What is the state of the black union?

The Tavis Smiley event is being hosted as we speak in New Orleans. Are you there? Are you watching on C-SPAN?

Share your thoughts about what is being said.

We would love to hear from you!

Comments

[KJ]

I'm watching now and am wondering who made Tavis Smiley the annointed one to develop a book that he believes is a pragmatic approach that the next president of the united states will be held accountable for completing.

[Jason]

I am watching and this is why I am so in love with the black experience. To see so many African-Americans come together and embrace in open dialogue toward a greater good for our community and nation warms my soul and speaks to my mind. Watching this yearly symposium is why I want to enter the field of journalism and media so that I can become a voice for the voiceless. I commend the work of brother Tavis and the PUBLIC love he shows for our community.

-JH

[Jason]

To KJ,

My question to you is what are you doing to help uplift the black community? Before a question like this is asked, we must 1st question our own loyalty and reasoning behind this type of inquiry. What are you doing to address issues in your own neighborhood?

-JH

[Monique]

What comes out of this State of the Black Union, absolutely nothing.

[Kit]

I think that it is a wonderful thing that black leaders come together and enlightened the masses of black folks about what is going on in this country. However, the problem I have is what is done the day after? You have to understand that there is "money" involved in these symposiums. It is not just about coming together and talking. It is about money, sponsors, co-sponsors, etc and I just wonder how much most of these people do after the fact. We can sit in a room and talk all day once a year and afterwards everybody gets paid by their sponsors and go home. What happens to the conversation and ACTION needed to bring about real change?

[KJ]

To JH

1. This article link speaks more directly to the background that my comment is based on. Who Died and Made Tavis King? By Melissa Harris-Lacewell | TheRoot.com

2. SOTBUA is something I've watched over the years. I enjoy and support it, but also find frustration in that it often is the same old talk we've said for years and no action planning. What angers me as an under 30 yr old, is this old guard mentality of those who feel that they represent the voice of Black America and the temper tantrum that Tavis had about Obama not attending the SOTBUA. So when he began plugging his books and stating it as the platform he wrote that the next president will be measured against, I have a problem with all his references over the past year and past couple of weeks about Obama. I find it arrogant. I also find it as not looking at the big picture of getting Obama in the Whitehouse first.

3. I work in higher education on increasing the number of Blacks and Latinos in education.

[JEM]

I enjoy listening to the dialogue between many of the intellectuals in our community. I believe that the State of the Black Union has made some advances but I believe that in order for us to really move ahead as a people we must love ourselves, our children and each other. And love each other as we love ourselves. I believe if we truly and honestly love and respect each other we could overcome so many of our problems we face like black on black crime. Also, if we truly love each other, we will hold each other accountable for our rights and our wrongs. And we would be able to respectively agree to disagree.

Walk in love.

[Michael Davis-Dallas Progress]

It's a great event to have, but I can't stomach too much Michael Eric Dyson. I understand what the words mean, but his language is too high-minded and over the top. He gave me a headache during his opening statement on Saturday morning. Don't use 15 letter words just for the sake of using them. "Make it Plain!" He reminds me of the pootie tang character on the old Chris Rock show.

Symposiums are great to an extent, but we as a people need to continue to move beyond talking and get more consistent with our actions.

[Jason]

KJ,

I completely understand your frustration but I also dismiss the notion of the negativity being thrown in Tavis’s direction. I have been critical of brother Tavis as have many African-Americans. But I understand his reasoning and desire to have brother Barack and the rest of the candidates running for President. What’s important is that we remember what the SOTBU is for and that is to address issues within the AA community. We may not agree with what Tavis has to say or what he believes, but we should give support to the cause he speaks so passionately about: The plight of African-Americans worldwide.

-JH

[NPC from Columbia]

Talk... All Talk.... I have watched pieces of it for several years; however, I've gotten bits and pieces of it today, and it's the same o same o. Talk.... All Talk... Guess what, we already know this. What 'cha gon do? In fairness, I must say Jesse laid it down this morning! Again thanks Roland for keeping it real. Oh one lsst thing-----I might get some comments on this, but I'm so sick and tired of hearing about "vote" because we have the right to vote. I think we should now move toward, "educate oneself because we have the right to vote." Then ---- it's ones choice to exercise that right. I really think that it's time out for holding our noses and voting just because we have the "right to vote." I'm a product of the 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's and now the 21st century. Now I'm getting ready to listen to Hillary. (He sure is begging his audience to cheer for her.) O well, let me listen.

[KJ]

To JH

1. This article link speaks more directly to the background that my comment is based on. Who Died and Made Tavis King? By Melissa Harris-Lacewell | TheRoot.com

2. SOTBUA is something I've watched over the years. I enjoy and support it, but also find frustration in that it often is the same old talk we've said for years and no action planning. What angers me as an under 30 yr old, is this old guard mentality of those who feel that they represent the voice of Black America and the temper tantrum that Tavis had about Obama not attending the SOTBUA. So when he began plugging his books and stating it as the platform he wrote that the next president will be measured against, I have a problem with all his references over the past year and past couple of weeks about Obama. I find it arrogant. I also find it as not looking at the big picture of getting Obama in the Whitehouse first.

3. I work in higher education on increasing the number of Blacks and Latinos in education.

[J Smith]

Black America, please keep this in mind: If our so-called black leaders have no plan for our people, then how can we call this a meeting of black leaders? Yes, black folks are catchin' hell all over the country, but we need a workable plan that would remedy our situation. If you don't have a plan for our communities, then we cannot consider you a "black leader" but a black author, black professor, or even a black media personality. Please visit WWW.FAMDO.COM for a plan.

[Kit]

JH,
It is noble that Mr. Smiley has taken up this coming but make no mistake he would not do it for FREE! Many times self-appointed black leaders start out with the passion of goodwill, but over time their passion gets clouded with MONEY. Walmart is Mr. Smiley's sponsor and Walmart has been one of the leader oppressors as it relates to labor laws, etc. But the money they pour into organizations such as Mr. Smiley's is money intended to downplay the larger harm. I am not even saying that Mr. Smiley should not accept sponsorship from corporations like Walmart, but we as observers need to understand and know the game. It is not all that we see. This is why I feel like we have to get involved beyond the rhetoric played out on stage.

[Kit]

J Smith -

AMEN!!!

[NPC from Columbia SC]

I'm still watching (very boring). Now one observation, I really feel uncomfortable for her. She reminds me of President Bush speaking before the NAACP convention. I think --- if the Clintons hadn't attempted to play the race card before the Dems Presidential race turned to the South, I think her rececption would be a little bit warmer. Not taking anything from Barack, ('cause he's my candidate yall) because in my lifetime, I haven't feel the sense of urgency to be involved in this process. (I was too young to vote for JFK, but he sure did excite me.) Now Hillary has finished. And by the way, would someone please whisper in any folks' ears as possible, that we are not the old South.

