CROSS POST: Don't believe the lies: Al Sharpton's backpedal

From Symphony's blog Dumbar Village:

On Thursday, March 27, 2008 columnist Tonyaa Weathersbee and blogger SheCodes appeared on Al Sharpton's radio show to discuss the intense pressure Al Sharpton and the NAACP received from bloggers and their readers regarding their support of the four males who are accused of raping a mother and her child.

We must refute some statements and accusations Mr. Sharpton made regarding the blogger campaign to denounce his unfortunate and disrespectful position in the Dunbar Village (DV) gang rape.

CAMPAIGNING FOR EQUAL MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE

Contrary to what Mr. Sharpton attempted to imply on his radio show, he did not stand before the courthouse to demand the Boca Raton rapists are denied bail. He was not complaining about preferential treatment on their behalf. If that were the case, he would have been flanked by the family members of the two girls who were raped in Boca Raton. Instead, he stood before the cameras flanked by the family members of the DV rapists and described the treatment the DV rapists have received as "unfair". He stood with them because he was advocating for them. What sense does it make to stand with the DV rapists families if he felt they should be denied bail? This backpedaling footwork would make an NFL Pro Bowl cornerback proud.

According to Nancy Othon of the Sun-Sentinel: He [Sharpton] repeatedly expressed his concern about the lack of bail for the Dunbar defendants.

According to Michael Bender of the Palm Beach Post the day before the press conference: Sharpton also will condemn the "unfair" treatment of the suspects in the Dunbar Village assaults, said the Rev. William Richardson, the Florida director of the National Action Network.

According to WPBF-TV, the local ABC affiliate: The Reverend Al Sharpton Tuesday said four black teens charged in the gang rape and beating of a West Palm Beach woman and her son were treated unfairly. Sharpton said the teens charged in the June 2007 attack in the Dunbar Village housing project should have been treated the same as five white teens recently accused of raping two young girls in Boca Raton after a party.

And far as making the rape cases equal, therefore demanding equal treatment under the law I'll start with the words of Frank Cerabino, Palm Beach Post: To call these cases identical, as Sharpton did, is to ignore far too much. And to make martyrs of the Dunbar teenagers only trivializes real cases of racial injustice and further denigrates two black victims of unspeakable crimes.

The crimes in Dunbar Village were horrific, and its not that the boys in Boca Raton deserve less than the standard punishment, the boys in Dunbar Village deserve more. Their crime was heinous and they will continue to be described by me as a roving pack of armed animals seeking to inflict unimaginable pain and damage.

BLAME THE MESSENGER

I resent the idea that people would blame the messenger for the message, rather than looking at the content of the message itself. -Anita Hill

They would love for you to fall in line with their "blame the messenger" defense strategy. Blame the messenger because they don't know what they are talking about. Blame the messenger because they got it all wrong. Mr Sharpton you can continue to ignore the benefits that technology and blogging bring to activism, thats your prerogative. You can dismiss bloggers as inaccurate and unreliable, that, sir, will be to your detriment. But bloggers specifically and grassroots activists in general are the coattails you ride into town on.

Bloggers made Jena possible, not Al Sharpton. Dunbar Village will be remembered for the work of bloggers, not Al Sharpton. To characterize us as a mere group of bloggers who get it wrong will not work with this case. If indeed we did get it wrong, we were not alone. We are joined by The Palm Beach Post, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Associated Press, and Black America Web, to name a few. You saw some of the excerpts above. There is no grand conspiracy to manipulate Al Sharpton's words. We didn't get it wrong. If anyone got anything wrong it was Sharpton for failing to deliver an unambiguous delivery of his position.

The bloggers who have contacted reporters who were on the scene, local politicians and spoke with Dunbar Village residents do not provide false information to our readers. Everything we post on our blogs can be verified. We don't post hearsay.


PROBLEM OPERATION

If there is any group of people who can't seem to get their facts straight its Sharpton and his National Action Network employees. From contradictory statements between the NAACP and NAN on who held the press conference to lies about not receiving blogger requests for clarification, the NAN has mishandled this from the beginning.

Numerous emails, letters and phone calls were made to the National Action Network. Our need for clarification was ignored. No matter what they tell you, we reached out to them. We did it as a perfunctory but sincere move because we knew they thought very little of us, but we hoped to learn their stance. They decided we were nothing more than a minor annoyance that would go away. We won't go away.

Truly, in his rush to simply play a role, any role, in Dunbar Village, I don't believe Mr. Sharpton actually thought out what position he was willing to stand for.

Let this be the alarm for any man, woman or organization that decides to align itself with those who harm Black women and children - today is a new day. Today is the day you realize we are an omnipresent force to be reckoned with and respected.

I leave you with a few words from Bella Abzug:

...whatever I am —and this ought to be made very clear—I am a very serious woman.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharpton is as corrupt as they come. How can a father of two daughters be so misguided in wanting to support rapists? How can he rally support for those monsters who commited crimes against humanity? Against the laws of God? How can you, with a straight face, deflect attention away from the horror committed against that woman and her son? This is really heartbreaking.

Open Letter 3/28/2008 Update: A New Underground Railroad is Born

Subject: The Dunbar Village Atrocity

Synopsis:

In the past week, a rapidly-moving viral email campaign was launched, and thousands of concerned black citizens spread the word about a shocking crime against a Black woman and her 12-year-old son, in which crimes against nature were committed. (read more details of the crime here)

This email, entitled “Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women,” described a stunning betrayal in which the NAACP and Al Sharpton held a press conference and demanded bail consideration for three suspects in custody for the crime. (source1) (source2)

Concerned Black citizens all around the country were outraged by the actions of the NAACP and Al Sharpton, and many vowed to withdraw volunteering and financial support from these agencies “until they make the safety of Black women and children a priority.”

On March 24, 2008 an NAACP memo that attempted to defend this betrayal was sent to Beverly Neal, who is the Director of the NAACP’s Florida State Conference. The memo claims that the NAACP was brought into this fray by Rev. Al Sharpton. Moreover, the memo was written by Maude Ford Lee, who is President of the West Palm Beach Branch of the NAACP. (read the memo here)

On March 27, 2008, activist Al Sharpton went on the air to clarify his position on the treatment of the Dunbar Village Suspects. He invited writer Tonyaa Weathersbee and blogger Arlene Fenton to his show, to discuss the matter. Rev. Sharpton claimed that he never said that the Dunbar Village suspects were being treated unfairly, and that he did not want bail for the suspects in question.

Ms. Weathersbee and Ms. Fenton said that their research indicated otherwise, as indicated by video footage, eyewitness accounts, and the reporting from the Florida Sun Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post.

At the end of the radio show, Al Sharpton strongly condemned any activity that would promote bail consideration for the suspects in question. Rev. Sharpton admitted that “if the suspects were white, he would have been there sooner.” He stated that this is a problem with many black civil rights organizations. He apologized and vowed to uphold his prior promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village. He also challenged all activists, bloggers, and writers to be accountable to each other.

To date, the NAACP has not made an official statement denouncing the Dunbar Village Atrocity, nor have they officially expressed regret to the victim. The NAACP also has not officially retracted their statement requesting bail consideration for the alleged rapists/torturers. To our understanding, neither agency has contributed to the Victim’s Assistance Fund or created a reward program geared toward the apprehension of the remaining rapists/torturers.


