An Open Letter to Pacifica Radio: Regarding the Dropping of Smiley and West

[Eric L. Wattree]

An Open Letter to Pacifica Radio: Regarding the Dropping of Smiley and West

Board of Directors, Pacifica Foundation: . I'm writing in response to the recent announcement that the Pacifica Foundation has appointed it's own chairman, Summer Reese, as Executive Director. Admittedly, at this point I know very little about Director Reese, but I intend to address that issue immediately, so as to gain a better understanding of what's going on within the organization that has caused it to become so far out of touch with what’s currently going on in the Black community.

Ms Reese has started off her tenure as Executive Director of the Pacifica Foundation by making one of the worst moves she could have ever made, at least, with respect to the Black community. By intervening in the Tavis Smiley/Cornel West controversy at radio station WBEZ she has clearly demonstrated that she is completely out of touch with the shifting sands in the Black community.

On the other hand, in discontinuing the services of Smiley and West, Torey Malatia at WBEZ and the three other stations that took similar actions, clearly demonstrated that they have their finger on the pulse of what's going on in the community. So it is Dir. Reese who is out of touch with the rumblings within the community, not the people that she's criticizing.

Ms. Reese was quoted as saying, "It is disappointing when the term advocacy is used as a smear to trivialize the presentation of intelligent and passionate discussion that is sometimes critical of the American status quo." That quote alone demonstrates that Ms. Reese is missing the entire point.

Tavis and West have tried to preempt criticism by framing the issue in a way that suggests that their critics are merely upset because they’re criticizing President Obama, and obviously, Ms. Reese has bought into that nonsense hook, line, and sinker. But that's just nonsense, it's the very same kind of RACIST and condescending nonsense that the Republicans are arguing. The implication is, Black people are so blinded by race that we don't have sense enough to know what's in our own best interest. The mere fact that Tavis and West would make such a degrading and condescending argument speaks volumes about how little respect they have for the intelligence of the Black communit . . . MORE

http://wattree.blogspot.com/2012/10/an-open-letter-to-pacifica-radi...

[Alison P. Minto]

Bro. Wattree, it is obvious that you cannot recognize TRUE Democracy. You are on the Smiley & West site. It is apparent that you were not censored, as it appears that Smiley & West was on WBEZ, under the guise of not being consistent with the guidelines of the station that cancelled them. I am laughing to myself, at the irony of the situation. May the Lord, grant you the wisdom, and the knowledge to know the truth.

[Eric L. Wattree]

Alison,

You're being hoodwinked. This has nothing to do with either censorship, or demoracy. Tavis and West have tried to preempt criticism by framing the debate regarding their activity in a way that suggests that their critics are merely upset because they’re criticizing President Obama, and obviously, you have bought into that nonsense hook, line, and sinker. But that's just nonsense. It's the very same kind of RACIST and condescending nonsense that the Republicans are arguing. The implication is that Black people are so blinded by race that we don't have sense enough to know what's in our own best interest. The mere fact that Tavis, West and you, would make such a degrading and condescending argument speaks volumes about how little respect you have for the intelligence of the Black community. You said it yourself - "You all are absolutely ignorant!" In response, I'd say that anyone who thinks they corner on either wisdom, knowledge, or intelligence is suffering from a severe case of delusion.
.
With respect to challenging power, many in the Black community have criticized President Obama, just like we criticize any other president, including myself. I’ve written several articles criticizing Obama, but I made sure that they were always issue specific, respectful, and free of unsubstantiated innuendo.
http://wattree.blogspot.com/2008/07/journalists-first-responsibilit...
.
So the issue that’s stirring many in the Black community has absolutely nothing to do with attempting to stifle "intelligent and passionate discussion" as you suggests. The issue is, many believe that Smiley and West are exploiting their high profile in the Black community to promote personal vendettas and lucrative marketing campaigns without any regard for the fact that their activities are detrimental to the Black community’s interest as a whole. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West's activities during this election season are identical to the activities of Ralph Nader and Cornel West's in the 2000 election that got George Bush elected. So West is either purposely trying to sabotage the Black community, are he's too dumb to be given a public platform in the first place.
.
During the 2000 election Cornel West join forces with Ralph Nader under the very same pretext - "to stimulated vigorous and intelligent discussion." But what did it get us? It got us eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, and was directly responsible for placing America - and the Black community - in the very economic condition that West is currently complaining about. George W. Bush won the 2000 election by a mere 537 votes. The Nader-West coalition peel off 97,488 votes in Florida alone, so Cornel West is, literally, like a man who's dug a ditch and is now complaining because Obama's not filling it in fast enough. Yet, people like yourself are arguing that calling thess two demagogues out constitute stifling intelligent and passionate discussion!!? Please be serious.
.
So the fact is, it’s not WHAT Tavis and West are saying that has the Black community up in arms, it’s WHY we suspect they're saying it. After all, couldn't they wait until AFTER the election, and AFTER we've made sure that we've protected the Black community and poor and middle-class America from corporate fascists, and THEN have this "intelligent and passionate" discussion? But of course, Tavis and West would argue that once reelected, President Obama wouldn't have the incentive to listen. But that's not true. Every president is concerned about his legacy, and as the first Black president that's even more true of Obama than most. In addition, President Obama has two young daughters who'll have to live with his legacy for the rest of their lives. Thus, President Obama's actions in office will determine whether they live their lives
as American princesses, or pariahs. Certainly the highly intellectual Cornel West recognizes that simple fact - doesn't he?

