1) The skin rags King and Don Diva act like it was their big discovery that many brothers like round the way girls with big behinds, but isn’t that the whole raison d’etre of the Jet centerfold?
The following is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to HBO when I saw the term ‘video ho’ used to describe three black characters in the rolling credits after the show ‘Entourage’. “I was recently shocked and insulted to see, in the rolling credits after ‘Entourage’, a series of black women characters referred to as ‘video hos’ #1, #2, ad #3. Such a term was not only grossly misapplied, but it was also very insulting to black women as a whole. That such negative term was used so gratuitously, when other, less sexist, less racist and less negative terms were available, is highly disturbing; especially for a network that purports to be progressive. ‘Video ho” is not an appropriate term to describe any woman. It is not a term of art. It is a racist, sexist and demeaning term. I hope that, out of respect for your audience, which is comprised of diverse groups of male and female viewers, you will refrain from such pejorative uses.”
It is undeniable that the writers of that show would not have felt comfortable using that term fifteen to twenty years ago. Their presumed familiarity with the Hip-Hop culture popularized by the media led them to appropriate this negative term. Rap music should, of course, not be viewed as bearing sole responsibility for the racist and sexist choices of individuals and corporations. Individuals and corporations have to be held accountable for their sexism and bigotry. Still, how can the repeated negative images of black women have no impact on the way our children come to view black women? With readily available technology and mass media, is it really possible to shield children from such images as, for example, Nelly’s use of a woman’s lower body like an ATM machine or Snoop’s appearance at an Awards show with a number of women on leashes?
It is interesting that when Mater P announced the start of his new profanity-free label, other artists interviewed seemed to take it as a direct slight on them. Rapper Fifty cents viciously retorted, when asked to comment about the new label, that Master P “did not sell any records anymore”. Post Imus, many rap artists have attempted to distinguish their negative images of black women from the racists and sexist portrayals seen in mainstream America. The music industry's dismal record sales for the past couple of years seem to indicate that the sexist representation of women in rap videos is not an essential ingredient for artists' economic success. It is a formula that is no longer working. The opposite formula, without sexist images of black women and with more creative videos and songs, might actually prove more lucrative. Is that such a radical concept?
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Pearl Jr EMAIL: Pearljr@trutalk.us IP: 76.172.214.162 URL: http://www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com DATE: 06/29/2007 01:58:48 PM I just wish C. Delores Tucker was here to see us wake up and finally believe what she had spent the last decade of her life saying, which is rap crap filth that demeans Black women WILL affect the Black community as a whole.h She was absolutely right! Oh, the Black Women's Movement is on and we simply ain't taking the promotion of our degradation any longer. I'd call HBO and tell them WHY I'm cancelling my subscription, because the only language these big media conglomerates understand is the lack of revenues into their greedy vulnerable immoral bank accounts. To make our voices heard loud and clear, and for the quickest way to halt the misogyny of Black women is to hit them where it hurts--their pockets. Please join the Black Women's Movement at www.BlackWomenNeedLoveToo.com We've been very successful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:53:10 PM now post a copy of the letter you wrote to BET. oh wait, you didn't write any letter to BET. i mean, why would you ever do that? they don't display negative images of black women any more than HBO does. wait, i'm wrong. they display infinitely more negative images of black women. so can you post the letter you wrote to BET? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: YBP EMAIL: IP: 204.155.172.22 URL: http://YBPguide.com DATE: 06/29/2007 05:08:24 PM It is noble - perhaps incorrect - that you feel personally affected by these women you don't know being called video hoes. I mean, what if they ARE video hoes? Is that wrong? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: I like Entourage, and you're being silly EMAIL: bet@bet.com IP: 38.117.238.71 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 05:09:40 PM Clearly, you do not *get* Entourage. So why are you watching it? Just to complain? Get a life. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Nels Nelson EMAIL: nelsnelson@yahoo.com IP: 64.37.155.115 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 05:56:59 PM Well, "profanity-free" is pretty narrow-minded. Jill Scott drops a "shit" here or there so let's lump her together with 50 Cent. And just because the industry can't make any money doesn't mean that people aren't listening to just as much music as they always have. They just aren't paying for it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Blk & Proud EMAIL: IP: 67.71.43.146 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 06:43:59 PM 1) The music industry's "dismal record sales for the past couple of years" does not indicate that "the sexist representation of women in rap videos is not an essential ingredient for artists' economic success." There seems to be some confusion here. If there is sexism in the music still, and the music isn't selling anymore, then perhaps sexism is no longer (if it ever was) sufficient to sell records. But that says nothing about whether it is still essential. 2) I actually agree with Chauncey. Why don't you see the need to send a letter to BET as well? If black people were as vigilant against the mess-ups of (perceived) 'black' media as they are against those of 'white' media we'd be a whole lot better off. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 08:08:16 PM "Video ho" is not an appropriate term to describe any woman. What should we call them then? I mean, they really are video hoes, whether you like the term or not... Sorry but they are not at the Ying-Yang Twins video shoot hoping to be Miss Black America.. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: RMCACE EMAIL: IP: 24.126.60.42 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 08:53:55 PM You sent your letter to HBO about Entourage over a credits issue that probably only you notices. But where are the letters to Nelly and Snoop Dog where they were the "videos hoes" (and btw, what is the plural of ho?) over their work when the "hoes" are the central feature? And I am sure you joined Bill O'Reilly's boycott of Pepsi... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: sean EMAIL: IP: 68.175.90.246 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 10:28:54 PM I don't follow this argument. Are you saying that sexism would be fine if it WAS selling records? Or that those on whom the tower of Siloam fell were worse sinners than the others? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: spike the cat EMAIL: IP: 81.208.36.89 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 04:40:21 AM Michele, Thank you for the post. And I LOVE to see folks getting their panties in a bunch when the patriarchy is challenged (after all, without the patriarchy the word "ho" would have no gender conotation whatsoever—but I see that this basic fact was lost on the most of the posters). Furthermore, take it as a sincere compliment when people try to diminish your actions by telling you to "get a life" or that your efforts are wasted on something that "probably only you notice." Ah yes, you've brought out the last ditch efforts of the enablers of mysogyny. Great. Keep it up! p.s... I wonder what some of these posters would say if Law&Order or OZ or better yet, if "COPS" had credits and they started listing people as Ni88er-Thug#1 and Ni88er-Pimp #2—Gee, I mean what ELSE should we call them? p.p.s if some of the posters are that irked about BET, why don't one of you follow her example and send your own letter instead of moaning... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Acanthus EMAIL: acanthus@yahoo.com IP: 24.238.166.192 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 07:32:57 AM p.s... I wonder what some of these posters would say if Law&Order or OZ or better yet, if "COPS" had credits and they started listing people as Ni88er-Thug#1 and Ni88er-Pimp #2—Gee, I mean what ELSE should we call them? ---------------------------- Spike, do you really wonder about that? I don't. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: ed@dreamandhustle.com IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: http://www.dreamandhustle.com DATE: 06/30/2007 11:16:32 AM spike the cat, Michael Fisher can tell you about this more than me but from what I know, the writers do create typecasts such as "black pimp" or "black mugger" in their scripts. They just put your favorite UPN/The Wire actor in that role when they are ready to start filming. BTW, guys have no problem being called a "ho", Scott La Rock was a "superho", remember? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 11:24:13 AM It is interesting that when Mater P announced the start of his new profanity-free label, other artists interviewed seemed to take it as a direct slight on them. Who is Mater P? Sound like a stud horse that wears bling on his hooves... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: spike the cat EMAIL: IP: 81.208.36.89 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 04:36:00 PM Ed said: writers do create typecasts such as "black pimp" or "black mugger" in their scripts. They just put your favorite UPN/The Wire actor in that role when they are ready to start filming. OK, but black mugger is different from seeing the words "ni88er mugger" scrolling down the screen after a show, right? Do you see the difference? Similarly, these women could have been credited as video extras video dancers scantily clad dancers... And let me be clear. I am not calling for a legal ban on certain words; and the conversation could be quite different if we were talking about a script versus fricken' cast credits. However, peer pressure and corporate pressure are fair game! And you are very right that men have indeed been called "hos". But let's compare: I'm thinking of Madonna's half-nudie dancers and that old video by TLC "red light special" where they had brothers all greased up gyrating. Would you consider them to be video hos? I think a man being called a ho is tantamount to whites getting called ni88er or Asians kicking around the word ni88er among themselves (for real, seems like everyone has hijacked the word, LOL). But that's not where the power of these words lie... Think about how Kramer used the n-word... he used the n-word as a stepping stone to evoke imagery of lynching. He knew how to go in for the kill. Funny too because in the blogsphere whites have expressed resentment about not being able to use the N-word freely, when many blacks seem to take pride in using it. But ask yourself to what purpose it would serve for white folks to be able to go around freely using the N-word. Just so whites can have another sanctioned word to put someone down? Freedom of speech? Equality? In the same vein, why is it sooooo important for the patriarchy to hang on to words like ho simply to descibe a demeanor or way of dress? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: ed@dreamandhustle.com IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: http://www.dreamandhustle.com DATE: 07/01/2007 01:11:38 PM Funny too because in the blogsphere whites have expressed resentment about not being able to use the N-word freely spike the cat, you can't be serious using something like that as a talking point, can you? I haven't laid my finger on it yet spikey, but something about you ain't right.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Sham EMAIL: IP: 130.253.171.30 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 03:59:02 PM Odd occurrence last night: I was at a club walking by a preppy white guy who suddenly exclaimed "yo, there is my nigga!" I immediately turned around - not knowing exactly what I was going to do but feeling adrenaline shoot through my body - only to see that this guy was a addressing a smiling, actually cheese grinning, young, dark-skinned, black man wearing a 3XL Tall-T, cocked baseball cap and some "stunna" shades. This black kid was obviously glad to be recognized as "his nigga". Embarrassing. Absolutely embarrassing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: spike the cat EMAIL: IP: 81.208.36.89 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 04:15:12 PM Ed: my only point with that was to demonstrate the perceived (or real) power of words, depending on whose shoes you are in. Nothing else. "I haven't laid my finger on it yet spikey, but something about you ain't right...." Awe shucks. I guess I should come clean. I'm from Mars. (yet in my short stay here on this planet, I've had the unfortunate experience of being called a ni88er AND a ho--so forgive me if I'm out of line) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 06:26:19 PM Sham, it's just a word. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Keith EMAIL: Keith@moon.com IP: 24.5.66.186 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 12:15:00 AM Don't forget that images are seen around the world now, and in foreign countries, there is no context for these images. People in other countries that I have traveled in think black women from the US are like brainless, morally bankrupt sex slaves. It is amazing (and kinda scary) to hear what people think. Who can blame them? That is what they see on TV. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 67.70.66.4 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 04:10:15 AM Keith, You speak the truth. People have no real idea the kind of damage hip hop is doing to us around the world. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: rikyrah EMAIL: siport27@aol.com IP: 172.164.37.243 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 11:11:40 PM Don't forget that images are seen around the world now, and in foreign countries, there is no context for these images. People in other countries that I have traveled in think black women from the US are like brainless, morally bankrupt sex slaves. It is amazing (and kinda scary) to hear what people think. Who can blame them? That is what they see on TV. This is something I've been bringing up. The image of the Black man, around the world, is now 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, etc, while the image of the Black woman is a Video Ho or L'il Kim. Now, tell me again why we shouldn't be outraged? They are participating fully in our global dehumanization, and it's supposed to be ok because they're getting their 300 pieces of silver? Hell no. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Nana EMAIL: IP: 71.249.189.209 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 09:41:19 AM "addressing a smiling, actually cheese grinning, young, dark-skinned, black man wearing a 3XL Tall-T, cocked baseball cap and some "stunna" shades. This black kid was obviously glad to be recognized as "his nigga". Embarrassing. Absolutely embarrassing." Brother: black guys wear confederate shorts down south. It is usually the dark skin brother who demeans himself for Euros. We got such a skin tone problem. The day that stops we would have really gotten some where. And yes they found a way to make us look less than saintly around the world. We are no longer the beacon but just the gamester like the rest of the marketers we fought no longer than 40 years ago. Why can't make a movement to get these Yankees to move July 4th to a Monday LOL ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Redkat EMAIL: IP: 158.35.225.227 URL: DATE: 07/12/2007 09:45:26 AM "Brother: black guys wear confederate shorts down south. It is usually the dark skin brother who demeans himself for Euros." That makes absolution no sense and it's racist. There is no such thing as a african american skin tone subculture. You're implying that dark skinned black people behave differently from lighter skin tone blacks. What have you been reading The Bell Curve? You see one guy wearing confederate flag shorts and you immediately jump to the conclusion that he is deliberately demeaning himself. If that makes him ignorant you're just as ignorant for judging him and silently resenting him. That's what white racists do, hold others to their personal and private standard. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: jah guidance EMAIL: IP: 220.4.58.184 URL: DATE: 07/23/2007 06:06:20 AM if the three women referred to as "video hoes" had been "white," would you have taken issue? would the rest of you be taking much stock or interest in this argument? isn't the term used for any naked or scantily clad female in a hip hop music video? why focus on just "black" women? and only a couple, maybe a few, of you have mentioned the exploitation of men. is the exploitation of men not as important? or do you not notice it? or does it not exist? why not include all people who are being exploited? is that unfair to do? is it too difficult? would you feel slighted? and why do none of you seem to realise that humans are visual creatures? men and women. we get aroused, our interest, our passion, our desire, our attention is caught and held or at least tickled by attractive images. very often these images are sexual in nature. and women might try to deny that this doesn't apply to them...numerous women's magasines have throughout the past couple decades. but, i bet most of you women out there stopped and watched at leas t a minute of D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" video. and you probably weren't watching for the art of video, unless he's not what mows your lawn. if you can't admit it to us, admit it to yourself. and let's not get into the whole, classy vs. trashy; high art vs. low art bullshit. it's all relative. and all that aside, you're bitching and moaning about the wrong things. you want to fix things after they've already gone wrong. so, while you're all trying desperately to fix this problem, countless more will evolve all over the place and then you'll want to fix those problems. you want to know how to change what is already wrong. why not just raise the children today in a way that would instill in them the morals you want them to have. in a way that will ensure that they don't disrespect an entire group of people (or a person), any group. that's what you seem to want. equality and respect for all. or am i wrong? stop trying to fix the end product of what the past generations created and start actively creating. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: yelkqijw ockznf EMAIL: jtscxru@mail.com IP: 217.100.138.239 URL: http://www.fmgh.xjfsnyhm.com DATE: 08/18/2007 10:18:00 AM icwvg giqv axfgpsoyd alstbigem ngrotc amyz mqpfhi ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: yelkqijw ockznf EMAIL: jtscxru@mail.com IP: 88.208.201.14 URL: http://www.fmgh.xjfsnyhm.com DATE: 08/18/2007 10:18:02 AM icwvg giqv axfgpsoyd alstbigem ngrotc amyz mqpfhi ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: yelkqijw ockznf EMAIL: jtscxru@mail.com IP: 221.229.253.106 URL: http://www.fmgh.xjfsnyhm.com DATE: 08/18/2007 10:18:47 AM icwvg giqv axfgpsoyd alstbigem ngrotc amyz mqpfhi ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: wmol pvbshjzm EMAIL: iehbno@mail.com IP: 212.219.117.231 URL: http://www.google.com DATE: 08/18/2007 10:19:40 AM krovclu awrjbx bryh djcrpwse gcaesj mgnq xwyzhaf rkpiadu ozvcfndhg ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: ro879ck EMAIL: new602@gmail.com IP: 83.222.23.202 URL: http://b2422.searchik.info DATE: 08/19/2007 12:49:58 PM m553k ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: free porno EMAIL: jfcb@hotmail.com IP: 213.239.218.131 URL: http://home-loans-for-bad-credit.blogspot.com/ DATE: 08/20/2007 08:31:59 AM Very good site. Thank you!!! free porno ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: free porno EMAIL: jfcb@hotmail.com IP: 72.44.57.154 URL: http://home-loans-for-bad-credit.blogspot.com/ DATE: 08/20/2007 08:32:02 AM Very good site. Thank you!!! free porno ----- -------- AUTHOR: pbutler TITLE: Random Thoughts on Jet Magazine - Part III STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CONVERT BREAKS: tinymce ALLOW PINGS: 1 DATE: 06/29/2007 09:38:15 AM ----- BODY:1) The skin rags King and Don Diva act like it was their big discovery that many brothers like round the way girls with big behinds, but isn’t that the whole raison d’etre of the Jet centerfold?
2) When is Jet going to start featuring hot guys as the "Beauty of the Week"? I’ll bet that straight women and gay dudes make up at least half of its readership.
3) Why are the newlyweds in the "Love and Happiness" so compelling? I can’t help it, I stare at the photos and read every word of the bios. I try to predict which couples will make it and which will be seeking protective orders, based on substantive stuff like how they look together.
4) When will the first lesbian or gay couple show up in "Love and Happiness"?
5) With so many African-Americans on BET, TV-One and all the major broadcast networks, isn’t it time to retire the list of blacks on tv this week?
6) Does any magazine other than Jet regularly feature photos of dead celebrities in their caskets?
7) Even in the age of the internet, you still read things in Jet that you don’t read anywhere else.
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: cmoney EMAIL: IP: 38.102.195.118 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 11:38:50 AM Yes, we need to see more dead celebrities in their coffins. LOL! Jet takes the cake on crass, lowbrow journalism--but you can find it in just about any African-American home or business from "the 'hood" to Hollywood. And how does "Ebony" stay around recycling the same articles year after year with different models. I've learned to winterize my car with a pretty model so many times over the years I don't need to call AAA. Of course, there's the 100 Most Influential Black Folk issue. The pictures in that issue never change until someone dies--then we get to see them in "Jet" in their coffin :-). There's just something about dead folks and fat booties that we can't resist! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Tafaraji EMAIL: IP: 205.188.116.136 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 12:19:13 PM Exactement! Lowbrowed! However, there are some folks that read jet on the regular and perhaps nothing much more.C'est la vie. Quant à photos of dead folks in coffins,c'est aussi extrêmement fade! Trop bizarre! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: rikyrah EMAIL: siport27@aol.com IP: 172.163.15.31 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 01:08:11 PM I love your questions..LOL 1) The skin rags King and Don Diva act like it was their big discovery that many brothers like round the way girls with big behinds, but isn’t that the whole raison d’etre of the Jet centerfold? You nailed it. 2) When is Jet going to start featuring hot guys as the "Beauty of the Week"? I’ll bet that straight women and gay dudes make up at least half of its readership. I would be happy for it..LOL 3) Why are the newlyweds in the "Love and Happiness" so compelling? I can’t help it, I stare at the photos and read every word of the bios. I try to predict which couples will make it and which will be seeking protective orders, based on substantive stuff like how they look together. Because, name me another place, where you get a CONSISTENT VIEW of BLACK ON BLACK LOVE? Name it for me? I don't see it. I know it's the same reason why I look every week at the Wedding Announcements in the NYTimes and hope that I see a Black couple. As part of the 42.4% of Black women that have never been married, the couples in Jet and those NYTimes Announcements give a little hope. 4) When will the first lesbian or gay couple show up in "Love and Happiness"? Not anytime soon.I would bet my money that the subsciber base skews older, and they don't want to see that in ' Love and Happiness'. 5) With so many African-Americans on BET, TV-One and all the major broadcast networks, isn’t it time to retire the list of blacks on tv this week? Nope, because I'm reminded every time I read of something that I possibly forgot. 6) Does any magazine other than Jet regularly feature photos of dead celebrities in their caskets? No...LMAO 7) Even in the age of the internet, you still read things in Jet that you don’t read anywhere else. That is true, and it usually is accompanied with good pictures. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Goober EMAIL: IP: 206.176.148.135 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:23:24 PM This post was hilarious. How else would the black nation know who won the lottery? I have to admit that I read the wedding announcements religously. I have absolutely no idea why it captivates me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: YBP EMAIL: IP: 204.155.172.22 URL: http://YBPguide.com DATE: 06/29/2007 05:18:53 PM I wish I could read that article they have on their cover about why black suicides are increasing. And if anyone has been checking out say the last 3 or 4 issues of Ebony, you'd see they've been trying to step their game up. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: ed@dreamandhustle.com IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: http://www.dreamandhustle.com DATE: 06/29/2007 08:23:16 PM I think the newspaper in New Orleans show more dead Black non-celebrities than anyone. Let's face it - JET is an old person magazine. The type that goes to JCPennys to get their hair done. To be honest, I was never impressed with any Beauty of the Week from Jet. I'm seriously unimpressed with the ladies in King magazine..maybe because I live in the Southeast part of the country. The only magazine I like to read is Black Hair Magazine... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: GIWUI EMAIL: IP: 64.136.49.228 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 04:44:23 AM EBONY AND JET MAGAZINE IS JUST WHAT MR. JOHNSON WANTED IT TO BE. IT IS AN INFORMATIVE JOURNAL THAT PROVIDES AN EQUAL PLAYING FIELD FOR BLACK AMERICANS IN AMERICA. WHAT IT STILL DOES NOW ALONG WITH MORE OTHER BLACK MAGAZINES ALSO IS PROVIDE SELF ESTEEM WITH PRIDE AND DIGNITY. BLACK PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO SPECULATE IF THE PUBLISHER(S) REALLY HAS THEIR BEST INTEREST AT HEART. ON A NEWS OR MAGAZINE STAND IN THE BOOK STORE, GROCERY STORE, OR A CONVENIENT STORE ONE WOULD ONCE USUALLY FIND ONE TO FOUR BLACK FOCUSED F.Y.I. AUDIENCE CONSUMERS’ MAGAZINES ON THE RACK. THEY WERE, MR. JOHNSON’S JET AND EBONY, ESSENCE, AND RIGHT ON. ALONG WITH THESE FOUR MAGAZINES, THERE WERE MANY, MANY OTHER MAGAZINES, BUT THEIR FOCUS F.Y.I. AUDIENCE CONSUMERS’ MAGAZINES WERE 99.9% CATERED TOWARDS CAUCASIAN AMERICANS. SO FROM JUST WHERE DID THAT LEAVE BLACK AMERICANS TO GET A BALANCED DOSE OF INTERESTING AND RELATED INFORMATION? IN INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION, WE MUST NOT FALL FOR THE PROPAGANDA THAT IS ANOTHER FORM OF RACISM AND SEGREGATION, BUT THIS TIME THE BAMBOOZLE IS TO DEPRECATE AND SMUDGE A CULTURE’S RIGHTS TO BLACK CONSENSUS(HARMONY) WITHIN AMERICA‘S INTEGRATION. THEIR ARE I00’S OF CAUCASIAN AMERICAN MAGAZINES THAT DISPLAY UNITY ON THE RACK IN COMPARISON TO BLACK AMERICANS' AND BROWN AMERICANS' FEW. HEY TRUE INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION IS WHEN THE BEST OF EVERY CULTURE IS EXHIBITED AT ITS HIGHEST POTENTIALS WITHOUT ANY POWERS AT HAND HISTORIC COGNIZANT OR SUB-CONSCIOUS DELIBERATE PREMEDITATED DISCRIMINATING FACTORS APPLIED. ONE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO GO TO JUST AN ASIAN OR ASIAN INDIAN STORE TO FIND THOSE CULTURES’ MAGAZINES OR WONDER WOULD I EVEN FIND AN AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURED MAGAZINE ON AN INDIAN RESERVATION. ONE CAN SURELY THOUGH APPRECIATE A CULTURE STORE(S) WITH CULTURED PRODUCTS, WHICH IS INTEGRATION AT A FAR HIGHER