Conclusion

WE ARE SATISFIED with Al Sharpton’s qualifying statements that he made on his radio show on 3/27/2008. We will watch to see if he fulfills his promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village, and we are willing to assist any effort that promotes safer black neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, FL.


WE ARE NOT CONTENT with the reckless, irresponsible actions of the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter). We continue to urge all black people, women especially, to refrain from volunteering or giving financially to this organization until they take our safety seriously.


WHAT WE WANT

We want law enforcement to make a concerted, sustained effort to apprehend the remaining suspects. We want to see a genuine reward system in place to encourage members of the community to come forward with the knowledge of the whereabouts of the remaining suspects.

We want the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter) to reverse their position that the alleged rapists/torturers of this case should be considered for bail.

We want both the NAACP and the National Action Network to cease downgrading the gang rape/torture/atrocity of the Dunbar Village Atrocity by comparing it to an unrelated gang rape, in which guns, maiming, and forced incest were not involved.

We want to see genuine victim advocacy in the form of financial support for the relocation, medical expenses, and mental therapy for the true victims in this case.


The Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund

Individuals who would like to donate money to the victims can go to any Wachovia Bank and donate to the St. Ann’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Donations will go directly to the mother and her son.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church will also accept donations. Checks can be made payable to the "Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund - St. Ann’s".

Donations can be mailed to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

If you would like to post this Open Letter on your blog, you can copy the HTML here:

(Blogger HTML) A New Underground Railroad is Born
(General HTML) A New Underground Railroad is Born

For more information about this Dunbar Village Campaign, you can visit any of the following blogs:

http://www.dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblog-ravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://tributetoblackwomen.com/news
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog

An Assessment of Obama and Hillary's Senate Records

I Refuse to Buy into the Obama Hype
by Grassroots Mom

The next President is going to have some MAJOR challenges.
I refuse to buy into the hype, on either side, but especially on that of Obama. However the "empty rhetoric" v. "history of accomplishments" arguments have prompted me to check it out on my own, not relying on any candidate's website, book, or worst of all supporters' diaries, like this one.

I went to the Library of Congress Website. The FACTS of what each did in the Senate last year sure surprised me. I'm sure they will surprise you, too. Whether you love or hate Hillary, you will be surprised. Whether you think Obama is the second coming of JFK or an inexperienced lightweight, you will surprised. Go check out the Library of Congress Website. After spending some time there, it will be clear that there is really only one candidate would is ready to be the next president, even better than Gore. If you don't want to spend an hour or two doing research, then I'll tell you what I discovered on the jump. More Stuff...

I came across this article last month but I forgot to post it. Then I had trouble finding it when I was ready to post it.

This article is an assessment of the senate records of both Hillary and Barack and I found it to be pretty thorough. If you're unsatisfied with this article, then please visit the Library of Congress' website for further info on both candidates. Let's not just be dismissive. It's important that you are INFORMED before deeming someting "useless."

Props to Grassroots Mom.

And let's be clear people: Obama's been a politician for a longer time (since 1997) than Billary (since 2000). Seems like the experience that people are judging him on have to do with how long he's been a legislator. If experience is your ultimate deciding factor, that's fine. But consider the length of experience of these politicians who voted in favor of the Iraq invasion, who voted in favor of the war on drugs, and who voted in favor of infringing upon our privacy.

Walmart --- They Really Treat Their Employees Badly

Walmart sued a former employee, Debbie Shank, over principle. Debbie got into a really bad car accident, and won money from the accident and it was put into a trust towards her medical expenses. Well, Walmart wanted their money back and won the case. The trust is now frozen as there will be pending appeals from Shank and her family.

Also, Shank's son passed away within his first 2 weeks of being in Iraq. Nice one Walmart. It also sucks that Debbie's husband had to divorce her so as to help her get more government grants. Sad, sad, sad. More Stuff...

Here's a video of her CNN interview:




Sorry but the principle argument doesn't work in a situation like this.

Sistas Come Out to Support Kwame? WTF?!

Women Rally in Support of Mayor Kilpatrick

A day after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was arraigned on felony charges, a group of women held a press conference to praise the job he's done in office.

WATCH REPORT IN VIDEO PLAYER RIGHT

"This is a small representation of the broad support of women for Mayor Kilpatrick," said entrepreneur Monique Williams of the dozen women who gathered Wednesday morning at the Youthville center in Detroit's New Center area.

"I will continue to support this mayor," said Lorrie France, a leader in the Brightmoor area of Detroit. "He's done what he said he's gonna do. He's a community person." Added community activist Cynthia Davis: "It's not important to me in regards to the text messages. What's important is what he has done in building this city and it has come a long way."

Source

Damn. Wow Black people. We sure love us some trash.

Obama's Economy Speech

Some Political Humor

"Raining McCain" by The McCain Girls



"Hillary! Stop the attacks! Love, Obama Girl" by Obama Girl

At least the Obama Girl's on tempo.

A Blog That's Worth a Click --- The Truth About Trinity United Church of Christ

http://truthabouttrinity.blogspot.com/

This blog owner, Truth to Power, is a member of Trinity United so at least you'd get a take from the inside out.

Also peep this article: http://truthabouttrinity.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-pastor-received-commendation-for.html

Trinity United also has their own YouTube channel for those of you interested in knowing what they're about.

Props to Thembi for referencing this piece of info.

Rev. Wright Wouldn't Be Hillary's Pastor, But He Seemed Appropriate for a White House Gathering Circa '98; Clintons' Old Church Sides w/ Wright

Hmmm... Gotta love glass house politics.

Photo: Rev. Wright & Bill Clinton
Posted by Ashish

Rev. Wright attended a gathering at the White House with Bill and Hillary Clinton...

The photo below popped up yesterday, showing Rev. Wright shaking hands with Bill Clinton at the White House in 1998. Wright was there attending a gathering for religious leaders. This photo goes along way to again show that Wright isn't some extreme lunatic but a very well known national pastor who is "mainstream" enough to have been invited to the White House in '98.

And Hillary Clinton's recently released White House records state that she WAS at that same gathering.

Source

Here's the unspliced, 7-year-old clip of Rev. Wright's sermon that you won't see on Faux News:



The Clintons' former church defends Rev. Wright:

The view from Clinton's former church

While the Foundry pastor who closely counseled the Clintons retired soon after they left the church, his successor has stood in solidarity with Obama's pastor since controversy first erupted over videotapes of incendiary sermons delivered by Wright. One widely played clip shows Wright sermonising against racism and urging parishioners to sing "God damn America".

Snyder said Obama's pastor "has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear".

The Foundry pastor, who is white, followed up in sermons on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, decrying racism and asking his congregation, "Who doesn't want to say God damn to this part of our national life together in which we just keep crucifying each other over and over again?"

Snyder also chastised white Americans for succumbing to fear in their reaction to Wright rather than listening to his message - which Snyder likened to resurrection.

"When the Jeremiah Wright sound bites appeared this week, I wish white Americans could have said, 'Tell us more, Dr Wright ... We may end up disagreeing with you, but we are going to take some time to try to understand what you have to say,'" Snyder said.

"What a wonderful thing that would have been for white America to do. But instead we became afraid." More stuff...

Throwing stones from a glass house is a major DON'T. Especially when there is YouTube and Google.

A must-read:
Reverand Wright's Full Sermon - AverageBro

Are All The Skeletons Outta Paterson's Closet Already?

