Secretary of State Rice speaks forcefully about race in America

Sen. Barack Obama has called for a national discussion on race in America, and one of the folks who sure didn't hold back when asked was Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

In a discussion with the editorial board of the Washington Times on Thursday, Rice called racism a "birth defect" of America, and said that black Americans have loved the nation even when it didn't love us.

The Times reported:

“Black Americans were a founding population," she said. "Africans and Europeans came here and founded this country together — Europeans by choice and Africans in chains. That's not a very pretty reality of our founding.”

“As a result, Miss Rice told editors and reporters at The Washington Times, "descendants of slaves did not get much of a head start, and I think you continue to see some of the effects of that."

"That particular birth defect makes it hard for us to confront it, hard for us to talk about it, and hard for us to realize that it has continuing relevance for who we are today," she said.

She later said: "America doesn't have an easy time dealing with race," Miss Rice said, adding that members of her family have "endured terrible humiliations."

"What I would like understood as a black American is that black Americans loved and had faith in this country even when this country didn't love and have faith in them — and that's our legacy," she said.

Wow was all I could say to that.

What was even more stunning was the relative lack of coverage on this issue.

I sent an email out to my folks at CNN, and was told that "The Situation Room" did a piece on her comments on Friday. But when I surfed the Net to see follow-up stories in other papers, it has pretty much been ignored, except for some briefs.

Why would the mainstream media be so dismissive of Rice's comments? Imagine if Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. said such a thing. Do you think they would have gotten ripped?

The fact of the matter is that Rice was right on the money with her comments, and should be commended. She spoke honestly and openly about the issue, and deserves credit for speaking the truth.

I just wish my colleagues in the media would do a better job at advancing the issue of race in America and our sordid history.

We went bonkers about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, but when Rice, the nation’s chief diplomat, spoke truthfully, it barely made a ripple.

Click here to read the Washington Times report.

Conservatives in love with a crazy Harlem pastor

A lot of you guys keep sending me emails asking, "Who is this crazy pastor from New York who is dogging Obama and supporting Hillary?"

His name is James Manning, and he's the pastor of Atlah Ministries. Apparently he doesn't believe Harlem should be called Harlem, so he's decided to change the name.

A lot of the conservative talkers have had him on their shows, and they are loving them some James Manning. Basically, he's the latest minstrel show/flavor of the month. I read a story that suggested that WABC Radio in New York plays his anti-Obama rants over and over.

I even called him and had him on my radio show to understand what his problem is, and for an hour he was all over the place, calling Obama every name under the sun. This was early on. He's gotten worse since we talked.

Let me simply explain what is going on here. James Manning is a nobody. He has a ministry that no one knows about. He has no significant theological standing. But he knows how to use YouTube. And what is he doing is using technology to spread his hate, and then get picked up by radio shows and TV shows across the land.

Everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame, and by dogging Obama, he's getting his.

We've seen this game before. OK, fine. That's how he wants to be known. He loves to talk about the breast size of Obama girl; says Obama pimps white women; and other trash.

This is not about news. It's not about substance. It's simply about a guy who otherwise would NEVER get on TV all of a sudden getting on TV.

Pure and simple.

If you want to view him in all his glory, go to YouTube and check him out. I won't sully the reputation of this website with his nonsense.

My response to O'Reilly after watching his segment about me

I wasn't sure if my emails were going to get to Bill O'Reilly, so I decided to send them along to Bill Shine, senior vice president of programming, and Joel Cheatwood, senior vice president of development at Fox News.

I know Joel because he was in a similar position at CNN and I worked with him on some programming while he was there. I always like Joel and thought he was a fair and talented guy. So what the heck, I figured that if Bill's email wasn't the same as everyone else at Fox News, then Joel could pass it along.

Here is what I just sent Bill:

Bill and Joel,

Just in case Bill doesn't get this, be sure to pass along.

"Oh, Bill, I just watched your segment, and talk about weak!

"Please, please, call me so we can discuss the issue.

"You tell your audience that I'm a Wright apologist, but you don't even bother to tell your audience what I even said on the issue. Dude, that's Journalism 101. You offer no facts, no analysis, just a weak opinion. You paraphrased me saying that I didn't think the issue is no big deal. WRONG. Then you, and Bernard Goldberg, go on to state some of the "crazy" things, as Bernie said, that Wright has said.

"Did you bother to even see that I said ON CNN that what he said about the AIDS issue is flat out wrong? And what he said about the government injecting blacks with syphilis was wrong? BUT it is correct that the federal government allowed black men to go untreated. It is known as the Tuskegee Experiment, something President Bill Clinton apologized for.

