the campaign and to the White House with him when he becomes President. But as usual, some Negroes have very short Tunnel vision. All they care about is their ego and direct their misguided Protests at the wrong target and this includes Tavis Smiley. I mean, I am speechless that people would rather through temper tantrums and then torpedo the Candidate that MIGHT bring change to America and probably help the people at the lower end of the pole, simply because of their ego. This is tunnel vision at best. I am all for protest and accountability, but when that Protest and Accountability is without merit, then I begin to suspect something sinister at play here and this points to egotism. I mean what sort of acountability is this when you cross over and vote for the KKK for instance just to make a point? Not to say that there is any KKK members running for election. All of this becaue a guy needed to win Texas and Ohio to win the Presidency and the same guy offered to send his wife to represent him but the "scheming book selleing" Tavis rebuffed the offer and then we get all angry. By the way, lest I get I accused for Plagiarism, I just like the sound of "Scheming Book Selling", not that I wanted to character assassinate Brother Tavis. Furthermore the same guy gave his blessings to the Conference and reinforced that he agrees with everything in that conference, and we still crucify him and protest? Does this sort of Protest have any merits?