[NPC from Columbia SC]

I enjoyed the talk with Tavis and Hillary. Interesting! Is Tavis afraid that Barack might be the Head Man in Charge?

[Kelechi-Virginia Beach,VA]

I had only watched a short portion of the SOTB, I eventually changed the channel. Hillary was speaking, she seemed to have been subtly apologetic about the comments she and Bill made when they were campaigning in South Carolina. If is one thing she should understand about the present state of Black America, and that is we are not going swallow here empty apologies, she have constantly accused Obama of being a man of words and not a man of action, dismissing the hard work he has done in Chicago and in Washington. She took his message of hope and attempted to make it an empty one and that did not go over well with blacks as well as with many Americans who also have spent their lives doing the right things in hope that their efforts will yield them a positive return, i.e. A poor black child who works hard in school with the hope that he will get into a good college. Barak Obama has become an inspiration to many young black males who are faced with similar obstacles, he faced when he was a young man. As for the SOTBU, I cannot tell you who the distinguish guests were this year, but this one thing I will say, I don’t think I will ever spend my valuable time attending another SOTBU or watch it on TV/CSPAN.

[Kit]

I don't know how afraid Tavis is but I really think that having President Obama would change the landscape politically, socially and economically and I think that scares many blacks/whites. A President Obama would not allow us to live in the excuses, but challenge us to become apart of the process in a way that we have never been challenged before. Can you imagine if the masses of people voting in this primary continued to stay engaged as they are? There really would not be a platform for many of these self-proclaimed black leaders. I have learned during this process that for many people there is value in division - keeping the status quo of black america vs. white america. Now comes along a man who represents both Americas with his DNA talking about a "United" States of America. I think there are a lot of whites/blacks who is afraid of that ideology! :-)

[Kit]

I watched parts of the event and Gregory and Sharpton spoke truth to power! In the words of Mr. Smiley, "they took Clinton and blacks to task"! While Gregory goes off the page at times he is a very wise man who has a way of seeing though the B.S. He said, "We stirred up some blackness and threw it at Bill Clinton and called him the 1st Black President and the KKK didn't say Obama wasn't black enough, WE DID! It was a very powerful point. Sharpton said, "Obama is where he needs to be, but Clinton must be here and I am happy she is coming so she can explain why her campaign injected race into this process"! Ha!

[Kim Pearson]

I live-blogged the forum and we had a chat running -- there was a vigorous conversation going in the second half in particular. One of my readers expressed the wish that you were on the panel, Roland. The archived live blogs are below. Part one: http://professorkim.blogspot.com/2008/02/liveblog-state-of-black-union.html
Part two: http://professorkim.blogspot.com/2008/02/sobu-part-two.html

[travis]

I enjoy the dialog every year, but this year the issue of Sen. Obama had this constant underlying current being played out in the discussion. The only problem that I had with what was being said was that fact that Tavis kept trying to push the idea that the appeal of Obama's campaign as everything, but intelligent. Somehow black folks that are supporting him are high, for lack of a better term. There was this constant undercurrent of intellectual elitism. Educational background and professional standing equips one better to discern the authenticity of the Obama Campaign. Everyday people are just political groupies.

The other subtle issue that bothered me was the appeal for sympathy for civil rights and political leaders who have supported Sen. Clinton that had to "endure" hatred and name calling.

It's like this. A lot of us did not have a problem with political figures supporting Sen. Clinton, it's their choice, but what we do have a problem with is supporting Sen. Clinton and openly degrading Sen. Obama to reinforce and justify your choice. If you have to tear down one to uplift the other, what does that say about the one? If you are going to be a leader whether civil rights or political, then stand up an be one! I have a lot of respect for our leaders in the political realm, and they should be respected, but what a few of them did was an embarrassment to themselves and the community. It was foolishness at its highest level. If you are man or woman enough to say things, be man or woman enough to take the heat when it comes back. One thing about Rev. Sharpton, if takes a stand on an issue, he takes a stand, no matter how it comes back at him. He does not complain about having to change his phone number or hateful speech toward him for taking a position. For intellectuals, I thought they would have figured that out by now.

[Keisha Pope]

First of all I am very disappointed in how Tavis Smiley's diss at Barack Obama. Obama is campaigning to lead the Free World. What makes Tavis think he has time for this Television show. That is all it is. What is the purpose of it? What makes Tavis think that HE has the power to influence whether we vote for Obama or not. I ran acroos this article that can probably give all of us insight into this matter.
February 23, 2008. There may be a huge scandal brewing for African American activist Tavis Smiley:

As MediaTakeOut.com reported to you last week, Tavis ignited a firestorm when he publicly criticized Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama for refusing to stop campaigning and attend his State Of The Black Union conference which is taking place this weekend in New Orleans.

Tavis' uncharacteristic attack on the extraordinarily popular Obama had many African American's scrambling for answers. Some believed Tavis was jealous of Obama's success, other's believed he was angered that Obama didn't ask for his endorsement. But now MediaTakeOut.com has uncovered another possible reason.

MediaTakeOut.com has exclusively learned that Bill Clinton and Tavis Smiley may have a financial relationship. On Tavis' official website, Bill Clinton's book Giving is prominently featured in what appears to be an advertisement.

As you can see below, a link to the controversial former president's book is on the front page of Tavis' site. And when a user clicks the link, they are given instructions on how to purchase Giving from Amazon.com.

Tavis, please say you didn't just do what we think you did... Tavis, I hope that you read this blog, YOU are the SELL OUT, not Barack . The African American vote is not a monolithic one that can be bought. Shame on YOU, my brother.

[LaVida]

Over all the State of the Black Union was enraging—the same tired folks every year. Can we really be in the 9th year of the SOTBU and not have folks from the LGBT community, folks from generation X and under, & Black feminist at the table? How can you even have a conversation about race and gender without Black feminist (bell hooks, Patricia Hill Collins, etc…)? The conversations did not move past naming the problems and it certainly did not honor the questions of this moment—the expanding notion of Black leadership and generational tensions.

It was very obvious that Tavis did not support Baraka. Tavis kept asking “what if Obama doesn’t win?”—still hating and introducing doubt. There was not even room during the discussion to celebrate the prospect of electing the first Black president. The larger implications of how he was able to engage the masses across race, gender & class lines through technology and community organizing model was also not examined. No one was allowed to critique Hillary Clinton and her track record with Black folks. I did enjoy Dick Gregory, Rev. Jackson and Michael Eric Dyson comments.

