I like Colin Powell. Always have. I have elected to block out a certain speech at the UN about WMDs. This was a GRACEFUL, CLASSY and MAGNANIMOUS interview Powell gave to Tavis Smiley about Barack Obama. It is notable because it is in stark contrast to the old soldiers of the CRIC. Are you watching Andrew Young? Did you see that Rev. Al?
I have consistently rejected the argument by MANY of y’all who have said Black folks will be better off in an Obama administration than they will be in any of the other candidate’s administrations. I don’t think we will, but I am not going to lie and say this isn’t fun to watch. From Oprah to Colin Powell, the cute Christmas commercial with the weeMichelles. Michelle out there representing. It is fun to watch.
I guess there is a part of me that wonders LOUDLY what an Obama administration is going to look like when an undercurrent to his campaign has been lauding his ability to keep Black folks and our “issues” (*cough* Black on Black crime *cough*)at arms length. As if by too closely embracing US, he will repel White voters. This may be a political reality, but that doesn’t mean that it is any less hurtful. You have to remember that the people running his campaign will be running an Obama administration and will believe that his survival and success is predicated on his ability to move as far away from US as possible without alienating US. What does that mean for Black America on the day after Obama’s inauguration? I know a lot of y’all are racial transcendentalists – You believe that we can transcend race if we just have enough hope. Maybe growing up surrounded by “sunset” towns is jading my ability to buy into the whole racial transcendentalist movement. Race still matters, even if not in the ways it has in the past.
I was a little Black girl whose idol was Barbara Jordan and I have donated money to candidates for no other reason than I wanted to support an African American seeking a statewide or national office for the first time. Because I knew that if seeing Barbara Jordan could change the course of my life, then seeing other African American people seek high office might cause some other little Black girl to believe that anything was possible. I get that. So like Colin Powell, I am enjoying watching all of this play out…from a distance. I would be enjoying it far more if I didn’t feel like Delilah Johnson in the movie “Imitation of Life”.
So while I may be offended by the Obama campaign’s celebrated stiff-arm of the African American community and our “special interests”, nobody is going to die as a result of being offended.
What people HAVE died from is the United States Senate abdicating its constitutional obligation to check the power of the executive branch and issue a blank check to wage war. The President has the power to wage war, but it is the Congress which must declare that there is a war to wage. I don’t care what their reasons were. I have no doubt that many members of the US Senate at the time- Hillary Clinton and John Edwards made a political calculation imperiling the lives of people’s sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Not just of soldiers, but the civilians in Iraq. The decision to send someone else’s child to die is the most weighty decision an elected official will ever have to make and should be exercised judiciously- reluctantly.
This isn’t a commentary on whether or not we should have gone to war with Iraq, we can fight about that, but a commentary on US Senators neglecting the role that the Constitution says they must play in order to maintain the balance of powers between the three branches. So it isn’t the fact that they issued a check authorizing a war, it is the fact that the check was BLANK. I don’t care about what people knew or intelligence estimates. The problem isn’t that they got it wrong, nobody has a crystal ball, but they got it wrong in the wrong way. In 2002-2003 Senators failed to preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution-for that I will always question the judgment of Hillary Clinton and John Edwards.
For all of you about to hop in the comments condemning the Republicans for all things Iraq, any time the Democrats want to end the war, THEY CAN. They don’t have to pass legislation, just NOT pass legislation funding the war. I’m not saying whether they should or they shouldn’t. I think we’ll be in Iraq for 100 years , but know that the Constitution has provided the legislative branch with any and all tools to end any war they do not support in the same way the Constitution provided tools(even to the minority party) to prevent starting the war in the first place. For those of you saying a minority party can’t still wield power in Washington, just look at what the Republicans are doing right now. They are giving Harry Reid HELL and somebody in the House can’t figure out how to count high enough to realize that they don’t have a veto-proof majority before engaging the President in repeated high stakes games of “Chicken.” Shouldering your constitutional burdens isn’t easy, but it is a requirement of the job.
You might want to read this post over at the AfroSpear Think Tank, “Obama’s Win Doesn’t Mean Racism Lost.” I think folks need to start to ponder what life looks like for all the rest of us during an Obama administration. Whoever the next President is, I fear our country is on a perilous path and there has to be a change in trajectory. Once you get past the heart warming symbolism and the excitement, what then? Or is the symbolism enough?
For local show times of the Powell Interview, Go to KECT.
Special Edition of the Podcast Tonight: Pontificate 2008 -7:30 CST
All of your favorites and more will be back tonight to give live news and analysis of the New Hampshire primary results. You can listen live by going to blogtalkradio.com/blackwomen.
We’re moving the time up by 30 minutes so it is at 7:30CST.
55 comments ↓
hehe dis is funy blog
come me
http://wolny-blog.blogspot.com/
I would be enjoying it far more if I didn’t feel like Delilah Johnson in the movie “Imitation of Life”.
Is that what “we,” black people, have been reduced to in all the Obama hype? Interesting analogy (and perhap very true)!