"If you want to tell your audience that I'm an apologist, do me the favor and say what I said, as opposed to show a photo of me and offer no facts whatsoever.

"Oh by the way, Bill, Bernie noticed that I'm a black guy and then decided to go on and discuss white liberals.

"Please, ask me if I'm a conservative or a liberal. Be upfront and ask me. Even you would be shocked by the answer.

"Again, just in case you actually want to have a conversation that is fact-based, call me at 4XX-XXX-XXXX.

"For someone who has done your show eight to 10 times, and who has actually defended you from the folks who think you are to the right of Hitler, I'm terribly disappointed that you were so weak with the facts. Had you worked under me at the three papers I've run, as well as website and radio station newsroom, you would have gotten verbally smacked down for such weak journalism.

"Call me. I'll be happy to chat with you."

See, a real debater would pick up the phone and accept the challenge. Let's see if Mr. No Spin Zone is really interested in the facts.

Bill O'Reilly calls me an apologist for Rev. Jeremiah Wright

On tonight's "O'Reilly Factor," I've been told that Bill O'Reilly called me out about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright issue. I was watching CNN and didn't see the show, but I'll watch the re-broadcast.

But here is the email I sent to Bill and two top Fox News Channel executives. Let's see if he takes me up on my offer.

"Hey, Bill! Someone sent me an email saying you called me out. First, thanks for the publicity, I appreciate that. Be sure to get the website right - ROLANDSMARTIN.COM.

"Now, I always enjoyed doing your show prior to me joining CNN.

"I missed your show because I was actually watching CNN - I'm sure you could figure that one out.

"Now, I can't come on your air because I'm under contract. But I'll be happy to do your radio show - any time, any day, any where - to discuss this issue.

"My cell is 4XX-XXX-XXXX.

"Call me. I'll be happy to chat with you on this subject."

Controversial associations touch all prez candidates

Its been an interesting week watching folks analyze the outcry over the controversial comments by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, especially when they try to link them to Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama’s supporters say it’s wrong to associate his views with that of his pastor. His opponents say that surely his views and inexplicably linked with those of Wright, including the pastor’s praise of Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. Even conservative talker Sean Hannity was foaming at the mouth, calling Wright a racist and an anti-Semite, and then saying we all should assume Obama is also a racist and an anti-Semite.

Talk about a stretch.

Frankly, it’s just not plausible to suggest that you always share the same feelings or views as someone you know.

In remarks to a Pittsburgh newspaper today, Clinton said, in response to a question about the Wright controversy, said, "You don't choose your family, but you choose what church you want to attend."

True. Very true. But there’s also some reality that politicians pick and choose who they want to be associated with.

Clinton pressed Obama during a debate this year to repudiate and denounce the unsolicited praise of him by Farrakhan that took place at an event the Nation of Islam leader organized for his group in Chicago.

The moderator, NBC’s Tim Russert, brought up comments made by Farrakhan 24 years ago in his question to Obama.

Fine, so what do we make of then-President Bill Clinton publicly endorsing the 1995 Million Man March? Who called for that march? Louis Farrakhan. Who was the lead organizer? Louis Farrakhan. Who was the keynote speaker? Louis Farrakhan.

After he was out of the White House, President Clinton also endorsed the Million Man March. Who called for that march? Louis Farrakhan. Who was the lead organizer? Louis Farrakhan. Who was the keynote speaker? Louis Farrakhan.

Did Sen. Clinton privately or publicly rebuke her husband for supporting a man who she has determined to be hateful and divisive?

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who is national co-chair of Sen. Clinton’s presidential campaign, once stood on stage with Farrakhan in 1997 and praised him for his commitment to ending violence in the black community.

According to an April 15, 1997 story in the New York Times, Farrakhan praised Rendell before 3,000 at anti-violence rally for ''his courage and strength to rise above emotion and differences that might be between us or our communities.''

According to the Times, Rendell, who is Jewish, “commended the Nation of Islam for its emphasis on family values and self-sufficiency.”

Must Clinton repudiate and denounce Rendell’s past comments and association with Farrakhan?

Former Republican Congressman Jack Kemp is a huge supporter of Sen. John McCain, and he also has a Farrakhan story to tell.

In 1996, when Kemp was the vice presidential running mate of Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, he told reporters that he wanted to meet with Farrakhan; praised their focus on economic empowerment, family values and the pull-yourselves-up-by-the-bootstrap-message - which is right in line with the GOP talking points; and even said he wanted to speak at the Million Man March.

