Bill O'Reilly addresses Minister Louis Farrakhan

What's the difference between Louis Farrakhan and any media supported Black "leader"?

Nothing.

It's not a joke. There is no punchline. The fact is that I don't see a difference. Whether it's Rev. Sharpton, or Rev. Jackson, or Minister Farrakhan the net result is the same. An individual that owes their success to the division of people in this nation solely on the basis of skin color.

It's not a job that I would imagine anyone would be proud of. Yet the media ensures that when this highly selected group of men speak, their words are promoted (intentionally or not) across the nation. What may be even worse is that most of the time these individuals are speaking about situations and issues that are real concerns for African Americans - minus the rheotoric and bias they instill to the issue at hand.

Last night Bill O'Reilly address part of a recent speech by Minister Farrakhan



I agree that the comments highlighted are hate-speech. They feed off of the worst fears and prejudices in America. But I don't think O'Reilly and many Americans get it.

O'Reilly and others get stuck on the hate-speech, the over-the-top presentation being made for the explicit purpose of providing Minister Farrakhan (in this case) coverage in the media. They miss, and deafen their ears to the kernel of truth at the core of the comments.

I'm not excusing Farrakhan. But there is a fear in the nation among African Americans that President Obama will be assassinated. That fear has existed long before President Obama ever considered running for the Presidency. If ever there is another Black President (which I doubt, sadly) the fear will be there as well, though to a lesser degree - if President Obama exits the Presidency unscathed.

I think that many misrepresent the source of the danger to the President. The first thought obviously goes to a neo-nazi or similar fanatic. But to call such a person an example of the generic right-wing of America is about as accurate as when I'm told I look like Richard Pryor. Still that does not mean that a segment of America, likely some part of the 47% (Democrats, Republicans, and Independants) that voted against President Obama, hates the President on a basis as crude and deranged as the color of his skin.

So it is not like the assassinations of Lincoln or JFK. There is a component in the attempts on his life (so far) that is derived solely in race. Were an assassination to succeed it would be more than a political attack, it would be a call to return America to a not so distant past that most want to forget willfully.

Like most, of any color or race, in America the issue of racism is something no one wants to address. Thus it is mocked, and isolated, and rebuffed. But it is also mislabeled - which is perhaps the greater problem. When President Carter, and President Clinton, attacked those that had legitimate issues with the politics of President Obama, calling them racists, they only fanned the flames of the problem. They in fact gave credence to the fears that Farrakhan uses to support his power base. To the detriment of the nation.

There is no way that Bill O'Reilly, or anyone, can come to understand the issues that face people of color in America in 5 minutes. To even try to do so only creates more anger. Because misunderstanding and confusion cannot help but be created in such a short time frame, no matter the good intetions. This is even worse when the intricate and persistent issues still dominant in America are not allowed to be exposed, as O'Reilly did when cutting off Leo Terrell. Given the fact that the purpose of the segment was not to address all the issues of people of color face, nor the causes of fears based on race (true or not).

One thing though is very clear. America has not entered a post-racial period. Racial issues still dog America as much as they did 6 months ago, as they did 6 years ago, as they did 6 decades ago, as they do 6 minutes from now. For all the interconnectivity of the internet, the immediacy of cable news, the presence of the first Black President, America has not moved forward - just sideways.

Minister Farrakhan is no worse than any other "Black leader" promoted in the media. He may be more extreme, more honest, or if you choose to believe him more accurate. But in essence he is just as much a minstrel and opportunist as the others. Highlighting this in 5 minutes or less segments does not disrupt his actitivies, it enhances them.

Rather I think he should be either ignored, or exposed fully to the world in full. Only then can he be seen for what his is, just as the other Black "leaders" are.

Gilbert Arenas needs to go to jail

For years I have stated that entertainers need to be treated just like any other person when it comes to the law and the violations of them. For years I have been especially harsh on Black entertainers, as their actions directly and far too quickly reflect on their young fan base. And in all those years only a relative handful of bloggers have agreed or made similar comment.

Now there is the issue of Gilbert Arenas.

I'm no great fan of basketball, so I missed the initial outbreak of the news. It appears that Arenas has been carrying a gun, to the NBA Wizard's locker room, on a regular basis. This is a violation of law - there is no quibbling on that.

In addition there is an allegation that Arenas, just over the holiday, had an arguement with a teammate which devolved into both men pulling guns on each other. In the same locker room.

All of this has prompted the FBI (I believe it was that agency, though it is not clear which Government agency is involved) to get involved. Of course such attention could not exist without a Black "leader" getting involved - enter Rev. Al Sharpton.

Now Gilbert Arenas has done several positive things. I won't throw him under a bus without at least noting that he has made donations to local high schools in the D.C. area, that he is a mentor of a small boy (not related to him), and that generally he has maintained a low profile (for the NBA and professional sports). He has done good things in the past. None of that equates to, or supercedes what we have now learned.

Rev. Al Sharpton has stated

"The NBA needs to stand up and send a strong message by dealing with this situation," Sharpton told the Daily News. He also chided black leadership groups for not speaking out about the "culture of violence being perpetuated in professional sports." Sharpton cited former Giant Plaxico Burress as an example of professional athletes run amok."

Burress is hardly the singular example that Sharpton could have made. The list is too long for anything but perhaps Wikipedia to note. But the problem is real, and it goes back decades.

As a side note, while Rev. Sharpton makes a valid point above, the question must be asked of where were all the "Black leaders" for the last decade? Where were they as some of us pointed out and screamed about entertainers violence and rampant drug use? These issues are more than a soundbite, and it's about time that the "Black leadership" join the rest of us that have been speaking out for more than a decade.