What can the President do about black on black crime? The real issue is a transformation of the culture of the masses of blacks in this country where in the simple and fundamental ethical and self control issues are reflective of the mainstream. Without the narrative of overt societal oppression the internal failings of black society become more pronounced.
The problem with the Delilah Johnson analogy is that we’re not Obama’s mamas (hehehe), he has no filial duty to us, and as president, “our” issues will not necessarily take precedent simply because of the color of his skin. I expect nothing less. After all, if Richardson were to somehow pull it off and make it to the White House, I’ll be rather irritated if Latino immigration becomes his overwhelming focus at the expense of, say, “our” issues.
Our Issues (IMO )
1. Build on the successes of the Civil Rights legislation of post war america. With the elimination of overt institutionalized repression, comes the focus of transformation of african amer society to adjust to the opportunity of a liberal democracy. A focus on self control, literacy, and enterprise.
2. A propagation of consciosness of African politics and the development of African nations in a post-colonial environment.
3. an appreciation for both the successes AND transgressions of Western Civilization as such.
I really wished that Colin ran for Prez…I’d be a black republic for the first time in my life. *shudders*
I am quite worried about the black bloggers who demand that Obama give them something for their vote. Alot of ‘black issues’: crime, joblessness, healthcare are national issues that happen to affect the black community in disproportionate levels. I know there’s alot of think-tanks out there and one must ask why does x situation exist? For example, what has caused an increase in black on black crime 1 year, 5 years, 10 years or 20 years ago? What role should the federal government (that’s the position that Obama will be elected to) have in this over the State’s role?
I think the post brought up a very good point about long-term senators running for president and complaining that ‘we need change!’. You were in office for x years (more than Obama) and you could have checked the President using your ‘experience’ but you didn’t (talking to you Hill and John). And you want us to vote for you? Pshaw!
Broadly speaking Africans were the only group that came to America not as a result of their own free will and imagination. They were kidnapped and brought to serve the plans and projecrts of another. This is an important part of the group narrative in that they have had to assert and win their freedom and NOW adjustment to a free society. Many of them have not. The society itself has to be transformed to accomodate new voices and sensibilities but JUST AS importantly african-americans have to come to terms with CHOOSING to be here with all of it’s demands.
I agree with pecola. I haven’t perceived Obama giving a stiff arm to the African American community. He’s been as willing to discuss issues of race as much as any Democratic white candidate.
I think that it’s exiting that a black man actually may be the front runner for the Democtaric party. I, however, must reserve my enthusiasm because Obama has tried to distance himself from the black community and black issues for as long as he’s been campaigning. And for those of you who say that he owes us no loyalty, I beg to differ. Michelle Obama has made it clear that she believes that black women should vote for her husband. Why, just because he’s black? Well, if we owe him our vote then he owes us some consideration when he is making policies.
http://www.thesowingcircle.blogspot.com
He’s campaigning in America on American issues. The economy, health care, foreign policy issues. Black people aren’t some special nation within a nation. These are their concerns as well. There are not “black” issues and “white” issues.
The saying goes “be very careful what you ask for because you just might get it”.
- The Dinosaur Civil Right Leaders have always asked for a qualified black candidate that should be not be judged (i.e accepted) by the color on his / her skin. Obama fits that bill.
- Black Women have asked for a Black Man on or above their level (economically, educationally, intelligence) to head their households (so they don’t have to “settle” for less). Obama fits that bill and is the example for other Black men.
- Black Men have asked for an understanding / supporting wife or mate to stand with them so they can conquer life. Mrs. Obama is the shining example for this.
- The old guard has asked for “young people” to step forward and grab the torch (that they claim they are so willing to pass on). Obama fits again along with his young voters.
Along comes Mr. & Mrs Obama and all of the sudden — a lot of the people mentioned above want to find every excuse possible (I don’t know him / is he black enough/ he has no experience / it is a women’s turn) to reject the possibility that you can actually have what you have asked for all this time.
I find it perplexing and interesting that the Dinosaurs, Gina and the Cyber Harpies, and other “angry” Black women find themselves on common ground when it comes to being cool / frozen towards the Obamas. Another old saying comes to mind. Politics makes for strange bedfellows.
I suggest that Obama can best be viewed as a Mirror for us all. Predominately white voters in the first 2 states have looked in the mirror and said race does not matter to me — I just want change. It appears that some black voters are afraid to look in the mirror and say — “ I have been lying to myself about what I said I wanted”.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall … don’t look back at me?
P.S.
Incidentally , Obama must be “black enough” because he receives the same reaction that many other good black men get from “angry” black women – distrust and disdain on sight. Yep – he’s a brother.
Boomer,
I am a black woman, and I can’t say I agree with everything you’ve said – you’ve made some broad generalizations and painted in black and white areas that require shades of gray – but your P.S. was friggin’ hilarious!
Now prepare to be skewered.
And christopherlee, I see your point, and I want to agree with it. But, then, there are some issues that disproportionately affect Af-Ams regardless of socio-economic status, no?
