If I remember correctly, this so called State of the Black Union had Al Sharpton who said that he is one of us but he is not our kind, and Dr. Cornel West said the following about Obama:  "He's got large numbers of white brothers and sisters who have fears and anxieties and concerns, and he's got to speak to them in such a way that he holds us at arm's length," West said, pushing his hand out for emphasis. "So he's walking this tightrope." West challenged the candidate to answer a stark set of questions: "I want to know how deep is your love for the people, what kind of courage have you manifested in the stances that you have and what are you willing to sacrifice for. That's the fundamental question. I don't care what color you are. You see, you can't take black people for granted just 'cause you're black."  Now I understand that Cornel is backing Obama now, but it will be interesting to see how our so called black leaders will have to say about Obama, when about 90 percent of their so called followers have supported Obama thus far.   If Tavis has not learned from his diss by the GOP candidates @ Morgan in September, he should just shut up and chill he is going to lose this battle if he is going to take Obama on.  Who is he anyway?

Honestly I'm not really sure how to feel about this. I don't really like Tavis because he seems to be more into promoting himself than he is to anything else but I also understand where he is coming from. 90% of blacks are voting for Obama and that's not going to change but I do believe we need people to simply ask Obama some tough questions about what black america needs, again it's not going to change his support really on the ground but why can't Tavis ask some questions. I'm wary of the fact that Obama must boycott black events because he has to appeal to the masses. He is definitely going to have to walk a tightrope.

I heard Tavis on the TJMS on Tuesday calling Barack out for not committing to his conference in Lousiana and he made it sound like the candidate who attends (Hillary Clinton) will get his backing. It is unfortunate that Tavis and the Civil Rights era elders don't see beyond the "black issues." Although we have serious problems in our community, we (all Americans) want the same things, safe schools and places to live, solid education for our children, decent wages, etc. That is not a "black thing" but a American thing. I take great offense that they believe they speak for me or my children or my extended family. It's not at all to say that the SOTBU isn't relevant it's just that I think that these assemblies are not for me as much as it's to let the MAJORITY hear our grievances. Honestly, we just need to take care of our own, no amount of legislation or exposure, is going to change anything. Barack attended every debate at black colleges around the country, he is running a national campaign. He is going to be a president of the people--not just black people. And to deny Michelle Obama an opportunity to attend is ridiculous, she is one of us through and through. More importantly, if you are considering a candidate who is running on the coatails of her husband's presidency, what's the different. Seriously, in my opinion voting for Hiliary, would be like asking Kobe Bryant's wife to substitute and play in the All-Star for Kobe. Living with him, doesn't make your experience relevant for what this country needs.

Tavis hosted a Democratic Presidential Debate a few months back and Barack was in attendance. If he did not get all the answers he wanted at that time, it's his own fault. If I were Barack, I would not attend either. I believe that he will do the right thing if elected. But right now he cannot get caught in the SOTBU because he will lose some white supporters, and he cannot get elected without them. I'm a bit disappointed in Tavis right about now. To me, it seems like he feels indebted to the Clintons because they invited him to tour Africa with them a few years back.

"More importantly, if you are considering a candidate who is running on the coatails of her husband's presidency, what's the different. Seriously, in my opinion voting for Hiliary, would be like asking Kobe Bryant's wife to substitute and play in the All-Star for Kobe. Living with him, doesn't make your experience relevant for what this country needs."

MzPrettyP, I'm with you 1000%.  The other day I heard Roland Martin speak to the fact that Obama is in the middle of a heated campaign and the SOTBU is in Louisiana, where votes have already been cast.  It doesn't make sense to be where there will be no votes to pick up.  But I also see Tavis panicking because of the way the election has changed. He was going at Obama right after Iowa and has been almost hateful on some of his TJMS commentaries with regard to the Democratic nomination.  I think this is because when the Covenant came out he wanted to use it to force the potential presidentials to pay homage and give policy outlines that would favor the community.  They debate and we decide.  But then the GOP frontrunners didn’t show up in B-More, Obama started winning, and “Dolla Bill” started attacking.  Those events combined to end the debate for Black people (I base that on voting returns).  Well with the decision made, Tavis’ plan now has no where to go.  But someone did talk to him because he pulled up on Thursday.  Sounds like he realized he can win this one.  