Getting back to the point, Arenas needs to go to jail. It's the harshest penalty that the law will allow for this crime, and he deserves it. Not because I think he's a bad guy, I don't know him. Because a point needs to be made.

NBA commissioner David Stern needs to penalize Arenas as well. Again, harshly. Perhaps a year or 2 of UNPAID suspension.

Why do I advocate jail and the unpaid suspension? Why so harsh?

Because of several factors. First, a gun never should be in a setting where high tempers flare. That will eventually lead to an "accident".

Secondly, this is a violation of the law. Entertainers are not above nor equal to the law. They ALL need to be reminded of this.

Third, and this is most important, ALL the players in professioanl sports -
as well as all entertainers these days - are role models. They are the figures that kids wrongly mold themselves after. Kids emulate these entertainers in clothing, speech, and mannerisms. If it's ok for Arenas to have a gun in his locker room, then why not some other kid that thinks he's God's gift to basketball? Which refers back to the first point.

For decades the media, professional sports, and law enforcement have turned a blind eye to these entertainers as they commit crime after crime. In the rare instances that something has been done, it frequently has been a slap on the wrists (all without a word from Rev. Sharpton and other "leaders").

I dare anyone to present a positive example or outcome from kids increasing emulation of the violence and drug use among entertainers. It doesn't exist. Therefore this needs to end, and to do so an example must be made, then followed.

Gilbert Arenas may be a nice guy, he may be an excellent NBA basketball player. But there is no question that he is a criminal (by his own admission about his gun possession) and MUST be punished by the law. Because if he isn't, mark my words, there will be a kid that will be going to jail because he too had a gun in a locker room - and had an "accident".

Rush Limbaugh and the NFL - the true shame

In listening to all the discussion about Rush Limbaugh potentially buying the St. Louis Rams, I come to a simple conclusion. It is yet another example of a saying that I believe the far-left lives by

"You can say anything you want... unless we disagree with it."

It really is just that simple.

Now I am no fan of Rush Limbaugh. He has been as right and as wrong as most any pundit. He's made huge amounts of money being incredibly controversial. In that respect he is not different than say Howard Stern, or Rev. Al Sharpton.

Actually, Limbaugh is better than one of his chief critics - Rev. Sharpton. While there are accusations about what Limbaugh has said - the worst of which are untrue - Rev. Al Sharpton is hardly in a place of judgement. The same is true of Rev. Jesse Jackson. These "Black leaders" have no end of comments that factually they have said. Yet there has never been outrage, or a call by the media, to prevent them from making a living or buying anything.

Think about it. Rush Limbaugh is probably one of the most reviewed people in the nation if not the world. For years, if not longer, the media and various Liberal groups have recorded every word spoken or written by Limbaugh. And at a time in this nation where comments by people like Don Imus and Dog the Bounty Hunter have rightly lead to job losses, there has never been a single report proving Limbaugh has said half of the things he is claimed to have said. Not one.

Had Limbaugh said what is alleged, I too would have cried to prevent his ownership. But he hasn't. So how is it that the NFL folded to such rumors? I mean we are talking about an organization that believes in hiring violent individuals, criminals of various degrees and ex-cons. All of whom are given every excuse and reason for a second, third and in cases more chances. The NFL too has no room to judge anyone as being too controversial or presenting a negative image. And again, this was based on rumor alone.

What does this say about the nation? At this point the word racist is more common than ever before. It's been applied to any person that disagrees politically with the far-left, and especially President Obama. Some have even tried to apply it to me for my political commentary, simply because they did not like the facts I have presented. Did that mean my purchase of my home should have been blocked because of accusations some have written about me on my blogs? That I should be denied business opportunites because I am Republican?

If Rev. Sharpton can make a living after the multiple comments he has made, and Rev. Jackson as well, and the NFL can re-hire ex-convicts and minor criminals, how is it possible to bar Limbaugh.

I truly am concerned. Because the mantra I stated above seems more in action day by day. It reaches from simple entertainment to our highest political offices. It's a scary thought that I find more akin to my time in communist led Moscow than an American value. And the damage it does to true issues of racism that still plague this nation is incalculable.

Reverend Al Sharpton may claim the action against Rush Limbaugh as a victory, but I just see it as a slap against America.

Open letter to Sharpton, Jackson, NAACP, Sen. Boxer, Sen. Feinstein, and the media

This letter is to those mentioned in my post What can you do to prevent another Grant, Bell, Diallo, or other police murder?

This letter will be sent to all those named in that post. If you know of other organizations that should receive this, let me know. If you wish to copy and modify this letter for your own use to these individuals, please do.

To whom it may concern,

I am Michael Vass, President of M V Consulting, Inc. and author of Black Entertainment USA. Recently I became aware of the death of Oscar Grant at a BART station in California. This death came at the hands of police - while he laid face down on the ground defenseless, possibly handcuffed, with an officer holding him in place as he was shot in the back - and was video taped and witnesses by a large group of individuals on New Year's Day of 2009.

This news story has been seemingly dismissed by the major news media. I was lucky to notice a 30 second news video by ABC News, that I have not seen since, on January 5th. The national news media has not covered this story beyond that to my knowledge.

The lack of coverage has angered me greatly. I wrote about this tragic event on my blog, and several others that I write for. And I am constantly being made aware that my blog posts of this news event is the first that many people are hearing of this event. Yet in watching the national news coverage I have seen no end to the coverage of the Caylee Anthony case for a almost a year now, discussion on the death of Heath Ledger for a year, and other stories of similar nature. In fact I believe it is easier to know the clothes that Beyonce wore yesterday, how Jennifer Aniston feels about Angelina Jolie, and the new address of Michael Jackson than details in this case.

