Controversy About "The Black Agenda"

[Smiley and West]

Sharpton vs West Exclusive: West goes behind the scenes of his MSNBC debate with Rev. Al Sharpton.     As we draw closer to the election year, the topic of a Black Agenda, or lack thereof, remains at the center of much heated discourse amongst public intellectuals and political pundits.  Recently Dr. Cornel West and Rev. Al Sharpton – two of America’s most respected Black leaders – engaged in such a debate on MSNBC with Ed Schutlz.  Although the conversation was torrid, the subject of a Black Agenda is gaining more attention. West: There is a context in the nation that a criticism of President Obama is an attempt to support right wing vicious attacks. The recent heated exchange with my dear brother Al Sharpton is not primarily about him, me or even the President.  What’s the focus: How we fight for poor and working people. Tune in to Smiley & West this weekend as I reflect more on the subject.   For Dr. West's Full Statement, visit  www.CornelWest.com

[Walter Simtec Simmons]

Let us not get tricked into thinking that a president regardless to who he is can sign into law a federal legislative bill without input from the US Congress. Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution specifically reserves all federal legislative authority to Congress, not the president. The pundits just want to get President Obama out of office by any means necessary.  It is one thing to give constructive criticism hoping to make things better but some time we run the risk of throwing the baby out with the bath water. I am reminded of the Reverend Jesse Jackson when he said “keep your eyes on the prize”  To accomplish anything, one must have a goal to reach and a reason for that particular accomplishment.

CLICK HERE AND READ MLK

[Brenda]

I agree with you....

Walter Simtec Simmons said:

Let us not get tricked into thinking that a president regardless to who he is can sign into law a federal legislative bill without input from the US Congress. Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution specifically reserves all federal legislative authority to Congress, not the president. The pundits just want to get President Obama out of office by any means necessary.  It is one thing to give constructive criticism hoping to make things better but some time we run the risk of throwing the baby out with the bath water. I am reminded of the Reverend Jesse Jackson when he said “keep your eyes on the prize”  To accomplish anything, one must have a goal to reach and a reason for that particular accomplishment.

CLICK HERE AND READ MLK

[Avid Follower]

The link you provided for MLK is a lifelong potent prescription. Thanks Walter!

Walter Simtec Simmons said:

Let us not get tricked into thinking that a president regardless to who he is can sign into law a federal legislative bill without input from the US Congress. Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution specifically reserves all federal legislative authority to Congress, not the president. The pundits just want to get President Obama out of office by any means necessary.  It is one thing to give constructive criticism hoping to make things better but some time we run the risk of throwing the baby out with the bath water. I am reminded of the Reverend Jesse Jackson when he said “keep your eyes on the prize”  To accomplish anything, one must have a goal to reach and a reason for that particular accomplishment.

CLICK HERE AND READ MLK

[Brenda]

Thanks Walter...sometimes we need to be reminded!

[Walter Simtec Simmons]

You're right Brenda, and thanks for your support. WE must always remember that every closed eye is not sleep. Peace and love.

Brenda said:

Thanks Walter...sometimes we need to be reminded!

[Mustafa Ansari]

I have been on this forum for about a week.I have enjoyed everyone's responses but to be perfectly truthful, "Negro politics" is innately doomed to failure because you have to rely on an intransigent Congress and Supreme Court...so you cannot win because these forces are moving on a different economic theory and vision of America called "Neo-liberalism". In this theory tax cuts, and a wheedling out of the middle class and destroying or depleting all of the "safety net" social programs, education, etc. This is a theory that has shaken out our communities of their funds, housing, programs, into the deplorable state that it is now...and this is just the beginning. In other words all of you are "beating a dead horse". The America that you think exist...doesn't... and it never will...You have to become self-determining...and BTW President Obama can legislate, it is called "Executive or Presidential Orders". In fact we want him to implement Presidential Order 13107 that would require the Federal government to incorporate Human Rights measures...but as you know Mr. Obama does not want to be associated with us in any political way.

[Brenda]

Yeah...I used to respect Cornell West, especially when I lacked the ability to synthesize information.  I waited on baited breathe to hear his words of wisdom, used to jump up and down like a crazed monkey shouting “did you just hear what he said!”  I was like many today stuck in a paradigm of wanting a Messiah to save me.  However, today, I’ve learned to read for myself and see past the sound bites.  I do not like all of the decisions that President Obama makes.  Yet, I never lost sight of the prize.  His presidency demonstrated to my grandsons that they too can become president.  For that—I will continue to vote for him.  As a professional and leader, people do not always like the decisions that I make.  This is the bitter sweet potion that leadership brings.  However at the end of the day, I can look at myself and say that my decisions were the best that I could do---they were for the greater good.   For West, I hope he can say the same.  It is easy to sit back and analyze others—but when an individual is put to the test---would we be any different?  I direct a very small portion of the government and that gives me a headache.  I can only imagine President’s head and heart at the end of the day.