Sorry, that last sentence was supposed to be "Sounds like he realized he can't win this one."  

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The Composer, Bjarne O. writes:

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YES WE CAN - ALL OF US TOGETHER

Anne

Tavis is starting to come across like another 'Pulpit Pimp', minus the "Rev\Bishop\Dr." in front of his name. It is high-time that black folk stop getting hijacked and sidetracked by the journalistic equivalents to ambulance chasers. WE are each unique, independent, opinionated people that have our own personal perspectives, experiences, and influences to contend with. We do not need more Sharptons, Jacksons, Johnsons, and Bonds to tell us what BLACK is and how BLACK should act.

We can be conservative, liberal, moderate. We are NOT a Big Black Union. If we are, why can't we stop the drugs and violence from plaguing our communities? This effor to turn Obama into THE BLACK CANDIDATE is going to destroy the first VIABLE Black candidate we have ever had!

Great article very good outstanding

I can only offer one person's prospective and that is we don't need to be telling white folks what is wrong with us. As I told my children learn to say no thanks even if the food looks good. Why? Because if I feed you I can control you because you are looking to me for your meals. On the other hand if I scrap for myself I know every meal I enjoy was the product of my own hand thus I sleep better at night knowing I don't have to pay the piper. Your article is right on Tavis should not be calling Sen Obama on the carpet for not attending, yet I understand his motive if he can get an inroad he can say he has the inner ear. Forget it accept the fact the Senator is traveling a road with a plan that changes

America not produce more of the same. He said it and I believe it "He is working to change the face of America not to deliver more of the same and that is on both sides of the fence".  Remember not all of us agreed with  The Reverend Martin Luther King but he took to the high road and look at the outcome today. Mr. Smiley we ain't crabs in the basket we are Men and  women standing with you as you wage the battle that will help all win the war.

The last line should have read Mr. Smiley we ain't crabs in a basket we stand with Senator Obama  as he wages the battle that will help all win the war.

Barack Obama is in the fight of his life for the presidency of the United States. What happens between today and March 4th is absolutely critical. He should spend his time in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Texas. It is more important that he do what it takes to be president than appear at a conference. His instincts have been serving him right up until this point.  No one is in a position to second guess his judgment on how to play this because no other black person has ever come this close to winning the nomination of a major political party in the United States. Let him do what he evidently knows how to do well. Maybe he can drop in on the conference once he's president.  

Last year during the SOTBU I was undecided about whether I would support an Obama bid for the presidency. I wasn't really feeling the brother. So, as I was watching SOTBU- 2007 it struck me as peculiar that Cornel & Co were so uncharitable to Obama for scheduling his presidential bid announcement on the same day as their event. Then as now, theirs seemed such an absurd position (and I was particularly disappointed in West who I like a lot), that I vowed to stop watching Tavis and listening to anything SOTBU related. I might mention that the only one of the many people on stage that day who showed anything remotely akin to generosity or level-headedness was Charles Ogletree. Anyway, it seems particularly ironic and equally absurd that in the middle of a fierce presidential bid, Tavis & Co. expect Obama to step off his momementum flow to spend a day with them. And. (!!!) They don't want Michelle in his place?! What's that about?!  Come on. This is ridiculous.

Does anyone know Tavis' momma? Can someone please call her. She needs to have a sit down with her son about the nature of meglamania. It's fine to have enough ego to get you to where you want to go and even a little extra to move you beyond your own limitations. But, too much, as with most things, is dangerous, not to mention annoying to the rest of us who actually are able to check ourselves every now and again.

Futhermore, when you are relating that to his momma, can you please also suggest he brush up on his African American poetry? Last year on the Tom Joyner Morning Show he spent a whole segment talking about African American Poetry but didn't read any poetry by living poets. This in a year when an African American woman had JUST won the Pulitzer Prize in, you guessed it, Poetry. Sigh. How are you gonna be the Don of the Black Union when you don't know what's going on in the Black Union?

I agree fundamentally with Bro Cornel, we should not be taken for granted.  But Obama's bona fides and even his political destiny simply aint in the hands of a few public black intellectuals who confer annually.  What Obama may be on the verge of is a true multiracial coalition which really is new and unseen.  Is that even likely as a product of Tavis and Co (tho I deeply love the bruvva.) Imagine a potentially progressive formation with a Black man at the helm.  Such a coalition will still need a SOBTU and Tavis and others--to the extent we stay rooted in identity politics and pluralism....but we need to be able to give Obama room.  This really could be something new and if we can't embrace a progressive new democrat (with a small "D" as Cornel might say), who can?  