Oh here we go again with the Black women are angry for daring to ask a question. OH Boomer’s post will be read on the podcast. I never said I would not vote for Obama. Why does anything other than “I drank the Obama Koolaid” euphoria translate into not voting for him or distrust?
Again, you said a lot about who Obama is and NOTHING about his policy positions which will have far more affect on US than who he is married to.
“Gina and the Cyber-Harpies” I like that. I has a certain ring to it.
Pecola.
I hate to show my age but this reminds me of long ago when the very first episode of the “Cosby Show” aired. I remember having discussions with many of us who hated the show because the felt that they could not identify with the depiction of a Successfully married professional couple with good kids on TV. They felt like it was not a “real” reflection of Black Society.
Although I did not like the show because of cheezy acting — I argued at that time that it was not an indictment of the show – it was an indictment of that person, their life, and how they viewed “us”.
This appears to be another “Cosby” moment.
P.S.
Skewered for what I said or have the balls to say it? There is a difference. Angry Black women can be angry all the time or not. It is a choice not a incurable disease. After all they could choice to “celebrate” a successful Black Couple reaching for the Stars — or not.
Some people frown so much they forget how or when to smile
.
P.S.S
Just for the sake of “spirited discussion” don’t you find that it is interesting that Obama enjoys more “support” from non-angry black women (i.e happy black women and women from other races).
No you should not support him just because he is black man — but I do wonder why the “angry black women” is naturally against them?
More Mirror questions.
“And christopherlee, I see your point, and I want to agree with it. But, then, there are some issues that disproportionately affect Af-Ams regardless of socio-economic status, no? “
Aside from affordable housing, healthcare and education what could a President do? Local law enforcement is responsible for crime. The major problems are in-house cultural problems that the people themselves have to handle. The major federal legislation is taken care of. It’s like prisons still suffering from “Stockholm Syndrome”. Look it up.
Gina,
Cyber- Harpies (or Harpies) actually came from one of your podcast.
His position are on his websites. His voting record is easily accessible. He has received and equal / higher rating than Hill/Bill from several “liberal” groups like the NAACP. To say that you do not know his “promised” policies is to say that you have not looked hard enough.
You are asking that he educates you the voter (about himself) vs. you the voter performing your due diligence. In the mist of the election he is “selling” not educating (the voters job) like every other candidate.
My question is why is it your first inclination to reject what he is “selling” (the audacity of hope / the need for change) automatically?
To state the you question him (specifically) and not the others initially says what (really)?
P.S.
I enjoy the podcast, Read my post as you please but I only ask that you do it “early” so that I can catch it. The Cyber Harpies conversation tend to run way too long for me ( 1 – 2 hours of “Harpie” talk is taxing on the earbuds).
Now did you HAVE to invite the Obama stepford children to this blog? This blog was my only reprieve from this annoying chatter.
Rashawn,
I though this was an “Obama” post by the hostess with the most (Gina) inviting comments. No? GEEZ …… what-else where you expected on this thread? Ginger Bread recipes? [Every post thus far have been on topic EXCEPT yours].
Now, now children… simmer down. I believe that Rashawn was complaining to Gina, not to you, boomer. Let’s all try to relax.
I don’t agree that Barack Obama has kept black voters at arms length. I think several of his platform points can be embraced by African Americans and several address challenges that disproportionately affect us.
Here are a few agenda items I think should interest black people:
- Provide universal, low-cost healthcare
- Create a living wage
- Expand the Nurse-Family Partnership for low-income first-time mothers
- Expand hate crime statutes
- Ban racial profiling
- Establish the American Opportunity Tax Credit to reduce college costs
I think Obama is running as if he wants to be president of ALL citizens of the United States. I think strategically that means framing issues important to black Americans in the context of the country as a whole.
The reason Obama is not my first choice for the Democratic nomination is that I still think his platform is short on specifics and that concerns me. Good ideas. I like the objectives and strategies. Where are the tactics?
Gina and the Cyber-Harpies sounds like a kick-ass rock band.
We had the Good Times vs. Cosby discussion in a seminar last semester. We had just read Paul Gilroy’s Against Race, we discussed whether or not blackness is, in fact, impossible to “represent” – there are families that look like the Cosbys, families that look like the Evans, and families that look like the black folks on “The Wire.” Blackness can’t be represented any more than it can be defined (go ahead – try to define it, you can’t…it’s like love or porn – can’t be defined but you know it when you see it). Therefore no one can represent the black man or the black woman. Including, of course, Obama.
First of all..he’s “half-black”. Second of all his father is Kenyan..not African-American,in the classic sense..you know it’s different. You know it. “Blackness” in Afr Amer culture isn’t really his reality. Michelle Obama is another story. I love her. She is the “closer” as he calls her. You’ll never have a hip soul brother for President. It doesn’t work. It IS the Administrative Elite after all. You can’t get thru Harvard Law in Jordans and a North Face parka.
Christopherlee, I don’t know if you were speaking to me, but I meant to reply to you and say I agree. Gina mentioned Black on Black crime (a phrase, by the way, that I hate…all races disproportionately commit crime against themselves, it makes us sound like unreasonably self-destructive animals), but what can the President do about violence within our communities?