Paterson Admits Past Cocaine Use
by Azi Paybarah

David Paterson is still adding to his string of confessions.

“I tried it a couple of times,” he said in an interview with NY1 News, when asked if he had ever used cocaine.

It was his first television interview since he became governor last week.

Host Dominic Carter asked Paterson a number of questions about past drug use. The governor also admitted he has used marijuana, but added that he has not touched illegal drugs since his early twenties.

Carter asked a similar series of questions during the 2006 gubernatorial campaign. Both Eliot Spitzer and Tom Suozzi said they had tried marijuana.

Paterson told Carter he spoke publicly about past drug use when he was Spitzer's running mate in 2006.

UPDATE: Here's the exchange:

Dominic Carter: You have?

David Paterson: Yes

Dominic Carter: Marijuana?

David Paterson: Yes

Dominic Carter: Cocaine?

David Paterson: Yes

Dominic Carter: You used cocaine governor?

David Paterson: I'd say I was 22 or 23, I tried it a couple of times, yes.

Dominic Carter: When is the last time that -- is that the only time you've tried cocaine, governor?

David Paterson: Yeah, around that time, a couple of times and marijuana, probably, when I was about 20. I don't think I've touched marijuana since the late 70s.

Source

Dude's stepped out on his wife, she stepped out him, now he used to do coke and weed. What else is there? I can appreciate honesty but dag...

CT Apologizes for Past Lieberman Endorsement

We Don't Know This Sen. Joe
Sen. Lieberman has been too busy burning bridges to build any.

When The Day endorsed Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for re-election in November 2006 it was supporting a candidate who demonstrated a history of pragmatic leadership and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions.

We wonder what happened to that senator.

Sen. Lieberman's open-ended commitment to military involvement in Iraq comes as no surprise. The senator made it clear when running for re-election that was his position. Sen. Lieberman wants the United States military to remain in Iraq until the war is won, whatever that means. It conflicts with this newspaper's position that the time has come for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Despite that difference of opinion, The Day editorially backed the senator because of his experience, his willingness to put principle above politics, as demonstrated by his condemnation of former President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and his even-handed political approach.

But while Sen. Lieberman remains experienced, he is no longer even-handedly principled.
More stuff...

These Are Still My Joints!!!

"Freedom (R&B Version)"



"Freedom (Rap Version)"

Man, I still love these joints. They made me feel so good and empowered when I first heard them. I was 13 at the time (Dag, I'm getting old, LOL!) and it just made an impression on me to see healthy, inspiring, different images of Black women on TV. Boy do I miss that.

In my opinion, during this time, there was such a huge surplus of talented artists and the vehicle for variety was there. I wish it could be that way again. Nowadays, finding good music is a project as it is not as simple as turning on the radio and/or the TV to discover refreshing new artists. Thank God for the Internet though.

Obama's Passport's Breached and Condi Apologizes; Former State Dept. Official Has Clinton Ties; Shame on Anderson Cooper

Why the curiosity? Trying to find some Muslim skeletons in his closet?

Rice to Obama: Sorry for Passport Breach
By DESMOND BUTLER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday apologized to Sen. Barack Obama for a security breach in which three State Department contractors inappropriately reviewed the Democratic presidential candidate's passport file.

The episode raised questions as to whether the actions of the three contractors, two of whom have been fired, were politically motivated.

"I told him that I was sorry, and I told him that I myself would be very disturbed," Rice told reporters.

"None of us wants to have a circumstance where any American's passport files are looked at in an unauthorized way," she said.

Rice, who spoke with Obama by phone, said she was particularly disappointed that senior officials at the State Department were not immediately notified.

"It was not to my knowledge, and we also want to take every step to make sure that this kind of thing doesn't happen again," she said.

The State Department's inspector general is investigating the passport breach, which occurred on three separate occasions — Jan. 9, Feb. 21 and as recently as last week, on March 14. On Friday, the department announced that the Justice Department would be monitoring the probe in case it needs to get involved. More Stuff...


Clinton friend may be involved in passport breach

A State Department official in charge of the department during two of the three breaches into the passport files of Sen. Barack Obama occurred has a direct tie to Bill and Hillary Clinton and department officials are investigating whether she furnished information to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Maura Harty was in charge of the Bureau Of Consular Affairs during the first two breaches of Obama's passport. Former President Bill Clinton appointed her to an ambassadorship during his Presidency. More Stuff...

Can't wait to see how Passport-Gate unfolds.


Note to Anderson Cooper:

Hey Mr. Cooper,

I'm really disappointed in you for suggesting that the Obama campaign would use this breached passport scandal to diminish the Rev. Wright media fixation. You started your sentence off with "I don't wanna sound cynical..." when you could've said "Some people would suggest..." It sounded as if YOU were suggesting that this would be some newfound cover for Rev. Wright media fixation and you also indirectly trivialized Obama's privacy being invaded three times out of "curiosity." You've gotta be more responsible as a reporter.

I still like and respect you (love your work on 60 Minutes and Oprah) but you've got one strike my dude.

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP From Endangering Black Women!

DEAR READERS:

This mass open letter is a call to action for all black people who care about the safety and welfare of black women and children in America. If you are concerned about the recent developments about Dunbar Village, please copy the post below, and email it to all of your friends and coworkers.

WE WILL NO LONGER BE SILENT ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACK WOMEN.

Copy and email below, and title your email: Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!

Let us know in the comments section if you are supporting the movement to protect black women from black on black violence.

---

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!


Right-thinking black people everywhere are stunned by the recent betrayal of Al Sharpton and the NAACP in a situation that is just too outrageous to ignore.

This is a painful story to tell, but it’s important for the moral, law-abiding majority of black Americans to understand exactly why Al Sharpton and the NAACP must be immediately stopped.

On June 18, 2007, a black woman was gang raped by 10 youths and forced at gunpoint to have sex with her own 12 year old son in a housing complex called Dunbar Village in West Palm Beach, Florida. The young men not only viciously punched, kicked and sliced this sister and her son with glass objects, but they also blinded her boy by pouring nail polish remover into his eyes.

The young men forced this sister and son to lay naked in a bathtub together, and attempted to set them on fire (they could not find matches). The youths boldly took cell phone pictures so that they could enjoy their violent, immoral and sadistic acts at a later time. The violence continued for more than three hours, and although this sister’s neighbors heard her screams, no one called the police or came to her aid.

This sister and her son had to walk a mile to the hospital, because the assailants stole her car, and threatened to kill her and her family if she told the authorities.

Only four of the young men have been apprehended, while the remaining six are on the loose, doing Lord knows what in our communities. There is no manhunt for the remaining suspects.

As devastating as this story is, what the NAACP and Al Sharpton have done about it will simply take your breath away:

Not only did the NAACP ignore hundreds of requests to assist this woman because it was 'outside the scope of their mission', but they joined forces with Al Sharpton, and sent their lawyers to speak out IN SUPPORT OF THE RAPISTS.

You heard me right.

Even though there is conclusive DNA evidence and signed confessions, the NAACP and Al Sharpton are saying that it is 'unfair' to not offer bail to these four alleged rapists. They even had a press release about it.

IT IS TIME FOR SENSIBLE BLACK PEOPLE TO STOP THIS KIND OF NONSENSE ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Al Sharpton and the NAACP are banking on the belief that you and I will be just like this black woman’s neighbors. Join me by saying NOT THIS TIME. We will not turn a deaf ear to when we hear calls for help from one of our sisters and brothers who are being victimized.

