Does Neil Steinberg have the guts to debate me?

I got an email today from one of my Chicago readers alerting me about a snide remark put forth by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg, a poor, hapless soul who loves to take cheap shots, but isn't man enough to debate me face-to-face.

In his column today, Steinberg wrote about an upcoming speech he plans to give to some local Democrats in the Chicago area, and after commenting on possible topics - all local Democrats - he decided to write this: "...to the pain of watching Roland Martin, a man who can neither speak nor think, attempt to do both simultaneously on live television. It should be a fun evening."

Were it not for the email, I would have never read his column because if I want to read such simple stuff, I'd pick up one of the children's books I have for my four nieces.

For those of you who don't know, Steinberg is the same columnist who wrote one of the most pathetic and insensitive columns I've ever read about the now deceased Cook County President John Stroger. The late Democratic titan suffered a massive stroke, and Steinberg insinuated the guy was faking it to get votes.

After reading it, I ripped Steinberg a new one on my radio show, and even reached out to him for comment. See, I'm willing to face down those who I have a disagreement with. After making mince meat of Steinberg on the air and calling for a boycott of the paper, Steinberg was forced to write an apology, and the paper even wrote an apology for his trifling commentary.

He has taken a shot or two at me before. But it's all good. He's a small man who needs the attention.

So, since Steinberg thinks I don't have the ability to think or speak - you do notice NO ONE calls him for his opinion on anything? - I'd be happy to debate Neil Steinberg anywhere and anytime in Chicago.

Since Neil doesn't have the capacity to draw a large crowd, I'd be happy to help promote it, as well as reach out to my former station, WVON, to co-sponsor it with the Sun-Times. Maybe we can debate the first 100 days of the presidency of President-elect Barack Obama. Or we could opine on whether vouchers is a good or bad education option.

Or why don't you guys suggest some topics. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Next month is Black History Month, so let's do it then!

Let's all email Neil and get him to take me up on his offer. Since he thinks I can't think or speak on live television, it should be a breeze. His email is nsteinberg@suntimes.com.

Let him know how you feel. I can easily find a venue to handle the crowd.

So, Neil, if you're man enough to put someone on blast in your lightly-read column, surely you can accept a challenge to debate me face-to-face. Are you man enough to bring it?

BELOW IS THE EMAIL I JUST SENT TO NEIL:

Neil, Neil, Neil,

I guess you didn't get the Christmas gift you wanted so you're in a foul mood.

Maybe you're peeved that no one calls you to comment, and I have a helluva lot more airtime in one day than you get in a month. No problem.

So since I can't think or speak, as I was alerted to your column today, are you man enough to debate me? As I just posted on my Essence.com blog, we can do it right here in Chicago. Better yet, let's do it on WVON. We can stream it live in U-stream.tv so folks all around the world can see.

You should easily dust me since I'm so awful. Then again, you still might be feeling that butt kicking I gave you on WVON, so you will probably wimp out.

So, Neil, are you man enough to put the pen down and debate me, or does your manhood only allow for you to talk smack when no one talks back?

If so, pick a date soon. Unlike you, I've got a ton of paid speaking engagements over the next three months. I'll just look at this as a charity donation.

Shoot me back some topics. I can't wait to see if you have the guts to accept my offer.

Onward and Upward,

Roland

Comments

[Jackie Fontenot]

Do that, Roland. I'm in Houston, but I'll be on the net witnessing that "--whooping"!

[Ryan Field]

Ah well. You might not like this, but as a writer I've been put up against bad reviewers all my adult life. And I've learned how to suck it up and move on, which is what you should be doing now. There's always going to be someone with an opinion you don't like, some more vicious than others. And you've got to toughen up and ignore them, because the madder you get, the happier you make them.

Just saying, is all.

[RolandMartin]

Ryan,

I love jacking with Neil. If he can call me out, why can't I call him out?

I say we have a debate, we can sell tickets for journalism scholarships, and make it all happen.

As for toughening up, dude, do you think I sweat anything he says? Please. I've been writing columns since I was 17, and I haven't sweated the critics for 23 years, so why start now?

Let's see him back up what he writes with his mouth. What's wrong with that?

[CJ]

Roland, you have my full support here in Tallahassee, and I bet many more around FAMU feel the same way! Mr. Steinberg's sorry attempts to belittle you illustrate even more just how much you are stirring the pot. You think and speak the truth, and provide a clear voice and fresh perspective to the issues we are facing as a country and community. Whenever something happens, I come here just to see what "Roland has to say about it," because I know you'll tell it like it is.

I agree, Mr. Steinberg probably operates by personally attacking those who garner the attention he seeks (Ann Coulter style), as if some bread crumbs are miraculously going to do him some good. This man won't have the guts to debate you, and I personally don't think he deserves the attention he'll get, if any. But yes, continue to call him out and tell the truth as it is because he obviously has not learned from his past mistakes. His attacks are old and completely off base. "Can neither speak nor think..." Humph! Well I have to admit, at least he didn't try to question your cleanliness and good-looks (Joe Biden style!) :o) Thanks Roland for the blog and for sharing your thoughts with us.

[will]

If you annihilated him it wasn't roundly enough to keep his ass quiet now was it. Yawn!!!!!!! Can we get some real news, like the escalating situation in the Gaza strip.