Lastly the Q & A with Hillary was weak. He did not ask about NAFTA, welfare rights reform, her claim of 35 years of experience, etc… He basically gave her a platform say whatever she wanted. He was way more respectful and gracious to Hillary then Baraka or Michelle. Overall the panels were sophomoric at best and too accommodating to Tavis’ ego.

[Audrey Tucker]

It is worthwhile to note that on the website for today's event that there is a very prominent ad of a book by Bill Clinton which apparently quotes "The State of Black America," Seems like Smiley's call out toward Obama was quid pro quo for the Clintons' financial support of his efforts. I am also disappointed that on the website that there is no mention of ways to download or purchase a transcript of today's events. How can meaningful change come from the forum when there is no way to thoughtfully review its contents.

[Rabiah Harris]

I think Tavis Smiley has become a bit self righteous. If we see an African American who is a viable candidate for the White House, why would we choose to publicly put him in a situation where he is defending himself for campaigning to be president. Barack Obama is still the "underdog" in Texas and Ohio and needs to do everything he can in order to secure their primary.

As far as the State of the Black Union, who made Tavis Smiley the person who decides what that is? I do commend him for putting together a forum for African American issues to be put forward, but he is beginning to act like our "spokesperson" which he isn't, because the last time I checked, he hasn't run for office.

By the way, Roland, you do an excellent job on CNN!

[talkingpoints]

Tavis Smiley is not the voice of the African-American community.
Check out this site...
http://talkingpoints.typepad.com/barack_obama/

[OOO]

I won't repeat because I read the comments and it has almost all been said. Except this. Thank Gah for C-Span cameras. That camera man was hot on the trail following Hillary after the benediction. And what I saw was very disturbing. A couple of our so-called leaders and Obama supporters (one in particular) followed Hillary from the middle of the stage to the end licking her pumps all the way out of the door. I was both surprised and embarrassed for the brother. It reminded me of the descriptions in my African-American history classes discussing how some slaves loved massah no matter what and would pretend to be down with other slaves but reporting to master when he thought no one was looking. I'm talking about you Dyson. I saw you. One hand shake and aiss kiss is enough but to put your nose up into from the center of the stage begging for her attention time and again was WOW.

Brother you are not authentic, just like so many others. I now understand why Tavis knew he could count on you to bust up Jesse's point and to defend those who took the wrong stand and were there begging us to not fire them. As Tavis said, "Thank you Dr. Dyson. Thank you for framing it like that for those of us who have been thrown under the bus. Thank you for breaking it down." Well I say, "Thank you C-span camera man. You may not have know exactly what you had in the frames of those shots but you had awakened me from a bamboozled moment. You exposed a pretender amongst us because I don't think I have seen a Black man grovel so much to the Missus since Morgan was Driving Miss Daisy."

I saw you Dyson and I am embarrassed that you above others felt you needed to lick those pumps. Do you and Tavis know something about some electronic vote tampering we can expect and you want to get in the cracked door now? Your speech in defense of Hillary and her supporters at the end of the morning wasn't lost on me because I saw it for what it was more plainly when I saw you bowing and scraping at her feet from one side of the room to the other. I shake my head as I type this.

[Kelechi-VA]

Hillary, Hillary, Hillary, does she think we are as naïve as she has accused Obama of being; on the contrary. Black folk have come to a level of understanding about the political process. The days of “pimping” the black vote is over. Hillary’s attempt to apologize “again for her husband’s actions are as she has said about Barak Obama, a good speech but lack substance. At the SOTBU Mrs. Clinton said the following in reference to her husband being accused of making racist remarks about Obama in South Carolina:
“My husband mended, so as to avoid ending, affirmative action. My husband had in his White House, Cabinet, and his administration, many of you I see here,” she said. “We know that when he was president, we had a rising tide and we lifted more people out of poverty than at any time in America’s recent history.”
But, she added, “If anyone was offended by anything that was said — whether it was meant or not, misinterpreted or not — obviously I regret that.”
Source of above quote:
Hillary Defends Bill on Racial Issues, Calls for Party Unity
by Associated Press
Saturday, February 23, 2008

For her to say, “If anyone was offended by anything that was said.” Is a clear case of deniability? Of course the Black people of South Carolina were offended by Mr. Bill’s statements. That was obvious from the backlash the Clinton’s received by the South Carolina voters, and for her to further say, “whether it was meant or not, misinterpreted or not.” How about it was too late to retract it, and thus the slippery slope was ahead for the Clinton Camp.

For her to say, “if anyone was offended by anything that was said.” Is a clear case of denyability. Ofi course the Black people of South Carolina was offended by Mr. Bill’s statements. That was obvious from the backlash the Clinton’s received by the South Carolina voters. And for her to further say, “whether it was meant or not, misinterpreted or not.” How about it was too late to retract it, and thus the slippery slope was ahead for the Clinton Camp.

[songbird]

LaVida, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Tavis Smiley gets on my last nerves. He acted like a spoiled brat when Obama didn't agree to speak at the SOTBU. Someone obviously forgot to send Tavis the Memo that everyone else got from Barack: "I'm a little busy right now. I'm trying to become the next President of the United States." So then, what does Tavvy Tav do? He gets Killary "the Killjoy" Clinton to speak. And of course, she jumped at the opportunity to show Obama up. Talk about playing the race card.

[ObamaMama]

To Kelechi-VA - I am from South Carolina, and YES I was VERY offended with Bill Clinton's remarks. Lucky for me, I was an Obama supporter, and all those stupid remarks succeeded in doing was to give me confirmation and validation of why I didn't want the Clinton's back in Washington for another four years. Yes, Killary's (she's a killjoy) comments were a clear case of deniablity. Shame on you, Killary.

Again, confirmation and validation.

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

Let TIME be THE JUDGE.

Lack of SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING makes people say all kinds of things and feel all kinds of ways.

To GOD ALMIGHTY Be The GLORY!

LET TIME BE THE JUDGE.

[Michael Fauntroy]

Stand Strong Tavis

One of the really unfortunate aspects of the current battle for the Democratic presidential nomination is the apologetic position that appears to be taking root in the Black community regarding Barack Obama’s candidacy. It goes something like this: “We shouldn’t press him too much to talk about Black issues because that might mess it up for the brother.” This color-before-accountability group-think has led to some sad examples of Blacks turning on each other for having the audacity to ask Obama to discuss his agenda for Black America. Tavis Smiley has recently been caught up in a silly battle because he had the temerity to not accept the company line regarding Obama’s campaign.