This is an outrage. The news media has failed America, and the Black community. It is their responsibility to make all law enforcement responsible to the public and to make the public aware of such events. Their job is to represent us when it is not possible for us to be aware of facts across the nation and the world. Their job is to help shed light on events that violate our rights and prevent the abuse of the system. That is not happening.

It is a fact that some news media have made factual errors in their reporting of the case. One such instance is the fact that reports say that only 2 videos of the incident exist. I found in 15 seconds multiple videos of the event from several angles and of lengths from 1 minute to nearly 5 minutes. I have provided some of that additional video on my site. Another fact was the initial statement of the BART police stating that video from the station itself was unavailable, which turns out to be erroneous.

Already we can see that facts are being occluded. Add to this that the internal investigation by police has run into a roadblock. Officer Johannes Mehserle, who fatally shot Oscar Grant while he laid face down, possibly handcuffed, with at least one officer holding him down with a knee on his neck, in his back, resigned. As such I believe that the internal investigation cannot go forward as Mehserle is no longer a police officer. Thus the Oakland D.A. must be motivated to investigate and bring up charges for any justice to go forward.

At the same time Police Chief Gary Gee and others have begun to postulate excuses on how or why this event happened. The most popular excuse is that Johannes Mehserle meant to reach for his taser. A taser is not the same weight, shape, or trigger as a police issue 9mm gun. The time, as seen in several video angles of the event, he took to draw and fire reveal he had ample time to recognize and visually sight the gun in his hands. And beyond all that, there was no imminent life-threatening need to draw any weapon. And that is proven by the 5 or 6 other officers on the scene never drawing or motioning towards any of their weapons at any point in this event.

And I believe that this is a pattern that needs to end. We have seen that more often each year tragic events like this are happening across the nation. Black men killed in a hail of dozens of bullets, beaten by hordes of police officers, abused in police stations, and on and on. More often than not, virtually in each case, the officer responsible never served a day in jail, rarely was fined or disciplined in any manner.

I believe these are connected. If we say nothing, do nothing, then we say to all police officers across the nation that the - in my opinion - outright cold-blooded murder of African Americans is socially acceptable and will not be punished.

Thus I ask you to provide your political and media strength to this issue. The nation needs to be aware of what happened. This should never have happened. This should not go unpunished.

I look forward to your support and the media attention you can bring to this tragic event.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
718-344-6921
info@vassconsult.com

What can you do to prevent another Grant, Bell, Diallo, or other police murder?

The question before us is what can we do to prevent another senseless murder from occurring? How can we stop the police departments from across the nation from seeing Blacks as target practice?





In case you missed some of those numbers I will provide them again.

BART Director Carol Ward Allen: 510-464-6095 or BoardofDirectors@bart.gov

Police Chief Gary Gee: 510-464-7022 or toll free 877-679-7000 or ggee@bart.gov

Senator Feinstein: 202-224-3841 or http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUS.EmailMe

Senator Boxer: 202-224-3553 or http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfm

Governor Schwarzenegger: 916-445-2841or http://gov.ca.gov/interact#contact

Reverend Al Sharpton (via his National Action network): 212-690-3070 or toll free 877-NAN-HOJ1 or crisis@nationalactionnetwork.net

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson: editor@rainbowpush.org or 773-373-3366

Minister Louis Farrakhan: http://www.noi.org/letters/

Michael Baisden: 877-6BADBOY

NAACP: (877) NAACP-98

100 Black Men: 404-688-5100 or info@100bmoa.org

Again I want to thank Racewire.org for some of their ideas on this subject that inspired my video. We can stop this pattern, this institutionalized policy of murders without reprisal. We can change America. And all we need to do is speak up.

If you know of another useful organization please let us know.

**I've never asked this before, but please DIGG this post so others will also see what they can do to help prevent another cold-blooded murder from happening. Let's never hear of a father,son, mother, wife, daughter, or person being killed in such a manner again.

Excerpt - Rev. Jesse Jackson vs. Senator Barack Obama - Old Black Power disses New

From my political blog VASS

Oh he’s gone and done it now. Rev. Jesse Jackson is scrambling to retract comments he made Sunday, his son is blasting him for those same comments and Senator Obama – campaign and all – are quiet.

What is the issue here? What was said?

Well it’s hard to be sure. What is known is that Rev. Jackson took offense at the speech made by Senator Obama. In a moment where his microphone was hot, and he believed it was off, Rev. Jackson let loose with comments Wolf Blitzer believes he cannot repeat on CNN air. According to Jim Tapper of ABC News the words were along the lines of

“…crude and disparaging remark along the lines of wanting to rip Obama's genitals off…”

Actually finding the remarks, via video or transcript, has proven to be difficult at this point. I have no doubt that they will surface at some point soon though. And I think that is the only reason that today, 3 days later, Rev. Jackson has made an apology.

This is not a sincere apology, it’s polispeak. He is protecting his political clout and image. Were he really sincere he would have apologized Sunday when...

To see the full post visit VASS

Jim comments on Don Imus and racial remarks

I just wanted to share a comment and my response to a post I made on one of the blogs I write to. Sometimes I get comments of interest in other blogs and I think that you my readers deserve to hear those thoughts too. This is in response to my post Don Imus - the offense is unending

jim Says:

Don Imus didn’t say anything racial no more than anyone else has said.Why don’t the people that are so concerned like Sharpton say anything about Obamas remarks when he brings up race or the rev. wright.Blacks use race as an excuse for everything instead of taking care of their own business and get beyond it.Most Black and whites get along fine if some so called leaders would shut up instead of making a living on what someone said.