DEGREE. THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES, HAVE ANY OF THESE CULTURES SEEN A NEED TO ESTABLISH THEIR SPECIFIC MAGAZINES FOR THE GENERAL CONSUMERS’ POPULATION IN THE PILE OF ALL OF THOSE 100’S OF OTHER AMERICAN MAGAZINES? ONE INTERESTING NOTE THOUGH IS THAT A HISPANIC GENTLEMAN OF ACQUAINTANCE INFORMED THAT HE WAS CREATING A FINE ARTS MAGAZINE, WHICH DETAILS(IT APPEARS FROM THE WEB SIGHT), AUTHENTIC HISTORIC AND MODERN HISPANIC*INDIAN ARTS AND ARTISTS. JEWS(HISTORY/ACCOUNTING..., GREEKS(FOOD /ART...), ITALIANS(FOOD/ CLOTHING...), IRISH'S(POLITICS/MOTHER JONES...), AND WHICH EVER AND EVERY CULTURE HAS A RIGHT TO ASPIRE AND INSPIRE AT IT HIGHEST, THEIR DESCENDANTS AND OTHERS TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THEIR HERITAGE, PREDECESSORS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICA. THIS IS WHAT THE LATE LEGACY ENTREPRENEUR, MR. JOHN JOHNSON KNEW WHEN HE FINALLY NATIONALLY ESTABLISHED HIS ANOINTED GIFT FROM GOD IN 1942, THAT HIS ANOINTED MOTHER, THE LATE HONORABLE MS. GERTRUDE JOHNSON WILLIAMS WENT INTO FERVENT PRAYER ABOUT IN 1977 BEFORE INVESTING INTO HER SON’S FAITH DREAM(HEBREWS 11:1). SO NO BAMBOOZLE HERE TO CHANGE AND DEGRADE THE TARGET FORMAT OF BLACK CULTURED MAGAZINES, RANDOM THOUGHTS!!! MR. JOHNSON’S ENTREPRENEURIAL’ S CONCEPT AND HIS MOTHER’S FERVENT PRAYERS WAS NOT TO TURN THEIR FREEDOM OF TARGET AND NEED BASE BUSINESS INTO EXPLICIT RUMP VIEWING WITH A LAYOUT SEGMENT OF THE CENTERFOLD OF MALE OR FEMALE; THEN MOVING ON TO GETTING INTO COUPLES' PRIVATE AFFAIRS; OFF TO THE HERALDING AND SUPPORTING OF NON TRADITIONAL SEXUAL PREFERENCES; LATER, THEM DEPENDING ON OTHER OUTLETS TO INFORM AMERICANS ABOUT BLACK CELEBRITIES AND RELEVANT CULTURED INFORMATION, AND HAVING SOMEONE WHO’S NOT CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR EXPENSES MAYBE QUESTIONING WHAT’S FEATURED ON THE PAGES OF THEIR PUBLICATIONS IF YOU LIKE THOUGH ALL OF THESE THINGS THAT YOU ARE WANTING TO SEE INSIDE THE JET MAGAZINE, ONE MUST REALIZE THAT MR. JOHNSON ‘S MOTHER, HIM, AND MANY OTHERS HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ANY BLACK TO EQUALLY CREATE THEIR CHOICE OF PRESS AND FREE SPEECH WITH THEIR OWN PERSONAL PRIVATE STYLE. SO GO ON... "JUST DO IT"!!! CREATE THAT MAGAZINE IN WHICH SOMEONE MAY WANT TO EXPAND UPON THE SUBJECTS AND TRADITIONS OF BLACKS IN AMERICA. ONE THING FOUND IN YOUR COMMENTARY(“Random Thoughts on Jet Magazine - Part III” ), IN ONE’S OPINION, WHAT DID NOT READ LIKE ANOTHER THOUGHT OF SABOTAGE TO BLACK HARMONY IN AMERICA’S INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION, AND THAT WAS MOST DEFINITELY ACCURATE IS THAT “Even in the age of the internet, you still read things in Jet that you don’t read anywhere else.” YEAH AND YEA!!! THAT WAS HIS IDEA FOR A CONSUMER‘S DEMAND THAT WAS NOT BEING SUPPLIED. YES, THE INTERNET IS A GLOBAL POWERFUL TOOL OF INFORMATION, SO IF ONE CAN’T FIND IT THERE, AGAIN, THAT WAS HIS POINT EVEN WAY BACK WHEN. IT IS HIS CONCEPTS AND IDEAS OF PRINT THAT GREATLY STILL NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS WITH DIGNITY AND PRIDE. THAT’S THE POWERFUL BEAUTY OF MR. JOHNSON’S PUBLICATIONS. YOU JUST CAN’T FIND HIS DEGREE OF INFORMATION A- N- Y- W- H -E -R -E ELSE !!! (PLEASE EXCUSE ALL ERRORS!) BLACK AND PROUD!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 01:37:16 PM I love Jet Magazine for two reasons: It shows an appreciation for black female beauty, and the photos are always tasteful...no gratuitous t&A shots, no booties altered to the point of looking abnormal. It shows an appreciation for black love, and shows that black men do indeed appreciate the concept of marriage. I'm sure that, in a world where black men are bashed on a regular basis, by both white society and black women, they too find the Love and Happiness section refreshing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chi-Town Hustler EMAIL: IP: 65.1.156.153 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 06:51:32 PM ..maybe because I live in the Southeast part of the country. The only magazine I like to read is Black Hair Magazine... Eddie Dunn So, Eduardo, what are you looking for in Black Hair--Designer Braids? ROTFLMBAO ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 4.79.229.69 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 06:55:18 PM Yeah rhonda is definetly a bitter black man ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 11:21:30 AM I never thought that loving black men (and black men loving me) would earn me the title of a "bitter black man"! LOL! Would anyone, particularly the professors, have a problem with me posting a picture of myself....and trust me...it will definitely put an end to this silliness that I am a bitter black man. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 11:39:50 AM I never thought that loving black men (and black men loving me) would earn me the title of a "bitter black man"! LOL! Would anyone, particularly the professors, have a problem with me posting a picture of myself....and trust me...it will definitely put an end to this silliness that I am a bitter black man. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 12:04:07 PM I never thought that loving black men (and black men loving me) would earn me the title of a "bitter black man"! LOL! Would anyone, particularly the professors, have a problem with me posting a picture of myself....and trust me...it will definitely put an end to this silliness that I am a bitter black man. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 02:04:18 PM Yeah rhonda is definetly a bitter black man Posted by: Anonymous Rhonda is definitely a black woman... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/PrincessRhonda/IMG_2184ABC7X10 No, Rhonda is definitely a black woman in her mid forties, who loves black men...and who wishes that black women would understand the importance of providing a decent father for their children, stop blaming black men for everything bad that's happened in their lives, make better choices in their lives. I want the best for black women. What I won't do is jump on the black men ain't no good bandwagon...nor will listen to it, without a retort. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 02:16:18 PM http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/PrincessRhonda/IMG_2184ABC7X10.jpg ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Frequent Reader EMAIL: IP: 4.79.229.69 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 03:03:42 PM No one here is blaming black men anymore than we are blaming black females. So stop jumping on the blame black women wagon for everything whenever an issue is brought up. You said that black men are attacked by whites and black women. Welcome to the real world "Rhonda" because black women are attacked by whites and black men (and in extreme cases, black women like you). It's the way the white suptremacy cycle works. Sadly, it has afflicted many blacks including the "blame black women" crowd (Rhonda) and/ or the "blame black men" crowd (Halima). By the way anyone can claim a pic to be theirs so get real. You're a fraud beceause several of your posts have been straight cut and paste from Ebony magazine which you claim it as personal experience. Get a life! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 03:58:32 PM Yes, anyone can post a picture; however, that happens to be me. Funny, I don't feel bashed...or mistreated...or put upon...or maligned by black men...but that's just me, I suppose. As I said, I won't be riding the all black men are dawgs/no good/whatever negative terms the women who hate them choose to use. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rhonda EMAIL: IP: 165.125.144.16 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 04:04:10 PM Yes, anyone can post a picture; however, that happens to be me. Funny, I don't feel bashed...or mistreated...or put upon...or maligned by black men...but that's just me, I suppose. As I said, I won't be riding the all black men are dawgs/no good/whatever negative terms the women who hate them choose to use. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: DJ Phoenix EMAIL: IP: 71.190.72.219 URL: DATE: 07/04/2007 05:08:37 PM Thank you Mr. Johnson, the Johnson family, and the Johnson Publishing staff for so many years of service. I remember when Ebony, Jet, then Ebony Jr. were the only national publications available to African Americans. Television and radio news was limited, and did not cover most events that were of importance to African Americans. In fact, we were not seen in any mainstream publications or on television. Johnson Publishing provided African Americans with a positive self-image, accurate and up-to-date news about what was going on in our communities -- nationally, and a rallying place to respond to civil or human rights violations against us. They were it -- the only place where we could be seen and see each other. The people who worked to bring Black folk these publications stood in the gap for us. Johnson publishing continues to serve as a model for exemplary business practices, and fiscal solvency. I welcome Ebony's transformation -- now underway. Change is essential to any viable business. Contrary to some of the earlier statements, these magazines are not sub-standard. Some of the country's leading journalists and photographers came from Johnson Publishing. Many who cut their chops at the company have gone on to become renown around the world (i.e., Sleeter, Parks). Ebony and Jet continue to be ambassadors for African Americans around the world with thousands of subscribers in foreign countries. They present a more balanced image of African Americans, covering a spectrum of the community instead of only one sector. They are a precursor to today's hoochie videos and pics. My how things have changed. Ebony's transformation signals an intention to gain a stronger market-share. I put my money firmly on Johnson's Publishing, despite its competitors. My only lament is that they have not brought Ebony Jr. back. Yes, this would be great in both computer/Internet and text forms. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: disputatio EMAIL: disput@tio.com IP: 70.166.46.178 URL: DATE: 07/09/2007 08:16:42 AM Rhonda should be the next Jet Black Boot...um...Beauty of the Week! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: google EMAIL: google@gmail.com IP: 84.19.184.204 URL: http://google.rolex-replicas.org/index.html DATE: 07/23/2007 04:53:23 PM google ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: myspace EMAIL: myspace@gmail.com IP: 217.141.107.201 URL: http://myspace.rolex-replicas.org/index.html DATE: 07/25/2007 09:39:25 PM myspace ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: yahoo EMAIL: yahoo@yahoo.com IP: 84.19.184.204 URL: http://yahoo.rolex-replicas.org/index.html DATE: 07/25/2007 09:43:12 PM yahoo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: google EMAIL: google@gmail.com IP: 84.19.184.204 URL: http://google.rolex-replicas.org/index.html DATE: 07/25/2007 09:46:01 PM google ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 24.187.93.185 URL: DATE: 08/01/2007 11:51:39 AM When I was in the service, Jet fit perfectly in my cargo pocket. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: analingus EMAIL: analingus@yahoo.com IP: 217.141.109.205 URL: http://analingus.forumlivre.com DATE: 08/01/2007 10:28:47 PM analingus ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: analingus video EMAIL: anilingus@yahoo.com IP: 217.141.109.205 URL: http://analingus.forumlivre.com DATE: 08/02/2007 01:30:14 PM analingus video ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ms.Frisco EMAIL: IP: 24.5.69.239 URL: DATE: 10/03/2007 01:39:18 AM The married man with whom I have been having an affair with since two months after his marriage just got his picture in Jet magazine with his wife from their wedding a year and two months ago. Gotta wonder about those couples.... ----- -------- AUTHOR: sifill TITLE: Talking with Tavis and and Michael Eric STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CONVERT BREAKS: tinymce ALLOW PINGS: 1 PRIMARY CATEGORY: MBAPBSAllAmericaDem CATEGORY: MBAPBSAllAmericaDem DATE: 06/28/2007 11:32:08 PM ----- BODY:No Hillary, No Obama, No Edwards. But I got 10 minutes myself with Tavis and 5 with Michael Eric Dyson (who said he reads blackprof and would love to guestblog!).
I asked Tavis whether he felt the forum was a success. "Yes," he said (of course). Then I asked him to respond to criticism --- he interrupted me to say, "People want to say that I'm just promoting a book, but this was about getting the candidates to address issues that haven't been asked by other media figures." Great. But, I said, I wanted you to respond to the criticism that this debate purported to focus on issues of concern to African Americans, but aren't we also concerned about the war in Iraq, the immigration bill, etc? He said yes, but questions about Iraq are always asked by other media figures. "Tonight, we asked 9 questions -- this was the first time I've heard the candidates asked about Darfur and about Katrina. That was the point of tonight . To ask the questions of concern to the African American community identified in the Covenant [with Black America] that no one else is asking."
Dyson, clearly is feelin' Obama. When asked by columnist Clarence Page to react to the fact that Hillary Clinton seemed to get the biggest applause of the night, Dyson said slowly, "Hillary is extremely poised and practiced." And then the zinger: "she doesn't live with Bill Clinton for nothin'. She knows her way around a sound bite." I asked him whether he felt that Obama was coming up on a Cosby moment when he started talking about "valuing achievement." He was candid. Say yes, he was concerned about where Obama was going, but felt that Obama is willing "to work on social construction (I don't really know what that means)." We'll ask him to explain more when he guestblogs.
Chris Dodd was being grilled by an Asian American reporter about how his policies toward China would be different than than those of Bush -- especially with regard to human rights. Dodd was kinda hemmin' and hawin.' China's human rights policies, he said "are getting better. It's not where it should be, but it takes time." The correspondent seemed unimpressed.