[Alison P. Minto]

Bro. Wattree, May the Lord, grant you the wisdom, and the knowledge to know the truth. Peace be with you. 

Eric L. Wattree said:

Alison,

You're being hoodwinked. This has nothing to do with either censorship, or demoracy. Tavis and West have tried to preempt criticism by framing the debate regarding their activity in a way that suggests that their critics are merely upset because they’re criticizing President Obama, and obviously, you have bought into that nonsense hook, line, and sinker. But that's just nonsense. It's the very same kind of RACIST and condescending nonsense that the Republicans are arguing. The implication is that Black people are so blinded by race that we don't have sense enough to know what's in our own best interest. The mere fact that Tavis, West and you, would make such a degrading and condescending argument speaks volumes about how little respect you have for the intelligence of the Black community. You said it yourself - "You all are absolutely ignorant!" In response, I'd say that anyone who thinks they corner on either wisdom, knowledge, or intelligence is suffering from a severe case of delusion.
.
With respect to challenging power, many in the Black community have criticized President Obama, just like we criticize any other president, including myself. I’ve written several articles criticizing Obama, but I made sure that they were always issue specific, respectful, and free of unsubstantiated innuendo.
http://wattree.blogspot.com/2008/07/journalists-first-responsibilit...
.
So the issue that’s stirring many in the Black community has absolutely nothing to do with attempting to stifle "intelligent and passionate discussion" as you suggests. The issue is, many believe that Smiley and West are exploiting their high profile in the Black community to promote personal vendettas and lucrative marketing campaigns without any regard for the fact that their activities are detrimental to the Black community’s interest as a whole. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West's activities during this election season are identical to the activities of Ralph Nader and Cornel West's in the 2000 election that got George Bush elected. So West is either purposely trying to sabotage the Black community, are he's too dumb to be given a public platform in the first place.
.
During the 2000 election Cornel West join forces with Ralph Nader under the very same pretext - "to stimulated vigorous and intelligent discussion." But what did it get us? It got us eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, and was directly responsible for placing America - and the Black community - in the very economic condition that West is currently complaining about. George W. Bush won the 2000 election by a mere 537 votes. The Nader-West coalition peel off 97,488 votes in Florida alone, so Cornel West is, literally, like a man who's dug a ditch and is now complaining because Obama's not filling it in fast enough. Yet, people like yourself are arguing that calling thess two demagogues out constitute stifling intelligent and passionate discussion!!? Please be serious.
.
So the fact is, it’s not WHAT Tavis and West are saying that has the Black community up in arms, it’s WHY we suspect they're saying it. After all, couldn't they wait until AFTER the election, and AFTER we've made sure that we've protected the Black community and poor and middle-class America from corporate fascists, and THEN have this "intelligent and passionate" discussion? But of course, Tavis and West would argue that once reelected, President Obama wouldn't have the incentive to listen. But that's not true. Every president is concerned about his legacy, and as the first Black president that's even more true of Obama than most. In addition, President Obama has two young daughters who'll have to live with his legacy for the rest of their lives. Thus, President Obama's actions in office will determine whether they live their lives
as American princesses, or pariahs. Certainly the highly intellectual Cornel West recognizes that simple fact - doesn't he?