Boy, was he torn apart by Jewish critics, and many in his own party.

Kemp summarily criticized Farrakhan's comments about Jews and whites, but he didn't take his words back (By the way, Hannity pressed every African American supporter about Farrakhan, but he never got in Kemp’s face about his comments. I wonder why?).

Must McCain repudiate and denounce Kemp’s past comments and association with Farrakhan?

When it comes to homosexuality, no Clinton or Obama supporter should think of criticizing the other campaign’s black ministerial supporters because that means most of their own would have to be removed from the campaign.

On CNN’s The Situation Room, Paul Begala mentioned “hateful” things said about gays by the Rev. James Meeks, founder and senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, and an Obama supporter. Meeks has made no bones about his firm opposition to homosexuality (and abortion), which is one of the reasons he’s very close to many of the nation’s white conservative pastors (I know him well; I’m a member of Salem).

And we all remember the hoopla over gospel singer Donnie McClurkin when he was included on a gospel concert tour around South Carolina for Obama. McClurkin has preached that homosexuals can be converted to heterosexuals, and that set off a firestorm.

But Clinton also has her own issues with anti-gay pastoral supporters.

The Rev. Harold Mayberry, pastor of the First African Methodist Church in Oakland, has voiced for years his opposition to homosexuality. In fact, some have said he has compared homosexuality to thievery.

When Clinton received the support of Mayberry, her campaign touted his endorsement, sans any mention of his anti-gay rants.

She has also received a $1,000 contribution from Bishop Eddie L. Long of the mega-church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., who previously led an anti-gay march in Atlanta.

And the Rev. Floyd Flake, senior pastor of Greater Allen Cathedral of New York in Jamaica, N.Y., and a former congressman, supporter the Federal Marriage Amendment, seen by many as anti-gay.

Of course, when it comes to McCain, it wouldn’t be a story if his ministerial supporters are anti-gay. It would be news if any of them actually supported homosexuality!

The bottom line: everyone has an association that is open for scrutiny. Our real focus should be on the candidate and their views on the issues on the day because they will be the only one to stand before the nation and take the oath of office and swear to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States.

Kilpatrick says he will not resign and will be exonerated on perjury, obstruction of justice charges

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said just a few moments ago that he will not resign, and expects to be fully exonerated after being hit earlier in the morning with a 12-count indictment, along with his former chief of staff Christine Beatty.

Kilpatrick said he's "deeply disappointed in the prosecutor's decision."

"I can't say that I that am surprised, however. This has been a very flawed process from the very beginning."

Kilpatrick said he is guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution to be seen as innocent until proven guilty.

I look forward to complete exoneration," he said, adding, "I will remain focused on moving this city forward with the key initiatives that we've laid out before you."

The attorney for Kilpatrick issued a vigorous denial of the facts outlined in a 12-count indictment today, saying he is ready to proceed to trial immediately.

Attorney Dan Webb, a top defense attorney from Chicago, said he wants to go before a jury and "let that jury speak and make a decision."

He also said that he "strongly advised" the mayor not to resign, saying he is "entitled to his day in court."

Question of the Day: Should Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resign his position?

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to be prosecuted for perjury

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty, were hit this morning with a 12-count indictment by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy for their involvement in a text message scandal.

The city of Detroit has been turned upside down over this whole issue, which started with the firing of Gary Brown, former deputy chief of the police department, who was investigating claims made by one of his officers.

Kilpatrick and Beatty denied, under oath, that they had ever discussed firing Brown, but text messages uncovered between the two told a different story.

The two also lied that they were involved in a sexual affair, but the same text messages pointed to a torrid affair between the two of them.

Kilpatrick is expected to hold his own news conference in the next 30 minutes.

Chris Matthews: America is still segregated

Pretty interesting discussion from MSNBC's Chris Matthews. He shocks Joe Scarborough that he didn't have an African American in school from kindergarten through graduate school in college. And he went to schools in the North!

Husband of Corinne Bailey Rae found dead

Condolences go out to this talented sister.

According to People.com, "The husband of British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae was found dead in an apartment in Leeds, England, the BBC reports.

"A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the home where they found saxophonist Jason Rae, 31, Saturday afternoon.

"In connection with the case, a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs, and was since released on bail, according to police."

Click here to read more.

White anti-racist educator drops it!

Folks, I love talking to folks from various backgrounds - conservative, liberal, Republican, Democrat - and Tim Wise is one of them.

