NAACP chair Julian Bonds wants Mich., Florida delegates seated

While Sen. Barack Obama was racking up three huge wins last night in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, word broke that NAACP Chairman Julian Bond had sent a letter to the head of the Democratic National Committee asking that the delegates from Michigan and Florida be seated.

Talk about stepping into a messy situation!

Background: The DNC stripped the folks in Florida and Michigan of their delegates because state officials there moved their primaries up before Feb. 5. The DNC agreed to only allow four states - Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada - to vote before that date.

All of the Democratic candidates signed pledges not to campaign in those states, and the top tier candidates - except Sen. Hillary Clinton - removed their names from the ballot in Michigan.

When asked on the campaign trail, each said that the votes in Michigan and Florida were not going to count. When voting commenced, Clinton "won" Michigan and Florida, and proceeded to say that she would fight to have the delegates seated.

She has argued that since she won the states they should be awarded to her, while the Obama campaign has argued that in non-contested races, this is unfair.

Because the nomination fight between the two is so tight, every delegate will count.

My sources tell me that Bond, Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, as well as Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, all worked on the letter on Friday (Berry and Henderson both sit on the search committee seeking a new president and CEO of the group to replace Bruce Gordon).

Bond argues that he doesn't want to see minority voters disenfranchised, but what's interesting is that CNN exit polls show that nearly 70 percent of blacks didn't vote for Clinton Michigan, so who is Bond referring to?

I emailed Bond last night, but got no response. I also emailed Berry, as well as called and emailed Henderson, but have not gotten a response.

When I got the tip regarding the letter, I called the Rev. Al Sharpton to hear if he had heard about the letter, and he was stunned when apprised of it.

He said that he was sending his own letter to Dean today, stating that if the DNC tries to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates, he would lead a protest in front of the group's national headquarters.

My NAACP sources also say that Bond was out of bounds for sending the letter - one called it "disgusting" - because he didn't apprise the board of it, nor the group's executive committee.

"At not time did this come before the board, and I don’t believe the board would have sanctioned and allowed this to happen," one board member told me. "This is a unilateral move and a power play."

Another board member says they have received calls from across the national from state officers threatening to resign, and regular members saying they will tear up their cards and quit the group.

Does this make Bond concerned? Not according to an interview with Carol Costello of CNN, which will be done on The Situation Room today.

He said he's heard no discontent from the board, which is meeting this weekend.

Question of the Day: Should NAACP Chairman Julian Bond have waded into Democratic Party politics by wanting to have the Michigan and Florida delegates seated?

Comments

[Jay]

This is disgusting. I thought that the NAACP didn't endorse candidates but isn't that exactly what they're doing? The only way these delegates should be seated is if both primaries are done over.

[nic]

Man...does anyone else agree with me that the NAACP has slipped a LONG way from what it was supposed to be? Last time I read about them in the news they were adamantly defending Michael Vick, now they're interfering on behalf of Hillary Clinton...Thurgood Marshall is rolling in his grave...I'm personally embarassed...this is crazy.

The only way those states deserve to have delegates seated is if they have a new CAUCUS to assign delegates.

[Dusty]

Where the heck was the NAACP/Bond when everyone agreed to this rule in the first place. That's when Michigan and Florida had an opportunity to changed back to Feb 5th in the first place. Those states knew what they were up against. I'm beginning to loose faith in a lot of so-called black leaders! Somebody's always trying to change the rules once the game has started. They say that the Clintons play dirty. This guy on CNN said after Obama won the Iowa caucus that Obama better watch his back AND his knees! Now I see where Mr Bond is coming from. I'd like to ask Mr. Bond/NAACP...how much does that pay?

[Sandra]

It is mind boggling the games that people play. Julian Bonds has ucerpt his authority in not representing the organization and in not partnering with the DNC on how to create a fair solution to this problem. By his stepping in unnecessarily, he has only exaccerbated the problem.
I do think that a fair solution needs to be developed to offset the influence that superdelegates could play in this election, but in doing so both candidates should be included as participants with equal access to the voters.