Graver was making an impassioned speech about our wrong-headed war on drugs. "Addiction is a public health problem, not a criminal justice problem." And to another blogger he explained his dig about the lack of moral authority among his fellow Dem. candidates -- "they're not doing anything serious to end this war."
Folks I gotta go. If I can get some interviews on the way out, I'll post tomorrow. But I'm tired. It's cold in here. And I've seen enough "pressing of the flesh." Thanks for hanging in.
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 24.11.79.148 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 01:43:55 AM thank you, professor! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 03:17:12 AM does tavis live in a cave or something? he responds to one of your questions by saying: "Tonight, we asked 9 questions -- this was the first time I've heard the candidates asked about Darfur and about Katrina." what? joe biden has spoken about darfur about a million times. he was probably the only one to mention it during last month's debate. and i'm sure obama has at least hinted at it, being from africa and all. either tavis is lying or just really forgetful and ignorant, which is pretty typical of anyone affiliated with BET. and what could any of these candidates add to the katrina issue? the U.S. gov't unsurprisingly dropped the ball on that one; new orleans' blacks need to stop killing each other; mayor ray nagin is a balding, incompetent dimwit - this pretty much sums up all there is to say about katrina. Chris Dodd was being grilled by an Asian American reporter about how his policies toward China would be different than than those of Bush -- especially with regard to human rights. Dodd was kinda hemmin' and hawin.' China's human rights policies, he said "are getting better. It's not where it should be, but it takes time." The correspondent seemed unimpressed. that's because his response was unimpressive. yet you can't really expect anything more from dodd. people should really stop paying attention to him. Graver was making an impassioned speech about our wrong-headed war on drugs. "Addiction is a public health problem, not a criminal justice problem." hilarious. graver will never win. he can't come up with a half-way decent platitude about the war on drugs. you did good work, ms. ifill. you didn't ask any non-obvious or difficult questions, but politicians rarely directly answer those kinda questions anyway. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: rikyrah EMAIL: siport27@aol.com IP: 172.145.60.29 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 07:27:37 AM Thanks for your blogging efforts tonight. if you can think of anything else, I can't wait to read it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ronnie B EMAIL: IP: 206.169.242.254 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 08:40:53 AM Thanks for the blogging effort. As to the debate--I don't know what it's even called that anymore--clearly Hillary got the applause of the night. But it wasn't lost on me, though, that she's ever so careful to make sure that she tells her Black audiences everything they want to hear, and none of what they don't. Plenty props to Sen. Obama for having the courage to use the word responsibility within the same sentence as African American. Neither Hillary nor John Edwards has the political courage to do that. And don't think that Al Sharpton and Harry Belafonte aren't on the Hillary tip, just to teach Obama "a lesson" about having the audacity to call Black folk to task where necessary. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: GIWUI EMAIL: IP: 64.136.49.228 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 09:34:05 AM WHY DO SOME BLACK PEOPLE AND SOME OTHERS EXPECT BLACK PEOPLE TO CONTINUE AS THE GREAT WRITER RALPH ELLISON’S “INDIVISIBLE MAN”? SOMETHING UNDIGNIFIED AND HUMILIATING HAPPENED TO THOSE VERY YOUNG MEN INSIDE OF THAT PERSONAL TOWN’S LEADERS CLUB MEETING. EVEN THOUGH A SCHOLARSHIP TO ONE OF “THOSE BLACK COLLEGES” WAS PROVIDED, THAT STILL DID NOT REMOVE THE PAIN OF THE EXPERIENCE. IN THE INVISIBLE MAN, ELLISON’S TITLE SCREAMS OUT HIS INTERNAL PAIN OF HIS OPPRESSED EXPERIENCE. SO IN THIS DAY AND TIME WHEN ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE ELEPHANT OF OPPRESSION IN THE ROOM, WHY REMAIN INVISIBLE. ONE REMAINS INVISIBLE WHEN ONE REFUSES TO ADMIT THAT THERE ARE STILL IN INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION, WARPED, DISCRIMINATING CURRENT EVENT HAPPENING TO BLACK AMERICANS IN AMERICA IN COMPARISON TO THE SO CALLED SOME “WHITE AMERICANS” (WHITE HAS TO CONNOTATIONS: (1)CAUCASIAN/CULTURE AND (2) ‘ATTITUDES OF AMERICAN PRIVILEGES’) IN AMERICA AND IN EVERY PHASE OF AMERICA: *ELECTIONS 2000 AND 2004 POLLING FACILITIES *HURRICANE ANDREW/ HURRICANE KATRINA *BASEBALL WITH BOND VS MCGUIRE(STEROIDS/HERBS) *POWER COCAINE AND CRACK COCAINE *ALCOHOL AND “MARY JANE” *PREDOMINATELY BLACK PUBLIC SCHOOLS VS SCHOOLS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF CAUCASIANS INCLUDED *REPORTING OF GANG VIOLENT TO COLUMBINE SCHOOL VIOLENT *MINIMIZING OF BLACK RELATIONSHIPS *THE NEVER FAILING REGULAR MEDIA AUDIO DIFFICULTIES IN BLACK MEDIA *FIRST IT’S FOX/WB, THEN U P N, NOW THE C W *PRISON POPULATION IN COMPARISON TO THE MAJORITY OF SOME WHITE MEN THAT SEXUALLY AND VIOLENTLY HARM CHILDREN THERE IS JUST TO MUCH TO COMPLETE SO WAKE UP BLACK AMERICA. LET US STOP PRETENDING THAT THE ABOVE AND MORE IS NOT STILL HAPPENING. THOSE COURAGEOUS AND BOLD PIONEERS THAT REFUSED IN THE FACE OF FEAR TO BE INVISIBLE IS WHY WE HAVE THE FREEDOM THAT WE HAVE TODAY!!! READ ELLISON’S “INVISIBLE MAN” AND REALIZE WHY WE MUST NEVER LOOSE THE STAND THAT HE WAS RATIONALLY IN HIS TIME ERA AND MIND UNABLE TO APPLY. THE FOLLOWING ARE PERSONAL OPINIONS OF HOW EACH CANDIDATE HAS REPRESENTED THEMSELVES FROM A PERSONAL VIEW POINT. THESE ARE NOT STUDIED CRITIQUES, BUT PERSONAL OBSERVATIONAL ONES.PERSONAL OBSERVATIONAL SYNOPSIS OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL FORUM PRESENTED BY TAVIS SMILEY AND THE CANIDATES: SENATOR OBAMA: STRONG AND A WELL POLISHED POLITICIAN/ STRAIGHT FORWARD/ KNOWS HOW TO STAND AS A BLACK MAN AND AN AMERICAN WITHOUT ANY INNER CONFLICT(KUDOS TO HIS CAUCASIAN MAMA). HE HAS THE POISE AND INTELLIGENCE OF KENNEDY. HE COMFORTABLE IN HIS TRANSITION WHEN RELATING IN THE MAJORITY SOCIETY OF ECONOMIC POWERS. HIS ANSWERS WERE, STRATEGIC AND ORGANIZATIONAL WHICH DISPLAYED EVIDENCE OF POWERFUL EXECUTIVE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF VAST PONTENIALS. REMINDS ONE OF DAVID/GIDEON/ AND JEBEZ CHARACTERISTICS SENATOR CLINTON: BRILLIANCY!!! SHE SAYS WHAT SHE MEANS AND SHE MEANS WHAT SHE SAYS. SHE WAS THE ONE OF THE TWO CANDIDATES THAT ATTACKED ALL OF THE ISSUES WITH AN EXTREMELY HIGH DEGREE OF CIVIL SINCERITY. EVERYTHING WAS ANSWERED DIRECTLY AS IF SHE WAS SITTING IN A BLACK FAMILY’S HOME HAVING AN INTELLIGENT AND HONEST CONVERSATION ABOUT BLACK EXPERIENCES IN AMERICA. SHE HAS THE CIVIL PASSION OF PAST FIRST LADY E. ROOSEVELT, BUT BETTER YET, THE POLITICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS OF PAST PRESIDENT F. ROOSEVELT. SHE WAS E. ROOSEVELT AT THE DEBATE. SENATOR CLINTON AND FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON, SEEM TO POSSESS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORK ETHICS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ESTHER AND MORDECAL. ALONG THOUGH SENATOR CLINTON IS DETERMINED LIKE RUTH TO ACCOMPLISH AN UPHILL OUTCOME. REPRESENTATIVE KUCINICH: WAS THE OTHER CANDIDATE THAT ATTACK ALL THE ISSUES WITH AN EXTREMELY HIGH DEGREE OF CIVIL SINCERITY. HE HAS DEMONSTRATED IN HIS PRIOR POLITICS THAT HE IS HIGHLY CAPABLE OF CONFRONTING ANY ISSUE NO MATTER HOW GREAT OR SMALL OR WHO’S DELIVERING IT. THE SAME MESSAGE OF CHARACTER CAN ACROSS IN HIS PRESIDENTIAL PRESENTATION. HE’S NOT A LARGE MAN LIKE PAST PRESIDENTS LINCOLN AND JOHNSON, BUT HE APPEARS TO POSSESS THE COURAGE AND BOLDNESS OF BOTH. HE NEVER ALLOWS HIS SUCCESS TO LEAD HIM INTO FORGETTING WHAT HE HAS COME THROUGH AS A ONCE HOMELESS CHILD. HE'S LIKE PAUL THAT STAYS THE COURSE FAITHFULLY AND UNYIELDINGLY. FORMER SENATOR EDWARDS: IS A CANDIDATES THAT IS ON A MISSION TO TRULY CHANGE THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR IN AMERICA. HE IS ASSESSED AS A DECENT AND HONEST SINCERE FAMILY MAN THAT KNOWS HOW TO MAKE MONEY, BUT DOES NOT HOLD IT AS THE MOST VALUABLE THING IN SOCIETY. HE HAS DEFENDED THE POOR AND DISADVANTAGE AGAINST BIG BUSINESSES IN HIS PRACTICING OF LAW, AND HE HAS A MAJOR COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE RECEIVING HEALTH CARE. HE ALSO HAS PERSONALLY PUT IN WORK HOURS AIDING THE VICTIMS OF KATRINA. HE SEEM TO BE PROGRAM FOCUSED, AND HE SEEM TO BE THE TYPE TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WORKS OR GET A NEW PLAN. AS A 2004 SENATOR KERRY’S VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATE, HE HAS A FLARE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NOW PAST PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER, AND HE KNOWS EXACTLY HOW TO WILL AND DEAL WITH THE BIG POLITICIANS. HE A JOSHUA, BOLD AND STRONG CRITERIA FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS REPRESENTATIVE BIDEN / SENATOR DOBBS/ GOVERNOR RICHARDSON: THESE THREE MEN ARE LONG TIME POLITICAL LEADERS. *SENATOR BIDEN HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN IRAQ AND WITH IMPORTANT ISSUE CONCERNING THE SOLDIERS. *SENATOR DOBBS IS A STRONG FIGURE IN THE US SENATE AND HAVE SEEN TO LEGISLATE LAW FAIRLY WITH A KEY FOCUS OF ALWAYS WORKING FOR HIS CONSTITUENTS AT A FULL CAPACITY. *GOVERNOR RICHARDSON HAS SEEN TO BE GOVERNING THE STATE OF ARIZONA WITH A FINE TOOTH COMB. HE HAS A RECORD OF COMPETENCY BECAUSE HE WAS A VITAL PART OF FORMER PRESIDENT’S CLINTON'S CABINET. GOVERNOR RICHARDSON SEEN TO BE OF SPANISH ORIGIN BUT HE SEEM TO NOT RELATE TO NEITHER, THE OLD CONQUISTADORS HISPANICS/ THE CESAR CHAVEZ MEXICAN AMERICAN/ NOR THE NEW MIGRANTS MEXICAN AMERICANS. HE DOES THOUGH DISPLAY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW IMMIGRANTS OF SOUTH AMERICA OR MORE SO OF THE BLACK AMERICAN THAT JUST ASSIMILATE INTO THE MAJORITY CULTURE. HIS LAST NAME IS NOT SPANISH AND THERE WAS ONE REPORT THAT HIS FATHER IS CAUCASIAN. ALL THREE ABOVE MEN HAVE THE VALID QUALIFICATIONS TO BE PRESIDENTS. THEIR PERSONAL CHARACTERS ARE ALSO IN GOOD STANDINGS IT APPEARS. THERE IS A CONCERN THAT THE PERSON KEEPING TRACK OF THE TIME WOULD MAYBE BE BETTER SUITED DOING SOMETHING ELSE AT THE republicans FUNCTION, BECAUSE IT WAS UNPLEASANT TO OBSERVE THAT GOVERNOR RICHARDSON’S TIME AT TIMES SEEM TO NOT HAVE BEEN AS LONG AS THE OTHER CANDIDATES!!! LAST AND LEAST, THE GRAVEL(?) CANDIDATE SEEN TO HAVE WANTED US TO PRETEND THAT WE WERE INVISIBLE TO HIS COMMENTS. THE RESPONSES WERE CONDESCENDING... YOU ONLY HAVE YOURSELVES TO BLAME... IF YOU MAKE A $100.00 A HOUR OR $10.00 A HOUR, EVERYONE SHOULD PAY THE SAME TAX AMOUNT AND... . HE SEEMS LIKE A REGAN OR bush(2000/2004). HE SEEM TO DISPLAY POSSIBLE CHARACTERISTICS OF JUDUS (PLEASE EXCUSE ALL ERRORS!!!) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: African American Political Pundit EMAIL: africanamericanpoliticalpundit@gmail.com IP: 71.251.62.168 URL: http://africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com DATE: 06/30/2007 10:55:37 AM Here is my analysis of the forum. The political talking heads were all there. All the Democratic candidates, You know all the names. Tavis (prime time) Smiley moderated while Dewayne Wickham, Michelle Martin and Ruben Navarrette asked questions. It was the first time a panel of journalist of color got a chance to asks questions of the candidates. The questions were loosely based on Tavis Smiley’s book The Covenant With Black America. The outgoing Howard University President welcomed the crowd, while syndicated talk show host and party man, Tom Joyner introduced newly elected Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. YES! The first issues for discussion was Education and matters of race. First up, the ever condescending Hillary Clinton who gave her bogus and insincere diatribe about today’s Extreme (Supreme) Court ruling, and her need to say “there is work to be done.” AAPP - OK, as if Black America needs you to tell us this. Next up, Joe (Obama is the first bright, clean and articulate) Biden talks about what a great job he has done as a member of the Judiciary committee grilling John Roberts, and how its the Roberts court that has turned the clock back. Hey lets not forget Bill (I’m Latino don’t get my last name twisted) Richardson who stressed the next president needs to lead a dialogue on race. But provided nothing concrete other than the presidents needs to talk about race. I was feeling John Edwards, who was on of the few sincere candidates at the forum. He at least admitted that there continues to be a dual public school system in America - one for the affluent and ones for the poor. Hello, Brown V. Education 2007. Let’s not forget brother Barack Obama who received applause every time he smiled. Yes it was clearly an Obama crowd at this Forum. but maybe not Obama’s night. Obama tried to say there should be mutual citizen and government action to get us where we are going as Nation regarding education. OK, Obama sound great, the strategy, no plan just smiles for the cameras. Oh yeah, there are other candidates like Dennis Kucinich who pointed out the need for universal kindergarten and day care. Hello! Hey let us not forget about the blue eyed soul 2nd cousin, Mike Gravel. What, you ask who is Mike Gravel, hey, this is the only guy who calls it the way it is, (The Democrats want to hide him in the attic) and talks about the real issues like the alleged War On Drugs, that caused the disproportionate number of black men and women to be behind bars. Hey, what about the silver haired “certified” liberal, Chris Dodd, Dodd who has no chance of getting the nomination, sounded like he read the playbook from his look alike Jack Kemp. You get a sense of the discussion. Clinton with “It takes a village to raise a child..” which she stole. To clinton saying the village has failed its children. No Senator Clinton “America” destroyed its children. She makes me sick with that old school, “socioeconomically deprived” crap. But I have to wonder what type of drug Gov. Richardson and others were on when they responded to the HIV question. Did you check out how Richardson continued to talk about “Needles.” Are black teenagers throughout America using needles to cause the high numbers of HIV? My understanding is it is un-protected sex. (education) not needles dude. Hello this man is misinformed. Hey, Obama, was on point regarding HIV and homophobia issues in our community and the need for universal health care. Kucinich was on point regarding the need for sex education.Hello, Richardson, who ever your handlers are they did a bad job about coaching you about HIV and the black community. I like Chris Dodds approach regarding school-based clinics where children can get advice on sex education. But I’m not sure Chris Dodd is up on recent events. The Extreme Court has sent us back 50 plus years. We will be glad to have a toilet in the next 5 years. Here comes Hillary, If HIV/AIDS were the number one cause of death for white women a lot more would be done. Remember the lyrics to that old school temptations song, Hap hap, people are we!. The black women scream, yes, yes, she identifies with us! Yes, I’m voting for Hillary! YES, there is a God. Great one liner Hillary you got the black women vote. At least the one’s here who gave you the evenings only standing ovation. WHAT! Oh, hell to the no, are the facial expression of Joe Biden. You are not going to out do me Hillary! Biden in essence says, "Hey black guys," In my state I have gone into the black neighborhoods in Delaware talking to black men about wearing condoms. what! See Brotha’s I know whats going on in the hood. Biden even says, hey, I even got tested for HIV, hey, Barack Obama did too! Holy Shit! What the hell! It went down hill from there. That’s how it was for the rest of the night. Pointless. Tavis Smiley attempted to have the Democrats come to the black community to have them address issues of importance to us. Unfortunately, the format sucked, and as usual the Democrats brought us a circus. It was the Barnum and Bailey circus at it’s best. And black folks, lead on by aging black leaders watched the three ring circus and clapped, and watched, and clapped, and watched, and clapped. We watched as Democrats gave us a dog and pony show, with an invisible dog and pony. I would have loved to enjoy the stupid pet tricks. No commitments just hollow words. The Covenant With Black America had no meaning at this forum. The little meaning available was Tavis Smiley (new school) and a bunch of old school black political opinion makers and civil rights icons having the opportunity to shake hands with a number of Democratic candidatess. WOW! If there is truly any meaning in that! Hey, but guess what, we have a Latino and a African American running for the presidency of the United States. A clueless and confused group of people who proved last night, they have no idea how to truly address America’s issues that are Black, white, and gray. The bottom line was, for me, the forum was truly just another Barnum and Bailey - Democratic Circus, with the best financed clowns money can buy. I only wish they had graduated from clown school and rehearsed their skit, so this African American Political Pundit could have at least enjoyed the show. Tavis, maybe next time, with the Republican event you’ll ask the Universal Soul Circus to come to town. We can at least get a laugh when the bigoted Republican Circus comes to Baltimore. Candidly, I can’t wait to see who they put in the front seats of that circus! Colin (WMD) Powell, or Clarence (you blacks stay in your poor schools) Thomas? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: African American Political Pundit EMAIL: africanamericanpoliticalpundit@gmail.com IP: 71.251.62.168 URL: http://africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com DATE: 06/30/2007 11:04:25 AM oops... sorry about the bad words. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed EMAIL: ed@dreamandhustle.com IP: 68.217.9.240 URL: http://www.dreamandhustle.com DATE: 07/01/2007 08:46:11 AM Tell Mr. Dyson to bring his Tupac-quoting behind to the pit anytime he want..yeah, he better just read because I don't think he can handle this... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: GIWUI EMAIL: IP: 64.136.49.228 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 01:14:48 PM IN THE JUNE 30, 2007 WRITING(GIWUI) @9:34A.M. , PLEASE EXCUSE ALL SPELLINGS, HOMONYMS(TO/ TOO/ TWO...), WRONG WORDS USAGES(SEEM/ SEEN/ CAME/CAN...), SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENTS(SEEM-SEEMS...), TENSE(ATTACK-ATTACKED...), PUNCTUATION(QUESTION MARKS/ COMMA SPLICES IN INTRODUCTORY PHRASES AND MAIN CLAUSES...) ,ETC. !!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Kimberly EMAIL: IP: 129.59.43.240 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 12:03:21 PM I have read with interest certain comments giving Sen. Clinton her propers for naming the racist bend in the fight against HIV/AIDS when she quipped: "if it were the number one cause of death for white women..." Sure, she touched a nerve and probably won some cool points for naming it. The bigger question is, what is she prepared to do about it? I didn't hear much about a plan to bring down the figures she gleefully spouted. It seemed to me a manipulative attempt on her part to tap into the Black favor her husband still enjoys. I am not convinced that, as a woman of color, Sen. Clinton has my best interests at heart. She still has a long way to go in order to prove that to me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ronnie B EMAIL: IP: 206.169.242.254 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 04:01:18 PM One question that I typically ask myself about presidential candidates is "what did they do before they became politicians?" Obama's young enough that I can trace the beginnings of his adult life as far back as my own (we're around the same age). Clinton? She was once a staunch supporter of Barry Goldwater, but then became a staff attorney for the Children's Defense Fund. She's had to remake herself a few times, so it's hard to know which Clinton you're getting on any given day. In short, Obama is still a person. Clinton is all politician. We'd better elect Obama while he's still human. ;) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: zak822 EMAIL: zak822@excite.com IP: 209.195.184.37 URL: DATE: 07/10/2007 03:41:58 PM GIWUI, typing in all caps in incredibly rude, unless you have a disability that makes it necessary. It's like being shouted at, and it makes people tune out. If you want us to "hear" you, please tone it down. ----- -------- AUTHOR: cbracey TITLE: The Supreme Court, Race, and Moral Equivalence STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CONVERT BREAKS: tinymce ALLOW PINGS: 1 DATE: 06/28/2007 11:04:26 PM ----- BODY:I don’t wish to hijack, Professor Ifill’s thread, but I cannot help but express my frustration with the Court’s ability to draw a moral equivalence between historic and contemporary discrimination against blacks, and the so-called “discrimination” against whites in order to secure racial balance in schools or to promote the inclusion of minorities in the name of diversity.
In its recent decision in Seattle and Louisville case, the Court suggests that efforts to achieve racial balance in primary and secondary schools is tantamount to efforts undertaken in the 1950s to exclude blacks from attending white schools.
I’m sick and tired of having to respond to this silly argument. Given the prevailing disparities in health, wealth and society between blacks and whites, you have to be an idiot or a sophisticated bigot not to appreciate the difference between state action that excludes minorities and subordinates people on the basis or race, and state action designed to bring together people of all races. The voluntary – yes, voluntary – efforts by the local school boards in Seattle and Louisville fall into the latter category, and ought not be confused with the former. Whatever you may think about the virtues of diversity, it is abundantly clear that the motivation behind such a policy is light-years removed from the motivations of segregationists of years past.
The plurality of the Court – despite reserving its opinion on affirmative action in higher education – nevertheless views race based decisionmaking designed to benefit minorities as presumptively unconstitutional in much the same way as it would view de jure segregation laws against blacks as presumptively unconstitutional. This is the 21st century, for god’s sake. Most Americans acknowledge the difference. Why can’t the highest court in the land? Shame of Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justices Thomas, Kennedy, Scalia, and Alito for trying to pull a fast one on the American public.
The Court also relied upon the falsely nostalgic interpretation of the Constitution as color-blind. As I’ve often argued in the past, a colorblind constitution has never existed for either whites or blacks – the Constitution has always been color conscious – conscious in favor of white privilege. And isn’t it curious that the rhetoric of colorblindness always seems to strike against progressive efforts to improve the lives of everyday people of color?
This group of judges, in a single opinion, has done the most – at least in recent memory – to set back the progress of American race relations than any cohort I can think of.
I suspect I’ll return to this topic in the future. In the meantime, what to you think of the Court’s decision to equate efforts to promote diversity with crass racists practices of the past?