Stop the NAACP and Al Sharpton’s National Action Network from committing this disgrace in our community. Just this once, let’s stand up and be counted by saying that we demand safe neighborhoods for our women and children.

Here is what you can do:

1. Spread the word. Forward this email if your conscience and concern have been raised. Send it to every concerned black citizen that you know.

2. Demand an explanation from your local NAACP chapter about this case. Cancel your membership to these organizations, and write a letter explaining that you will return when they prioritize the public safety needs of black women and children.

3. If you do not belong to these organizations, call and write them to tell them of your outrage and displeasure:

NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
Toll Free: (877) NAACP-98
Local: (410) 580-5777
washingtonbureau@naacpnet.org

National Action Network
Rev. Al Sharpton
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, New York 10039
212-690-3070
877-NAN-HOJ1
crisis@nationalactionnetwork.net



4. If you know an African American reporter or a black radio talk show host, forward this story them and ask them to follow up on it.

Each Friday at 9:00am, visit any of the websites below, which will give you an update on the status of this situation. DO NOT LET THIS GO. Let us start working for safer neighborhoods in black communities.


Read the history of the Dunbar Village problem here:

http://www.dunbarvillage2008.blogspot.com/

ON FRIDAYS, CHECK THE NETWORK OF A NEW GENERATION OF BLACK ACTIVISTS:

http://dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
http://anonymissblog.blogspot.com/
http://blackwomenvote.blogspot.com/
http://adifferentstory.wordpress.com/
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com/
http://blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com/
http://charactercorner.blogspot.com/
http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/
http://episcopalienne.blogspot.com/
http://essentialpresence.blogspot.com/
http://focusedpurpose.blogspot.com/
http://h-essays.blogspot.com/
http://lareinacobre.blogspot.com/
http://mynewblog-ravenelvenlady.blogspot.com/
http://politicalseason.blogspot.com/
http://privyconcepts.blogspot.com/
http://thesowingcircle.blogspot.com/
http://web.mac.com/roslynholcomb/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
http://whataboutourdaughters.com/
http://whattamisaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.blacksapience.blogspot.com/
http://yanmommasaid.blogspot.com/
http://www.somethingwithin.com/blog


Sharpton protests disparities in rape cases - Miami Herald

To Al Sharpton and NAACP: "Answer the Call"

From What About Our Daughters?

Obama's Popularity Obsoletes Affirmative Action - WTF?!

Affirmative action foes point to Obama
Say candidate is proof effort no longer needed
By Joseph Williams and Matt Negrin

WASHINGTON - Leading opponents of affirmative action are increasingly seizing on Illinois Senator Barack Obama's historic run for the presidency as proof that race-based remedies for past discrimination are no longer necessary.

Influential Republicans and a growing number of policy specialists at conservative organizations, including the Goldwater Institute, Project 21, and the Manhattan Institute, are citing the fact that large numbers of white voters are supporting Obama, who leads in the race for Democratic delegates, as evidence that affirmative action has run its course.

Ward Connerly, a black conservative who is leading a national effort to ban racial preferences, vowed to use Obama's success as evidence for anti-affirmative action ballot initiatives his organization is promoting in five states. Connerly, who helped dismantle affirmative action policies in California universities and public hiring in the 1990s, said he has donated $500 to Obama's campaign.

"I've been saying for a number of years that the American people are not institutionally racist," and Obama's strong support among white voters proves it, said Connerly, founder of the American Civil Rights Institute, an organization that backs proposals to end affirmative action in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. "It underscores my position . . . that affirmative action is an idea whose time has passed.

"The whole argument in favor of race preferences is that there is 'institutional racism' and 'institutional sexism' in American life, and you need affirmative action to level the playing field," he said. "How can you say there is institutional racism when people in Nebraska vote for a guy who is a self-identified black man?"

*Sighs* Please use more than one example to strengthen your argument. This is as bad as arguments that suggests that "it's better for Black people. Look at Oprah and all of these athletes." *Rolls eyes*

Obama's take on affirmative action:

Obama, who graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School, has said he is firmly behind efforts to expand diversity, particularly in higher education. However, he has implied that such programs should be reexamined, and perhaps be more closely tied to class instead of race.

Asked if his young children would be candidates for affirmative action when they reach college, Obama said their middle-class upbringing should disqualify them.

"I think that my daughters should probably be treated by any [college] admissions officer as folks who are pretty advantaged," Obama said in an interview with ABC News. "We should take into account white kids who have been disadvantaged and have grown up in poverty and shown themselves to have what it takes to succeed."

More stuff...

I don't know about all that. I knew these affirmative action antagonists would pop up and use Obama's electability for their reasoning.

"A More Perfect Union"

When I get a chance, I'll search for a video and post it. My wonderful job blocks YouTube :-/ so I can't do a search right now.

Update: Found a video.



Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
"A More Perfect Union"
Constitution Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union."

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation's original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution - a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part - through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton's Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I've gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world's poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners - an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It's a story that hasn't made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts - that out of many, we are truly one.

More stuff...

Rev. Wright No Different From Rev. Schaeffer?

I'll just let Rev. Schaeffer's son tell it:

Obama's Minister Committed "Treason" But When My Father Said the Same Thing He Was a Republican Hero
by Frank Schaeffer

When Senator Obama's preacher thundered about racism and injustice Obama suffered smear-by-association. But when my late father -- Religious Right leader Francis Schaeffer -- denounced America and even called for the violent overthrow of the US government, he was invited to lunch with presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, Sr.

Every Sunday thousands of right wing white preachers (following in my father's footsteps) rail against America's sins from tens of thousands of pulpits. They tell us that America is complicit in the "murder of the unborn," has become "Sodom" by coddling gays, and that our public schools are sinful places full of evolutionists and sex educators hell-bent on corrupting children. They say, as my dad often did, that we are, "under the judgment of God." They call America evil and warn of immanent destruction. By comparison Obama's minister's shouted "controversial" comments were mild. All he said was that God should damn America for our racism and violence and that no one had ever used the N-word about Hillary Clinton.

Dad and I were amongst the founders of the Religious right. In the 1970s and 1980s, while Dad and I crisscrossed America denouncing our nation's sins instead of getting in trouble we became darlings of the Republican Party. (This was while I was my father's sidekick before I dropped out of the evangelical movement altogether.) We were rewarded for our "stand" by people such as Congressman Jack Kemp, the Fords, Reagan and the Bush family. The top Republican leadership depended on preachers and agitators like us to energize their rank and file. No one called us un-American.

Consider a few passages from my father's immensely influential America-bashing book A Christian Manifesto. It sailed under the radar of the major media who, back when it was published in 1980, were not paying particular attention to best-selling religious books. Nevertheless it sold more than a million copies.

Here's Dad writing in his chapter on civil disobedience:

"If there is a legitimate reason for the use of force [against the US government]... then at a certain point force is justifiable. "

And this:

"In the United States the materialistic, humanistic world view is being taught exclusively in most state schools... There is an obvious parallel between this and the situation in Russia [the USSR]. And we really must not be blind to the fact that indeed in the public schools in the United States all religious influence is as forcibly forbidden as in the Soviet Union.... "

Source

Unlike Faux News, this article was fair and balanced. It took into account that there is a convenient amnesia behind the Rev. Wright backlash.