Our focus should be on supporting Obama.  We have had 9 years of the STOTBUC and there

has been no change.  Michelle and Obama according to God' Law (marriage) have become

one.  If we say, "we believe in God", then, why not accept Michelle in the place of Obama.

P L E A S E E E  STOP THE MADNESS.  Let pray and ask God for divine intervention and keep

one another in prayer and love.

Our focus should be on supporting Obama.  We have had 9 years of the STOTBUC and there

has been no change.  Michelle and Obama according to God' Law (marriage) have become

one.  If we say, "we believe in God", then, why not accept Michelle in the place of Obama.

P L E A S E E E  STOP THE MADNESS.  Let pray and ask God for divine intervention and keep

one another in prayer and love.

Amen Jimi Izrael!  Thank you for this piece. I am a doctoral student of History and am currently an Instructor of History at a local junior college.  One of the first rules in my classroom is that you study history critically.  You draw your own conclusions about why something happened and you substantiate your conclusions with fact; and it does not matter that your conclusions might be different from your classmates.  

I could not agree more with you about this whole "State of the Black Union" being little more than a showcase for the black intelligentsia.  I stopped watching several years ago because each year there is a litany of Black folks telling me what I already know and then producing documents that are supposed to be some kind of blueprint to remedy the problems in the black community.  I have yet to see anything be implemented.  Tavis Smiley once said jokingly that he was "a shameless self-promoter."  I now suspect that that statement was not entirely a joke.

I was thoroughly disgusted when Smiley  declined having Michelle Obama stand in for her husband.  I know we Black women have been and are  thoroughly devalued by just about everyone, but dear God.  How did Tavis justify such a decision?  A completely eloquent, well-educated Black woman is not acceptable to speak for her husband?  If Bill Clinton had offered to stand in for Hillary, I seriously doubt he would have turned Bill away.  

I know you are not yet an Obama supporter.  I am for a variety of reasons. I am 47 years old.  The one thing that I know for sure is that no change ever occurs anywhere without the full involvement of young people.  I witnessed young black, white, latino, etc. literally walk in off of the streets to volunteer for Barack Obama.  They pulled 12 to 14 hour days.  Any individual who can get our apathetic and often uninvolved youth back into the political process is worth paying attention to.  The last time I saw so many young 18 to 20 somethings involved and on the case, I was about 7 years old and a man named Martin was still with us!!

Peace, my brother.

Who put Tavis Smiley in charge? Over the past two months African Americans have emerged as equal partners

I'm inclined to agree, that Mr. Obama, need not take part in this discussion, so as not to pigeon-hole him, on any one subject.  It would give Hillary Clinton, the ammunition she needs to sabotage the slim lead he has, so far.  McCain and Clinton(s), are laying in wait to ambush Mr. Obama on the least little infraction.  The white political pundits, are at a loss as how to positively give this man credit for being the phenomen, he IS!  When Hillary was in front, she displayed a degree of arrogance, I've been talking about, for years.  Mainly that white women, Asians and Hispanices, have reaped the benefit for all WE marched for, DIED for and never teaped the benefit of!  One Black person, is a LOT of integration, according to them!  Are quick to ask you questions of a personal nature, they wouldn't DREAM of asking their white counterparts, but since YOU are the ONLY, they interrogate you, to death!  Tavis Smiley, does NOT speak for me or anyone else!  He is enriching himself!  I have nothing personally against him, but he is just like the "basket of crabs"!  Instead of giving his brother a "bye" on this, until AFTER the election, he wants to call Mr. Obama on the carpet!  He should get in Andrew Young and Charles Rangel's necks for NOT supporting the first SERIOUS candidate, who happens to be Black!  I am 63, lived through segregation in the south, the name calling, the expletives, thrown at me as a child and a Black female, always having to be twice as smart, being in the right place at the right time, Blacks in a position to give you a lift up, but a back hand slap instead!  So, when I see a Barack Obama, a family man, a Black professional, a first at Harvard, of all places, his coolness under fire, his thoughtfullness and I hearken back to August 28, 1963, the day before my 19th birthday and see the "Dream", in front of me, I keep a box of tissues, handy because my tears, are tears , for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, marched, beaten, killed, lynched and beat down, I think of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer, who was "sick and tired of being sick and tired" and weep for joy, that I have yet, to see another historical episode in my lifetime and I say, YES!  I am no poet, no person of letters, just an ordinary Black woman, with extraordinary DREAMS!  A woman, whose ancestors, survived long enough, to have ME, whose struggles to give me what they never had and I taught my 5 Black children, to reach for the stars, too!  Barack Obama, belongs to ALL of us and I'm proud of him, his strong articulate wife and everything about him!  I am a native of New Orleans, attended Catholic Schools, that were segregated, but loved by all the teachers/nuns, who looked like me, taught me life lessons, to never settle for 2nd best.  From 1949-1962, I was in school.  11 years later, I went to college, after a divorce and remarriage.  I am living proof, that one can succeed, if you have a dream and the will!  May the Spirit of the  living God, wash afresh, on all of you!