Smiley has been subjected to a slew of criticism and threats since he criticized Obama on the Tom Joyner Morning Show after the Democratic presidential frontrunner announced that he would not attend Smiley’s annual State of the Black Union symposium this year in New Orleans. I think the criticism of Smiley is ridiculous and have a message for him: Stand Strong. (Disclosure: I appeared on Smiley’s PBS show in September to analyze the Republican presidential candidates’ forum at Morgan State University).

Smiley has been nothing if not consistent. He has always advocated the importance of the issues over the candidates and has stressed the need to hold the candidates accountable when it comes to Black problems. What’s wrong with that? You better believe that other segments of the electorate will do this with regard to their unique issues. Latino/a voters will hold him accountable on immigration. Jews will hold him accountable on Israel. Wall Street will hold him accountable on business and taxes. And Black people are supposed to just sit in a corner, be quiet, and hope that Obama will get to our issues? I say no!! This is a hat-in-hand approach to politics that has gone on long enough. Smiley is right. If we can’t seek accountability now, then when can we?

Obama has said that he couldn’t appear at the forum because he would be campaigning. That’s a thin argument when one considers that there is more than enough time in the day to do both. If Obama wanted, he could have gone to New Orleans, which is next to Texas by the way, spoken in the morning and been back in the Lone Star State by noon for a long day of campaigning. Candidates go from state to state all the time, so this would have been no big deal. Indeed, simple math reveals just how inefficient Obama’s decision was. Let’s say he held four campaign rallies during the day, each with 20,000 attendees for a total of 80,000. That’s a fraction of the one million or more likely to watch the State of the Black Union event live on C-SPAN. The best use of his time, purely in terms of being seen by the widest possible audience, was to go to New Orleans. As a compromise, he could have appeared live via satellite from a convenient location.

Black America has many needs. I think among them is the need for people in positions of influence to stand up for principles over politicians. If it’s wrong to ask a Black presidential candidate to address Black people and speak on Black issues, then we are not doing our jobs as citizens and voters.

Michael K. Fauntroy is an assistant professor of public policy at George Mason University and author of the book Republicans and the Black Vote. A registered Independent, he blogs at: www.MichaelFauntroy.com.

[Dusty]

Smiley has been nothing if not consistent. He has always advocated the importance of the issues over the candidates and has stressed the need to hold the candidates accountable when it comes to Black problems. What’s wrong with that? You better believe that other segments of the electorate will do this with regard to their unique issues. Latino/a voters will hold him accountable on immigration. Jews will hold him accountable on Israel. Wall Street will hold him accountable on business and taxes. And Black people are supposed to just sit in a corner, be quiet, and hope that Obama will get to our issues? I say no!! This is a hat-in-hand approach to politics that has gone on long enough. Smiley is right. If we can’t seek accountability now, then when can we?

The above is a quote from: HUGgy bear...

So what you're saying is that Senator Obama will be held accountable to all groups of the American population - black, white, brown, red or yellow. Democrat or Republican, Christian or Jew etc. Senator Obama has said that he would like to bring all of America together for the issues that we have in common - no matter who/what they are. We can all agree on some things and we can unify around them. We need to give all of America an opportunity to get to know this man - they already know the Clintons.

As a 63yr old black woman with just a high school education, I still know right from wrong, and it was wrong for Mr. Smiley to try to embarrass Senator Obama the way he did. The Clintons? I have lost all respect for them and a lot of their associates.

Mr. Smiley should stand strong, because right now from where I sit, he stands alone.

[Dusty]

by the way...I didn't watch the SOTBU yesterday because I'm not quite ready to hear Hillary's voice or listen to anyone that would kiss up to her.

Sorry

[kit]

Mr. Smiley is getting PAID people. Tavis wanted all the candidates there for his own publicity. It comes down to MONEY. It always comes down to MONEY.

Clinton's sincerity on that stage was about as genuine as her moment at the end of the debate Thursday. Before she came to the Smiley event she was in public ranting and challenging Barack over a mailer. Something she has been doing since the beginning of mailers. This woman is a true politician and it is time for this country to elect a LEADER!

[OOO]

Mr. Fauntroy:

Please explain in your vast wisdom exactly how Tavis held Mrs. Clinton "accountable" yesterday at the SOTBU. What specific black issues did she address? What specific black policy prescriptions did she offer? What solutions did she promise Black America? What specific actions directly attributed to her that specifically progressed Black causes were illustrated yesterday? What specific questions or aggressive critique did Tavis provide during his so-called questioning of Mrs. Clinton?

Break it down for those of us who don't need to get on Tavis' PBS show again or keep in good with the people we think may get us on TV as a panelist for SOTBU next year, exactly when, how, where, for what was Mrs. Clinton held accountable by Tavis Smiley, his apologists, or the SOTBU during her free C-Span AD provided courtesy of the most notable tap dancing negros of the moment?

[D. Woods]

Look Tavis, Black people are not stupid. That ole pity party, crab in a bucket action is outdated. Tavis talks about Black This and Black That, but look who his sponsors were... I really would like to know how much money Tavis was given. Now there is nothin wrong with getting money, but when you do it with the people at stake we have a problem. Hillary looked very bland and scared at the SOBU on C-Span. Tavis always talks about accountability, but when given the opportunity he didn't even ask her the hard questions. He acted as if he was scared to do so. Come on Tavis. Enough with the TOMMING. I am so glad Dick Gregory was there. He spoke the truth and that is what black people need. Not another benevolent white person in office supposedly looking after our needs. How come Tavis didn't have any black sponsors???
WAL-MART, WELLS FARGO, McDonald's and who ever else can't buy us. Sorry it didn't work Tavis. Either you are for us or against us. The People want OBAMA!
And one more point. I notice at these events there is always a real religious undertone, but there is so much hate at the same time. Not one time did TAVIS show love for OBAMA. It was like he was against him. Those who saw the event on C-Span know what I am talking about. I was blown away at all the effort Tavis was putting in trying to disregard Obama in a very slick way. It was rediculous and shameful. We have a man like Obama running for President, but its always some paid off negros that have to throw salt in what the brotha is trying to do. Now if Obama was a shady type guy I could understand that, but look at his record. His record speaks for itself. PERIOD. He's honest, brilliant, and a tremendous leader that cares about everybody. How could you go against that. Man, the more I type this blog the more upset I get. Man, I wish Malcolm X was here. Peace Brotha Roland.

OBAMA 08!

[Toni]

Thanks 000 for your comment you definitely called out Micheal Fauntroy and Tavis Smiley.