[Penguin Board of Directors]

Brenda,

Just remember to leave the door half-open. You might still need it to navigate back to appreciating some of what Cornel West has to say. You might no longer jump up like the blah blah blah, but you might still be quietly enthused by snippets of his wisdom; sometimes. So, keep an open mind. No doubt, I agree with you that you have to process your own inputs with your own God-given faculties. That is the golden rule of incrementally informed decision-making...:) And, the rule applies to us all; West, East, North and South.

[Serious Black]

No excuses please. Just pass a jobs bill for we the people. And SAY, it will help to close the glaring disparity between wall street and my street.
Brenda said:

Yeah...I used to respect Cornell West, especially when I lacked the ability to synthesize information.  I waited on baited breathe to hear his words of wisdom, used to jump up and down like a crazed monkey shouting “did you just hear what he said!”  I was like many today stuck in a paradigm of wanting a Messiah to save me.  However, today, I’ve learned to read for myself and see past the sound bites.  I do not like all of the decisions that President Obama makes.  Yet, I never lost sight of the prize.  His presidency demonstrated to my grandsons that they too can become president.  For that—I will continue to vote for him.  As a professional and leader, people do not always like the decisions that I make.  This is the bitter sweet potion that leadership brings.  However at the end of the day, I can look at myself and say that my decisions were the best that I could do---they were for the greater good.   For West, I hope he can say the same.  It is easy to sit back and analyze others—but when an individual is put to the test---would we be any different?  I direct a very small portion of the government and that gives me a headache.  I can only imagine President’s head and heart at the end of the day.

[Serious Black]

Thank you sir for saying what needs to be said. Enough with the smooth speeches Mr. President. Mustafa Ansari said:

I have been on this forum for about a week.I have enjoyed everyone's responses but to be perfectly truthful, "Negro politics" is innately doomed to failure because you have to rely on an intransigent Congress and Supreme Court...so you cannot win because these forces are moving on a different economic theory and vision of America called "Neo-liberalism". In this theory tax cuts, and a wheedling out of the middle class and destroying or depleting all of the "safety net" social programs, education, etc. This is a theory that has shaken out our communities of their funds, housing, programs, into the deplorable state that it is now...and this is just the beginning. In other words all of you are "beating a dead horse". The America that you think exist...doesn't... and it never will...You have to become self-determining...and BTW President Obama can legislate, it is called "Executive or Presidential Orders". In fact we want him to implement Presidential Order 13107 that would require the Federal government to incorporate Human Rights measures...but as you know Mr. Obama does not want to be associated with us in any political way.

[Bri'on]

Let the infrastructure crumble then, and watch the rich beg for mercy when there is no where to run. If greed is the source for keeping poor people in poverty, then let those in power live out their greed.

 

He is like a dog chewing off his own leg when there is a bowl of steak in front of him.

 

The best natural resource is people. If the rich want to continue to spite the people, so be it, it won't last forever. The people till the land, milk the cows, prepare the food, drive the cars, fly the planes and are everywhere. If the rich drive us to the brink of awakening...so be it!

Mustafa Ansari said:

I have been on this forum for about a week.I have enjoyed everyone's responses but to be perfectly truthful, "Negro politics" is innately doomed to failure because you have to rely on an intransigent Congress and Supreme Court...so you cannot win because these forces are moving on a different economic theory and vision of America called "Neo-liberalism". In this theory tax cuts, and a wheedling out of the middle class and destroying or depleting all of the "safety net" social programs, education, etc. This is a theory that has shaken out our communities of their funds, housing, programs, into the deplorable state that it is now...and this is just the beginning. In other words all of you are "beating a dead horse". The America that you think exist...doesn't... and it never will...You have to become self-determining...and BTW President Obama can legislate, it is called "Executive or Presidential Orders". In fact we want him to implement Presidential Order 13107 that would require the Federal government to incorporate Human Rights measures...but as you know Mr. Obama does not want to be associated with us in any political way.

[Brenda]

I hear you:  What kind of bill would you suggest?  Who would create it?  And finally--how would it pass through both houses so that the President can SIGN it?

Serious Black said:

No excuses please. Just pass a jobs bill for we the people. And SAY, it will help to close the glaring disparity between wall street and my street.
Brenda said:

Yeah...I used to respect Cornell West, especially when I lacked the ability to synthesize information.  I waited on baited breathe to hear his words of wisdom, used to jump up and down like a crazed monkey shouting “did you just hear what he said!”  I was like many today stuck in a paradigm of wanting a Messiah to save me.  However, today, I’ve learned to read for myself and see past the sound bites.  I do not like all of the decisions that President Obama makes.  Yet, I never lost sight of the prize.  His presidency demonstrated to my grandsons that they too can become president.  For that—I will continue to vote for him.  As a professional and leader, people do not always like the decisions that I make.  This is the bitter sweet potion that leadership brings.  However at the end of the day, I can look at myself and say that my decisions were the best that I could do---they were for the greater good.   For West, I hope he can say the same.  It is easy to sit back and analyze others—but when an individual is put to the test---would we be any different?  I direct a very small portion of the government and that gives me a headache.  I can only imagine President’s head and heart at the end of the day.