I'm someone who was very critical of the Clinton's during his administration. I was completely insulted when people referred to him as the first black president. But now I'm in a dillema because I'm having to look at Hillary as a viable option. The more I look at Obama the more he disappoints me. The snub of Tavis for the SOTBU event is the latest. I don't care what you think about Smiley, the question is why is it that he's avoiding a conversation that addresses black issues. Since blacks are a big part of the electorate, he should be happy to have a conversation with that audience. Some of you are giving him a pass because he's black. Some of you think it's OK to put our issues on the backburner because his association with certain people will disenfranchise some white voters. But now I'm a black voter that feels disenfrancised.

Part of the Obama litmus test for people like me is determining whether or not his commitment to his interest (and mine) is sincere or superficial. So far, he's blowing with the wind. Quick to jump on or off anything that's politically expedient. He's already denounced Farrakhan to satisfy his Jewish supporters. He booted Donnie McClurkin from working his campaine rallies because gays didn't like him. He sold his pastor up the river because whites decided they didn't like his sermons. And now he's skipping out on Tavis because there will be too many black people in the room.  Who won't he kick to the curb to be elected?

I've never been a Clinton fan, but Hillary is showing more nuts by confirming her attendance at the State of the Black Union address. You people who think that talking about black issues don't matter are insane. She is ahead in the polls in Texas and Ohio yet she still can find the time to come. Why can't he? I live in Texas and even though I want to feel what everyone is feeling about Obama, unless I see a change in his behavior, I don't think I can vote for him in the primary.

And to all of those republican candidates who decided to blow off Smiley's debates, they all dropped off like flys during primary season. Obama can't afford to ignore this audience.

 Feb. 23?

 Believe it, the only Black, White, & Latino audiences Barack will be addressing will be in Ohio or Texas!!

 The man truly has the future of our nation to think about!!

  Now Hillary, she has some fences to mend with the Black community, and so, as a White Obama supporter, I would like to congratulate Tavis Smiley for pulling her out of the Mar. 4 primary states at this critical time!!!

The old line, black political establishment is in fear of marginalization. Unfortunately Tavis is part of that group.  The current state of Black politics is borderline absurd. There is truly a belief that the tail can wag the dog. That belief was seriously placed in question by the South Carolina vote, where every black leader Clinton could muster promoted her over Obama.  But Obama claimed 80% of the black vote.  Black America can see what Obama is trying to accomplish, and that fact that he is not playing the victim card is more refreshing to blacks than anyone else.  I'm tired of being told by "black leaders" that we cant do much of anything but complain.  I don't expect Obama to fix all of Black Americas Problems no President can. My future will not be determined by who is in the Whitehouse...sorry Clintons, Tavis I will not be convinced otherwise.     Much was made of Bill Clintons "Sista Soulja" moment  who would have thought that Tavis Smiley would give Obama his.  PS I ATTENDED THE LAST STATE OF the BLACK UNION in Hampton VA.