Please explain in your vast wisdom exactly how Tavis held Mrs. Clinton "accountable" yesterday at the SOTBU. What specific black issues did she address? What specific black policy prescriptions did she offer? What solutions did she promise Black America? What specific actions directly attributed to her that specifically progressed Black causes were illustrated yesterday? What specific questions or aggressive critique did Tavis provide during his so-called questioning of Mrs. Clinton?

Break it down for those of us who don't need to get on Tavis' PBS show again or keep in good with the people we think may get us on TV as a panelist for SOTBU next year, exactly when, how, where, for what was Mrs. Clinton held accountable by Tavis Smiley, his apologists, or the SOTBU during her free C-Span AD provided courtesy of the most notable tap dancing negros of the moment? (000 comment above).

Can we get Tavis to speak on that. What black issues did Hillary discuss yesterday? What solutions did she have for the black community? Micheal Fauntroy..can you answer the question for Tavis Smiley? Or would Tavis like to address that publicly on the radio.

[Mjarman]

I actually attended the SOBU and originally had the same feeling that many expressed on this blog that Barack should not attend and continue to fight the good fight in Texas and Ohio to win the vote. (I have given money to Barack's campaign and have plans to give more.) Then after the emotions of having the 1st African American president was put aside, I put on my critical thinking hat and asked myself who is actually running Barack's campaign? Who are the folks recommending him not to go to the SOBU because it would turn off White America? Who will be directing his actions once he is in the White House? Will he continue to be told that it’s not politically correct to attend Black forums as it will alienate other folk? In the name of being the first, are we willing to continue to be relegated to the back of everyone's agenda? Tavis is showing courage and leadership by continue to keep our agenda in the forefront. He is only human and I’m sure that it’s not a pleasant feeling to take the heat from hundreds, thousand angry Black folk who think that he should be quiet and allow history to be made. I salute Tavis’ courage to be the torch bearer for the African Community. You folks are some of the most critical and fickle people in the world. Stop and think for a minute and leave the emotions out of it. Don’t just allow Barack or the Democratic party to continue to pimp the Black Community. Dare to be brave and bold! As the hard questions, demand that he be accountable to us and all of America. If the Hispanic Community were holding a forum and had invited Barack would it been okay for him to attend because he needs their vote?

[travis]

I want to clarify some statements made on my post earlier when I referred to leaders and the negative response that some have gotten. At the time I made my post after watching the broadcast, I was not aware of harassing phone calls that was to the level of death threats that were made to people's families. I am not condoning any form a violence or harassment on that level, that is wrong and totally disrespectful. My statements were in reference to those of us who agree to disagree and voice our opinion in a respectful manner.

[Jag708]

First of all let me state this up front I am a Barack supporter, I financially contributed to his campaign, voted for him in my state's primary and rallied with family and friends all over the country to vote for him during their state's primaries.
I am from New Orleans and did attend the State of the Black Union's events here in the city. I took off from work and participated in the Day of Service on Friday (to work in my community) as well as attended the symposium on Saturday.
I am very happy that Mr. Smiley and the others who participated continue to shine a light on what is going on here in my city because we are still struggling (FEMA trailers and toxicity anyone?)
As far as the lack of attendance by Mr. Obama, I was disappointed but I do understand but please let me indulge one point. Mr. Obama did take time out of "campaigning" to visit Mr. Edwards a couple of weeks back no one said squat. I was hoping that he could take a moment to call into the conference to show support towards the efforts.
As far as Mrs. Clinton, I stayed to hear what she had to say because if Mr. Obama does not win, I want to support the candidate who will closely mirror what I believe will be best for my community and though I am believing that Mr. Obama will win the nomination I must be prepared if he does not. I was a bit disappointed that she was so cordial at the event (just as the debate for the most part in Austin) but I woke up this morning to hear about the bashing over mailings that is a non-issue honestly as she is always bringing up healthcare and why can't Mr. Obama not critically evaluate her position on it and NAFTA?
I have read a great deal of HATE and confusion on this board. This should be a time for unity about our community not to hate on Mr. Smiley for his efforts or Mr. Obama for his. When I vote in November I will not be voting out of hate, I will be voting out of HOPE and FAITH.
Finally, I have much love for all of the commentators Roland Martin, Michael Baisden, Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley and my homegirl Donna Brazile (but maybe not Shelby Steele, Armstrong Williams or Ward Connerly (but I support their right to speak). What they all do is important for the community do not lose that this is not about EGO and I do believe I see Mr. Obama's ego growing as well with each passing day but he is HUMAN just as Mr. Smiley is so get a grip people. I spent my Friday in SERVICE working towards bettering MY COMMUNITY what did you do?

[OOO]

Mjarman:

Until you, Mr. Fauntroy, or Tavis Smiley can address the questions that I put forth above, I think you know what you can do with your so-called "accountability". What Tavis wanted was to ghettoize Obama to the benefit of Hillary by using accountability as a guise for the dumb and dumbest amongst us; his problem, however, is that those are the 10% not supporting Obama and the 90% were smarter than he ever imagined. Accountability is not the issue because that swiss cheese straw man argument was exposed yesterday when he didn't hold Hillary nor himself accountable for a darn thing. I suggest you go back to your "original thinking".

[OOO]

JAG08:

I spent my Friday making EXACTLY 129 phone calls for Senator Obama, knocking on 100 doors, and standing outside of an early voting poll for 3 hours to get in the vote---and I am not even close to covering all of my ground yet. I made a commitment to deliver my precinct and that is what I will do. I missed lunch Friday and was too tired to make myself dinner. You spent one day of service and we are supposed to give you a medal. Some of us give time more than one day a year. BTW, I left my home state to go to Texas Reliant Park and volunteered to help Katrina victims for two weeks on my own dime. So, if you were in that group I probably helped you then too. I also volunteer with HeadStart frequently, work at the food bank once a month and do at least one Habitat for Humanity house each year (with my company). Get off your high horse. Tavis and his ilk need to be held accountable and you, I nor Tavis own Senator Obama and least of all Hispanics.

[Mjarman]

OOO, and others

The most insidious thing that happened to us as a result of our enslavement is the hatred of self and those that look like us. Your continue spew of name calling directed toward Tavis for merely asking a questions, points to a deeper issue of self-loathing. If Obama is elected into office and the first thing he does wrong in your eyes, you'll be on this blog or another one spewing your venom against him. Take the scales from your eyes and begin to think critically and not emotionally. Barack appears to be a good candidate and its exciting that he has come this far. Why couldn’t he appear at the SOBU have his good speech writers prepare him a speech to say that he understand the varied concerns of the Black community and he wants to support all of American and including the special needs of Blacks and other folks of color. Ralph Nader is joining the race now as an Independent. He called out Obama as a person who does not have a back bone and who will not bring out the real issues because he is so afraid to offend anyone. If Obama continues along this path, he’s not going to please anyone and will be a pawn of the puppet masters that is currently controlling his campaign and possibly his presidency.