[Reecie]

He should not have dragged the NAACP's credibility into the mud in the name of Clinton's sinking ship campaign. All of this in defense of a woman who has made it clear that in her opinion, Black votes don't count. What a joke! This is disgraceful to the NAACP's legacy.

If these so-called Black leaders think we aren't taking notes of who is acting a fool during this election and action won't be taken against them...they are crazy!

[alicia]

I personally think it is a bit late to seat delegates. If Florida and Michigan want to really see where the people stand, let them caucus. This is the only fair way to make it happen. Besides, why is Mr Bond so interested in this now. A bit late don't you think?

[alicia]

I personally think it is a bit late to seat delegates. If Florida and Michigan want to really see where the people stand, let them caucus. This is the only fair way to make it happen. Besides, why is Mr Bond so interested in this now. A bit late don't you think?

[Evelyn]

Perhaps I shouldn't be, but I am truly surprised that Julian Bond would step forward at this stage of the election process to allegedly speak on behalf of the NAACP regarding the Michigan and Florida delegates. Why now? Why not write to the state democratic chairmen and encourage the states to hold a caucus? I am concerned that all this activity is taking place in an effort to redirect the focus of the Obama campaign. Shame, shame, shame.

[Camille]

Mr. Bond is out of line. This action would not only disenfranchise more voters (those who would have voted for Obama and/or Edwards)but it would undermine the entire electoral process. The only way is to lose those delegates or caucus. The state party leaders knew the potential consequences of what they did. Period.

[BrwnSknGurl]

Where was his outrage when the decision was made last year??!! Why wait until it's clear Obama will win the delegate lead to "weigh in"? I am so disgusted! I actually took classes with Berry and Bond when they taught history and civil rights electives at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1980s! Nothing by Toms!!

[RealB.G.]

How badly does this man want to be relevant in this historic campaign?

[Rebecca Jenkins]

I agree with one of the previous commentors. If Mr. Bond was so adamant about these voters being heard, why didn't he address it initially. If he wanted to write to Howard Dean as a private citizen, then fine. But he grossly abused his position with the NAACP to pressure Dean. Shame on him for not representing ALL of the NAACP constituents. He should step down.

Maybe I missed it, but I haven't heard much from the people in either state on this issue. Perhaps it is on the local level and I am not in either locale.

This is where we all need to step up and email or write Howard Dean. If enough of us protest and indicate that we will be conscientious objectors and not vote in November if the delegates are seated, I bet he'd think twice about allowing the Republicans to hold onto the white house. Manipulation works both ways. This is the time to shoe our streangth as a voting block and let the DNC know that they can't just change the rules in the middle of the game and risk losing the black vote.

He and Tavis need to go sit down somewhere and be quiet.

[tom owens]

If mr bond was concerned about the naacp this would not be an issue. Its sad that the old civil rights fighters has lost the will to keep fighting.

[RMG]

Yes, Mr. Bond is wrong. But, stop bashing the NAACP. Get involved and make it count!

[Nikki]

Voters in Florida and Michigan that are for Obama are being proactive...we need your help. Please flood the DNC with your emais and phone calls.

email the DNC by going to
http://www.democrats.org/page/s/contactissues
or call at

Main Phone Number:
202-863-8000

See Example letter

"I urge you to be fair and stick to the rules that the candidates agreed upon before the Florida and Michigan primaries. Making changes after the results are known will not talk very favorably of our conduct as a party seeking to lead our country for the next 4 years”

It is not appropriate that Senator Clinton wants to go back on her word now that the results are known, and Senator Obama did not campaign extensively on these states due to the rule enforcement.

As Democrats, we need to demonstrate that we are the party that respects the rules and not the one that bends them according to convenience.