My response is as follows:

Jim,

I’m sorry that I have not responded to this earlier.

Actually Don Imus may not have said anything more racial than he has for decades, but he consistently says racial comments on a regular basis. He has a habit of stating his thoughts in the most demeaning manner when addressing or discussing African Americans among others. Every comment he makes may not be outright racist, but as a total he is way over the line – far enough to cover a continent.

As for Senator Obama, I don’t speak for him. I speak for my own comments and if you wish to address what I have said then I will respond.

But as for Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rev. Jerimiah Wright, I have spoken about both. They each have good points and have done positive things. The media coverage of those actions is non-existent. Who is to blame for that?

The media exalts in detailing every comment of both of these Reverends when the issue is racial and/or controversial. There is a vacuum and silence when they speak on things the general populace agrees with and or wishes someone would do. How much have you heard about Rev. Wright’s stand, before it was popular, against Apartheid? Or either Reverends work for the poor and homeless?

But I see that you chose to fall back on a familiar comment

“Blacks use race as an excuse for everything instead of taking care of their own business and get beyond it.”

That’s both insulting and ignorant. Just because you have the inability, or desire, to be aware of the privileges afforded to any White American does not make the world all rosy.

African Americans of all educations and backgrounds cope with a nation that is biased against them everyday, virtually all without a comment. I doubt most other races in America could do as much with so little. And I do mean little. Media would like to pretend that minorities don’t exist, or when we do we are the worst of stereotypes. Police authorities are routinely excused for acts of violence that they would not use 1/5th of against a White. And on and on.

And with all that millions of African Americans live fruitful lives. Could you do that? Could you live with the thought that the national media thought so little of you that they ignore you every day of your life? That every image of someone like you is a display of unrest and failure. That you are shunned by general society and watched like a criminal just for trying to live. I don’t think so.

And you want me to get beyond it. How can I when you can’t get beyond stereotypes, and racial insults? How can I accept that America has moved on when you embody a mindset that’s from the middle of 2 centuries ago? How can I when you empower comments being repeatedly thrown at me by the likes of Don Imus.

You are delusional. Perhaps in your eyes all Blacks and Whites get along fine all the time. But that’s a nice lie to help you get to sleep. Yes there are many who do not see race, or rather let it be an impediment. But as long as the legal system, the media, even politicians regard some Americans as different then things are never fine.

There is a big difference between making the best of a situation and being in a good one. You will know the difference the day a cop stops in front of you and draws a gun, because you LOOK suspicious. You’ll know the difference when you are singled out amongst a group, because ‘you people are trouble’, and everyone of a separate race around you just watches.

You can’t see the forest or the trees, and I understand. I understand because I, my family, my friends, and all the people we know have lived with the understanding virtually from birth. You wouldn’t be able to sleep at night seeing reality, so you change the view. You close your eyes and accept the joy that the right color provides and the wrong denies.

It’s human nature to reject pain. You see it, and you know you can’t deal with it. So you avoid it. But for those of us that can’t avoid it, we learn to live with it, like a cancer that won’t kill you but just eats away.

So if I’m pissed off at Don Imus, or you, ignore it and blame me like you always have. You’ll sleep well at night I’m sure. And I’ll understand that you are too weak to deal with it. Trust in that it’s not the first time I’ve encountered someone like you, and undoubtedly it won’t be the last.

If you want to be a bank robber - 3.25.2008.1

Have you ever needed money and dreamt of robbing a bank for the money? Maybe you needed an operation for your family, or your kids were hungry. Maybe you don't like working. Maybe you just wanted to go to the mall and get your hair and nails done. And if you were blonde, white and young, you could.

I’m speaking of the affectionately named “Barbie Bandits” out of Atlanta. About 1 year ago I wrote on the robbery these 2 young girls committed, stealing $11,000 from Bank of America – giggling all the way. They were caught after casually leaving the bank, spending money and then going to the mall the next day and discussing the robbery with a hairdresser.

For this crime, one girl was given the harsh penalty of 10 years probation, the other 2 years in jail and 8 years probation. Let my heart be still. Keep in mind that this was an inside job, one of their accomplices was a Black man. He received 10 years.

Now if you think this is appropriate, note that a bank robber in Surprise Arizona – who walked away with no money – had a 5 ½ hour manhunt after him. He was Hispanic/Latino and 41. Another man Paul Carman, of unnamed race, age 31 robbed Citizens Bank of $3,500 was arrested 8 ½ hours after the robbery. He is charged with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.

There were no cute nicknames for the male robbers. There were no casual attempts at catching the men. No delay was spared in searching for them. And the charges were both multiple and likely to involve everything but probation. Of course they were not blonde, young and White girls.

My problem? That this is another example of the skewed enforcement of the law that occurs. Senator Obama may not have wanted to say it, but Rev. Wright was alluding to it. And White Americans receive the advantage without thinking about it. If you are White you have an advantage at every step even while you break the law. And I can’t get the same treatment even if I deserve it.

The “typical White person” in America probably won’t see the problem with the young girls getting probation. They were dumb, and were not violent in their actions. They have lives in front of them. They deserve the chance to get their lives on track. Such are the comments that might be said.