[Jag708]

Please allow me to clarify, I have been in service to MY Community since I have been an adult. I was trying to make the point that I am glad the light was shined on the continued problem of the struggling city of New Orleans. I am happy that ANYONE is helping out the community. I am not the only one nor is Mr. Obama or Mr. Smiley in being of service to the community but I am also tired of all of this HATE. Where is it coming from? This tent is big enough for all of our opinions and no one should be disrespected or discouraged from speaking. Yes, there are more blogs, speeches and otherwise that I love to hear more than others but the main point is I try to hear even when there is a disagreement.
As a New Orleanian, I GREATLY APPRECIATE all that everyone has done for my fellow citizens and my city, but let's not forget people are still struggling with these issues and this is why I must continue to support the fact that the State of the Black Union was here and continued to shine a light on a much needed dim area. I am not sure how Hispanics got into all of this so I apologize if my previous post brought them into this discussion. Finally I apologize for my horse, but it is getting tired and feels like I MUST speak about what is still going on in my city, my love New Orleans as well as all over in our community.
Thank you for the dialoge.

[BigMik]

"The most insidious thing that happened to us as a result of our enslavement is the hatred of self and those that look like us."

- Mjarman

Your right Mjarman that did come out of slavery and the true art of minimalizing the experience and possible greatness of black people came out of it too. We do this all the time and you Mjarman achieved that today. Obama will make a difference and is lighting a fire of hope and "accountability" for all of us, which includes you and Tavis. So you are going to believe Nadar on Obama, so who's your puppet master?

[lisa]

I am shocked at the gall of T. Smiley. Does he hold WAL MART accountable for their destruction of small business and it below standard wages & benefits for poor and minority workers? Does he hold MacDonalds accountable for the poisen they sell in our communities disguised as food? Does he hold Exxon accountable for the destruction of our enviornment by green house gases? Did he hold Mrs. Clinton accountable for her vote in favor of the war in Iraq, how many good black men and women now dead? Did he even ask her about the Iraq war? Does he hold himself accountable for causing controversy for Obama's campaign? Could Tavis have handled this situation better? Do some so called black leaders deserve to BE THROWN UNDER THE BUS? I say yes!

Tavis is a HYPOCRITE!

There is a time and moment for everything. A time for new leadership. Obama run for the presidency has been like a spiritual cleansing for me. I see with a new mind and new eyes. The veil has been ripped asunder. WAKE UP!

Tavis is selling us the black community as a commodity to pack his pockets.

The sponsers of the SOBU should have been, WHOLE FOODS and or BARNES & NOBLE/BORDERS. We as a community need healty foood for the body and mind

[Red]

No I am not watching, have stopped watching the self absorbed, let's show the world how "inelligent" and "articulte" Black Folks are. Talk, talk, talk and more talk. Power is just as mind distorting, spiritually damaging, ego-booming as any other powerfully dangerous drug and Tavis has become an addict. Check our history, there have always been an element that are self-appointed "leaders", who work overtime to keep us from real collective power stragies and action that make us stronger--at best get in the white structure is the label we are stuck with. At the risk of being too militant, they dear not stop and decease with the "Amen Brother" low bar of Black Power. Out of all this "mess" and it is not new garbage, I am so very proud of my brothers and sisters for sticking together and sending a strong message to the old guard "leadership" mentality! No more business ax usual. We support Barack Obama! I encorage each one of you to not only write C-SPAN to express our views but to also reach out and create/develop the media outlets we need. We always had Tavis's and Julian Bond types--his latest is not anything new--whatever is done in the dark ALWAYS comes to light. Remember we also had H. Rap Brown, Angela Davis, and Booker T and currently Roland @ Essence and CNN. It is that simple, don't fight the old guard, and certainly do not expect any thing new fresh, innovativw or active strategies other than protesting and intellectiual pondering for Black folk. Create a different NAACP---Necome the new guard! WRITE ON!

[OOO]

Mjarman/Mr. Fauntroy wrote "The most insidious thing that happened to us as a result of our enslavement is the hatred of self and those that look like us."

Mr. Fauntroy: the above is the only thing you have written on this thread that is based in truth/fact. I agree wholeheartedly with your above statement because it explains why you, Tavis, and the disingenuous 10% are so comfortable and self-righteous in your baseless attacks of Senator Obama. You haven't seen me calling you or Tavis any "names" but I have accurately characterized your actions as tap dancing but you are correct that I should have just been purely factual and labeled it jigging for the man. The fact that you ignore the point of my post leaving my questions unanswered only serves to evidence everything I wrote. You would rather distract us from the truth with your fake indignation of name calling than admit to the fact that your basis for chastisement of Senator Obama is false, unwarranted, self-serving, and contradicted by everything that happened before, during and after Hillary's appearance at SOTBU. You would be best advised to work on securing tenure than to focus on securing a guest spot on the Tavis Smiley show or a seat on the panel of SOTBU 2009. Good luck with the former ONLY if you are keen enough to realize that it is more important than the latter.

[OOO]

This article expresses the sentiments of many posters in this thread and I thought you all would enjoy reading it.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/washington/811441,CST-EDT-Washington25.article

[Sandra]

I watched the State of the Black Union and found that some of it was relevant and some of it was not. The topics mostly related to the campaign, but less on the issues as it relates to the Black community. As a moderator, I found Tavis more so baiting the panel than sometimes asking relevant questions. I still find it troubling that Tavis still describes Barack's candidacy in terms of "charismatic, eloquence, and inspirational", but not in terms of substance. I think those types of characterizations is what undermines our ability to accept each other as equal to white folks. I was pleased that there were some on the panel that did not let him or the congresswomen from Ohio and Texas get away with certain comments. One thing that I found interesting is that the Congresswoman from Texas talked about the glass ceiling and how difficult it is for women, yet there are many white women that are in congress, hold positions of Governor, and leaders of corporations. Hillary Clinton has been a privaleged white woman and I don't see any hardships there- so let's not paint that picture. And as a woman myself, the only real segment of population that has gained power from the civil rights movement has been white women.
I was also disturbed that it was ironic that CNN was the only news program that highlighted the controversy of Barack not attending the State of the Black Union and even then was it not represented accurately. First, it was old news in the Black community and by and large, the response of the community did not have criticism of Senator Obama not attending the conference. I felt that it gross misrepresented the accuracy of the situation and should be corrected. I felt that Tavis mislead the news story and this continues to question his throwing a stone and hiding his hand.
I believe that at the end of the program it was a good decision for Senator Obama not to attend, I think that his ability to connect with people in the states coming up is critical. And to those questioning his time to visit John Edwards, yes, that was important to this campaign process. Don't let the media mislead you by saying that he is the front-runner, it is crunch time and he is still in every way fighting for every delegate (and fighting to show that he is qualified enough- like we all have to do each and everyday).