[Heru Ammen]

Eric,

I'm in total agreement with you. One can criticize (as I have) some of the policy decisions the POTUS has made. However the pure and unadulterated jealousy that has ovulated from Smiley & West directed at Obama is palpable, disrespectful and overtly condescending. While Tavis and West ride around promoting yet another book about black folks and poverty, our President has forged a legacy that is unprecedented for its vision and he was able to accomplish many of his goals despite the fact that the racists, bigots and Afro-Saxons have stood in his way since day one shouting no,no,no!

Africans in American, especially those that don't embrace the "woe is us" mantra emanating from our tired and one note singing black leadership aren't stupid. We understand that Obama cannot create policy just for us black folks. However what he has done has benefited all Americans; which benefits us as well. Are we not Americans too?

The days of the tired negro begging for "rights" from folks that are hell bent on seeing us destroyed are over. The election of Obama proved once and for all that if we seek excellence, high office or even wealth, there is nothing or no one that can stop us.

Eric L. Wattree said:

Alison,

You're being hoodwinked. This has nothing to do with either censorship, or demoracy. Tavis and West have tried to preempt criticism by framing the debate regarding their activity in a way that suggests that their critics are merely upset because they’re criticizing President Obama, and obviously, you have bought into that nonsense hook, line, and sinker. But that's just nonsense. It's the very same kind of RACIST and condescending nonsense that the Republicans are arguing. The implication is that Black people are so blinded by race that we don't have sense enough to know what's in our own best interest. The mere fact that Tavis, West and you, would make such a degrading and condescending argument speaks volumes about how little respect you have for the intelligence of the Black community. You said it yourself - "You all are absolutely ignorant!" In response, I'd say that anyone who thinks they corner on either wisdom, knowledge, or intelligence is suffering from a severe case of delusion.
.
With respect to challenging power, many in the Black community have criticized President Obama, just like we criticize any other president, including myself. I’ve written several articles criticizing Obama, but I made sure that they were always issue specific, respectful, and free of unsubstantiated innuendo.
http://wattree.blogspot.com/2008/07/journalists-first-responsibilit...
.
So the issue that’s stirring many in the Black community has absolutely nothing to do with attempting to stifle "intelligent and passionate discussion" as you suggests. The issue is, many believe that Smiley and West are exploiting their high profile in the Black community to promote personal vendettas and lucrative marketing campaigns without any regard for the fact that their activities are detrimental to the Black community’s interest as a whole. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West's activities during this election season are identical to the activities of Ralph Nader and Cornel West's in the 2000 election that got George Bush elected. So West is either purposely trying to sabotage the Black community, are he's too dumb to be given a public platform in the first place.
.
During the 2000 election Cornel West join forces with Ralph Nader under the very same pretext - "to stimulated vigorous and intelligent discussion." But what did it get us? It got us eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, and was directly responsible for placing America - and the Black community - in the very economic condition that West is currently complaining about. George W. Bush won the 2000 election by a mere 537 votes. The Nader-West coalition peel off 97,488 votes in Florida alone, so Cornel West is, literally, like a man who's dug a ditch and is now complaining because Obama's not filling it in fast enough. Yet, people like yourself are arguing that calling thess two demagogues out constitute stifling intelligent and passionate discussion!!? Please be serious.
.
So the fact is, it’s not WHAT Tavis and West are saying that has the Black community up in arms, it’s WHY we suspect they're saying it. After all, couldn't they wait until AFTER the election, and AFTER we've made sure that we've protected the Black community and poor and middle-class America from corporate fascists, and THEN have this "intelligent and passionate" discussion? But of course, Tavis and West would argue that once reelected, President Obama wouldn't have the incentive to listen. But that's not true. Every president is concerned about his legacy, and as the first Black president that's even more true of Obama than most. In addition, President Obama has two young daughters who'll have to live with his legacy for the rest of their lives. Thus, President Obama's actions in office will determine whether they live their lives
as American princesses, or pariahs. Certainly the highly intellectual Cornel West recognizes that simple fact - doesn't he?