Yet I have never heard such comments made of African Americans or people of color when a crime is committed. Nor have I seen a similar criminal penalty handed out. It reminds me of the Delorean fiasco. He was caught with a kilo of cocaine. Only because there were huge sums of money devoted to finding an entrapment by the DEA, did he avoid jail. Of course the general consensus of the country was, ‘He couldn’t have done that?!’ But if I was similarly entrapped do you honestly think I’d get the same monetary and public support? Do you think I’d have avoided a huge jail term?

If you can even hesitate in your answer then you know the answer is that I’d be in jail for a decade or more. The same thing would happen if I were involved in a robbery like the ‘Barbie Bandits’, as the Black male in this case received.

How can any American be aghast at the comments of Rev. Wright, Rev. Al Sharpton, or any other African American while our legal system skews the legal punishment of Whites right in our faces? And the media conveniently avoids coverage of these events in favor of negative portrayals of people of color? Avoiding questionable or downright barbaric events like Megan Williams torture, rape and kidnapping, or the murder of Sean Bell and others.

I love my country, but I hate the schism in legal enforcement and the presumption of guilt I face because of the color of my skin. This ‘Barbie’ case just highlights the facts. It is in no way an extreme as I have seen in the news.

These women are criminals. They broke federal laws, and committed high crimes. They flaunted their crimes and were laughing about the crime. Were they not idiots, who knows how long they would have gotten away with their actions, since there was no manhunt as every other similar case has. And as a deterrent to other young, White girls and boys they received probation while the African American received 10 years. What message do you think is being made?

So the next time you need money, especially if you are in the South and specifically if you are in Cobb County, rob a bank. That is if you are White with blonde hair. Being a girl is a bonus too. Because the time is easily worth the crime, if you are White it seems.

Excerpt of President Obama - a what if press release

Excerpt from VASS

**A fictional press release**

Major City in America – A date some time between 2009 - 2012 -- America still reeling 3 days after the shocking assassination of its leader.

On the 1st day after the assassination of President Barack Obama, by at least 3 men from a fringe radical group, America is still in turmoil. Across the nation riots continue to encompass most of the major cities. New York, Los Angeles, and D.C. are all in states of emergency as huge crowds of African Americans continue to express rage at the murder of the nations first Black President.

The riots started shortly after President Obama was shot while addressing the nation, offering an official apology from the United States Government to all the descendants of Africans enslaved in America from 1619 to 1865. The apology was a huge political hotbed of debate prior to the speech, with dozens of legislators and governors of both political parties publicly disagreeing with the President’s intent to issue the apology. Several hate groups had been actively suggesting that if the apology were made that it was the final straw and that action would need to be taken against President Obama.

While President Obama had encountered consistent death threats since his election win in 2008, and 2 prior attempts on his life, he had stated that he would go through with the speech. Even pressure from within his own political party was not enough to sway his determination.

“There has been too much time ...

Full post can be seen at here>

The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on Part 2 - 12.18.2007.2

Continued from The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on Part 1...

Perhaps one of the most important items I was able to understand throughout this whole drama occurred June of 2007. Again this was after further comments on the case Wesley Snipes is defending himself against went without coverage amongst the major news media.

“In piecing together the facts as they appear to be I gather that Mr. Rosile and Mr. Khan have not been charged, though they have 2000 clients that have allegedly made false claims with the IRS, exactly the same as Mr. Snipes though for less money. Yet only Mr. Snipes has been singled out as a ‘co-conspirator’.”

And

“The government apparently indicted Mr. Snipes while he was away working, without bothering to ask his publicist or manager if he was working. He was picked out of 2000 clients to be the poster child of government acting tough on taxes. When Mr. Snipes arranged to meet the cops to be taken on the charges made when he had no voice in the country (nor knowledge that he needed one) the media jumped on the story as if he were a fugitive, like he was a crackhead running from the police with 2 strikes over their head.”

Considering the long-term, dubious nature of the U.S. governments case and the overtly biased near yellow journalism tactics of the major news media, I find no surprise that there is news no one has heard.

As I stated at the beginning, an A-list actor has made a statement and there has been a media blackout. When Rosie O’Donnell and Charlie Sheen claim that the Government was in fact the reason for the 9/11 attacks, everyone covers it. But when Wesley Snipes states that

"It was easy for people to jump on the 'Wesley's the bad guy' bandwagon," he says. "That's where I think the systematic racism comes in. We're conditioned in this country to believe that if there's a problem, the black man is the culprit."

Media acts like his words are the plague. That last quote was from December 17th. Did you hear that from any news source besides EURweb or me? More importantly, did you hear any coverage from the major mainstream media? I didn’t, not then nor today.

So again I have to say that this does have racist elements. I have to say that I believe Wesley Snipes. And I believe there is a major issue that the major news media will take advantage of when it benefits the image they want to promote, and ignore when a mirror is held up.

Pay attention, and make some noise on this. Because if the fame of Wesley Snipes (or Al Sharpton recently) isn’t protecting him, what will happen if the Government turns on you?

The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on - 12.18.2007.1

If I told you that an A-list American actor made a public announcement about the government and its injustice, and no one covered it, would you believe me. Think about that.

When Ellen DeGeneres cried about a puppy, it was news for 2+ days. When Rosie O’Donnell got into a battle of name calling with Donald Trump, it was news for over a month. When Anna Nicole Smith died, 3 months. And Paris Hilton has been a week each incident. And that’s just off the top of my head.

How much news did Hanoi Jane Fonda get in her various anti-America rants? Or Sean Penn? Bill Maher? The major news media seems to salivate any time that a celebrity or entertainer makes an announcement or is in the news.