I feel the same way that Tami does, which is why I am suspending my judgment right now. I am waiting for more specifics — the ideas are great, but how will that play out?
Also, the problems of black people are the problems of America, with the coefficient of racial injustice added to it. This is why we are always MORE affected by the problems that plague America.
Therefore, you MUST address “race” to remove that coefficient. Once there is true equality, you will not see a statistical difference between blacks and whites in our social maladies.
To ‘ignore race’ is to pretend that there is a level playing field, and allows biased people to claim that ‘there is no race problem’.
For example, how many white kids vs black kids grow up dodging pimps, drug dealers and bullets, and seeing a weary teacher with no school books in sight? I will believe that there is no ‘black america’ when that number is equal.
“
For example, how many white kids vs black kids grow up dodging pimps, drug dealers and bullets, and seeing a weary teacher with no school books in sight? I will believe that there is no ‘black america’ when that number is equal.”
Some us ARE “unreasonably self destructive animals”. I mean Africans and African Americans don’t have exclusive rights to depravity but in a common sense look at black culture you see the need for transformation. It’s an offense to the individual person to make sweeping generalization’s like that but on a “common sense” level you can see the “truth” in certain conventions. History is STILL happening. We all have to pitch in to make a better society. The fetish of “victim” ideologies is much an impediment as “ethno-chauvinism”.
I guess it would be to much to believe that a President Obama would do the same thing that every other President since Nixon has done. That is to “ignore” race (not talking about it) but at the same time enact policies and programs to address racial issues. Instead of like Nixon/ Reagan/ Bush could it be possible that a President Obama enact these policies and programs in a positive way?
Does he have to “put it out there”, in order to obtain a level of “blackness”?
Can’t he just “make it do what it do” with out the hoopla (hugs and kisses with the Rev. Al & Jessie ..etc)?
I guess what I am asking the Cyber-Harpies is can’t a brother(any brother, yes even a Presidential type Brother) get the benefit of the doubt (since you have doubts)?
Ever?
Too much to ask for?
boomer,
You make too many assumptions.
You are assuming that the women on this blog are not married to black men, raising black sons, employing black men or have ever voted for a black man.
Stop extrapolating the careful and thoughtful approach that some of us are taking as ‘never giving any black men a chance’. I will have you know that I was the campaign director for a black man (who by the way, won his election).
So please stop this ‘poor black man’ victimology. It’s irritating.
By the way, I have not said that I would NOT vote for Obama. So if I’m not jumping on your bandwagon fast enough, then sorry, you’ll need to get over it.
wow…the haterade is freely flowing and that’s sad. Unless you live in Iowa or New Hampshire, you have some time to ‘think on it’ regarding who you want to vote. It’s your right.
I think that Obama is black enough to know that when he starts going below the Mason-Dixon line, the white folks will definitely let him know with a wonderful hello, negro wake up call. I just hope the Secret Service agents don’t plan on ducking – God bless ‘em.
Just for the sake of “spirited discussion” don’t you find that it is interesting that Obama enjoys more “support” from non-angry black women (i.e happy black women and women from other races).
Wow I’ve never heard of the “happy black woman” voting block. How are they identified – other than the fact they support Obama? SMH
One thing I’ve learned from reading comments like this on this blog time and time again, is that a woman who thinks for herself and makes her own decisions will always be percieved as angry. There are some people you will never change so you just have to go on being “angry” and handle your business.
Hey, if Obama can handle the Billary, that’s a small plus to me. He’s proven he’s a man. So he can deal with criticism and expectations from black women on these blogs.
Whether he wins the Dem. nom. or not, he’s shown the nation has changed. At least, in some parts of this country. Interesting.
His candidacy, however, does not make any difference with regards to black-on-black violence, specifically black male on black female violence. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but wasn’t it less likely for blacks to kill each other way way back in the good ol’ days?
Federal, state and local governments effect all of our lives. I don’t think I need to cite a study for us to realize that some gov’t policies did / do harm the black family.
The goal we seek in any candidate for Federal, state, and local office is that they stop the HARM and begin to HELP. That’s their bloody job, eh?
That’s not asking too much, even if it’s coming from black women. We are US Citizens too.
She-codes it is not extrapolation just a recapitulation of specific comments made on the podcast (you guys put this stuff out here you should at least recall what your comments stated) . It is not a “poor black man” song either just an interesting observation of obvious double standards that the good Senator appears to be “enjoying” from the new blogger elite. Please point me to the podcast segments where any other candidate has been discussed specifically (not generally) with “reservation”. I just ask the question out loud – why be “uneasy” about him and not the others AUTOMATICALLY (beyond the fact that he is — well who he is)? I admit that I have not heard every second of the every WAOD podcast (they can be very long) but please point it out to me if I am wrong.
I don’t think that I have asked anyone to vote for any candidate in my prior post. I have not even said that I would vote for Obama.