[bishop omega]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tXS2GRkqSc

Heru Ammen said:

Eric,

I'm in total agreement with you. One can criticize (as I have) some of the policy decisions the POTUS has made. However the pure and unadulterated jealousy that has ovulated from Smiley & West directed at Obama is palpable, disrespectful and overtly condescending. While Tavis and West ride around promoting yet another book about black folks and poverty, our President has forged a legacy that is unprecedented for its vision and he was able to accomplish many of his goals despite the fact that the racists, bigots and Afro-Saxons have stood in his way since day one shouting no,no,no!

Africans in American, especially those that don't embrace the "woe is us" mantra emanating from our tired and one note singing black leadership aren't stupid. We understand that Obama cannot create policy just for us black folks. However what he has done has benefited all Americans; which benefits us as well. Are we not Americans too?

The days of the tired negro begging for "rights" from folks that are hell bent on seeing us destroyed are over. The election of Obama proved once and for all that if we seek excellence, high office or even wealth, there is nothing or no one that can stop us.

Eric L. Wattree said:

Alison,

You're being hoodwinked. This has nothing to do with either censorship, or demoracy. Tavis and West have tried to preempt criticism by framing the debate regarding their activity in a way that suggests that their critics are merely upset because they’re criticizing President Obama, and obviously, you have bought into that nonsense hook, line, and sinker. But that's just nonsense. It's the very same kind of RACIST and condescending nonsense that the Republicans are arguing. The implication is that Black people are so blinded by race that we don't have sense enough to know what's in our own best interest. The mere fact that Tavis, West and you, would make such a degrading and condescending argument speaks volumes about how little respect you have for the intelligence of the Black community. You said it yourself - "You all are absolutely ignorant!" In response, I'd say that anyone who thinks they corner on either wisdom, knowledge, or intelligence is suffering from a severe case of delusion.
.
With respect to challenging power, many in the Black community have criticized President Obama, just like we criticize any other president, including myself. I’ve written several articles criticizing Obama, but I made sure that they were always issue specific, respectful, and free of unsubstantiated innuendo.
http://wattree.blogspot.com/2008/07/journalists-first-responsibilit...
.
So the issue that’s stirring many in the Black community has absolutely nothing to do with attempting to stifle "intelligent and passionate discussion" as you suggests. The issue is, many believe that Smiley and West are exploiting their high profile in the Black community to promote personal vendettas and lucrative marketing campaigns without any regard for the fact that their activities are detrimental to the Black community’s interest as a whole. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West's activities during this election season are identical to the activities of Ralph Nader and Cornel West's in the 2000 election that got George Bush elected. So West is either purposely trying to sabotage the Black community, are he's too dumb to be given a public platform in the first place.
.
During the 2000 election Cornel West join forces with Ralph Nader under the very same pretext - "to stimulated vigorous and intelligent discussion." But what did it get us? It got us eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, and was directly responsible for placing America - and the Black community - in the very economic condition that West is currently complaining about. George W. Bush won the 2000 election by a mere 537 votes. The Nader-West coalition peel off 97,488 votes in Florida alone, so Cornel West is, literally, like a man who's dug a ditch and is now complaining because Obama's not filling it in fast enough. Yet, people like yourself are arguing that calling thess two demagogues out constitute stifling intelligent and passionate discussion!!? Please be serious.
.
So the fact is, it’s not WHAT Tavis and West are saying that has the Black community up in arms, it’s WHY we suspect they're saying it. After all, couldn't they wait until AFTER the election, and AFTER we've made sure that we've protected the Black community and poor and middle-class America from corporate fascists, and THEN have this "intelligent and passionate" discussion? But of course, Tavis and West would argue that once reelected, President Obama wouldn't have the incentive to listen. But that's not true. Every president is concerned about his legacy, and as the first Black president that's even more true of Obama than most. In addition, President Obama has two young daughters who'll have to live with his legacy for the rest of their lives. Thus, President Obama's actions in office will determine whether they live their lives
as American princesses, or pariahs. Certainly the highly intellectual Cornel West recognizes that simple fact - doesn't he?