It has to be understood that people of color have a very unique experience in this country. No amount of legislative repair can translate into psychological repair. In order to have educated and fulfilling discussions about race relations, those in denial need to appreciate our history.

Black Male Progress Determined by Black Female Standards--- Is This an Accepted Concept?

I've only heard this twice in the online world but I shudder to think that there are a number of men who believe this.

Our comments comes from a blog entry that deals with a woman having to deal with past mistakes yet is moving forward with her life.

Here's the comment made by a male poster:

I agree everyone did make bad choices but ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN in the last 20 years you have ran shit! Its sad and I'm a black man. But you all are in a position of power right now. With everythig going on with the Black Man right now it is up to you now to lead and to be an example for us now. If you hold yourself to a certain standard it will force us to raise the bar. Think about it if most females made it a point that they wasn't messing with niggas unless they had a college education or a diploma of higher education of some sorts you would see a lot more cats going to school. Its a shame that's our motivation or their motivation but it's true. Instead you want that baller you want that drug dealer you want this guy that's giving you all the intimacy but nothing intellectually and then at the end of the day wonder why you are in the situation you are in. LADIES raise the bar!!!


My response to his post:

I agree that there are Black women with low standards but why can't misguided Black man set their own bar? Do Black men not have their own minds? Who's setting the bar for Black women? We don't need anything but a fucked-up situation (or someone else's) to put us on the right path.

Since statistics suggest that Black women are wise enough to take their lives by the reigns (i.e., employment, education), why can't Black men follow suit? It seems like you wanna absolve lazy bums of any wrongdoings and excuse them for creating their own shitty lives. They need to learn discipline and personal responsibility.

And the quality of your life shouldn't be geared towards gaining attention from the opposite sex. Anyone that lives like that doesn't have that much to live for.

I think there's something strange and terribly wrong with asserting that weak-minded men will follow suit if we (Black women) raise our standards. That is a cop-out. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Personal responsibility is always demanded of Black women. We can't get away with being fuck-ups. Also, the male poster seems to forget that Black women have already taken the role of leadership. Statistics have shown that an overwhelming majority of Black children are raised by single mothers. If being a dual parent isn't leadership, I don't know what is.

Also, let's call this problem for what it is --- baby boyism. Boys and girls are raised differently. Boys tend to be coddled a lot more than girls are. Girls tend to be expected to act responsibly. Both parties go out into the real world and the young man is ill-equipped.

Black women that are on the right track didn't need a man to raise the bar in order for us to know that we needed to get our lives in order. Normally, it takes being tired of bad predicaments to set us straight. Why would someone suggest that Black men needed more than a reality check? Also, the want for change should be genuine and not about fuckability. Change because you hate being useless. Change because you want to stand on your own two. Change because you have goals to set and accomplish. Change shouldn't be centered around gaining the attention of that hardworking woman that wouldn't give you the time of day.

Please let me know if I'm missing something because I'd like to know why personal responsibility is unpopular.

Sidebar:

The male poster's last sentence was on point.

Tonight's Loser --- Gerry Ferraro: Hands in Resignation After Saying That She Couldn't Be Fired

Yesterday:

Ferraro said the Clinton campaign cannot fire her because she is not an adviser.

"It's impossible to fire somebody who's not involved with it," she said.

Source

Today:

Clinton aide quits over race row

A Hillary Clinton adviser has resigned over her comment that Barack Obama would not be ahead in the race for the White House if he were not black.

Geraldine Ferraro, a vice-presidential candidate in 1984, announced she was stepping down from an honorary role on Mrs Clinton's finance committee.

Earlier, she had told US network ABC that her remarks had been "spun by the Obama campaign as racist" but were not.

Mr Obama in turn rejected the idea that being black was a big advantage.

Mrs Clinton has distanced herself from the comments, quoted in a US newspaper interview last week.

The row flared up on Tuesday, the day of the Mississippi primary election, which was convincingly won by Mr Obama.

The result is not decisive but boosts his lead in terms of delegates at the August convention where the party will choose its White House candidate.

With the Republicans' race settled, their presumptive nominee, John McCain, has been focusing on a nationwide fund-raising drive.

'Historic candidacy'

A spokesman for the Clinton campaign confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Ms Ferraro had stepped down from her unpaid position on the New York senator's finance committee.

Source

What a difference a day makes.

Spitz Quits, Paterson's In

Scandal-hit NY governor resigns

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned, after being linked to a prostitution ring.
Flanked by his wife Silda, Mr Spitzer, a leading Democrat, told a news conference: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."

He once again apologised for failing to live up to the standards he demanded of others - but he gave no details.

Mr Spitzer had allegedly been identified arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel.

Mr Spitzer made his name as an investigator of organised crime, financial crime and prostitution.

At one point he was known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street", and his fall from political grace is being seen as one of the biggest New York has known.

In a brief resignation statement, he said: "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct.

Source

He spent $80Gs over a course of 10 years and may have placed his affairs on taxpayers' tabs. SMH.



Lt. Gov. David Paterson Becomes First Black Governor of New York (and the first legally blind governor in the nation)

New York Lieutenant Governor David Paterson becomes the first Black governor of New York after Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned Wednesday.

Paterson will assume the position on Mar. 17 and will remain governor until the special election in Nov. 2010.

Paterson is also legally blind, which would make him the first blind governor in the country and only the fourth African-American to run a state in US history.

Paterson was elected to the state Senate in 1985, representing the 29th District in the New York State Senate that included Manhattan's Harlem and Upper West Side. He then rose to become New York's highest-ranking black legislator.

Paterson is the son of former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson, who the first African American NYC Deputy Mayor, the first to run for statewide office in New York, and the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1970.

The younger Paterson gained the post of Senate minority leader in 2002. In 2004, he became the first blind person to address the Democratic National Convention.

Source

CROSS-POST: Hillary Clinton’s Qualifications to Serve as Vice President

I found this blog piece on The Vigil. Greg Craig does a good job of breaking down Hillary's claims of experience that she's expressed to the media recently.

Hillary Clinton’s Qualifications to Serve as Vice President --- are 'just words'?

I hope everyone got this memo today:



When your entire campaign is based upon a claim of experience, it is important that you have evidence to support that claim. Hillary Clinton's argument that she has passed "the Commander- in-Chief test" is simply not supported by her record.

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton played an important domestic policy role when she was First Lady. It is well known, for example, that she led the failed effort to pass universal health insurance. There is no reason to believe, however, that she was a key player in foreign policy at any time during the Clinton Administration. She did not sit in on National Security Council meetings. She did not have a security clearance. She did not attend meetings in the Situation Room. She did not manage any part of the national security bureaucracy, nor did she have her own national security staff. She did not do any heavy-lifting with foreign governments, whether they were friendly or not. She never managed a foreign policy crisis, and there is no evidence to suggest that she participated in the decision-making that occurred in connection with any such crisis. As far as the record shows, Senator Clinton never answered the phone either to make a decision on any pressing national security issue - not at 3 AM or at any other time of day.

When asked to describe her experience, Senator Clinton has cited a handful of international incidents where she says she played a central role. But any fair-minded and objective judge of these claims - i.e., by someone not affiliated with the Clinton campaign - would conclude that Senator Clinton's claims of foreign policy experience are exaggerated.