But there is a difference. Even in the worst cases of the news that was apparently targeting bad behavior there is a difference. At the worst of news on David Hasselhoff, Lindsey Lohan, Alec Baldwin, or Don Imus there was a sense of sympathy.

But when the A-lister is African American things change. Compare any of the coverage I’ve mentioned above with the coverage of James Brown’s death, OJ Simpson, Al Sharpton, Michael Vick, or Wesley Snipes as an example. Particularly Wesley Snipes at this moment.

Back in late 2006 there was an onslaught of news about charges made by the Government against Mr. Snipes. There were quick and deliberate statements made, while Mr. Snipes was out of the country working (which I think the Government knew considering the resources available to them).

I stated in October 2006

“I have some issues with this whole thing. First is the fact that the government accepted an amended claim of 0 income and made a refund of $7,000,000 without a red flag popping up is not Mr. Snipes fault. I would think someone would have noticed before now. And to suddenly issue a warrant without contacting an individual that has international travel as a normal course of business seems extreme. So far as has been reported no attempt to contact Mr. Snipes has been done.”

I then went on to say in that same post

“As a celebrity it would not be unusual for him to be on vacation, or on a trip, outside the country or in seclusion. It would not be strange for Mr. Snipes to be working on a film somewhere in the world, and not immediately aware of what is going on here in the United States.”

To my knowledge there was not a single major news media organization, nor the U.S. government, that stated the abovementioned thought. 2 days later I was proven correct.

“Well I’m not sure if Mr. Snipes is exactly innocent, but I do agree that he is being railroaded. The media has worked hard to portray him negatively, though there have been no facts to go on.”

Continued in Part 2...

Accusations against Bill O'Reilly Part 2 - 9.26.2007.2

Continued from Accusations against Bill O'Reilly Part 1...

That is not to say that he is completely balanced. I am far from a sycophant. But I have watched his program for a long time, and listened to his views and words. I have observed him taking up issues and asking questions the majority of major news media ignores. The fact that he is conservative and right-leaning does not make him wrong. Nor does it make him a racist. I am not saying that he is nor is not a racist. Rather I am saying that I would expect that either Mr. Williams or Rev. Sharpton would be on bullhorns if he had crossed a line with either. Personally I have no idea as I do not know the man personally. Then again, neither do 90% of the bloggers and websites that attack him.

The thing I really am upset about is that racism is being used as the tool to launch attacks at Mr. O’Reilly. This created argument lessens the real racism that exists. There are real issues of media turning a blind-eye to issues affecting African Americans. I have consistently mentioned the many cases that present this racism head on. I have addressed the disparities in the legal system, and in entertainment. There can be no question on my position on the commoditization of Black culture by entertainment corporations like Viacom, and the music industry.

Those are all reasons to speak up, and things that need to change. These are issues that need to be addressed. But distractions of this nature are not. Mr. O’Reilly may be insensitive to some African American issues, and he can be quick to judge individuals, but that is not racism. Let’s not get lost in the political circus, rather let’s focus on the real issues.

And for those that think I am wrong, cite your reasons. Also keep in mind one other thing. Rev. Al Sharpton will be on the O’Reilly Factor Wednesday at 8pm est. Not a press conference, just the show. Perhaps we will learn more then. If I am correct I think the left-leaning bloggers, that don’t watch his program, may be proven wrong. Then again I may be. We shall see.

This is what I think, what will you think?

Accusations against Bill O'Reilly - 9.26.2007.1

Why does the left like to use racism like a weapon? I’m so tired of it. It’s aggravating. If you have not noticed it yet, there has been a lot of media stating that Mr. Bill O’Reilly is a racist. They state that his commentary from his radio show was racist.

"It was like going into an Italian restaurant in an all-white suburb in the sense of people were sitting there, and they were ordering and having fun” he said. "And there wasn't any kind of craziness at all."

That is the main quote. It is referring to a dinner at Sylvia’s, a famous restaurant in Harlem, NY. Something that needs to be understood at the outset. The dinner was with Mr. O’Reilly and Rev. Al Sharpton.

I want that to be clear because if this was really what was going on, I would expect that either Rev. Sharpton, who is no shy wall-flower, or Mr. Juan Williams would have called Mr. O’Reilly out on the matter. Both have the ability to make national press conferences and easily would be able to comment on this in no time at all. Considering the historical matters that Rev. Sharpton usually covers, this would have been the first thing he would have talked about upon leaving Sylvia’s.

The quote comes out of context from a discussion on racism on Mr. O’Reilly’s radio program. When the program aired, over a day ago, on reportedly 400 stations there were no complaints. Mr. Juan Williams was on air as the comment was made, in context of how the media often portrays African Americans as simply thugs and rappers, and this influences what some Americans think we are like. I’d say that the media influences how the world views us.

Yet, CNN, which was given the opportunity to review the actual conversation, went and continued to state that Mr. O’Reilly was a racist. The internet has picked up the ball and run with it.

Obviously, left-leaning bloggers and websites constantly find Mr. O’Reilly to be a huge target and oppose everything he says, so there is no surprise in their reaction. Others that have not seen anything other than the claims of his racism accept this news without question. I did not.

I have said before that I agree with Mr. O’Reilly on several issues. I feel that he is basically fair in his opinions. His desire to protect children is unquestionable, his belief in a balanced legal system is prominent, and his views against criminal illegal aliens match my own.

Continued in part 2...