[Eric L. Wattree]

I totally agree, Heru.

.

Tavis and West have come together and turned their "public advocacy into big business. Cornel West, the mouth, has quit his job at Princeton and joined forces with Tavis Smiley, the corporate shill, and created Smiley and West, Inc. They're using their influence in the Black community - at least, what's left of it - to sell books, media syndication, $30,000 speaking fees, etc. But the political activity of Tavis and West strays so far outside the boundaries of common sense that some in the community are beginning to suspect the possibility of much more sinister motives. In his article, "My Republican Party has Abandoned Me," Black Republican activist, Raynard Jackson, says the following:

.

"For many years, I have approached the party and its supporters about underwriting programs to bring together Blacks who are Republican or lean Republican so we can weave them into every facet of the party structure. The answer is always, no!  But, twice this year some of these same people have approached me about funding for some election year tricks that they (White Republicans) have conjured up and simply need a Black face to execute the plan. On these two separate occasions, these funders were willing to spend upwards of $20 million to have me organize a national campaign to identify Blacks who would be critical of President Obama."

.

Twenty million dollars - that's a lot of money. And thanks to Mr. Jackson, we now have absolute conformation that the GOP is predisposed to playing footsie with the electoral system, but due to a lack of smoking-gun evidence, the jury is still out on Tavis and West. No matter how many dots we might connect - Tavis' connection with GOP-afilliated corporations like Walmart, Wells Fargo, and nationwide Insurance, and his active campaigning against President Obama in the battle ground states just before the election - unless we find a smoking gun, we recognize that any evidence impugning their credibility would be purely circumstantial. And unlike Tavis and West, in their reckless and unsubstantiated accusations toward President Obama, we understand the importance of giving them the benefit of the doubt.

　

 

[Heru Ammen]

Brother Eric,

Well let's reason some anecdotes for a moment and see if your theory has substance...

You got one (Smiley) that has talked negatively about Obama since before the '08 primaries; so much so that he was forced to quit the Tom Joyner Morning Show by its listeners. Then there was the perceived slight when Obama declined an invitation to the 2008 State of Black America confab hosted by Mr. Smiley. 

The other one (West) was gung-ho, buddy-buddy with Obama. That change when he didn't receive an invitation to the "Players Ball' also known as the Inauguration Party(s). From that point forward he has been consistent in his criticism of the President.

Then this year, both of them created/implemented the Poverty Tour 2.0 (while riding in a bus that had more accoutrements than a Gulfstream G650 jet) where the audience was asked mockingly to tell the President to say the word "Poor," as if the President hasn't address that issue as he should have. 

Then there was the round table discussion with the usual rudderless, impotent and self appointed black leadership which was nothing more than a thinly disguised Bash Obama Fest.

Anything that hurts Obama is good for the Republican Party. These two clowns have been in the business of criticizing the President (and benefiting the Republican Agenda) since before he took office and the day after he took office respectively. From an anecdotal perspective, one can argue that there is an appearance of bias against the President by Smiley and West, so much so that one may reasonably engage your theory as being plausible and at least open for a serious discussion.