A carefully reading of my post would show that I have just asked some thought provoking questions (that appear to be at least podcast fodder for the Gang). I think this is a good thing (conversation reflecting more than one limited perspective).
P.S. In terms of the use “angry black women” just search blogger – it is term that women are calling themselves — not what other people are calling black women blogger. You are assuming that I am name calling (Cyber Harpies / Angry Black Women) when I am not. I am just reusing the words contained on this site and in the podcast. I can not see how that is unfair. I am not using these words against anyone – I am just using them – as they are used here by others.
That is in fact how I found this Blog (researching the issue of why some black women feel that “they” are angry). If I recall correctly this blog reflects anger at the image of black women in the media / Dunbar Village..etc.
I know many of my questions are rhetorical in nature but feel free to look for the question marks and address them in my prior post. They were meant to inspire discussions not to name call.
And yes Iman (my dear) believe it or not there is such a thing as a “happy black woman” and they do vote too. It is not just a fairy tale.
don’t worry boomer, i’m aware that there are happy black woman, i’m one of them. and yes i vote and i use my own mind to make my choices believe it or not.
Whether he wins the Dem. nom. or not, he’s shown the nation has changed. At least, in some parts of this country. Interesting.
Beautifully put. I cosign.
______________________________
boomer, I will take your word for it that you haven’t heard the ‘Hillary haterade’ on the podcasts. Suffice it to say that while several of us are ‘holdouts’ with Obama, there are one or two of the supposed ‘harpies’ who have expressed intense dislike for Hillary.
I don’t think that there was anyone on the panel who said that they had struck Barack completely off of their list.
tasha212
You stated, “Obama has tried to distance himself from the black community and black issues for as long as he’s been campaigning.”
I do understand how one could feel that way in terms of his approach in addressing issues critical to African Americans. However, I disagree with your statement because on several occasions (tonight on BET, a few times on TVOne) Barack has spoken openly about issues facing African Americans. He just doesn’t do it every time he does a stump speech or speaks to the media. The issue I believe is people would prefer perhaps if he was more blunt about issues facing African Americans like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were when they ran for president.
Personally, I don’t believe we can aspect Barack to be that way, because his life experiences and who he is as a person is different from them. Secondly, if he were to focus solely on African American issues all the time and not the issues we face as a country as a whole, in my humble opinion would undermine his entire campaign and his premise for running in the first place.
Who picks up the slack with being more open and firm in terms of issues facing African Americans? Unfortunately, it is his wife Michelle Obama. I just finished reading the new issue of Newsweek with Barack on the cover. Per below is one excerpt that confirms my point regarding Michelle Obama:
“On the stump, she (Michelle Obama) is direct and sometimes takes up subjects Obama avoids, especially issues of race.”
I feel this is a good dialogue we are all having and I encourage everyone to keep it going.
Michael L.
I love Colin Powell. He is a great man of character. I am going to make my sons watch every youtube clip on Colin Powell. Then we are going to read books and articles on him.
I haven’t posted much on here but I wanted to chime in. I agree with a lot of what Boomer has to say.
I never understand the comments I hear on the podcast which state that some are ignorant of Obama’s policies and where he stands on issues. Like with any candidate, you have to be proactive in learning about him or her. Do a google news search. Watch as many debates as you can. View the news and read the newspaper. In this age of technology, there’s no reason to feel powerless in being able to acquire important information. I remember listening to the podcast when the ladies were stating that they didn’t know where Obaam stood on the withdrawal of troops in Iraq, and that he never discussed that. That’s not true, as if you had watched the debates, he gave a 16 month timelime. You have to want to know the information, though.
I think another reason people seem to enjoy Obama is because he appears to be inspirational. Legislation and policies can only do so much. At some point, it becomes what can you do to help you. How can you help others to make the world better. I feel Obama gets that and attempts to share that message. So for me, I don’t care what Obama can do for me. I have to take care of me. That’s my job. We as black people need to take responsiblity for a lot of the ills in our society, and we cannot rely on a politician to fix them. A lot of them we can fix on our own–it’s about choice. Am I going to pick up a gun or a book?
The image of a black man in the White House–the seeming apex of success in America–is an image that I believe many blacks could benefit immensely from for generations and generations to come.
“…the problems of black people are the problems of America, with the coefficient of racial injustice added to it…Therefore, you MUST address “race” to remove that coefficient. Once there is true equality, you will not see a statistical difference between blacks and whites in our social maladies.”
Poverty is the coefficient. And although poverty and race are siblings, the eradication of poverty will be the force that brings about true equality.
Homeownership is the proven route out of poverty. I (single parent/low income) am the reciepient of a Hud funded program that propelled me into owning a new home/great location buy assuming the cost for the ENTIRE DOWNPAYMENT AND ALL CLOSING FEES AND TAXES FOR THE FIRST YEAR. Basically, all I had to do was move in. By the way, my mortgage is through State Housing, another federally/state funded program.
Having said all that, check out Obama’s fight for affordable housing. Affordable housing is the biggest issue outside of healthcare and education. Obama’s policy on affordable housing should be reason alone to give him your unwavering support.