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Shaquille EMAIL: IP: 68.38.193.9 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:19:16 PM Professor Bracey has a law degree from Harvard? How did that happen? He can't write--heck, the brotha doesn't know the difference between "historic" [sic] and historical. But that's the essence of "racial equity", isn't it? Dumb down standards for blacks, pay them for work they are incompetent to do, and then sit back and watch them bitch if you tell the truth about "quality." Pathetic. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Shaquille EMAIL: IP: 68.38.193.9 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:24:57 PM Here's another whopper from the brotha's sad prose: "As I've often argued in the past" [sic] I guess you need to add "in the past" after employing a past verb. Bracey, academic welfare will soon be ending for you and your kind. Whites are fed up with subsidizing mediocrity. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Caged Lion EMAIL: IP: 67.189.95.9 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:39:23 PM It simply comes down to revisionism. These whites (and house negro) want to base their system of white privilege on a narrative that makes victims out of white folks. When the prevailing point of view is that correcting racial injustice is itself "racist" and by extension immoral and unjust, those good judges can take the appropriate "corrective" action. Orwellian to say the least. Who would think that Thurgood Marshall and Bull Conner would see eye to eye today? Thanks for opening our eyes, justices! Tell the same lie often enough and in enough vaunted places, and the next generation will believe that blacks enslaved whites in the past. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 12:12:50 AM As always the Democrats are thumping their chest and spouting out against the Supreme Court's ruling regarding school integration. They are using this issue as they do all race-based issues to illicit outrage amongst minorities, particularly blacks. The Democrats’ goal is to keep Black American’s submissive and weak by making them think they are not responsible for anything in their lives. In addition, the Democrats’ are exploiting this situation by trying to convince blacks that forced integration of majority white schools will benefit their kids, as oppose to encouraging blacks to improve the conditions of the schools in their own communities. If the Democrats were truly concerned about blacks and other minorities then they would uphold the notion that race-based decisions are wrong in all elements of civilized society. Also, if there is an achievement gap in any school then it is up to the parents and leaders of that particular community to close it – its called accountability and responsibility and the fact is that it starts at home. The Democrats need to stop pandering to the lazy left and start stressing the aforementioned as a solution, as oppose to ignorance, denial, and blame. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 03:38:19 AM In its recent decision in Seattle and Louisville case, the Court suggests that efforts to achieve racial balance in primary and secondary schools is tantamount to efforts undertaken in the 1950s to exclude blacks from attending white schools. I’m sick and tired of having to respond to this silly argument. Given the prevailing disparities in health, wealth and society between blacks and whites, you have to be an idiot or a sophisticated bigot not to appreciate the difference between state action that excludes minorities and subordinates people on the basis or race, and state action designed to bring together people of all races. i guess this is a good point, but i tend to agree with kennedy on this one. we should always be really skeptical of all governmental racial-tinkering, no matter who the supposed beneficiaries are. you're right though that 1950s segregation isn't anything like the sort of forced integration we're seeing today. the problem is with the cooky 14th amendment tests the court always uses when testing the validity of racial classifications. the general rule, apparently, is that strict scrutiny is "strict in application" as well as "fatal in fact," so the districts' assignment plans were basically dead in the water. affirmative-action zealots shouldn't lament the decision though. it doesn't touch grutter, so race still can be used to assign students, i think, so long as it's not the "predominant" or "deciding" factor. and of course the decision doesn't "overrule" brown, although i've heard more than one popular con-law ignoramus say that it does. therefore your observation that "This group of judges, in a single opinion, has done the most – at least in recent memory – to set back the progress of American race relations than any cohort I can think of" is entirely wrong. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Blk & Proud EMAIL: IP: 64.229.194.154 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:45:17 AM I agree. Leaving the question of legal equivalence aside, the moral disction between the two cases is elementary, and anyone incapable of telling the difference is intellectually unqualifed to sit on the court. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Blk & Proud EMAIL: IP: 64.229.194.154 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:51:56 AM Shaquille, As I understand you, complete mastery of all aspect of grammar (even the most recondite) is a requirement of competence (whatever the field) in your book? That is a starightforwardly idiotic proposition. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Blk & proud EMAIL: IP: 64.229.194.154 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:55:04 AM To preempt, it's late and I'm tired (not to mention other things). Sorry for the spelling errors. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 05:10:37 AM Blk & proud, mr. bracey is a law professor and ought to know how to write. yes, he should have perfect grammar. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Blk & Proud EMAIL: IP: 64.229.194.154 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 06:12:45 AM Chauncey, Imagine a young mathematician who comes along, graduates with highest honors in his or her field, goes no to solve important unsolved problems in Mathematics (Riemann's hypothesis, the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, etc.), and shows every indication that he or she is the most able mathematician there ever was. Suppose also, however, that he or she commonly makes common grammatical and spelling mistakes (using 'there' for 'their,' etc.) Now I ask you if this person is competent qua mathematican inspite of these mistakes. You and Shaquille seem to want to say the answer is no. I think that is ridiculous and sophomoric answer. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: ollie EMAIL: onanyes@yahoo.com IP: 209.33.74.47 URL: http://blueollie.wordpress.com/ DATE: 06/29/2007 07:23:06 AM A cynical view: people are always going to act in what they see is their own best interest and then go on to rationalize it by whatever "moral" argument they can. Come on; I've seen affirmative action programs being equated to "Jim Crow" laws! The answer, I think, is to get political leadership who know how to "sell". As to those who whine about unqualified African Americans holding positions they don't deserve: HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION??? At our President? HIS appointees? Geeeze...if people can't see "good old boyism" in that, they are stone blind. Disclaimer: I am not Black, I AM a matematician (albeit a mediocre one) and I can't spell with a hoot, though my spelling improves after my morning coffee. ;) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Prof. Bracey EMAIL: IP: 70.246.130.224 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 09:25:42 AM Shaquille and Chauncy, BlackProf is a community for public intellectual discourse. So, let's try to engage one another with a more respectful tone. My colleagues and I maintain BlackProf in order to exchange ideas -- not to sustain ad hominem attacks. Ease off the insults, and remember why we are all here. I am most interested in your substantive responses to the post. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BT EMAIL: IP: 71.126.175.73 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 10:23:48 AM I am no legal guru - but it seems to me that the decision ignored the 14th Ammendment - which if the Constitution were colorblind... Would never have been needed in the first place (to Professor Bracey's point). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: nbmars EMAIL: IP: 71.226.56.255 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 10:41:06 AM I notice that where I live, it is not hard to arouse social protests over the need for new elephant housing at the zoo or against another "big box" store. Political matters, on the other hand, only seem to evoke a sense of helplessness or apathy. In my opinion the nature of the activism of this Supreme Court is too egregious to lump into the category of "just another horrible aspect of the Bush administration that will be over soon" - SC decisions are a lot harder to overcome (in spite of this Court's willingness and ease in doing so). Does anyone know of any social action movements to register protest? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Jethro EMAIL: IP: 67.183.101.142 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 12:13:09 PM BlackProf is a community for public intellectual discourse. So, let's try to engage one another with a more respectful tone. My colleagues and I maintain BlackProf in order to exchange ideas -- not to sustain ad hominem attacks. Prof Bracey, if you truly wish to have productive discussion on this topic, you probably shouldn't use pre-emptive strikes like "idiot" or "sophisticated bigot" to label those who disagree with your opinion, in an effort to undermine their arguments. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Nana EMAIL: IP: 71.249.189.209 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 01:17:44 PM When things are made to look equal - as in viewing present and past practices - Or making appeasements between opponents. Watch Out. There was a study on Centrist in Europe prior to the out break of WWII. Will get back, on this. Folks need to do this study, as a matter of fact The old conservatives (20’s to 40's )wrote some good pieces on this. Conscious Blacks folks better look carely at the present future. European males know that the global competition is a b*&#h, can not waste time and money on old issues. On top of this, as shown here, "we gave them (blacks) the chance, they are killing themselves, stop blaming whites." HUM ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Nana EMAIL: IP: 71.249.189.209 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 01:43:31 PM http://donklephant.com/2006/11/01/democrats-winning-with-centrist-voices/ So is the courts saying that school diversity is a leftist issue? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:18:04 PM Blk & proud, mr. bracey is a law professor and ought to know how to write. yes, he should have perfect grammar. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:33:53 PM prof bracey, you apparently didn't read my "substantive" post above - maybe you should. and my post wasn't an "ad hominem" attack: just because someone criticizes you doesn't mean they're using an "ad hominem" attack. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: KC EMAIL: IP: 216.126.98.118 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 04:57:17 PM I agree that the two aren't morally equivalent. That doesnt mean that they arent both bad, and the one that continues to this day shouldnt be stopped. The fact that it is 'less bad' than the other doesnt make it 'unbad' ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: thewayIseeit EMAIL: IP: 64.12.116.15 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 09:55:47 AM Why do some people have to denigate the professors who post here? I think that some of the posters are "academia wannabes" and are just jealous or have other issues with the professors. It is outrageous that any educated person can equate the discrimination and treatment of African Americans in the United States with the experience of White Americans in this country-we all need to remember the history of people of African descent in this country. It is also very interesting that Justice Roberts thought that diversity in education is not a compelling interest-it gives us an insightful view into the conservative mind. I wonder how the school districts that have voluntary integration plans will find a way to keep the schools integrated? This Supreme Court is regressing-Thurgood Marshall must be turning over in his grave. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: thewayiseeit EMAIL: IP: 64.12.116.15 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 09:58:01 AM Oops! Before somebody says that I am uneducated or unworthy, please forgive my typo-I meant to say denigrated, lol! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Leif Howard EMAIL: leifman@uga.edu IP: 68.210.21.69 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 05:34:58 PM I just wanted to say how unfortunate it is to see people attack somone's grammar instead of discussing the real issue that Mr. Bracy has brought up. I don't know about you all, but a law graduate from Harvard says a lot more than what any of us have done. The exchanging of ideas is one of the great gifts that we have in life but it is imperative that both sides do it in a respectful manner so that the other person will actually want to listen and talk back to you. Leif Howard University of Georgia, J.D. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 06/30/2007 07:52:30 PM ok let's stop all the grammar stuff. does anyone here agree with the plaintiffs' argument? i thought it was compelling, and, as a practical matter, they might actually be right. you guys should read up on the background of the case. it's actually pretty interesting. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 04:21:40 AM Integration in the schools has proven to be a disaster for those on the receiving end. Lower and middle class minorities (particularly Blacks and Hispanics) usually bring crime and filth to decent communities and they cause the school district's academic standing to plummet. Take notice, the only people complaining about the high court's ruling is blacks. Don’t you think white people would complain if minorities were an asset to their neighborhoods and schools? Probably, but we all know this is not the case. Literally and figuratively, clean up your own communities and school districts. Take responsibility for your children and your own lives (Stop trying to ride on the coat tails of others). ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 67.70.65.34 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 08:11:21 AM BBTPM, I think your wrong. But I thank you for your contribution. I find it useful to what needs to be done and said. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 67.70.65.34 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 08:16:46 AM BBTPM, I think you're wrong. But I thank you for your contribution. I find it useful to what needs to be done and said. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: E.C. Hopkins EMAIL: hamlet@maxambit.com IP: 71.220.152.247 URL: http://www.maxambit.com DATE: 07/01/2007 10:54:05 AM I have a few thoughts I'd like to share. Below is a link. "Race, Images, & Inductions." ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Constructive Feedback EMAIL: IP: 24.99.192.247 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 12:23:16 PM [quote]Given the prevailing disparities in health, wealth and society between blacks and whites, you have to be an idiot or a sophisticated bigot not to appreciate the difference between state action that excludes minorities and subordinates people on the basis or race, and state action designed to bring together people of all races.[/quote] Sorry - Laws are applied from the point in time they are passed moving forward. The flaw in your argument is the assumption that the state is attempting to "bring together people of all races". All it takes is one person who, absent the program would have been assigned to this school to be told that he is not allowed to attend because a person from another race has preference for that slot because "we are attempting to bring students of all races together". The greater argument none the less is MISSED as you and others fall into the fault line between Black and White. The bottom line is that when we place this integration issue into the array of issues impacting the academic attainment for BLACK STUDENTS it becomes a diluted, rather meaningless fight. Some folks are more inclined to spend more time on this and the University of Michigan issue than to promote anything of benefit to the much, much, much greater issue of Black kids in racially identifiable schools that fail to put forth a quality educational product. For so long there has been an external fight against the White man that the skills necessary to develop effective MANAGEMENT of our own resources and thus build them up to their full potential has been squandered. I assure you that few WHITE PARENTS believe that the central component of their child receiving a quality education is to have some number of non-White kids within the room. This entire argument has an unspoken measure of assumed "Black Inferiority" undergirding many of the arguments that have been put forth that it is disturbing. Unlike 1954 and before we don't have Black kids receiving second hand text books and furniture from White schools. We don't have one school district feeding spare change to the Black schools in their district while the White schools receive crisp bills. Maybe INTEGRATION should come when both sides have something of equal value to give each other for their mutual benefit. Clearly since historical integration efforts have meant that Black kids depart their neighborhood schools and go to a White one where as the White kid being told of his assignment to a Black school often chooses to depart the school system. How long are we going to CHASE WHITE FOLKS with the assumption that they hold the lock on quality education environments for our Black children? When do the very ASSUMPTIONS and IDEOLOGIES held by Blacks come up for inspection with respect to its ability to deliver for Black people when this ideology is "all by itself" in our large urban districts, the White folks having moved out of town? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 24.238.166.192 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 02:52:14 PM BBTPM, I think you're wrong. But I thank you for your contribution. I find it useful to what needs to be done and said. Posted by: Anonymous | July 1, 2007 08:16 A You're absolutely right. And make no mistake about it, BBTPM's view is the mainstream, moderate view among whites. It's his society, his culture, his country, and he's not gonna give it up without a fight. Not only that, but fighting dirty is his and his peoples' first choice, not a last resort. Yeah, Constructive Feedback, doing for self is part a huge part of it, but it should be done as part of widening the focus rather than shifting it. There are all kinds of assumptions and ideas about who we are and what we should do that need to be reexamined, taking into account that BBTPM's view is mainstream. For instance, which people and institutions and people in this country do we need to weaken or destroy to benefit ourselves, and how do we go about doing it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: EMAIL: IP: 68.106.98.16 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 04:19:50 PM What Justice Thomas Has said: "Racial imbalance is not segregation, and the mere incantation of terms like resegregation and remediation cannot make up the difference." Justice Thomas, who grew up in a racially segregated environment in Georgia, writes: "Next, the dissent argues that the interest in integration has an educational element. The dissent asserts that racially balanced schools improve educational outcomes for black children. In support, the dissent unquestioningly cites certain social science research to support propositions that are hotly disputed among social scientists. In reality, it is far from apparent that coerced racial mixing has any educational benefits, much less that integration is necessary to black achievement." After discussing historically black schools with great achievement, Justice Thomas continues: "The Seattle school board itself [the defendant in the case] must believe that racial mixing is not necessary to black achievement. Seattle operates a K-8 'African-American Academy', which has a 'nonwhite' enrollment of 99%. This racially imbalanced environment has reportedly produced test scores "higher across all grade levels in reading, writing and math."....Contrary to what the dissent would have predicted, see post, at 38-39, the children in Seattle's African American Academy have shown gains when placed in a 'highly segregated' environment. Given this tenuous relationship between forced racial mixing and improved educational results for black children, the dissent cannot plausibly maintain that an educational element supports the integration interest, let alone makes it compelling." He adds in a footnote: "Of course, if the Seattle school board were truly committed to the notion that diversity leads directly to educational benefits, operating a school with such a high 'nonwhite' enrollment would be a shocking dereliction of its duty to educate the students enrolled in that school." Another footnote: "In fact, the available data from the Seattle school district appear to undercut the dissent's view. A comparison of the test results of the schools in the last year the racial balancing program operated to the results in the 2004-to-2005 school year (in which student assignments were race-neutral) does not indicate the decline in black achievement one would expect to find if black achievement were contingent upon a particular racial mix." He argues that the dissenting liberal justices make strange bedfellows with the white Southern segregationists of the Brown v. Board of Education era: "Like the dissent, the segregationists repeatedly cautioned the Court to consider practicalities and not to embrace too theoretical a view of the Fourteenth Amendment. And just as the dissent argues that the need for these programs will lessen over time, the segregationists claimed that reliance on segregation was lessening and might eventually end. What was wrong in 1954 cannot be right today. Whatever else the Court.s rejection of the segregationists' arguments in Brown might have established, it certainly made clear that state and local governments cannot take from the Constitution a right to make decisions on the basis of race by adverse possession. The fact that state and local governments had been discriminating on the basis of race for a long time was irrelevant to the Brown Court. The fact that racial discrimination was preferable to the relevant communities was irrelevant to the Brown Court. And the fact that the state and local governments had relied on statements in this Court's opinions was irrelevant to the Brown Court. The same principles guide today's decision." In addressing dissenting justices' opinion that the backers of Brown were using invidious racial classifications while they are using benign racial classifications, he asks: "How does one tell when a racial classification is invidious? The segregationists in Brown argued that their racial classifications were benign, not invidious....("It [South Carolina] is confident of its good faith and intention to produce equality for all of its children of whatever race or color. It is convinced that the happiness, the progress and the welfare of these children is best promoted in segregated schools")....It is the height of arrogance for Members of this Court to assert blindly that their motives are better than others." From Lashawn Barber ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Chauncey EMAIL: IP: 75.18.187.200 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 06:49:22 PM i like lashawn barber but she rarely comes up with any new or non-obvious ideas. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 08:00:30 PM "It's his society, his culture, his country, and he's not gonna give it up without a fight. Not only that, but fighting dirty is his and his peoples' first choice, not a last resort." ----------------- My response: If this is the case, then why do some blacks want their kids to attend the same schools as whites? To fix part of the sub-standard school problems, particularly in the black community, elected officials have to address the tax issues. There I've given you half of the solution, you all have to figure out the rest. Hint: It's internal. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 08:24:16 PM "Maybe INTEGRATION should come when both sides have something of equal value to give each other for their mutual benefit. Clearly since historical integration efforts have meant that Black kids depart their neighborhood schools and go to a White one where as the White kid being told of his assignment to a Black school often chooses to depart the school system. How long are we going to CHASE WHITE FOLKS with the assumption that they hold the lock on quality education environments for our Black children? When do the very ASSUMPTIONS and IDEOLOGIES held by Blacks come up for inspection with respect to its ability to deliver for Black people when this ideology is "all by itself" in our large urban districts, the White folks having moved out of town?" ------------------ My response: Ahhh! A semblance of intelligence regarding this situation. Thank you Constructive Feedback, you are a credit to your name. To those who fall into this category or know of someone that does, this is for you: As I said before, lower and middle class minorities (particularly Blacks and Hispanics) usually bring crime and filth to decent communities. In addition, they cause the school district's academic standing to plummet. It may sound harsh, but this is similar to a roach infestation. If you have an uncontrollable roach infestation, YOU MOVE. I challenge you to prove me wrong by taking responsibility for your own community, schools... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Constructive Feedback EMAIL: IP: 24.99.192.247 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 10:04:39 PM Since my teen aged years long ago I used to always hear the Black Nationalists say that "the White man is never going to teach our kids to the level that they need to be taught for this would be like creating competition for him in the future and undercutting his notions of White Supremacy". This type of talk during mass conventions of Black people no doubt registered great applause. Fast forward to a few days later when the gathering has let out and these same people consume news about school integration. Those same people who were so strident in their notions about "what we need to do as a people" drop most of their passions about what they heard a few nights ago and are ANGERED! They become angered at the fact that THE WHITE MAN HATH STRUCK FIRST! He is the one who practiced the "our kids learn better in an environment that we control".....the same argument that the Black Nationalist had heard the other night except for the White folks are looking out for the best interests of their own kids. I am 1000% behind all policies that work to develop a model for MINIMUM funding of all public schools to a reference point that they need for delivery of quality education. This should be the central focus of our fight. I cannot support the various racial balancing schemes in that with respect to the living patterns that are clearly detectable so few Black kids will actually participate in such a program. Since the average Black student will reside in a racially identifiable school the time is now to focus on the LARGE AND WIDE MIDDLE than on the fissure at the edge where WHITE AND BLACK content. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that White folks, regardless of their ideology will tend to live among their own people. This is largely based on assumed CULTURAL supremacy and the desire to perpetuate it. I have no control over what they do. If they are not trampling on our rights we cannot KEEP CHASING THEM!! First we RIGHTFULLY wanted them to let us in these public facilities. Now some of our argument has morphed into charges of RACISM that they have left us and moved elsewhere because there are too many of us now. We need to build our own institutions and not chase. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: anonymous lawyer EMAIL: IP: 69.251.244.82 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 11:30:19 AM Reflecting on Parents v. Seattle, Professor Bracey noted his “frustration with the Court’s ability to draw a moral equivalence between...discrimination against blacks, and the so-called “discrimination” against whites in order to secure racial balance in schools…” I share a similar sense of frustration with Justice Roberts’ opinion, but placing the Court’s conclusion on moral ground yields too much to the Court. The decision is not morally justified. The Court’s conclusion is not based on a moral justification. Instead, the Court’s colorblind interpretation of the Constitution is based on a policy of paternalism - - a view of what is legally preferred rather than a view of what is morally correct. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ronnie B EMAIL: IP: 206.169.242.254 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 04:04:42 PM Perhaps Tony Kennedy's opinion bears the most hope; that it's still OK to consider class rather than race (wink, wink). Goodness knows that the poorest school children are still the Blackest and Brownest. So perhaps all is not lost. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: avid reader EMAIL: IP: 70.21.102.145 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 06:51:34 PM there is another option besides "idiot" and "sophisticated bigot"--though god knows this country has plenty of both--to describe those who fail to appreciate the difference between 50's-style segregation and affirmative action. having never been the victim of discrimination, they might also be BLIND. you have to allow an out for decent people who have different opinions. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/02/2007 07:58:23 PM Avid reader, How would integration benefit the black community, that would include the school districts in those communities? Do you suppose, the black community should remain in the state that it is in and blacks should depend solely on whites to meet their kid’s needs? If so, you are in essence supporting the status quo (blacks doing nothing for themselves and their community), and promoting the notion that whites are smarter and more capable of doing what blacks can't, which is properly educate their kids. Right? With the dropout rate being what it is for young black kids, you would think getting them to attend any school would be at the top of their parent's list. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: avid reader EMAIL: IP: 143.231.249.138 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 02:48:28 PM BBTPM, I don’t completely understand what you’re saying. I admire attempts by the black community to take care of their own. But I also recognize that white schools control most of the resources in this country, which means they employ many of the most capable teachers and administrators. Black kids should have access to those schools to the same degree as white kids. There is also the painful-but-true fact that the American economy plays by the rules of the mostly white elite. I worry that blacks who do not learn those rules early will have difficulty succeeding in American economic life. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/03/2007 08:39:18 PM Avid reader, Let's be honest, black schools can't recruit capable teachers and administrators because of their violent, slothful students and uninvolved parents. Undoubtedly, dedicated, passionate educators would do what they could for kids who were willing to learn, regardless of resources. Lack of resources is just another “black excuse” for doing little to nothing. Think about it, blacks invade white communities, schools... whites in turn leave them with the school, resources and all. Within a short time, what do blacks do to those communities and schools? The answer is run them into the ground. Truth be known, today’s blacks have more opportunities and resources than previous generations. Honestly, the most significant difference between today's black generation and that of General Colin Powell's is that back then blacks seemed to have a sense of self-respect, fortitude, and intelligence. Unfortunately, they failed to pass it on to the following generations. As for the American economy… Again, blacks have unlimited opportunities to succeed just like whites, Asians... The only thing holding blacks back is their horrible attitudes coupled with laziness. Moreover, if black parents truly cared about their kid's academic success then they would stress the importance of education and achievement at an early age. Maybe then their future little dropouts wouldn’t become drains on the American economy. Funny how blacks didn’t rally when the National Dropout rate statistics were announced, but are up in arms regarding integration. One would think having your kid graduate from any school is better than him/her not graduating at all. Gee whiz, stop making lame excuses and get your priorities straight. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: umkqsi ftwdyl EMAIL: hzgakwp@mail.com IP: 200.216.75.111 URL: http://www.gmnix.rymb.com DATE: 08/18/2007 07:53:05 AM jzbtog qixjtko qtfalhw yqkdmxe lojakeyv sndbo nydwsvjmq ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: umkqsi ftwdyl EMAIL: hzgakwp@mail.com IP: 72.44.57.154 URL: http://www.gmnix.rymb.com DATE: 08/18/2007 07:55:45 AM jzbtog qixjtko qtfalhw yqkdmxe lojakeyv sndbo nydwsvjmq ----- -------- AUTHOR: sifill TITLE: Media Frenzy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CONVERT BREAKS: tinymce ALLOW PINGS: 1 DATE: 06/28/2007 10:51:53 PM ----- BODY:Just had a chance to talk with Dennis Kucinich -- asked him what he would do to restore the integrity of the Justice Dept. He said, "work to abolish mandatory minimums." I said, "not justice in general, but the Justice Dept." He said, "appoint an AG with integrity." Any names of potential nominees? No. But he did say that his DOJ would work to overturn aspects of the Patriot Act and Military Commissions Act that deny habeus. Can the AG do this? Honestly, I think thes guys are just dizzy at this point.
Catty observation: The best part is that all of the media dudes who've been making fun of Kucinich the whole debate shut their mouths when they saw his wife -- a stunning, tall redhead. Dennis' revenge.
By far, the biggest crowd is around Cornel West. Clinton and Obama are no shows. I'm going back into the fray. I see Dodd and Tavis.