My theory is a little simpler... and that is if Smiley and West can peel enough of the African American vote from Obama and cause him to lose, they can once again assume their role as the savior for those that embrace the victim mindset. It is then that Smiley and West can ride in on their white horses and save black folks from the onslaught of racist and oppressive legislation that is sure to come with a Republican President and Congress.. and that is what one would call a money game. Feel me?

Eric L. Wattree said:

I totally agree, Heru.

.

Tavis and West have come together and turned their "public advocacy into big business. Cornel West, the mouth, has quit his job at Princeton and joined forces with Tavis Smiley, the corporate shill, and created Smiley and West, Inc. They're using their influence in the Black community - at least, what's left of it - to sell books, media syndication, $30,000 speaking fees, etc. But the political activity of Tavis and West strays so far outside the boundaries of common sense that some in the community are beginning to suspect the possibility of much more sinister motives. In his article, "My Republican Party has Abandoned Me," Black Republican activist, Raynard Jackson, says the following:

.

"For many years, I have approached the party and its supporters about underwriting programs to bring together Blacks who are Republican or lean Republican so we can weave them into every facet of the party structure. The answer is always, no!  But, twice this year some of these same people have approached me about funding for some election year tricks that they (White Republicans) have conjured up and simply need a Black face to execute the plan. On these two separate occasions, these funders were willing to spend upwards of $20 million to have me organize a national campaign to identify Blacks who would be critical of President Obama."

.

Twenty million dollars - that's a lot of money. And thanks to Mr. Jackson, we now have absolute conformation that the GOP is predisposed to playing footsie with the electoral system, but due to a lack of smoking-gun evidence, the jury is still out on Tavis and West. No matter how many dots we might connect - Tavis' connection with GOP-afilliated corporations like Walmart, Wells Fargo, and nationwide Insurance, and his active campaigning against President Obama in the battle ground states just before the election - unless we find a smoking gun, we recognize that any evidence impugning their credibility would be purely circumstantial. And unlike Tavis and West, in their reckless and unsubstantiated accusations toward President Obama, we understand the importance of giving them the benefit of the doubt.

　

 

[Eric L. Wattree]

Heru Ammen said:

Brother Eric,

Well let's reason some anecdotes for a moment and see if your theory has substance...

You got one (Smiley) that has talked negatively about Obama since before the '08 primaries; so much so that he was forced to quit the Tom Joyner Morning Show by its listeners. Then there was the perceived slight when Obama declined an invitation to the 2008 State of Black America confab hosted by Mr. Smiley. 

The other one (West) was gung-ho, buddy-buddy with Obama. That change when he didn't receive an invitation to the "Players Ball' also known as the Inauguration Party(s). From that point forward he has been consistent in his criticism of the President.

Then this year, both of them created/implemented the Poverty Tour 2.0 (while riding in a bus that had more accoutrements than a Gulfstream G650 jet) where the audience was asked mockingly to tell the President to say the word "Poor," as if the President hasn't address that issue as he should have. 

Then there was the round table discussion with the usual rudderless, impotent and self appointed black leadership which was nothing more than a thinly disguised Bash Obama Fest.

Anything that hurts Obama is good for the Republican Party. These two clowns have been in the business of criticizing the President (and benefiting the Republican Agenda) since before he took office and the day after he took office respectively. From an anecdotal perspective, one can argue that there is an appearance of bias against the President by Smiley and West, so much so that one may reasonably engage your theory as being plausible and at least open for a serious discussion.

My theory is a little simpler... and that is if Smiley and West can peel enough of the African American vote from Obama and cause him to lose, they can once again assume their role as the savior for those that embrace the victim mindset. It is then that Smiley and West can ride in on their white horses and save black folks from the onslaught of racist and oppressive legislation that is sure to come with a Republican President and Congress.. and that is what one would call a money game. Feel me?

Eric L. Wattree said:

I totally agree, Heru.

.