[ Boomer begins to slowly and cautiously walk backwards away from the Nest of Cyber Harpies carefully not to draw anymore attention from the hoard protecting the nest....]
Thanks Mike,
The truth is that an informed view of the Dem Candidates would show that the “political” difference between Hill/Edwards/Obama is almost null. The only thing that truly distinguish them is the obvious — age, gender and race (the political contest between the Dems boils down to splitting hairs at this point). If you are a Dem you will be happy with anyone in the group.
My rhetorical questions were inspired by the podcasts discussing Obama (specifically). It raised questions in my minds why the “default” position appeared to be “cautious” towards him — that’s all. I have been falsely accused of being some type of Obama-bot. I am not — just had questions and decided to ask them.
I guess my last rhetorical questions are what about our daughters? What would you prefer to tell her at the end of an this election? That a Women is president? Or that a Black FAMILY that has worked together is running the Country (and defacto are the most powerful COUPLE in the free world – sorry Oprah)? Does the new Black Feminism trump the old traditional Black family? If the images of Black Women is so important to the Cyber Harpies why is the image of a Black Male President (and 1st Lady) not EQUALLY important? [ All Podcastable fodder type questions]
I love the fact that the Harpies chose to call other people to the carpet and ask very pointed questions — Hell I approve of it. Asking questions make people think (at least those that can think). I find that fact none have so far have really attempted to answer my questions (yes I do know that a rhetorical question really does not require an answer) — is interesting at the very least.
Forgive me for Questioning the Questioners (I guess you can call this feedback).
I like the blog / podcast. I do see (from the outside looking in) that it is on the verge of possibly developing “Bush Brain Lock” (see below) unless Gina is looking to include a diversity of opinions beyond the flock. If this happens it would be sad because it would limit the audience that would be interested in the good works that the ladies are trying to do.
[Boomer is back to watching the nest from a safe distance using very good binoculars with feathers as a souvenir, happy to not be “skewered” as initially promised by the first Harpie he encountered]
——————–
But Seriously Gina,
I have /had a passing interesting in attending the Blogging while Brown conference. Now my question or concern is – is it really open to all or is it designed to be only a Grand Conclave of the Golden Clawed Cyber Harpies (just trying to be funny). That would not necessarily be fun or informative for me so I respectfully ask what’s the deal on the conference?
* Bush Brain Lock – the false feeling that you know everything about everything because all of the people around you think the same way you do and tell you what you think you know. It can lead to everyone who is not in your inner circle knowing that you might be wrong — but you can’t see it. It is also called “group think” and now can be known as Cyber Harpie Mind-Meld.
Hi Stop…
Poverty is the RESULT of the coefficient of race. How do I know this? It has been proven that in situtations where black and white people with the same backgrounds, same educations, same attractiveness levels and same attire are LESS LIKELY to get a job from interviewers.
That leads to LESS economic opportunity (read: likelihood of ‘poverty’) due to RACE.
I am ALL for self responsibility — in fact I talk more about that than I do race politics. But this intimation that people aren’t racist in this country, and that the nebulous ‘poverty’ is the problem that stands on it’s own, is a falsehood.
Boomer,
You do whatever you want to do. I am not going to convince anybody about anything related to BWB. You go if you want to be part of history or sit at home because of conclusions you have reached that have not been based on a single fact. The fact that you would try to smear something that impacts the entire Black Blogosphere because you disagree with what I THINK indicates that YOU should probably stay at home.
FYI not a single WAOD contributor is on the BWB Planning Committee. Yes committee. One you would know about if you read about the conference on the conference webpage, wiki, or the conference blog. I am sure that the men on the committee probably take issue with you calling them harpies. I am glad that there are Black men who realize WAOD is for ME, BWB is for the Black and Brown blogosphere.
You are right, you probably wouldn’t enjoy it or find it informative.
You didn’t listen to the podcast anyway because if you did I heard plenty of dissenting viewpoints during the show. But again instead of addressing the issues discussed, you want to attack individuals for what they think. Its your choice. I choose not to engage with you on this issue further. We’ve both made our points
“Poverty is the RESULT of the coefficient of race. How do I know this? It has been proven that in situtations where black and white people with the same backgrounds, same educations, same attractiveness levels and same attire are LESS LIKELY to get a job from interviewers.”
What are you implying. It’s a common sense assertion but a faulty conclusion. The Western Powers ascendancy was founded on European Colonialism with a racist ideological motivation..however included in that was the ascendancey of humanist enlightenment beginning in the 1700’s to today. The system is being reformed and is reform oriented. That leaves the individual more and more free and responsible for his her destiny within a reformed liberal economy.
…also their is no such thing as “the races of man”..their is no imaginary line drawn around people of this skin color or that , that REALLY means anything. This is a carry over from antiquated attempts at cultural anthropology.
there..not “their”..editor’s note.
christopherlee…
When we discuss race, we are not talking about anthropological and scientific constructs. We are talking about the phenotypical and cultural contructs that we all see with our own two eyes, and hear with our own two ears.