[Ryan Field]

Then go for it.

[RolandMartin]

Will,

We don't cuss on this blog. If you post another item using curse words, you'll be deleted forever.

[will]

I thought that was an alternative for donkey?

[will]

and roland, i have only to go down one post to find a curse word that was not used by me. Please don't make me start counting. It'll make you appear partial and well......just flat out unethical. there's a word for you, dosen't offend does it?

[DWI]

Roland,

I personally love that fact that you are seen around the world speaking on the matters from a DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE and I do not mean from a BLACK PERSPECTIVE but one that shows a realistic view of what is really going on. Keep going on!!!!...maybe they will continue to ask for others to join with views that reflect what really going on

[Informed and enlighted]

Hey Roland. Please that is just like Hannity/O"Reilly inviting Rev. Wright on their shows. They say that he has an open invitation but they won't mean it. they are only trying to do it for the ratings. An educated black man is their worst nightmare. Their nightmare will become a reality on January 20th. You betta ask somebody.

[Deborah]

Hi Roland,

I wrote Neil encouraging him to debate you. Below is his response:

Deborah:

He still hasn’t said what he wants to debate. Whether he can speak? Whether he can think? That’s obvious, and I don’t waste my time debating the obvious. If you’re his fan, there’s no more that I can tell you. Thanks for writing.

NS

Based on Neil's response, I guess the answer to a debate is "no". So readers, don't expect to see or hear a debate because that "ain't" happening. I can see Will becoming a supporter of Roland before this debate happens.

[touch]

he's not on CNN you are... so you need not worry about him...
if he is as you say.

he's simply trying to ride your back for more attention to himself.. .

if you note, the whole process "of the years ago way to hold people down or push people down", **was done by put down commentary**, but when it comes downs to facts and brass tacks,... generally those who engaged the put down commentary.. are found to have very little substance, that's why it's so important to them to engage put down commentary..

it's a low man, who has to push another down, to lift himself up..

Not to make things a racist comment, but ask yourself, "in public" what did one group use to repress and suppress the other " "they used pubic put down commentary"

it was so rampant a process, they went through the world telling people all sorts of tales about us,

people have to ask themselves question, If we are so much this and that, then why is it we are the same people, who stood to fight for and support what the constitution of this nation stand for, and that's equality..

now just why do you suppose that others would fight to deny equality, if they did not feel inferior, they'd not fight against equality for all, but the inferiority is covered up by, "put down commentary" and self delusional importance,..

but the times have shown what?? 10 years cycles of a crashing economy.. like clock work. We see a Senate full of one ethnicity, but they can't make a decision, and the whole economy crashed in on them, while they were still lying and denying what everyone else could see vividly..

It's like now, they are so blind and unaware, they can't even think in simple terms.. to "STOP -- FREEZE THE HOME MORTGAGE, DROP THE RATE AND PUT A TERM FREEZE ON IT'.. and give the nation time to heal, they let the same people who were given tax payer money, continue to be the same groups that bleeds the nations and cripples the economy, yet they know.. the foreclosure crisis is the culprit, yet they can't think in simple common sense terms to shut it down, Freeze it..

it's about like a bunch of fools standing around a gas pump, watching the gas flow out, laughing and ready to light a cigarette, while his buddy turns up the pressure on the pump, to pump faster..

it's just a bunch of people wanting to make themselves more important than the matters that affect and impact a nation...
We are being now a nation run by fools..in the Senate... who are the same ones who let the economy collapse, while they let short sellers and anyone else in a suit, rob a nation.

so don't fall into his delusion.. and just go forth and do your thing.

[T Freeman]

Do your thing Roland!!! I like your topics and since it is your blog, I think you have the right to post whatever subject you like. So do you, my brotha!

[Redtopp]

Good for you Roland: call his azzzz out but i wouldn't give him any credence or free publicity (bad or good..since any publicity is 'good' publicity--or so they say) -- He's an arsehole and people have seen/and will see him for the slimey smarmy little man that he is...You rock Roland...i watch you on TV every chance i get...Keep it real...like only YOU can do! A DC Fan

[Linda]

Let's talk about how we are going to get over in 2009 if the utility companies keep ripping us and basic services being cut for the same amount of "Urban tax" dollars or public schools getting nearly 50% of property taxes collected to EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN AND STILL CAN"T GET IT RIGHT! Are there vouchers available for some and not for others? What the "hay" is up with that? I say go get 'em Roland and anyone else that think we can bring more awareness to the REAL issues that keep entire genrations from thriving in this UNITED States of America! In our city we are closing fire houses (one of them is the oldest in the world), residential structures, and libraries, while giving away tax incentives and real property to outside "entertainment" companies who want to hold land and historic structures as they wait for the economic "up swing". Who wants to be entertained if they can't pay the home mortage, medical bills, and education!

LA Thomas
Louisville, KY

[Sandy Williams]

Hi Roland

Just give him a drink, he'll be alright!

[Ann Marie Bartholomew]

Roland,I love to listen and read what you write.Please do not allow yourself to be drawn in by small comments like those. You have more pressing issues,such as, educating us and keeping the black plubic aware..