I had to re-post my email due to typographical errors...
As a resident of the State of Florida, I can shed some insight on how democratic congress members, i.e. Corrine Brown, Alcee Hastings, Kendrick Meek, and Florida democratic congressional members Dorothy Bendross Mindigal, Ronald Brise, Jennifer Carroll, Senator Tony Hill, Senator Gary Siplin, Senator Arthenia Joyner, Senator Al Lawson and a HOST OF OTHERS failed us. The Florida legislature, which is a republican majority, passed a LAW to hold our primary on January 29, 2008. I sent a letter to Corrine Brown back in September of 2007 questioning the democratic leaders' lack of urgency on this issue. Shortly after my letter was sent to Mrs. Brown's office, she issued a letter; similar to my own thoughts, however, it was too little too late. The democrats in the Florida congress failed us. Although Florida legislative rules do not allow the minority party to filibuster, the minority leaders allowed this bill to pass into law without notifying us. They should have been protesting this issue with great vigilance. This should have been major news prior to the bill becoming a law; not after it became a law. (I guess that's what happens when you're in congress and you sign bills without reading them thoroughly.) After the law was passed, the focus then turned to the DNC. If the DNC is in favor of hearing the democratic votes in Florida, why did they not alter their own rules to ensure that our votes would be heard and counted? With that critical question going unanswered, the DNC stood their ground and made each democratic candidate pledge not to campaign in Florida and Michigan.
The DNC also ruled that Florida and Michigan delegates will not be counted. Irrespective of Mr. Bond's notion about which candidates refused to sign the pledge to remove their names from the ballad in Michigan, ALL OF THE CANDIDATES agreed not the campaign in Michigan and in Florida. Now that Clinton won due to her name recognition, she wants to have Florida and Michigan delegates seated at the national convention. Rules are rules. It was not a miscalculation on Obama's campaign. Mr. Bond questions if Obama had won Michigan and Florida would he oppose their delegates being seated at the national convention, my guess is no because he's winning WITHOUT Florida and Michigan. Obama followed the rules and since Hillary is trailing him, she wants to bend the rules in her favor and spin it as though she's on the voter's side and wants to have the the delegates counted. My question to Mr. Bonds is, would Hillary be an advocate of having Florida and Michigan seated if she had lost those states? My guess is no.

[Bernard]

Julian Bond has destroyed whatever respect I had left for him and is dragging the NAACP down with him. He, and Tavis Smiley, for that matter, are acting like the Clinton's house boys. When this is all over I hope folks will remember those who would sell their souls, and try to sell ours, for the sake of the Clintons.

[Greg]

I would be rolling on the floor laughing at this travisty if the stakes weren't so high. I have to say this confirms what I've always felt about Hillary. Namely that she is all about winning at any cost. After all why is she senator of New York and not her native Illinois or Arkansas with which she was much more familiar. The bottom line is that New York offered her the easiest route to power. And it is power she craves make no mistake. And apparently she'll pay and do whatever it takes to get it. Even destroy her own party with an internicine power struggle. I wonder how of the the $5 million personal loan to the campaign went towards paying Mr. Tom...sorry Mr. Bond?

[John Wilson]

I've always enjoyed Roland's racial raves... no matter what the issue or non-issue, Roland always has a need to wade in and speak and speak and speak: Interestingly, it is always for OBAMA!

The real point here is that both MI & FL voters are not going to be COUNTED in the primary vote: they are simply disenfranchised voters... Little does it matter that they voted for the WHITE LADY over BLACK OBAMA.

I know where Roland is coming from and I know that if OBAMA won these states he would be tearing up AMERICA to get these votes for OBAMA... but that is not the case.

The blacks came home for OJ; the blacks are comin' home for OBABA!

It really is as SIMPLE AS THAT!

FURTHER:

Super Delegates were created by the Democratic Party so that they wouldn't nominate another "Incredibly Stupid & Dumb Candidate, as they did in 1972 with George McGovern... The guy won ONE state and approximately 38% of the national vote...

The sole purpose of these Super Delegates is to be sure that the Democrat Party puts forth a nominee that is electable; they do not have to follow their constituencies or their race!

The way some black Super Delegates are now backing away from their declared support of Hillary Rodham Clinton clearly is racial; there really is no other rational way to interpret this, the same for some 90% of all black folks voting for Senator Obama.

I'm sorry, but this is first and foremost a RACIAL Election on the Democratic side...