I am never one to claim that there has been no progress since the days of slavery. There has been tremendous progress. However, to claim that we are somehow living on a level playing field is just RIDICULOUS (so I hope that is not what you are saying)
I am an entreprenuer, and a doctoral candidate. So you are preaching to the choir when it comes to being responsible for myself. However, I am not arrogant enough to believe that my superior grade school education had nothing to do with it — and that the average child in the ghetto gets the same education than I did.
Therefore, I am part Booker T. Washington, part W.E.B DuBois — a little bit country, and a little bit rock’n'roll.
And I soundly reject ANY notion that the debt to blacks in America has been paid in full.
I have been to school with the children of Gail Lumet, Amiri Baraka and so on. These kids are much sharper and brighter than many of the yahoos I have met on Long Island and Washington’s white suburbs. It’s all the same books. Calculus, History, Music, Science is the same in Compton as it is in Greenwich, Ct. The difference is the education level of the parents and surrounding adults and the receptivity of the children. We take for granted the norms and standards of our society, but they were forged and validated thruout the thousands of years of change in Western Civilization.
ChristopherLee is a NUT JOB. I taught in the Camden school district and many of the kids don’t HAVE books, period. They use poorly photocopied dittos.
Sheecode don’t waste your time talking to that fool. Your time is better spent elsewhere.
Christopher Lee is a NUT JOB!! Classic.
Boomer, I dig your stuff and I want to chime in on one point of yours in particular which is that there is very little difference between Barack and Hillary from a policy standpoint. Their voting records are nearly identical, their philosophical approach to governance is liberal democrat, big government tax and spend policies.
Given that, its hard to understand the reluctance and hesitation of our beloved cyber harpies where Obama is concerned. The constant refrain that there are not enough specifics, that we don’t know him well enough, that he has not sufficiently pandered to us, all falls so very flat to me. If you want to know what he will do, his policies and ideas are there to see and you can even visit his website and tell him what you think he should do. If you don’t know where he stands on issues, you don’t want to know. All these kinds of reasons not to support him don’t track.
I’m a conservative republican. Obama is not the great black hope. He’s not the great democratic hope. He’s not the black savior. If he becomes President, he’s going to disappoint us multiple numbers of times. His liberal policies may be disaster (as might those of a conservative winner.
But for all that, people, sometimes shit is just simple. He’s as good as or better than any of the others. He’s qualified, he’s credible AND he’s black, which means he is one of us. He’s part of the family. He’s on our team. And he’s not doing wrong. He’s not an embarrassment, he’s not a buffoon or a charlatan or a crook. There is no downside to support the brother. I DON’T like some of his politics. But thats okay. The brother is trying to take it to another level and I support his EFFORT, win or lose. There is NO downside for black people in supporting his run whether he becomes president or not. NO DOWNSIDE. We’re good, win or lose. He’s not doing wrong, he’s doing a whole lot right and he is ONE OF US. He is family and we should support him to make the most competitive and spectacular run he can. At a certain level, I don’t care if he becomes president or not. I want him to run and I want his campaign to wreck shop doing it because I support good black people trying to take it to another level, as should we all. That is what we ought to support. He and I don’t see eye to eye on social issues like abortion, I think he’s naive on Iraq (they all are), I don’t like his ideas for raising taxes, he ain’t spoke on Dunbar Village yet and in general he’s just a damn liberal.
This is not an argument about supporting Obama, its really an argument about how we support each other. Thats the larger issue. He is one of us, he is family. He’s a good black man with a beautiful black family who together are trying to make history, putting everything on the line to do so including their very lives. We can’t support that on black GP? We gotta have reservations about supporting that? Cyber Harpies and your co-signers, nobody doubts your independent, thinking minds that you periodically remind us you have because you think we forgot from the last time you read us about that. Its precisely because you do that I return to this point again and again. He’s a good black man, good black family. He’s one of us. There is no real policy difference between him and Hillary. Qualified, credible. Where is the downside to support him, to say we are for his run, for his effort? You are indeed a smart set of women, but on Obama, we continue to respectfully and vehemently disagree.
Rashawn is a mean spirited person. But an informative example.
aaron,
With all due respect, I think that Barack Obama would prefer for people to vote for him for his ideas, and not for the color of his skin. He has made it plain that ‘there is no black america or white america’ — and rejects the notion of tribalism according to race.
I have heard his WIFE give those arguments, but he has made it clear that he has ‘trancended’ racial alignments. It’s smart of him to do that — or else he would never get the white vote.
HOWEVER, to say that he has not done wrong is debatable. I still find his vocal support of GENARLOW WILSON… A RAPIST in the eyes of many women like me, tough to get over.
@ChristopherLee: Rashawn might be mean but he/she is also correct. The quality of education in the inner city leaves MUCH to be desired, even taking into account the factors that you mentioned. Additionally, we often forget rural areas also have difficulty as well.
My boarding school had a 3 million dollar lab for my chemistry class. I am sure that many of kids in Detroit have even held a beaker in Chemistry.