- Northern Ireland: Senator Clinton has said, "I helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland." It is a gross overstatement of the facts for her to claim even partial credit for bringing peace to Northern Ireland. She did travel to Northern Ireland, it is true. First Ladies often travel to places that are a focus of U.S. foreign policy. But at no time did she play any role in the critical negotiations that ultimately produced the peace. As the Associated Press recently reported, "[S]he was not directly involved in negotiating the Good Friday peace accord." With regard to her main claim that she helped bring women together, she did participate in a meeting with women, but, according to those who know best, she did not play a pivotal role. The person in charge of the negotiations, former Senator George Mitchell, said that "[The First Lady] was one of many people who participated in encouraging women to get involved, not the only one."

News of Senator Clinton's claims has raised eyebrows across the ocean. Her reference to an important meeting at the Belfast town hall was debunked. Her only appearance at the Belfast City Hall was to see Christmas lights turned on. She also attended a 50-minute meeting which, according to the Belfast Daily Telegraph's report at the time, "[was] a little bit stilted, a little prepared at times." Brian Feeney, an Irish author and former politician, sums it up: "The road to peace was carefully documented, and she wasn't on it."

- Bosnia: Senator Clinton has pointed to a March 1996 trip to Bosnia as proof that her foreign travel involved a life-risking mission into a war zone. She has described dodging sniper fire. While she did travel to Bosnia in March 1996, the visit was not a high-stakes mission to a war zone. On March 26, 1996, the New York Times reported that "Hillary Rodham Clinton charmed American troops at a U.S.O. show here, but it didn't hurt that the singer Sheryl Crow and the comedian Sinbad were also on the stage."

- Kosovo: Senator Clinton has said, "I negotiated open borders to let fleeing refugees into safety from Kosovo." It is true that, as First Lady, she traveled to Macedonia and visited a Kosovar refugee camp. It is also true that she met with government officials while she was there. First Ladies frequently meet with government officials. Her claim to have "negotiated open borders to let fleeing refugees into safety from Kosovo," however, is not true. Her trip to Macedonia took place on May 14, 1999. The borders were opened the day before, on May 13, 1999.

The negotiations that led to the opening of the borders were accomplished by the people who ordinarily conduct negotiations with foreign governments - U.S. diplomats. President Clinton's top envoy to the Balkans, former Ambassador Robert Gelbard, said, "I cannot recall any involvement by Senator Clinton in this issue." Ivo Daalder worked on the Clinton Administration's National Security Council and wrote a definitive history of the Kosovo conflict. He recalls that "she had absolutely no role in the dirty work of negotiations."

- Rwanda: Last year, former President Clinton asserted that his wife pressed him to intervene with U.S. troops to stop the Rwandan genocide. When asked about this assertion, Hillary Clinton said it was true. There is no evidence, however, to suggest that this ever happened. Even those individuals who were advocating a much more robust U.S. effort to stop the genocide did not argue for the use of U.S. troops. No one recalls hearing that Hillary Clinton had any interest in this course of action. Based on a fair and thorough review of National Security Council deliberations during those tragic months, there is no evidence to suggest that U.S. military intervention was ever discussed. Prudence Bushnell, the Assistant Secretary of State with responsibility for Africa, has recalled that there was no consideration of U.S. military intervention.

At no time prior to her campaign for the presidency did Senator Clinton ever make the claim that she supported intervening militarily to stop the Rwandan genocide. It is noteworthy that she failed to mention this anecdote - urging President Clinton to intervene militarily in Rwanda - in her memoirs. President Clinton makes no mention of such a conversation with his wife in his memoirs. And Madeline Albright, who was Ambassador to the United Nations at the time, makes no mention of any such event in her memoirs.

Hillary Clinton did visit Rwanda in March 1998 and, during that visit, her husband apologized for America's failure to do more to prevent the genocide.

- China: Senator Clinton also points to a speech that she delivered in Beijing in 1995 as proof of her ability to answer a 3 AM crisis phone call. It is strange that Senator Clinton would base her own foreign policy experience on a speech that she gave over a decade ago, since she so frequently belittles Barack Obama's speeches opposing the Iraq War six years ago. Let there be no doubt: she gave a good speech in Beijing, and she stood up for women's rights. But Senator Obama's opposition to the War in Iraq in 2002 is relevant to the question of whether he, as Commander-in-Chief, will make wise judgments about the use of military force. Senator Clinton's speech in Beijing is not.

- Iraq: Senator Obama's speech opposing the war in Iraq shows independence and courage as well as good judgment. In the speech that Senator Clinton says does not qualify him to be Commander in Chief, Obama criticized what he called "a rash war . . . a war based not on reason, but on passion, not on principle, but on politics." In that speech, he said prophetically: "[E]ven a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences." He predicted that a U.S. invasion of Iraq would "fan the flames of the Middle East," and "strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda." He urged the United States first to "finish the fight with Bin Laden and al Qaeda."

If the U.S. government had followed Barack Obama's advice in 2002, we would have avoided one of the greatest foreign policy catastrophes in our nation's history. Some of the most "experienced" men in national security affairs - Vice President Cheney and Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others - led this nation into that catastrophe. That lesson should teach us something about the value of judgment over experience. Longevity in Washington, D.C. does not guarantee either wisdom of judgment.

- Conclusion: The Clinton campaign's argument is nothing more than mere assertion, dramatized in a scary television commercial with a telephone ringing in the middle of the night. There is no support for or substance in the claim that Senator Clinton has passed "the Commander-in-Chief test." That claim - as the TV ad - consists of nothing more than making the assertion, repeating it frequently to the voters and hoping that they will believe it.

On the most critical foreign policy judgment of our generation - the War in Iraq - Senator Clinton voted in support of a resolution entitled "The Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of U.S. Military Force Against Iraq." As she cast that vote, she said: "This is probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make -- any vote that may lead to war should be hard -- but I cast it with conviction." In this campaign, Senator Clinton has argued - remarkably - that she wasn't actually voting for war, she was voting for diplomacy. That claim is no more credible than her other claims of foreign policy experience. The real tragedy is that we are still living with the terrible consequences of her misjudgment. The Bush Administration continues to cite that resolution as its authorization - like a blank check - to fight on with no end in sight.

Barack Obama has a very simple case. On the most important commander in chief test of our generation, he got it right, and Senator Clinton got it wrong. In truth, Senator Obama has much more foreign policy experience than either Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan had when they were elected. Senator Obama has worked to confront 21st century challenges like proliferation and genocide on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He possesses the personal attributes of a great leader - an even temperament, an open-minded approach to even the most challenging problems, a willingness to listen to all views, clarity of vision, the ability to inspire, conviction and courage.

And Barack Obama does not use false charges and exaggerated claims to play politics with national security.

Based upon the evidence presented in this memo, I conclude that Hillary Clinton should immediately knock off on her campaign for President. Then she could take a couple of crash courses at C.C.N.Y. in international relations and American foreign policy and see if she can't train-up and get up to speed by the third week in this coming August. She could then contend for the position of Vice-President on a slam-dunk winning Democratic ticket. But if she persists in her campaign to run on John McCain's shirt tails ... well, I guess we'll never get a chance to re-start the 21st century.

Hillary Clinton’s Qualifications to Serve as Vice President - The Vigil

Gerry Ferraro Defends Herself and Diminishes the Black Female Experience a la Gloria Steinem

From Daily Breeze:

Ferraro defends controversial comments on Barack Obama
By Gene Maddaus

In a follow-up interview today, Ferraro said her company had been deluged with vicious e-mail messages accusing her of racism.