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Dee of VA EMAIL: dtdeskins@msn.com IP: 70.21.41.73 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:07:04 PM As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree that Hillary did very well. After tonight, it's going to be incredibly difficult for Obama to wrestle the Black female vote from her. I think Obama was intentionally not trying to comport to a preacher persona. I think he wanted to show the same respect for a Black academic audience that he would for an Ivey League audience. In his attempt to be respectfully cerebral, he was a little flat. Last point, I have to disagree with the reaction to Obama's response on Darfur. He prefaced his answer by agreeng with all the other points that had already been made, including no fly zones and military action, so no need for him to repeat. Within the few seconds afforded, he made clear that no amount of military action in Darfur (like Irag) is going to solve the astounding violence taking place all over Africa. Has the record incarceration rate ended violence in our communities? To his point, unless we make strategic long-term investment in the continent (and the hood), no amount of short-term force is going to end the long-term carnage. That's hard to articulate in 30 seconds, but I got it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Spencer EMAIL: IP: 69.250.39.22 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:23:37 PM Dee: I agree with you that people shouldn't sleep on Hillary's ability to interact with Black folks. But I honestly don't think that this debate is going to be determine much in January 2008. First, how many Black folks saw it? Second, how many Black folks in South Carolina (the only early primary state with a significant number of Black folk) saw it? Third, how many of those African American South Carolinians who saw the debate will have made up their minds as a result of this debate rather than their direct interaction with the candidates (the candidates visit SC, Iowa, NH, and Nev. on a regular basis). I get back to my point--I'm happy the debate happened and I appreciate Tavis's leadership, but at the end of the day, my thinking is that tonight's event was largely ceremonial. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Spencer EMAIL: IP: 69.250.39.22 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:24:46 PM Dee: I agree with you that people shouldn't sleep on Hillary's ability to interact with Black folks. But I honestly don't think that this debate is going to be determine much in January 2008. First, how many Black folks saw it? Second, how many Black folks in South Carolina (the only early primary state with a significant number of Black folk) saw it? Third, how many of those African American South Carolinians who saw the debate will have made up their minds as a result of this debate rather than their direct interaction with the candidates (the candidates visit SC, Iowa, NH, and Nev. on a regular basis). I get back to my point--I'm happy the debate happened and I appreciate Tavis's leadership, but at the end of the day, my thinking is that tonight's event was largely ceremonial. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Dee of VA EMAIL: dtdeskins@msn.com IP: 70.21.41.73 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:54:23 PM Spencer, Like you, I don't expect tonight's debate will break any nielsen ratings(probably 1/4 of the audience that watched the BET awards earlier in the week), but you know the effect of word of mouth. Most of the msm is going to loop the standing ovation that Hillary Clinton received for the Black women vs. White women AIDS epidemic hypothesis. Sounds bites are powerful in influencing opinions. 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STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CONVERT BREAKS: tinymce ALLOW PINGS: 1 DATE: 06/28/2007 10:33:47 PM ----- BODY: Great job, Sherrilyn, blogging live from the debate. I personally watched it live on the webcast because, here in Saint Louis, Missouri, the local PBS affiliate chose to air a re-run of some “Mystery” series.I’d like to raise a single question here. Who do you think performed the best during the debate? I’m almost ashamed to say it, but my vote goes to . . . Sen. Hillary Clinton. For better or worse, she seemed most at ease with the majority “minority” audience, and answered questions with an easy and engaging manner. I’m a big Barack fan, but Hillary really shined tonight.
Your thoughts and impressions?
----- EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: AnnabelleDickson EMAIL: IP: 71.200.98.138 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 10:41:40 PM I only caught the last 30 minutes. I listened via WAMU's audio stream and I'm sure I missed a ton of body language but I really liked what Dennis Kucinich had to say. Obama seemed tired and distracted. I hated the rushed format and Tavis's ability to speak at 76 mph made it difficult to understand him or listen to him. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Dee of VA EMAIL: dtdeskins@msn.com IP: 70.21.41.73 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:06:09 PM As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree that Hillary did very well. After tonight, it's going to be incredibly difficult for Obama to wrestle the Black female vote from her. I think Obama was intentionally not trying to comport to a preacher persona. I think he wanted to show the same respect for a Black academic audience that he would for an Ivey League audience. In his attempt to be respectfully cerebral, he was a little flat. Last point, I have to disagree with the reaction to Obama's response on Darfur. He prefaced his answer by agreeng with all the other points that had already been made, including no fly zones and military action, so no need for him to repeat. Within the few seconds afforded, he made clear that no amount of military action in Darfur (like Irag) is going to solve the astounding violence taking place all over Africa. Has the record incarceration rate ended violence in our communities? To his point, unless we make strategic long-term investment in the continent (and the hood), no amount of short-term force is going to end the long-term carnage. That's hard to articulate in 30 seconds, but I got it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: vixen EMAIL: IP: 76.49.183.245 URL: DATE: 06/28/2007 11:31:58 PM Hillary did the best. She made great points and looked like a pro out there. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 12:08:39 AM As always the Democrats are thumping their chest and spouting out against the Supreme Court's ruling regarding school integration. They are using this issue as they do all race-based issues to illicit outrage amongst minorities, particularly blacks. The Democrats’ goal is to keep Black American’s submissive and weak by making them think they are not responsible for anything in their lives. In addition, the Democrats’ are exploiting this situation by trying to convince blacks that forced integration of majority white schools will benefit their kids, as oppose to encouraging blacks to improve the conditions of the schools in their own communities. If the Democrats were truly concerned about blacks and other minorities then they would uphold the notion that race-based decisions are wrong in all elements of civilized society. Also, if there is an achievement gap in any school then it is up to the parents and leaders of that particular community to close it – its called accountability and responsibility, and the fact is that it starts at home. The Democrats need to stop pandering to the lazy left and start stressing the aforementioned as a solution as oppose to ignorance, denial, and blame. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: shorty c EMAIL: IP: 71.94.74.118 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 02:50:12 AM I think Barack Obama was`very impressive tonight.He was well spoken,very informed and I think he represented black people very well tonight.He was way better then Hillary.He has my vote. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: rikyrah EMAIL: siport27@aol.com IP: 172.145.60.29 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 07:32:57 AM I thought Obama did his best job yet, but Clinton a good job too. Gravel is crazy, but entertaining. Richardson is what, 0 for 3 now? Yeah, I know his resume, but so what. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: rikyrah EMAIL: siport27@aol.com IP: 172.145.60.29 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 07:35:25 AM They seriously need to throw off half the candidates to be able to have serious debates. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ronnie B EMAIL: IP: 206.169.242.254 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 09:46:04 AM Props to Obama for having a Black man's backbone. Making use of the word responsibility within the same sentence as African American goes a long way in demonstrating that he indeed cares for the community with which he identifies and for whom he serves. Yes, Hillary had the zinger of the night. But is that still what we're all about? Just tell us what we want to hear, and you have our vote? How very 1970s. If there's anything for which I can criticize Obama, it's a lack of passion. It's a tough position to be in because he doesn't want to come across as mercurial (Kucinich) nor does he want his passion to be contrived (Clinton). We shall see. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Dee of VA EMAIL: IP: 38.100.54.253 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 11:02:03 AM "Yes, Hillary had the zinger of the night. But is that still what we're all about? Just tell us what we want to hear, and you have our vote? How very 1970s." Ronnie, I think it's sad that people are more receptive to flashy sound bites than thoughtful answers, and unfortunately the so-called winners of these debates (in this case forum) are determined by who had the best sound bite. In that regard, Hillary was the winner although she didn't answer the question of how do we curtail the growing rate of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. Obama clearly had the most thoughtful answer. There has been a tremendous amount of education and outreach in our communities, but the disease is still widely regarded as a gay disease, so we have to diminish the stigma to make young people more receptive to prevention education. However, that's not a good sound bite. To your point about Obama's lack of passion, I think he deliberately tempered his passion so as not to "talk down" to this mostly Black academic audience. I think he intentionally wanted to show the same deference for the audience at HU that he would for an audience of academics at Harvard. Hillary was screaming as loud as a preacher on the mound, and that seemed to go over well with the media folks who thought she out "blacked" Obama. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ronnie B EMAIL: IP: 206.169.242.254 URL: DATE: 06/29/2007 11:21:33 AM Hillary was screaming as loud as a preacher on the mound, and that seemed to go over well with the media folks who thought she out "blacked" Obama. You're absolutely right. That so many Black folk expected Obama to be a little less intellectual is troubling. That they were downright gleeful when Hillary acted the "Blacker" of the two is a sad, sad thing. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: BBTPM EMAIL: j.smith@yahoo.com IP: 202.33.24.131 URL: DATE: 07/01/2007 03:57:17 AM Yeh, Hillary was loud and aggressive, but that seems to be what Black people respond to. Keep in mind, she and her husband are masters at playing Black people. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: DJ Phoenix EMAIL: IP: 71.190.72.219 URL: DATE: 07/04/2007 04:29:20 PM I have not made a decision of who I will vote for in the upcoming presidential election. I favor both Clinton and Obama at present. I am waiting to see what happens before I make a final decision though. Hilary may not have been simply playing to Black folks' emotions during the Howard University debate. I think we (and all those African American leaders present at the debate) deserve more credit than that, and so does Clinton. She may be genuinely comfortable speaking with African Americans. The fact is that she has a successful track record of working along-side African Americans to develop important social policies over the years. Many of those folks in the audience have worked with her in one capacity or another. Marian Wright Edelman reportedly gave her the outline for her "It Takes A Village" platform, for example. They have a long history of working collaboratively on children's issues. Clinton's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement is real and documented. She lived in Arkansas with her husband, and grew up during a time in our country when blacks and whites really tried to work past the color-line. Her record in this area is clear and undetested and is also frankly better than her husband's, or Obama's. I am relunctant to vote for Hiliary without hesitation because I don't like some of the moves that she and her husband have reportedly made while getting to, and during his tenure as president. I also question Clinton's ability to win a national campaign. Still, I think that she deserves to be measured on her own merit, and not on what her husband did or did not do as president. I think she suffers from being under his shadow. I also think that because of pre-conditioning from the Republicans which began during Clinton's terms as president, many people have an inbred distain for Hilary, and anything that she she says, or the way that she says it will be considered wrong. At first she was severely criticized during Bill's campaign when she said that she would not be the stay at home mom who baked cookies, then she was criticized early in her presidential campaign for being too scripted, not spontaneous, or strong enough. She was not resonating with voters. Then when she steps up her game, she is accused of being too loud, and for pandering to emotions. She just doesn't seem to be able to win. She appears to me to be a woman, who like many woman, have really struggled to find her voice, and having found it, communicates a stronger more core message. I don't know if Hilary will ultimately secure my vote, or will win the presidential election, but it sure is interesting to watch. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: hnmop keoydnlqj EMAIL: wsmxoilbd@mail.com IP: 69.56.15.170 URL: http://www.kmjz.lpuiw.com DATE: 08/18/2007 06:23:11 AM ynzxret ngof ypot ufaqz qzchlsjv eqtu piuro ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: dqplowh okldp EMAIL: pjrxtdfu@mail.com IP: 212.30.218.130 URL: http://www.google.com DATE: 08/18/2007 06:25:48 AM frwopxdm fcblunyr ubfdpz tebok djor pkulis adenbmr edtr lmbrfvnid ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: dqplowh okldp EMAIL: pjrxtdfu@mail.com IP: 193.111.198.56 URL: http://www.google.com DATE: 08/18/2007 06:26:07 AM frwopxdm fcblunyr ubfdpz tebok djor pkulis adenbmr edtr lmbrfvnid ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: porno EMAIL: hujefpq@hotmail.com IP: 200.162.222.212 URL: http://homeloanswithbadcredit.blogspot.com/ DATE: 08/19/2007 06:53:38 PM Very good site. 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Hillary goes hard on unilaterally imposing a "no fly zone" over Darfur. No explanation on why her husband bill didn't create a no machete zone in Rwanda to save lives in 1994.
Bill Richardson says "I believe fighting genocide is more important than sports." Given the state of disengagement of most Americans from suffering in Africa, this is a courageous and risky statement.
Edwards - supports no fly zone, but otherwise fizzles.
Obama - not really talking about genocide, which is like, kinda urgent. But talks about the need to invest in Africa and promote trade so people have an alternative to violence. Huh?
Kucinich takes it there. If there was oil in the region we'd have our army in there. But there is oil in Sudan, but China's got dibs on most of it.
Grader - didn't come for a forum. He came to slaughter. "None of th