Who put Tavis Smiley in charge? Over the past two months African Americans have emerged as equal partners

Rocobro:  I had to read your post a couple of times to make sure I read it correctly.  You stated, "And to all of those republican candidates who decided to blow off Smiley's debates, they all dropped off like flys during primary season. Obama can't afford to ignore this audience."  I really hope you are not implying that the Republicans paid a political price for skipping Tavis debate?  Because trust me that did not affect them, and the one guy who did not show up is the presumptive nominee, John McCain.  Come on man

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Again, this ain't about speaking to whites, it's about, is he AFRAID to speak to US. Whites are not as stupid as some of you think. I personally don't believe, with the amount of people on stage at one time. that he will get anymore questions, then anybody else. Plus with 90% of the people backing him. What dose he have to fear.Whites are gonna like him or hate him reguardless of this staged event. Which by the way is getting weaker and weaker by the year. But still he needs to be there, if just to show, he not AFRAID to at least address US.

What a fantastic, insightful article! Great work, Mr. Israel. I totally agree with kitibo, Ms PrettyP and rocobro! I could'nt said it better myself. I stopped listening to the Tom Joyner Ministrel Show and Tavis a long while ago after being sickened by the "we know what's best for black folks" crap they spout.

Black people are NOT monolithic! Also, we are not the only ones in the US with problems; everyone in the US of A has issues, except for white males who are claim they are heterosexual. ;-)  Eveyone else catches hell!  

I've never really trusted Tavis, Al, Jesse, Tom Joyner. etc... they always seemed a bit greasy to me--like greasing their pockets. I really think that Tavis is trying to suck up to whomever is in control of the Presidential race right now-- he wants a job in DC when it is allover. Again, a brother gotta look out for himself--- his words, not mine.

And can't agree more.   "I wondered how dude can even pee straight with that kind of swagger,,,"

Classic.  Brilliant.  And I hope Tavis reads it ,,, and takes a Valium.

Words cannot accurately describe the dissapointment I feel with Tavis.

It is interesting that commentors point out the likes of Tom Joyner. TJ is featured on African American lives with Henry Louis Gates, where he finds he has European lineage. In this documentary, TJ calls himself a "Race-Baiter".

I love Barack because, he has won without these so-called gatekeeping rabble-rousers. He has given legitiamcy to politicians who happen to be black, instead of being a black politician.

I am from Chicago, and trust, Black people I know, are SICK, of the politics as usual Black men and they are disenchanted, for real. Barack has enchanted them again.

I Heart Barack!!!

As far as I am concerned, Obama's candidacy for the President of the United States is a testimony of the State of Black Union. What's more important - Obama being at the summit or trying to ensure victory in Texas and Ohio. Doesn't Tavis realize that the only reason Hillary is coming to the summit is because she's out of money and needs publicity and advertisements any way she can get them? He's providing her with a forum to "blast" Obama free of charge at our expense!

And has he forgotten, there are other candidates running for office? Did Tavis invite McCain and Huckabee? Pesonally, I'm much more interested in what they have to say to Black American than to hear more commentary about nothing from Hillary Clinton!

Uhhh, Barack is mulatto, so he has to have the back of whites as well as blacks, which means he must operate on a higher level to include everybody.  Shame on Tavis for getting offended when Barack did not take time away from the single most important thing he has ever done in his life, to spend time at Tavis' meeting that is held annually.

I am disappointed in Tavis. Smiley's decision to not allow Michelle Obama speak at his event. Tavis  is alway promoting African American women and their accomplishments as it relates to America.  When did you loose your momemtum in keeping your African American sisters uplifted?  A denial in allowing Michelle Obama to subsitute in her husbands absence, is a denial in acknowledging the accomplishments of the African American women in America.  Are you saying that African American women cannot contribute to the "Change" in the future of our African American families? This would be a perfect platform to show case the positive views that Michelle has to offer to our Community.   African Americans  need to see and hear positive people in our Community as often as possible.  Tavis wake up!  I am starting to look at you differently and am not sure the I want to hear you speak either!

I am so proud of Black America today. After ready so many of your comments. I hope Tavis Smiley will not keep this going and let this go. Obama is during the right thing by focusing on his campaign right now.