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

Everything The ALMIGHTY GOD allows, is allowed for a wise purpose.

"MOSES" took the people very close to "THE PROMISED LAND", saw the land, but The ALMIGHTY GOD did not allow him to enter it because at some point in their journey in the wilderness, "MOSES" failed to BELIEVE the ALMIGHTY GOD.

MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED! MOSES DIED!

"INTEGRATION" will not bring an end to the problems of All OPPRESSED PEOPLE. Obama should have had FAITH in The ALMIGHTY GOD than in a system that has failed The people of ALMIGHTY GOD for so long.

JOSHUA completed the journey because he completely TRUSTED in The ALMIGHTY GOD. Let TRUTH prevail over ERROR.

[kit]

Some of the comments on this blog thinks that Sen. Obama should have been at the SOBU to make you feel better instead of campaign. Well, you know what would have happened:

1. Tavis would have tried to pit Clinton against Obama and make them debate which would have undermined Obama's campaign.
2. Sen. Obama would have missed the opportunity to reach approx. 40,000 Ohioian voters who will be voting March 4 while Fmr. Pres. Clinton would have still been on the campaign trail undermining Sen. Obama.
3. Tavis would be GETTING PAID...and problems of the black community would be shelved until next year.

I just find it very depressing that there are so many people who can't see the larger picture in play here. There is it much bigger than one saying, "he could have come". There is a strategy behind the mainstream media playing out that we don't even get to see and Sen. Obama's advisors are directing him in a direction of victory. He is not running for symbolism people - he is running to WIN WHITE HOUSE!

Here is a man of color who has had to deal with racism on both sides, black/white and probably understands it better than most of us. Here he is with the Presidency within his grasp and all some of us can say is "he could have come and "talked" about our problems". Well I think he can much better serve the problems of this entire country in the WHITE HOUSE! He talked enough when he was a Community Organizer in Chicago. This man is trying to position himself to bring about real CHANGE. Try to think beyond your noses!!! With his background I have to believe that he will not forgot any community -black, white, hispanic, etc when he reaches the White House. We have to move beyond victim and move into victory!

[monique]

Excellent post Kit, I totally agree with you!

[Alia]

Roland, I really appreciate your balanced coverage of the presidential election. It is really refreshing.

I watched the second panel of the SOBU. I enjoyed the wisdom of the panelists and I appreciated most of them putting the emphasis back where it belongs. On all of us. We are responsible for our destiny. We are responsible for being involved in the political process and in our communities. We can't continue to place blame on others. It starts in our homes. We set the example for our children. No more excuses. We have to be strategic in our thoughts and practices.

Rev. Sharpton was correct. Senator Obama was where he needed to be - campaining in Texas and Ohio. Tavis understood that, Tavis is no dummy. Tavis understood the controversy would get him media coverage as it has on MSNBC and CNN. Senator Obama has been a champion for our causes for a long time as an organizer on the southside of Chicago and still lives there. He didn't need to be present to show his support - he lives it.

Senator Obama is running for the President of the United States of America to represent all people. Just like Cornel West said, while I am a Obama supporter I will also become a critic as soon as he takes his oath as the next President. We have to hold all of our elected officials accountable from the school board officials to members of Congress. We have to be actively involved, and these days it's so easy. I wonder how many of us has taken the time to send a letter to one of our members of Congress or taken the time to research the differences in Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's records in the Senate. It's so easy. All you have to do is go to thomas.gov but I wonder how many of us has taken the time.

The SOBU happens once a year. Living happens everyday. Enough with the excuses and thinking black issues are unique. Our issues are human rights issues.

[rosalynn]

Tavis is jealous. He wants the U.S. to wait for him or someone like him to be president. As black people we are the ones that hold each other back. Yes, Obama needs our vote, but he didn't get to where he is now with only having the black vote. Blacks initially were concerned about Obama as a viable candidate and in turn decided to focus on Hillary. Once we saw that Obama was actually a number 2 candidate then more blacks came on board.

I turned the show off and on. I used to love Tavis on BET and I occasionally watched him on PBS; it comes on late in Midwest, but lately with the comments he made about Obama I think it’s jealousy; similar to the behavior of the Illinois senators that were envious of Obama when he first took office. Get off yourself Tavis!
Ros from STL

[Michael Fauntroy]

Here is an article that demonstrates accountability.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/811251,CST-NWS-sweet25.article

Why can't we do it too?

[Karen S.]

Why should any Black person pay homage to the SOBU event at all? Since when has that program become the litmus test on whether or not one loves Black people and is concerned with black issues?

Barack Obama doesn't EVER have to go to that SOBU thinktank if he doesn't feel he wants to and he will still have my support 1,000%.

So stupid of old school, full-of-himself Tavis Smiley.

Just totally dumb!!

[OOO]

Mr. Fauntroy:

You are transparent. The only person you are fooling is yourself and I suspect you don't even believe the garbage you spew. You have no answers to my question because you have no integrity behind your argument. You have your one vote and you can take it and put it as far up Clinton's behind as you please. That is your right but you and the other tap dancers aren't going to drag the rest of us with you. The 90% aren't inclined to ensure Tavis the first interview in the Whitehouse with Hillary or you a seat on next year's SOTBU stage.

[mdj]

Obama and other politicans can always offend the sensiablities of Black folk. We will continue to be in lock stepp and vote for them. Folk say that Obama could not defer his campaigning to address the SOBU right. However, he didn't let the sun go down with meeting with the jewish leaders about the comments the Ralph Nader made about his pro-Palenstine views while in the Illinois senate. If we don't demand respect from everyone no matter who they are we will continue to be slighted. http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/811251,CST-NWS-sweet25.article

[mdj]

Fauntroy

We are on the same page about the come to Jesus meeting that Obama had in Ohio.

[OOO]

Fauntroy:

Flash and dash all you want with as many usernames as you feel necessary but the fact remains that you and your ilk didn't hold Hillary accountable for ANYTHING at the SOTBU. All you did was give her a free campaign commercial on C-Span and give Tavis a little more air with which to inflate his ego, nothing more.

Revisited:
Please explain in your vast wisdom exactly how Tavis held Mrs. Clinton "accountable" yesterday at the SOTBU. What specific black issues did she address? What specific black policy prescriptions did she offer? What solutions did she promise Black America? What specific actions directly attributed to her that specifically progressed Black causes were illustrated yesterday? What specific questions or aggressive critique did Tavis provide during his so-called questioning of Mrs. Clinton?