But far from backing off from her initial remark, Ferraro defended it and elaborated on it.

"Any time anybody does anything that in any way pulls this campaign down and says let's address reality and the problems we're facing in this world, you're accused of being racist, so you have to shut up," Ferraro said. "Racism works in two different directions. I really think they're attacking me because I'm white. How's that?"

This is foolishness. You discredit the value of Obama's potential and make him out to be some faulty affirmative action token candidate all the while being a token VP in '84? Obama's lucky to be Black yet why hadn't that "lucky to be Black" fortune rubbed off on previous Black presidential hopefuls Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Carol Moseley-Braun?

Ferraro said she was simply stating an obvious truth, as seen in exit polls that show Obama taking as much as 80 percent of the black vote in the Democratic primaries.

"In all honesty, do you think that if he were a white male, there would be a reason for the black community to get excited for a historic first?" Ferraro said. "Am I pointing out something that doesn't exist?"

And (White) women aren't enraptured in Hillary's gender? So many White women are completely comfortable with voting for their vaginas and admitting to it. And Obama had more than his share of nay-sayers in the Black community before the Clintons threw Black people under the bus. Obama had to work for those votes because a lot of Black people were in love with the Clintons. It wasn't like Black people were saying "Let's give brothaman a chance."

Here are Gerry's remarks about Obama's campaign manager David Axelrod:

"He knows damn well that the best thing to do in a situation like this is to come back and hit with race," Ferraro said, adding that the response is a sign that the Obama campaign is "worried" about the first-term senator's lack of experience.

Hillary does not have a world of experience. Like I've said before, riding shotgun for years doesn't purport that you're a good driver. Hillary stayed with Bill and kept her married name for a reason.

Ferraro said she was not trying to diminish Obama's candidacy, and acknowledged up front that she would not have been the vice presidential nominee in 1984 if she had been a man.

The only sensible thing she's said so far.

But she also echoed remarks of feminist leaders like Gloria Steinem, who argued in the New York Times that Obama would not have succeeded if he were a woman because gender is "the most restricting force in American life."

"Sexism is a bigger problem," Ferraro argued. "It's OK to be sexist in some people's minds. It's not OK to be racist."

How would you know White woman? Step into a Black woman's shoes for one day and I might let you tell it. Gerry and Gloria are two foolish peas in a pod.

Today's Jackass of Spades --- Al "Photo Op" Sharpton

From the Palm Beach Post:

Rev. Sharpton to visit area in fight to block primary results

by Michael C. Bender

In West Palm Beach, Sharpton also will condemn the "unfair" treatment of the suspects in the Dunbar Village assaults, said the Rev. William Richardson, the Florida director of the National Action Network.

Richardson said Sharpton would compare the treatment of the Dunbar Village suspects, who are black, and the teenage suspects in the Boca Raton gang rape.

Source

He has officially lost his motherfucking mind. How dare he suggest that the treatment leveled at those monsters is unfair. How dare he not speak of the heinous, abominable crimes that were committed against that woman and her son. This woman and her son were tortured for hours and were also forced to commit acts of sodomy (at gunpoint) or else would have to die.

Let's be clear: this victimization-wielding, self-appointed "leader" is no leader of mine and has never been. He's idiotic, opportunistic, downright disgraceful, and offers no solutions. Plenty can filter through the bullshit and see this man for what he truly is --- a media whore.

Fuck. Al. Sharpton.

Black Folks Get Ready to FIGHT! AL Sharpton to Speak Out in Defense of Dunbar Village - What About Our Daughters?

Al Sharpton heads back to West Palm Beach--Its not what you think - Essential Presence

Words Cannot Express How Angered I Am - Ninety-Eight Percent.

Obama to Be Featured on Q-Tip's Upcoming Album

This should be interesting.

Q-Tip Taps Barack Obama For Upcoming Album
written by Brandi Hopper

A Tribe Called Quest front man Q-Tip has reportedly enlisted presidential hopeful Barack Obama for his upcoming solo album, The Renaissance.

"I've got Norah Jones on there, but Barack is the big one," Tip told the New York Post's Page 6. "You'll see what happens, I can't reveal too much."

Along with Obama, who will be prominently featured on one song, Spike Lee will also make a political guest appearance on the album, set to drop this June.

The Renaissance will be the Queens rapper's first solo CD since 1999's Amplified. The artist's sophomore album, Kamaal The Abstract, was shelved after Q-Tip's label, Arista, considered the album too experimental. The album was supposed to come out in 2002.

In related Obama news, the Illinois Senator won the Wyoming caucus this weekend. Obama had 61 percent, or 5,378 votes, to contender Hillary Clinton's 38 percent, or 3,312 votes, according to the Associated Press. Obama won seven delegates and Clinton won five.

Source

Hillary's Delusions of Grandeur; Obama Sets Her Straight

Clintons push a Hillary/Obama ticket
By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hillary and Bill Clinton are again teaming up on Barack Obama -- this time saying the first-term U.S. lawmaker, whom they have derided as inexperienced, would be a strong running mate on a Democratic presidential ticket headed by the former first lady.

In hailing Obama as a possible vice president, the Clintons are reaching out to him and, perhaps more importantly, to his backers, whose support she would need to defeat Republican presidential candidate John McCain in the November election.

"The Clintons are in a difficult position," said Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University in Iowa, who has tracked the presidential race.

"If she wins the Democratic presidential nomination, she would need Obama's supporters. But she needs to be careful. If this talk of him on the ticket is seen as a cynical maneuver, it could backfire and hurt her," Goldford said.

Source


Obama Ridicules Notion of VP Slot
By CHARLES BABINGTON

COLUMBUS, Miss. (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama ridiculed the idea of being Hillary Rodham Clinton's running mate Monday, saying voters must choose between the two for the top spot on the fall ticket.

The Illinois senator used his first public appearance of the week to knock down the notion that he might accept the party's vice presidential nomination. He noted that he has won more states, votes and delegates than Clinton so far.

"I don't know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to the person who is first place," Obama said, drawing cheers and a long standing ovation from about 1,700 people.

Saying he wanted to be "absolutely clear," he added: "I don't want anybody here thinking that somehow, 'Well, you know, maybe I can get both.' Don't think that way. You have to make a choice in this election."

"I am not running for vice president," Obama said. "I am running for president of the United States of America."

Later, The Associated Press asked Obama if he would "absolutely close out any possibility" of taking the ticket's second spot. He replied: "I am not running for vice president, and don't intend to be the vice president."

Source

As I've said before, those two running together as a dream ticket wouldn't be a good idea because they represent different aspects of politics. They do have similarities but Hillary comes off very old school and Obama's the new kid on the block running on change. I don't understand how Hillary can, with a straight face, suggest that Barack run as her VP when he's the frontrunner.

Today's Jackass of Spades --- Geraldine Ferraro: "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position"

SMFH.

Geraldine Ferarro lets her emotions do the talking
By Jim Farber

When the subject turned to Obama, Clinton's rival for the Democratic Party nomination, Ferraro's comments took on a decidedly bitter edge.

"I think what America feels about a woman becoming president takes a very secondary place to Obama's campaign - to a kind of campaign that it would be hard for anyone to run against," she said. "For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign.

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," she continued. "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." Ferraro does not buy the notion of Obama as the great reconciler.