I'm dismay with the amount of ignorance and this mob attitude. First of all Michelle Obama isn't running for office, I could care do-do about she has to say. When she becomes first lady ...she'll fall into step and take on a mission...If Obama is the democratic candidate, I will vote for him by default.  I vote because so many people put their lives ob the line to give me the right to cast a vote.  I will be voting for the candidate but for pertinent issues such as the possible three vacant seats on the Supreme Court.  Gingsberg and Kennedy and another liberal judge are age 77 and older and in decling health...I do not want to see a full conservative Supreme Court.  I have no expectation from an Obama administration because he promised nothing. When I need to be hopeful...I pray and consult the book of gospel and spend time with like minded spiritual people.  I do not believe that Obama share my history.  Obama has been influenced by his wife mother and her parents...just as I have been influenced by black parents and grandparents.  I believe that Obama will be a president that hold no ties to black America...he will encourage us to get our apathetic ...uninformed ...unprogressive black butts out of our narrowed minded worlds... and help ourselves because there will be no government handouts from his administration.  *******I do like the idea that so many blacks will be voting for the first time...now if we get them to turn off the 6 o'clock news and study the issues...because sound bites are useless.  I made a chart comparing Biden, Clinton and Obama's vote. I carry the chart in a small day planner in my book and refer to it at least once a week and update it with forthcoming information.   I am also studying the local issues. I know what is going on in my city...with my school district and city council.  wasn't interested in reading just their respective websites but I went to review their voting records...and study the important issues that we're facing as a country.  I have put my fictional reading on hold so that I could allocate time to do some critical thinking.  At first I thought about pulling an Obama be present at the polls on November 4 but not voting...but that seemed silly and a waste of time  because I'm concerned about the Supreme Court and do not want to spend the remaining of my life expectancy seeing the Supreme erode all the gains of the last 50 years.  I have grown considerably over the last twenty years...and respect Tavis Smiley tremendously because he take us to task.  I happen to live in a city with a black population that is less than 7 percent, so it is wonderful to watch his State of the Black Union.  It is a way to  expose my children to something greater than they see on the streets...crackhead...drug dealers...disillusioned black men and women. I am a professional...and they see more black women that are professional than black men...so for them to hear Olgatree...West....and a host of others creates a nice balance.  I am not offended that Tavis doesn't agree with Obama.  I'm sure folks who dranked the kool-aid would have been offended if we disagreed with their chosen leader.  Tavis is a brother with a heart...and he happens to love black people...not just the folks with titles behind their names...and those crowned by fame.    I wish Obama would presented himself at the event...come on Texas was just a skip away from Lousiana...and surely he would have found plenty of hands to shake their at that event.  I remember hearing how President Johnson came to the lower ninth district  after Hurricane Betsy ...  he got on a megaphone and called out to the distressed people in time of turmoil....and said this your president... he came to see their devastation and to ensure them that the federal governement will user its resources to help them.  Now that's presidential...I cannot believe that today voters do not realize the wheeling and dealing Johnson had to do to get the civil rights bill passed...Kennedy used us....there was an equal housing bill that set on Kennedy's desk for 14 months...that he could not bring himself to sign.  JFK tapped into an untapped voter base...black folks and used us to gain the white house...but it was Johnson who had the courage and the conviction... he made Martin's dream a reality... President Eisnehower...appointed Chief Earl Warren to the Supreme Court...but again there was alot  ofdeal brokerage that preceded that....cases were tried in certain federal districts where sat compassionate judges who thrust forward the act of desegregating public schools by their decisions...white sympathizers...were ostracized....by friends and family...and kicked out of their county clubs because they took courageous stances....We need to know that the black vote alone has not changed our world...and will not take us forward...Tavis is great at inspiring and enlightening...Obama says black folks are not harmed by lillegal immigrants...you wanna bet?  Next time you drive by a construction site...check out how many black men and women you see....then count the number of Mexicans.... Mexicans and Asians are the preferred minority...I heard and read whites preference....Catholic churches in California was a big supporter of bilinqualism...many blacks who do not speak Spanish lose jobs to hispanics all over the country.  The illegal immigrant crossing illegally into this country do not have master degrees...most are uneducated...underskilled and in poor health....we have 12 million...who will absorbed all the government resources...health care...housing... and educations...the people employed to assist are hispanic and they will give preference to their people...taxes will go up...locally and federally....and the infrastructure in the black communities will become a lesser priority.     We're ignoring the illegal entry of danger gangs  and drug dealers ....they do not reside in white middle class neighborhoods...but always next doors to ours...ask the blacks in California where there are gang wars.   When I vote...I think about how will the candidate...city councilwoman...mayor...governor...congressman...senator...president affect my life and my community.  