I'm also sorry to say that if Obama is the Democratic nominee, he will not and cannot be elected... and, the Democratic Party will be destroyed.

[Mike]

The question is...what's in it for Mr. Bond and the NAACP to challenge the DNC decision this late in the game? In my opinion, it appears the NAACP has something to lose if Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination. It wouldn't surprise me if we find out later how deeply intertwined the NAACP and the Clintons are.

[LLR Wilson]

John Wilson, all I can say is somewhere...some village is missing their idiot and I think you have finally been discovered. Every time someone does not get the result they desire, they cry foul and everyone is now a racist and blacks are voting for Obama becuase he is black.

For me, I was a Clinton supporter, but after I did my own research, this is what I found…go for it!

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive. 16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

What more I found is she...
21. Voted for the War, did not read the NEI Report
22. Voted against the amendment this would have given the inspectors permission to go into Iraq, prior to the War.
23. Voted for the Bankruptcy Bill that would have harmed more consumer’s and gave more rights to banks, etc. She was happy this bill didn’t pass…the one thing she apologized for…
24. Not to mention supporting NAFTA and not acknowledging its failures in her and Bill’s past Administration.

There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included
**The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law,
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law,
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law,
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.

LET ME ADD…BEFORE YOU COME BACK ON THIS BLOG TRYING TO CHECK ANYONE, DO YOUR RESEARCH!
THE MEDIA TELLS YOU THERE IS NO SUBSTANCE AND YOU BOUGHT IT, SO NOW YOUR TINY BRAIN TELLS YOU IT’S ABOUT RACE…

ONE THING ABOUT LIFE…CHECK DOWN, NEVER CHECK UP! THIS IS NOT ABOUT RACE; THIS IS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY. YOU MAY DECIDE TO COME WITH A NEEDLESS WARRANTED EXCUSE, BUT I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CHECK YOUR FACTS FIRST!!!

THE WASTE OF A GOOD EDUCATION IS TERRIBLE, READING IS FUNDAMENTAL, SO I SUGGEST YOU TAKE PART IN IT.

GO BACK TO YOUR VILLAGE and stop spinning!

[Ty]

I've been reading about this situation, and apparently, the DNC has a remedy for this situation: Basically, it's a re-do of the Primary for those states. There is precedent for this. In 1996, Delaware moved up their primary, against the directives set by the DNC. The DNC gave Delaware the opportunity to hold a DNC-sponsored primary (with the DNC footing the bill), the state leaders in Delaware agreed, and Delaware's delegates were seated. I don't know if this will happen, especially in Michigan, since the Democratic Party leadership in Michigan want to see the delegates go to Clinton.

[DLH in Georgia]

I'm probably going to take a lot of heat for these comments, but I am one African-American who has not gotten caught up in all the media hype geared towards either Democratic candidate. Let's be very clear about one thing. If Barack Obama was not ahead right now and needed those votes in FL and MI to get back in the game, he would be the one pushing to have the delegates seated. He also doesn't want the superdelegates to select the nominee because that might not lean in his favor.

This is politics and candidates are going to use whatever weapons at their disposal to gain a competitive edge. Hillary realizes she is up against a formidable opponent, so I don't fault her for playing to her strengths. MI might be a subject for debate since Obama took his name off the ballot. In FL though, all the names were on the ballot and the candidates were not allowed to campaign. Hillary still won that state decisively. I agree that there should be some penalty for moving the primaries up, but to make their votes not count altogether is extreme. In order to win the general election, we need the support of both states. If we marginalize them now, they may just stay home in November (thus the Republicans win again).

It saddens me that we have allowed race to become such a polarizing force in this election. Has anyone considered the possibility that our leaders that support Clinton may be doing so because they feel she is the best candidate. Let's not get so caught up in finally having a black president, that we choose racial loyalty over common sense. We are better than that. I'm not saying don't vote for Obama, but at least make an informed decision as to who is best equipped to fix the problems the Bush administration has created.