A conversation on the Jena 6 - 9.21.2007.2

Suddenly after months of bloggers speaking about the Jena 6, the major news media has finally woke up and realized there is an issue. It would be funny that they are treating this as a new thing, except there is no humor in this. Rev. Jesse Jackson is holding rallies and blaming Sen. Obama over this case, suddenly. Democratic Presidential candidates are all jumping forward to make a comment on how they feel about this injustice. And the President was asked to speak on the controversy. You would think this all just came up in the last day or 2, yet that is a false impression. At least it’s finally getting attention.

But what I want to share with you is a conversation I had yesterday with a colleague and friend. He is a White man about my age, owns businesses, and a good person. He also writes to a couple of blogs and was completely unaware of the Jena 6 case. After hearing all the news yesterday, he decided to write some thoughts on it, and then got in touch with me to discuss it.

His position was basically

In every racial injustice case, we tend to measure the punishment and forget that a crime was committed.

To a degree I agree with him. But there is a lot going on with this case that most are not getting. There is something not being conveyed. The main question is not as much that there should be no punishment, but that it should be equal. Attempted murder was hardly the correct charge, if charges must be made in this case. I say must as others White males were not given any charges for their fights. But if a crime is done, punishment is mandatory. But it shouldn’t be blind or biased.

Given that, the conversation evolved to discuss the real issue that Jena 6 represents and the major news media seems to never want to discuss. Race, segregation and anger. These are the roots of the Jena 6 case. And these are the things not being addressed. The charges and the imbalance of the legal system are only symptoms of this root.

The facts are that no one in this nation should be fearful of entering an establishment or standing in a space and being punished for it. In this case a tree was designated ‘Whites Only’, harkening back to the segregation of the 1950’s (for the younger readers, that’s really not as far in the past as you might think). A tree.

Continued in Part 2...

Can Rev. Jesse Jackson define "acting white" - 9.20.2007.1

In my post Rev. Jesse Jackson throws stones at Senator Barack Obama - 9.20.2007.1, I mentioned that Rev. Jesse Jackson is alleged to have said that Sen. Barack Obama acts “white”. This accusation was leveled in reference to the relatively little that Senator Obama has said about the Jena 6.

I’ve already discussed the equally little said by Rev. Jackson on the Jena 6 case, which has been widely covered and discussed by a multitude of Black bloggers for months. Don’t let the major news media fool you, this is not a new thing. And while Sen. Obama has said virtually nothing, neither has Rev. Sharpton, Jackson, or any of the Presidential candidates. They have all failed to even acknowledge the existence of the case until yesterday, and all their surprise and posturing is annoying.

[I admit that I have not covered the issue either, as I felt many other bloggers had covered every angle of this far better than myself for far longer. Check the archives of African American Opinion and you will see what I mean. In my opinion to cover what had already been said would have been pandering and I try to never do so.]

But the point of this is the “acting white” accusation. Among African Americans such an accusation is a vicious attack. It is a massive insult that does not have a match in other racial groups in America, to my knowledge. It’s a verbal low blow, and in this case totally unfair.

The implication that Rev. Jackson makes, and he is a supposed supporter of Sen. Obama, is that Senator Obama is a sell-out. The reason is that the Senator has not acted on a controversial case to the liking of Rev. Jackson. Point of fact is that Rev. Jackson hasn’t done anything either. As I mentioned before many Black bloggers have, but Black “leaders”, like Rev. Jackson and Al Sharpton have said nothing to my knowledge.

But why is Senator Obama “acting White”? Why does he constantly have to defend himself from claims on one hand that he is not Black enough, and that he is too Black on the other. That is he is Black and thus scary to some (who have very small minds in my opinion).

In the African American community though, some (with equally small minds) feel that Sen. Obama does not portray the race well. I’m reminded of a Mr. Chris Rock comedy routine. I’ll paraphrase

“They call Colin Powell articulate. They say he speaks well. What do they expect him to say ‘Yo yo, Imma bout ta drop sum bombs ova heya!’”

I’m so tired of the bar existing that says you are only African American if you act like X and dress in Y. What the Hell does that have to do with my heritage or the color of my skin? When I walk down the street I’ve never heard anyone wait to see my clothing tags or my resume before calling me N***** (and not in a manner that the hip-hop community thinks is positive).

Why do we need to continue to define what is Black by the material mannerisms one has? I’ve commented often that to be Black in America is becoming more of a commodity than a fact of birth. Let me correct that. To be what the media portrays, and music videos glorify, as their impression of Black is a commodity. The facts are quite different.

Let’s take a moment to remember the spectrum here.

Blacks have been in America since roughly the early 1600’s. Blacks built the infrastructure of America, and were the key part of the agricultural economy that allowed the nation to grow. White Americans have mixed with African slaves and African Americans of later centuries and decades constantly, partially accounting for the different shade we all come in. Add to that the mix of Native American Indians, Latinos, Hispanics, Asians and various Europeans and you get all the shades and backgrounds that make up many African American families today.

An example is that my family tree reaches into Italy, Ireland, Spain, Puerto Rico, Taino and Native American Indians as well as Africa. And that’s just the parts I can name off the top of my head.

Beyond the mix of ancestry, African Americans don’t all live in the ghetto or speak eubonics. While watching any major news media, especially if you see the news internationally, you may not realize it but not all African Americans are poor. [I realize that those who are Black reading this will say “I know that”, but I reach 62 nations on average every month and not everyone reading this is Black or American]

Many African Americans are quite educated. We are doctors, lawyers, businessmen and women, professors and a multitude of other professions. Few of these professionals, if any, speak like JJ from Good Times or Snoop Dogg. But the media would liken us all to a rapper far faster than Secretary of State Condellezza Rice. [I’m not saying that all rappers are uneducated, but I will say I’m only aware of 2 that actually graduated college since the inception of rap. There may be more but it’s not spoken about much and seen little in their public personas.]