I guess we have overcome.  Black folks and white folks are finally absolutely free in this regard -- we  are now completely equal in our ability to ignore cold hard facts and reach conclusions based on Internet rants.  Perhaps it would be beneficial for some of us to actually read the account of what happened regarding Smiley's invitation to Barack Obama before we hit the "forward" button and send a pack of half-truths bouncing round the Web.

It is astounding to me that after years of being respected in the Black community, people like Tavis Smiley, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, John Lewis, Maxine Waters and countless others are devils to be threatened and vanquished  just because some of us want to see this one Black man, that most of us hardly know, win the presidency.  It shows an amazing level of political naivete and requires deliberate amnesia and a conscious rewriting of history.

And I actually understand it to a very limited extent.  We want some justice, some get back, We are excited that somebody who looks like us may be power.  But I sure hope we come back to ourselves and remember it never turns out well when we turn our backs on the people who stood with us when so man stood against us.

I dont blame Obama about not appearing with Tavis. Tavis has become a joke. He has been totally disrespectful of Obama's Campaign. Watch his show sometime. He always finds something negative to say about Obama and something good to say about his girl Hillary. He rambles with it as usual, but he always finds a way to do it. I stopped watching his show. He has become some what embrassing.

Thank you Techjitsu,

I have been really fustrated about what is happening with religion in the African American Community. You used a term that captures it exactly. "Pul-pit Pimps" It has really gotten out of hand. Any one one who wants to make a quick buck is bestowing the title of Rev, Pastor, Dr. Rev, Preacher or Bishop upon themselves. They are ripping the Black Community off big time. Black communities have  high un-employment, no businesses, no community institutions for youth, non-performimg schools, a lack of decent housing etc, These churches are paying these con-artist mega bucks to preach to them. The surmmons end up being screaming sessions. They buy the preachers fancy cars, boats, expensive clothing and get absoulty nothing in return. The worst neighborhoods have beautiful churches. I have nothing against churches, but this is destroying our communities. There needs to be a serious article written about this by a credible theology scholar. This trend should be challenged from within the ranks of the church itself. I am frankly sick of it. It has become insulting. I am also tired of white politicans like the Clintons crawling up in Black churches come election time, creasing the minister's palm in return for a promise of votes. The community gets zero return, even if the candidate is elected. The cycle just repeats itself next time election rolls around. Sorry to get off subject, but this is an issue I am frankly fed up with. Thanks again for the term. It will help next time when I get on my soap box with my friends.

I describe myself as an artist turned teacher, a spiritual agnostic, a progressive, a white man married to an exceptional black woman, and the father of two fantastic mixed race boys (ages 3 and 7). I hold Barack as an example of the changes in America. I am a patriot in my own way. I recently explained to my 7 year old that there are white people that fear having a black President and don't think Black and White should mix. He didn't know this yet. He said, "I thought he was mixed like me and besides we have already mixed." I told him he is proof of that. I told him that some people are just wasting precious time.

The point is that we need to beat McCain and the Bushites or rather Cheneyites. We need to beat the thieves that are depleting our resources. Barack is simply the best person out there to be President, black, white or both. He speaks truthfully and is trying not to offend anyone. If we let the Rightwing make him into a black candidate he will lose. It is so important that we win this time.

By the way, where is Colin Powell in this. White people love him. Bush dissed him. Can't we pull him into the dialogue. He would have ended the war by now.

Side note: The Root is the most interesting dialogue I've seen in a long time. Bravo, and call me a white liberal, but I love listening to Mr. West. Man, I wish I could write like that guy speaks.

One more comment and then I'll shut up for a while. One way to calm White anxiety is for Black leaders to offer criticism of Mr. Obama. Sad but true. Travis or whoever, it's part of the game. Maybe it needs to wait until the general election. Those other Whites are going to be using every dirty trick they can find to stop this. They are not reasonable people that openly debate. Obama's speech on race is already part of American History. I heard it described as a speech for intellectuals, but it wasn't. It was honest and upfront and "for the first time in my adult life, I am proud to be an American" (M. Obama, 2008)

Sorry for the typo, I meant Tavis not Travis. You know how white people have difficulty with black names. If it wasn't for his show on PBS I wouldn't known about The Root. Peace.

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