Tavis and West have come together and turned their "public advocacy into big business. Cornel West, the mouth, has quit his job at Princeton and joined forces with Tavis Smiley, the corporate shill, and created Smiley and West, Inc. They're using their influence in the Black community - at least, what's left of it - to sell books, media syndication, $30,000 speaking fees, etc. But the political activity of Tavis and West strays so far outside the boundaries of common sense that some in the community are beginning to suspect the possibility of much more sinister motives. In his article, "My Republican Party has Abandoned Me," Black Republican activist, Raynard Jackson, says the following:

.

"For many years, I have approached the party and its supporters about underwriting programs to bring together Blacks who are Republican or lean Republican so we can weave them into every facet of the party structure. The answer is always, no!  But, twice this year some of these same people have approached me about funding for some election year tricks that they (White Republicans) have conjured up and simply need a Black face to execute the plan. On these two separate occasions, these funders were willing to spend upwards of $20 million to have me organize a national campaign to identify Blacks who would be critical of President Obama."

.

Twenty million dollars - that's a lot of money. And thanks to Mr. Jackson, we now have absolute conformation that the GOP is predisposed to playing footsie with the electoral system, but due to a lack of smoking-gun evidence, the jury is still out on Tavis and West. No matter how many dots we might connect - Tavis' connection with GOP-afilliated corporations like Walmart, Wells Fargo, and nationwide Insurance, and his active campaigning against President Obama in the battle ground states just before the election - unless we find a smoking gun, we recognize that any evidence impugning their credibility would be purely circumstantial. And unlike Tavis and West, in their reckless and unsubstantiated accusations toward President Obama, we understand the importance of giving them the benefit of the doubt.

　

 

[Eric L. Wattree]

Heru,

.

I certainly do feel you. And what adds to your thesis is that they want to corner the market on Black advocacy is West's seeming hostility towards Black person that threatens to overshadow them in the Black community. I recently posted the following on Facebook:

.

PRESENTING THE VERY, VERY, "I-LOVE-MY-PEOPLE" CORNEL WEST
.
For a brother who’s always runnin’ around talkin’ about how much he loves his people, it seems mighty curious that every time a Black person starts to overshadow him, he goes out of his way to drag them down.

.

FIRST, it was Barack Obama. West thought he was cool at first, but the minute it began to look like Obama had a chance to ACTUALLY become president, West started calling him a puppet to plutocrats and oligarchs. HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL.

.

THEN, it Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry. He was working with this sister at Princeton, but once she was given the job to host a show on MSNBC, this Black-people-lovin’ brother saw fit to PUBLICLY call this very impressive sister A LIAR AND A FRAUD! Again, HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL.
.

NOW, he’s after Jay Z. Now that Jay Z is gettin’ more pub than West over his owning a piece of the Nets and the Barclay Center, West has taken it upon himself to run around informing the world that, JAY Z DON’T OWN THAT - A WHITE MAN OWN IT!

.
YOU KNOW WHAT CORNEL, SO WHAT, FOOL!  WHY DON’T YOU MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS!!!

.
WITH "GOOD BROTHERS" LIKE YOU, WE’D ALL BE BETTER OFF ORPHANS .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E6lS0gLH18

[Ricardo Jones]

 

Media blackout of black Chicago protesters marching against Obama

[Heru Ammen]

If you don't own anything in your community, you will be subjected to anything and everything that those who do own property in your community want to do to you. We need to develop an African-Centered and African American Cultural infrastructure in our communities that supports growth, education, business development and income producing opportunities.

Every other oppressed ethnic group in this country seems to understand the aforementioned except us. African American GDP is US$1 trillion. Invested wisely, we could become our own nation! Unfortunately we're stuck in a 45 year discussion and a book writing continuum regarding the issues in our community. We should be implementing enterprise level solutions that address these issues and there is absolutely no one and no-thing stopping us from doing that except us.

No matter how one feels about Obama, the fact is that the brother successfully ran for President, and became the leader of the free world. So the question I ask is what's  holding us back from rising and transforming? If one black person can become President, enough of us should be able to change the negative dynamics in our communities. Don't you think?

[Ricardo Jones]

 Media blackout of black Chicago protesters marching against Obama