In the public school where my nephew goes (predominantly white neighborhood) they have computers, online resources, specialists… you name it. That ain’t happening in the schools in Strawberry Mansion, Philly.
I personally know of TEACHERS who took out personal loans to purchase materials for the kids in black neighborhoods. Even with all things considered, it is NOT an equal playing field. The funds are not distributed equally. The opportunities are not there. The teachers are not compensated for the extra variables that they have to deal with.
It alarms me to hear you say that there is no appreciable difference in the quality of education being OFFERED. I invite you to Philadelphia to tour a few school libraries with me. I doubt that you will have the same opinion.
We are talking at cross purposes. Yes the facilities and conditions in poor black neighborhood schools will be worse than middle and upper middle class white neihborhood schools. Also the conditions in poor white neighborhood schools will be worse than wealthy white neighborhood schools. Mr Rashawns style is to make ignorant ad hominem attacks which denigrates the level of discussion and that’s what I object to. I am trying to frame the questions and problems in a way that is more empowering and actionable than the way they have been framed in the past. To say that “if only ‘The Man’ would throw some more money to public schools the kids in their obvious thirst to be educated, will naturally grow into Rhodes Scholars..”Is not a good analysis of the problem. YES THERE ARE GROTESQUE IN THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT IN INNER CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. but that’s only a PART of the problem.
YES THERE ARE GROTESQUE (inadequacies) IN THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT IN INNER CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. but that’s only a PART of the …
Christopherlee,
We both agree that there are other, quite serious, factors that contribute to the undereducation of black children.
However, I believe that you are claiming that race is not a factor for the unequal distribution of resources. I heartily disagree, and let me explain why.
American public education is funded by local property taxes, meaning the much of the funding for a school is mostly carried by homeowners. The amount that they pay is calculated as a percentage of the value of their house.
Due to ‘white flight’ and other aversional behaviors that occur when blacks move into a neighborhood, a neighborhood often experiences a devaluation of the worth of its houses as more blacks move into it. It becomes ‘less desireable’ in the minds of a lot of people to see black kids playing ball on the corner. This is a deeply painful truth that only a very honest realtor will tell you.
Therefore, when the value of the homes do not increase (or even decrease) along the inflationary costs of education, you will eventually end up with built-in disparities in the school system as opposed to whiter, neighborhoods.
If as a consequence of poor funding for teachers, etc that school system cranks out a poorer product, then the result will be less educated, less employable, young people. They become at risk for poverty, which brings its own pernicious sociological problems.
Of course, that is a simplification, but I want to make it clear that it is a coefficient of built-in racial bias in the funding system that affects poor black kids and creates a feedback cycle of poverty, where that is not the case with poor white kids.
For black people, RACE is their highest risk factor for poverty. Somehow, poverty has become the genesis of all of the problems of black folk, and that simply isn’t true — something is CAUSING the chronic poverty. We are in a feedback loop — racism –>poverty–>self destructive behaviors–>more racism. And the cycle goes on.
I personally do not think that schools should be paid for with property taxes. I think those funds should be either a factor of the income tax, or a consumption tax and distributed with care across towns and even states.
It should not matter where you live, one ought to be able to get a decent education.
SheCodes has left a new comment on the post “Colin Powell On Barack Obama:Enjoy The Ride”:
“Christopherlee,
We both agree that there are other, quite serious, factors that contribute to the undereducation of black children.
However, I believe that you are claiming that race is not a factor for the unequal distribution of resources. I heartily disagree, and let me explain why.
American public education is funded by local property taxes, meaning the much of the funding for a school is mostly carried by homeowners. The amount that they pay is calculated as a percentage of the value of their house.
Due to ‘white flight’ and other aversional behaviors that occur when blacks move into a neighborhood, a neighborhood often experiences a devaluation of the worth of its houses as more blacks move into it. It becomes ‘less desireable’ in the minds of a lot of people to see black kids playing ball on the corner. This is a deeply painful truth that only a very honest realtor will tell you.
Therefore, when the value of the homes do not increase (or even decrease) along the inflationary costs of education, you will eventually end up with built-in disparities in the school system as opposed to whiter, neighborhoods.
If as a consequence of poor funding for teachers, etc that school system cranks out a poorer product, then the result will be less educated, less employable, young people. They become at risk for poverty, which brings its own pernicious sociological problems.”
She Codes..I am hoping that you follow my argument. Look at the narrative of Eastern European Jews on the Lower East side. They lived in much more squalid conditions and faced racial ethnic prejudice as well, but it was cultural PRACTICE that made the difference, they formed there own trade, hospitals, benevolence societies, hebrew schools. When African Americans start to confront their situation pro-active emphasis on forming their own organizations, stressing literacy, moderate behaviour, so on and so forth THEN they too will start to accumulate wealth within their own communities and transcend the conditions they are often stereotyped with. You can reform the “system” as much as you want but until you get responsible, rational, autonomies individuals you can’t expect people to take advantage of a free liberal democracy.