I heard a comment from a black woman recently who said "I hate Hillary". When the reporter asked her why, she said "I don't know why, I just do and I'm not voting for her". That confirms my belief that this election is going to be decided in large measure based on popularity, not issues. That is very unfortunate for us all.

[Reign]

Ty, you're so wrong in your thinking that Blacks are voting for Senator Obama just because he's Black! Nothing could be further from the truth. People of color (and others) finally feel that they don't have to vote for the lesser of the evils and they're doing their research and listening to commentaries and information on both candidates in order to make an informed decision. Senator Obama speaks to the masses, he speaks to the common folk and he speaks of the change which we all know this country is in dire need of. This is the first time people have gotten so involved in the political process and actually are keeping up with everything that is going on in order to make a better decision. Black people have never chosen anything or anyone based on color. Too many of us are usually too fearful to do that. In fact, there have been times when I personally wished Black people would do something for another Black just because they're Black, as in patronizing Black businesses. Come on now, it sounds more like you're getting caught up in color/race. This election IS NOT about race/color, it's about finally having viable candidates to choose from and researching information on them, changing decisions based on information uncovered and making the best decision for a country we ALL want to participate in making better!

Like Michelle Obama's comment, this is the first time that I too am proud of this country. It's because we're all taking part in one of the most important decisions of this country. It's nice to see all of America's people on the same page and that is the page of change for the new Millennium. We're now a digial society and our minds need to become that of a digital which is what Senator Obama encompasses. Hilary is analog and it's time out for analog and the people of this country is realizes that. The media has medicated and lulled our minds to sleep with fear and junk for so long, that everyone is waking up renewed and refreshed with the change Senator Obama speaks of. That's all that's happening right now, we're awake and alive with the possibility of common sense prevailing for a change!

[Yolanda]

The sole purpose of these Super Delegates is to be sure that the Democrat Party puts forth a nominee that is electable; they do NOT have to follow their constituencies or their race!

Black people let us all look at the big picture -- Out of the MANY states that Obama has swept and the FEW states that Clint has won...Why is it that the race is still so tight. You would think after the 11 straight wins of Obama at least the gap would be much wider between him and Clinton. Hmmmm is it because Obama has won mostly states that DO NOT and WILL NOT vote DEMOCRAT in the general election. Obama couldn't win Massachusetts even with JFK relatives in his corner. Obama couldn't win California even with Oprah in his corner.

If Obama wins the Democrat nominee, I believe in my heart that the BLACK votes will stay with Obama. But I am not so sure if the majority of Hispanics or White Men are going to vote for Obama in the general. White Women may or may not - but I believe the majority will jump to McCain and Obama will lose the Presidential bid.

However, If Hillary wins the Democrat nominee, I believe in my heart that the BLACK votes will be for Hillary over McCain in the general election. I am sure the Hispanics and White Women will remian strong behind Hillary. And I believe White men will do what they have been doing for years -- voting majority Republican.

Maybe my assumptions are wrong -- Only time will tell. I just wish Blacks will make good judgment for whoever they vote for. Wonder where the Black vote will be if the Republican had a "Black" candidate -- say like Colin Powell running against Obama...Would be interesting to see where the Black vote ended up - my guess would be Colin Powell...Or what happens if Condeleeza runs as VP with McCain during the general election and Obama runs with John Edwards...Would die-hard black democrats start voting Republican to help the Black woman over the Black man?

My point to all this is DO NOT MAKE THIS ABOUT RACE....Make it about GOOD JUDGEMENT.

[JBE]