Break it down for those of us who don't need to get on Tavis' PBS show again or keep in good with the people we think may get us on TV as a panelist for SOTBU next year, exactly when, how, where, for what was Mrs. Clinton held accountable by Tavis Smiley, his apologists, or the SOTBU during her free C-Span AD provided courtesy of the most notable tap dancing negros of the moment? (000 comment above).

Can we get Tavis to speak on that. What black issues did Hillary discuss yesterday? What solutions did she have for the black community? Micheal Fauntroy..can you answer the question for Tavis Smiley? Or would Tavis like to address that publicly on the radio.

[Michael Fauntroy]

OOO,

I'm sorry you think I am using multiple usernames. I am not and your conspiracy theory is duly noted. I have actually endorsed Obama and you can read it for yourself at www.MichaelFauntroy.com.

I'm not trying to impress anybody. I'm not even trying to change anyone's mind; I'm simply trying to bring some balance to the discussion. I'm sorry you can't respect that. If you read my columns carefully, you will see that my primary concerns are about the general condition of Black people, not one particular Black person.

As for Hillary Clinton, she is not my candidate. Period.

[monique]

Exactly what did Tavis hold Hilairy Clinton accountable for at the State of the Black Union??? Exactly what issues did she speak to regarding African-Americans???? Did I miss something, because I saw no accountabily,nor did I hear her talking about what she was going to do about the crisis that African American communities are facing. All I saw was Tavis being happy that the "missus" came to his event.

[Prim]

The SOTBU is a great opportunity for black intellectuals and academics, to speak about and over the heads of the very individuals they are suppose to be solving problems for. I've watched the broadcast in past years and left feeling totally disconnected from the panel. Out of fairness, can anyone please tell me, has anything of substance ever come out of this meeting of African America's leading minds ie, Job Training, Access to Higher Education, Financial and Fiscal responsibility, Family Values, etc.

P.S. CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, HILLARY SAT ON THE BOARD OF WAL-MART, WHICH JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE A KEY SPONSOR OF THE SOTBU. WAL-MART HAS DIRECTLY BENEFITED FROM THE CLINTON'S NAFTRA AGREEMENTS. WHO IS TAVIS REALLY WORKING FOR??????

[OOO]

Fauntroy wrote "I'm simply trying to bring some balance to the discussion. I'm sorry you can't respect that."

So you claim now. The problem is that you didn't back up your mock outrage, Obama attack for not attending that farce on Saturday, or your unbalanced defense of Tavis with any substance or fact. You went further down the path of disgrace by implying (linking your smoke and mirrors article above) that Obama attending a $2300 per plate lunch fundraiser by Jewish supporters would have been the equivalent of making himself the Black candidate for free at the behest of yourself, Tavis, & Hillary when I would hope that you are intelligent enough to know that the former IS campaigning while the latter would have been campaign ending.

Thank you in advance for putting a cap on your otherselves posting here. You should also duly note, as everyone else who has read this thread, that you are unable to address the specific questions for illustrating the accountability that you tried to falsely parlay as the reason Clinton attended SOTBU and the reason Obama should have. Your lack of substance and evidence only suggests that your goal---as someone who was a guest on Tavis' show before--- was vying for more of that 15 minutes. I'm sorry you didn't respect your uni enough and the rest of us enough to not try to sell us a bunch of garbage during your posts in this thread.

I'll pass on reading anything you claim to have written about Obama because, frankly, your showing in this thread doesn't bode well for what those writings are actually worth.

YOU'VE BEEN SERVED:
Mr. Fauntroy: Please explain in your vast wisdom exactly how Tavis held Mrs. Clinton "accountable" yesterday at the SOTBU. What specific black issues did she address? What specific black policy prescriptions did she offer? What solutions did she promise Black America? What specific actions directly attributed to her that specifically progressed Black causes were illustrated yesterday? What specific questions or aggressive critique did Tavis provide during his so-called questioning of Mrs. Clinton?

Break it down for those of us who don't need to get on Tavis' PBS show again or keep in good with the people we think may get us on TV as a panelist for SOTBU next year, exactly when, how, where, for what was Mrs. Clinton held accountable by Tavis Smiley, his apologists, or the SOTBU during her free C-Span AD provided courtesy of the most notable tap dancing negros of the moment? (000 comment above).

Can we get Tavis to speak on that. What black issues did Hillary discuss yesterday? What solutions did she have for the black community? Micheal Fauntroy..can you answer the question for Tavis Smiley? Or would Tavis like to address that publicly on the radio.

[Samantha]

The comments I have read on this blog speaks right to the heart of what is wrong with us as a people. What is the problem with Tavis? Why can't we agree to disagree and love each other? Every time a black excels in the "public eye" black folk are the first ones to rip them to shreds! Apparently if you have followed what's been happening, Obama and Tavis made peace about the whole incident, but black folk are still mad? Whether you agree with Tavis or not, he is someone that we should be proud of and support. I don't always agree with his opinions, but I can appreciate his passion and committment to DO something. Are you aware of the what went on during this event? They went into the parts of New Orleans that are most devastated to work! All I am saying is that I pray for a day that we as a people can stop being so threatened by each others triumphs and so quick to be overjoyed at each others failures. -SD

[BS, PhD, MD]

"What is the problem with Tavis?"

The problem is that he looks like one of those people you describe in your post. One of our major problems as a people is that we have let the biggest crabs keep us all in the barrel. Without overthrowing the king crabs who keep all of the blue crabs stuck in the barrel for their own self-serving purposes, you won't get change or real progress. Why is it that the very people screaming kumbaya don't won't to hold Tavis and CBC members who are "ripping [Senator Obama] to shreds" accountable? When the few are working against the best interests of the many, we should not remain silent just because someone likes Tavis personally or making the hard choices makes huggers slightly uncomfortable. Change is difficult and those who are on the wrong side of this fence better be prepared for the reckoning.

[april]

i refused to watch it this year. couldn't attempt to watch a program that was expressly designed by a hillary supporter for her benefit. tavis nauseates me.

[Cynthia]

Keisha, that is very interesting. Maybe Barack knows about it. "Thing that makes you go, "Hmmm."

[anonymous]

This is such an interesting topic. Actually Dr. Boyce Watkins had something interesting to say about this. Its on www.yourblackworld.com. I thought it was a good response.

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

CORRECTION:
Dusty: You did not quote HUGgy bear. You quoted Michael Fauntroy. P-E-A-C-E.