We first met when we did a show in Beaumont, Texas, on racism when Paula Zahn had her show on CNN.

I'm going to be posting audio of our discussion from my radio show later today, but here is some of his column on the Obama-Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy that is brilliant.

Of National Lies and Racial Amnesia:
Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama, and the Audacity of Truth

By Tim Wise

March 18, 2008

For most white folks, indignation just doesn't wear well. Once affected or conjured up, it reminds one of a pudgy man, wearing a tie that may well have fit him when he was fifty pounds lighter, but which now cuts off somewhere above his navel and makes him look like an idiot.

Indignation doesn't work for most whites, because having remained sanguine about, silent during, indeed often supportive of so much injustice over the years in this country--the theft of native land and genocide of indigenous persons, and the enslavement of Africans being only two of the best examples--we are just a bit late to get into the game of moral rectitude. And once we enter it, our efforts at righteousness tend to fail the test of sincerity.

But here we are, in 2008, fuming at the words of Pastor Jeremiah Wright, of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago--occasionally Barack Obama's pastor, and the man whom Obama credits with having brought him to Christianity--for merely reminding us of those evils about which we have remained so quiet, so dismissive, so unconcerned. It is not the crime that bothers us, but the remembrance of it, the unwillingness to let it go--these last words being the first ones uttered by most whites it seems whenever anyone, least of all an "angry black man" like Jeremiah Wright, foists upon us the bill of particulars for several centuries of white supremacy.

But our collective indignation, no matter how loudly we announce it, cannot drown out the truth. And as much as white America may not be able to hear it (and as much as politics may require Obama to condemn it) let us be clear, Jeremiah Wright fundamentally told the truth.

Oh I know that for some such a comment will seem shocking. After all, didn't he say that America "got what it deserved" on 9/11? And didn't he say that black people should be singing "God Damn America" because of its treatment of the African American community throughout the years?

Well actually, no he didn't.

Wright said not that the attacks of September 11th were justified, but that they were, in effect, predictable. Deploying the imagery of chickens coming home to roost is not to give thanks for the return of the poultry or to endorse such feathered homecoming as a positive good; rather, it is merely to note two things: first, that what goes around, indeed, comes around--a notion with longstanding theological grounding--and secondly, that the U.S. has indeed engaged in more than enough violence against innocent people to make it just a tad bit hypocritical for us to then evince shock and outrage about an attack on ourselves, as if the latter were unprecedented.

He noted that we killed far more people, far more innocent civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki than were killed on 9/11 and "never batted an eye." That this statement is true is inarguable, at least amongst sane people. He is correct on the math, he is correct on the innocence of the dead (neither city was a military target), and he is most definitely correct on the lack of remorse or even self-doubt about the act: sixty-plus years later most Americans still believe those attacks were justified, that they were needed to end the war and "save American lives."

But not only does such a calculus suggest that American lives are inherently worth more than the lives of Japanese civilians (or, one supposes, Vietnamese, Iraqi or Afghan civilians too), but it also ignores the long-declassified documents, and President Truman's own war diaries, all of which indicate clearly that Japan had already signaled its desire to end the war, and that we knew they were going to surrender, even without the dropping of atomic weapons. The conclusion to which these truths then attest is simple, both in its basic veracity and it monstrousness: namely, that in those places we committed premeditated and deliberate mass murder, with no justification whatsoever; and yet for saying that I will receive more hate mail, more hostility, more dismissive and contemptuous responses than will those who suggest that no body count is too high when we're the ones doing the killing. Jeremiah Wright becomes a pariah, because, you see, we much prefer the logic of George Bush the First, who once said that as President he would "never apologize for the United States of America. I don't care what the facts are."

And Wright didn't say blacks should be singing "God Damn America." He was suggesting that blacks owe little moral allegiance to a nation that has treated so many of them for so long as animals, as persons undeserving of dignity and respect, and which even now locks up hundreds of thousands of non-violent offenders (especially for drug possession), even while whites who do the same crimes (and according to the data, when it comes to drugs, more often in fact), are walking around free. His reference to God in that sermon was more about what God will do to such a nation, than it was about what should or shouldn't happen. It was a comment derived from, and fully in keeping with, the black prophetic tradition, and although one can surely disagree with the theology (I do, actually, and don't believe that any God either blesses or condemns nation states for their actions), the statement itself was no call for blacks to turn on America. If anything, it was a demand that America earn the respect of black people, something the evidence and history suggests it has yet to do.

Click here to read the rest of Tim's column.