It is just amazing to read and hear all the racial blogs that are published here. The Roland Report itself is racial. It is clearly providing a channel for racism and I am not talking about white racism towards blacks, but the other way around. Many of the comments and stories from African Americans are clearly racial toward whites. This in no way helps to improve racial relationships. Quite the contrary, it pushes whites away and promotes African Americans to continue in this direction. I see many white Americans working hard to stop racism. It is clear that the African American community is promoting separation of the races. I thought this is what we wanted to get away from. I constantly see things that are promoted to be exclusively for the African American community. I keep hearing us talk about ending racism, but everywhere I turn I see more black racism towards whites. Just read the blogs and you see the constant black, white separation. Is it not racist to vote for someone just because of the color of their skin? In many of these blogs that is exactly is being encouraging and even to the point of calling out Blacks who don’t support Barack and encouraging blacks to not support them in the future. It is every individual’s right to support who they wish based on their beliefs about the individual, not the color of their skin. Blog after blog goes on and on about black American, white American, I thought it was American and I thought that is what Dr. King wanted, one American no matter what the color of your skin. The recent blogs about the Tavis Smiley incident were just unbelievable. It all started when Tavis Smiley said no to Barack Obama’s offer to send his wife to the State of the Black Union. Just read the Roland Report and blogs on this subject. You have an African American journalist, Roland, reporting about another African American journalist, Tavis Smiley, turning down an African American presidential candidate’s wife and many of you turn this into a racial issue. Now look, the same thing has happened again with Julian Bonds of the NAACP. For some reason this has become a racial issues. I see this over and over in society today and I am sick and tired of it. Dr. King died 40 years ago fighting against and we are still talking about racism. Has anyone ever stop to think that may be the approach the black community is taking is wrong. If we spent as much time trying to teach folks about our Lord and Saver, Jesus Christ, as we do talking about racism maybe we could end racism. I believe the media is constantly pulling the races a part not bringing them together. I also believe the institutions, media (radio, TV, newspaper) and other organizations that are promoted solely for the African American community make the racial gap wider and are clearly racial. You know what I am talking about, Black radio shows, black newspapers, black colleges, black entertainment TV, etc. I understand why some of this may have been needed 40 years ago, but not today. When you see white organizations promote themselves just for whites it is clearly labeled racial and should be. Why is there such a double standard in American? Roland, you are part of this problem. We keep hearing that American is still racist. How can an African American presidential candidate be leading the Democratic Party race if American is racist? The racial make-up of the US is approximately 70% white, so how could Barack Obama be leading if American is racist? Someone besides African American must be voting for him. Sure there are still racist people, but not the majority of white Americans. If you want to see and hear the racism, just read all these blogs and look around you with an open mind and you will see the racism.
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. This is a great mission, but that is not what I see from them. They leave out the “all persons” part and sometimes their actions don’t eliminate racial hatred, but seem to make it worse. There are many more “Colored People” in American besides African Americans.
As an American (I guess the bloggers would consider me a white American) I am trying to live my life as God would want me to do and only judge people by who they are not the color of their skin. However, I am going to honestly tell you that the attitude of some of the African American community is making it very difficult to love them. When black Americans are constantly putting down white Americans as a group, promoting African Americans at the exclusion of whites, and constantly turning every little incident into a racial issue even if it is not, it starts to turn you in a direction you don’t want to go. I can tell you that there are many others that feel this same way. I am just tried of hearing all the racial junk. It is time we stop living in the past and start living in the present and working on the future. Roland you have a role to play in this and right now you are not helping to improve the relationships by constantly having stories that promote one race. I don’t expect nor do I want stories that promote the white race, but at the same time I don’t think we should constant promote the black race. I can’t change the sins of the past. If I could I would go back and start with one of the worst injustices in the US’s history and that is the persecution and destructions of the Native American Indians and then I would correct all the sins against the African Americans. One other note, we don’t have a Native American Indian month or a national holiday for a Native American Indian hero. Heck, we don’t even have white history month or a national holiday for one single white American. How about Abraham Lincoln? I don’t hear many folks recognizing Lincoln for all he did for the African Americans. If they do it is very little. None of us can change this so why don’t we stop living in this past. The racial debate is getting old and too many folks don’t have enough courage to stand up an express their feelings on this subject and challenge the fact that the current direction is only making it worse. It is turning white American off or against the black community. Just look at how fast the African American community got turned off to Tavis or Julian because they did one thing they didn’t agree with and they turned into a race issue. I can promise you, folks like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton don’t really help improve the race relationship. They may help some folks of the African American race, but don’t help improve the overall race relationships. They just make a good living off of doing it. It is time that the African American community stop all the racism.