"I was reading an article that said young Republicans are out there campaigning for Obama because they believe he's going to be able to put an end to partisanship," Ferraro said, clearly annoyed. "Dear God! Anyone that has worked in the Congress knows that for over 200 years this country has had partisanship - that's the way our country is."

Source

What is this foolishness that she speaks? With all of the White presidents that this country has had, Barack only stands a chance cuz he's (half)Black? If he were a woman, regardless of color, he wouldn't have a shot? Oh my. Gloria Steinem must be on her speed dial. These women are crying faulty affirmative action as if Hillary isn't popular due to her husband's legacy. I'll let them tell it.

What a way to discredit a well-run campaign. And to believe that there are still Negroes in disbelief over Barack's chances at becoming president. Gerry's trying to tell ya'll something.

That's right Gerry. You toss those race and gender cards.

Eliot "Ethics King" Sptizer Admits to Smutting Around But Hasn't Resigned

What's taking him so long to quit?

From the New York Times:

Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring
By DANNY HAKIM and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM

ALBANY - Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who gained national prominence relentlessly pursuing Wall Street wrongdoing, has been caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute at a Washington hotel last month, according to a law enforcement official and a person briefed on the investigation.

The wiretap captured a man identified as Client 9 on a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington, where he had reserved a hotel room, according to an affidavit filed in federal court in Manhattan. The person briefed on the case and the law enforcement official identified Mr. Spitzer as Client 9.

Mr. Spitzer, a first term Democrat, today made a brief public appearance during which he apologized for his behavior, and described it as a “private matter.” He did not address his political future.

“I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family and violates my or any sense of right or wrong,” said Mr. Spitzer, who appeared with his wife Silda at his Manhattan office. “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better.”

“I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.”

Before speaking, Mr. Spitzer stood with his arm around his wife; the two nodded and then strode forward together to face more than 100 reporters. Both had glassy, tear-filled eyes, but they did not cry.

As he went to leave, three reporters called out, "Are you resigning? Are you resigning?", and Mr. Spitzer charged out of the room, slamming the door.

Source

Mrs. Spitzer reminds me of Dina Matos-Greevey but minus the crazed look.

3 AM Girl Casey Knowles Endorses Obama

Text Convo With My BFF About Hillary

I was feeling kinda down about Hillary winning 3 of 4 primaries on Tuesday. I texted my friend to tell her how I was feeling. Isn't it a shame how antisocial we (texters) have become?

Anyway, during this conversation, I was feeling dejected, hadn't considered Barack's delegate count, and thought it was over for him. Like my other friend said "He ain't dead yet."

Here's how the convo went:

Me: I'm depressed :-(

BFF: Why

Me: Cuz Barack fucked up with lying about d secret NAFTA meeting in Canada. I'm voting 4 Nader.

BFF: I never get all caught up in a politician that much cuz they have 2 many people 2 please. I try 2 go 4 d lesser of d evils so 2 speak.

Me: Yeah but I don't think Hill will do a better job than McCain. Nader '08.

BFF: Damn, I dunno. Politics is frustrating. I think this country needs a change. Fuck all the republicans.

Me: I'm not all excited with d dems. They've done jack since taking over d houses. This is y it amazes me how dumb some Americans r. Bipartisanship doesn't work here.

BFF: I think you should still support him (Obama).

Me: 4 what? It's over. TX is a 2 close 2 call & Hill's in d lead by 2 points. PA is going 2 Hill. The gov of PA said d White ppl there aren't ready 4 a Blk pres.

BFF: Ugh I dunno. I think Hillary would do a good job. She plays dirty but I think she reflects my values. McCain wouldn't mind keeping up in Iraq for a 100 more.

Me: But she's not an aggressive legislator. The library of congress substantiates that. At least Nader has American interests @ heart. And she's embroiled in a $17 mil fraud trial in Cali. Chk my blog.

BFF: We'll talk more 2moro. Me sleepy.

Me: Later.

Convo continues next day:

BFF: I really think McCain is not the man for the house.

Me: Yeah. The election's draining. I'm gonna stick 2 fluff on Lifetime & Oxygen.

BFF: If people have been rooting for Obama are so mad that Hillary will be the candidate and not vote for her then McCain will win for sure.

Me: I don't know about that. I think many of them will not vote. Also mAnn Coulter and Rush Limbaugh are strategists. They're telling ppl 2 vote 4 Hill so that she can be destroyed by McCain.

BFF: Both of those people are not popular with many. They're hardcore Repubs. I think not voting is gonna happen cuz people will be bitter. I'm excited and hope to see a woman president. I don't love her but like her more and she supports my fundamental rights so I'm for her.

Me: Nader '08.

BFF: He will never win. I wish that Black voters (BFF's White) won't be discouraged and bitter and not vote for her. It's not smart. (BFF is a lesbian and is willing to compromise her own interests if it means voting for a lesser evil.)

Me: So Blk voters should accept the slap in d face that she & Bill levelled? F her. She had Blk voters b4 u'know but she devalued our votes by playing southern strategy. Muslims shouldn't vote 4 her either. Women's rights groups shouldn't vote 4 her. I'm not dying to have a Blk person or a woman in d white house. & she's not an aggressive legislator.

BFF: Politics is dirty. I think people got really wrapped up in in the battle between them. I never like my politicians but she has more of an interest in issues I believe in. McCain is someone I don't want in office. Do you even know what he stands for? He will drag this war on forever.

Me: I know what he stands 4 but she was just as hawkish. That's what really made me dislike her long b4 d race baiting. & I'm not gonna give my vote away 2 billary just cuz mccain's a dirtbag.

BFF: Most politicians are simply trying to get your vote and they do lie. A lot. The point is to never LOVE or get attached too much. They all will at some point neglect us. I vote to see change. I don't vote with heart. I vote with my head. I can't stand to see another 4 years of a Repub era. It needs to stop so I'm voting.

Me: The Clinton yrs weren't that great 4 many americans. & Hill's moderate. Remember that she voted 4 this war 2.

BFF: Yes but she changed her stance. I don't blame her for voting for the war. She realizes now that it was a mistake and wants otherwise. I have a couple of friends that are going to Iraq again. I never thought about it that way but people are really sick of it. Even some Repubs. I wanna vote for someone who will try to speed it up. McCain is not the person. I most certainly rather see her. Anyway whatever man.

Me: Well of course she had 2 change her stance when it became unpopular. Many repubs r against this war. & I blame her. I wish politicians would put up their kids 4 war the way they do americans.

BFF: Whether it's war or environment or teachers pay or civil rights I am way more on her side than his (McCain). And that's that. My vote is going to her.

Me: I rented election from netflix & they said it's just like watching Obama & Billary.

BFF: LOL ha. Fuck I gotta go to class. Talk to you later.

End of convo.

In the last election, I voted for Kerry because he was the lesser evil. I don't wanna waste another vote on a candidate that I don't agree with or believe in. This is my third time voting in a presidential election and I've never been so excited about an election before.

You know, I was going through the motions weeks ago wondering "What if Hillary wins the nomination? What next? Should I vote for her?" I was thinking of being spiteful to the Democratic party and voting for McCain to send a message that they shouldn't counter the interests of the voters by giving Hill the nod. I can't stand leatherface McCain so you can scratch that. I'll vote for Nader or hand in a write-in ballot if Obama loses the nomination.

In the meantime, my other friend and I plan to volunteer for Obama's campaign. I've gotta properly channel my anger and make a difference the best way I can. I wanna do my part and be involved in the most exciting election thus far.