So given all that, what is “acting white”? Is being successful now restricted to that one particular race? Speaking our collective native language well is a racial preference? Dressing in clothing that both compliments and stands out well in any social occasion is betrayal to a race?

Doesn’t that sound stupid? Perhaps if you look at it conversely.

If Reverend Jackson said that Senator Obama could act more Black by ‘speak with smaller syllable words, misuse the meanings of those words or just make them up, dress in baggy ill-fitting clothing that are more appropriate for an 18 year old in a dance club, lose several jobs by being late or not showing up, take drugs in public, and walk around eating fried chicken.’

Doesn’t sound white does it? Doesn’t sound Black either. It just sounds foolish. Acting like a grown man (or woman) should be enough. The color of the skin is just a birthright and that conveys no obligations to any corporate ideology, no matter how many music videos and commercials are made saying so.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Why hasn't Al Sharpton gone to West Virginia

Post written by guest blogger CMiller

I am going to have to say that it is a shame upon the Black community when the Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jessie Jackson have not even shown up to champion the Black woman who was brutalized by 6 white people that consisted of 2 white females and 4 white males. My gosh even the Federal government has abandoned this poor woman by not calling this a hate crime. If it was not a crime that consisted of major amounts of hate then what would you call it. Why in the world would 2 women be involved in such a crime being committed against another woman? Could it be because she is a black woman? I believe the possibility is more than present in this case.

But again I must ask, where is the Black community’s voice on this matter. Its as if everyone thinks its ok for such a heinous crime to be committed against a Black woman and that the reaction should be next to invisible to the American public. Why in the world would the major news media not be interested in such a story. One would think that the way they latch on to bad news within the Black community that for once they could come to the aid of one of us.

It would seem that no one is interested in helping this poor woman not even spiritually it would seem, do to the lack of even the ambulance chasers being at her side.

I say this would be such a blight on the Black community if this one slips between the cracks. Are we not sick to death of what happens to Blacks, for the love of pete its 2007 and we are still being made victims by the major news media. I expected BET to have something to say about this but I was wrong. I hope for the sake of this woman that the Black bloggers out there in the world come together and help this woman so that she will not be forgotten. That for once justice will be done and served to the fullest extent of the law.

Should this woman be forgotten, everyone of us should stop and think how they would feel if that woman was their mother, sister, daughter, aunt or cousin. Would it be so easy to forget then or would a cry of outrage erupt from your soul for what horror she had to endure at the hands of 6 hateful white people.

Regardless of the color of this woman’s skin, no person should go through what she had to endure. All women are sisters and should stand together and support one of our own. I am saddened that in America people can turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the plight of one of its own.

Our community needs to pull together and support this poor woman in her time of need. Respect her privacy but don’t’ forget her. She after all is one of us.

Black Enterprise vs Eddie Griffin - 9.6.2007.2

Some just can't see the forest for all the trees.

Many pundits and the major news media often like to comment that the black community does little to curb the use of some derogatory terms such as the N-word. If you were to only gather your knowledge from these sources then you would probably believe they are correct. Of course, this is as far from the truth as Pluto is near the sun.

For almost 2 decades there has been a steady and committed voice presented in the black community against the use of the N-word and other terms or forms of entertainment that diminish black culture. Miss C. Dolores Tucker was one of the first to take charge in this matter.

“Ms. C. Dolores Tucker started a movement that rings as true today as when she started it in the 1990’s. Gansta rap “is a crime that we are promoting these kind of messages. The whole gangster rap industry is drug-driven, race-driven, and greed-driven.”

She was hardly the only person making commentary. Others such as Mr. Chuck Creekmur have discussed this often on his website long before the events of Mr. Michael Richards and Don Imus. The major news media just didn't pay attention.

In another example of the willful ignorance of major news media, in particular cable news networks, is the fact of what happened to Mr. Eddie Griffin. On Friday, Mr. Griffin was performing at a Black Enterprise magazine event, where, in his routine he was using the N-word consistently. Due to that repeated use Mr. Griffin was pulled from the stage in the middle of his routine. This is not a new thing or something astounding but rather something that has been going on for some time. The black community has paid attention to the issue of disparaging terms used commonly and has acted on this issue on a regular basis.

But if anything is to be heard about this action, it will probably be in the form of the words used by Reverend Al Sharpton. That's really a shame. The reason is, Reverend Sharpton, never saw the performance. He wasn't there. Yet, he came out and made a statement about the performance, which has already been quoted and probably will be repeated if this story catches any attention. Reverend Sharpton is noted as commenting on the reaction the crowd had to the interruption of Mr. Griffin's performance, which is impossible for him to know since he didn't see the performance. Rev. Sharpton goes on to say

[He] "expressed gratitude that the nation's pre-eminent magazine for African-Americans stands behind the efforts of National Action Network in getting rid of the N-word."

How humble of him to presume his organization was responsible for the actions of Black Enterprise magazine on an issue that is sensitive and has been addressed long before his name has ever been attached to it.

That is the problem that seems to be enveloping coverage of this issue. The major news media seemed uninterested in providing coverage of organizations that routinely take a stance counter to the one promoted by music corporations and their associated music videos. It's this blind eye to the significant truth that exists that creates the opportunity for pundits to ignorantly state that nothing is being done, and to defend individuals such as Michael Richards and Don Imus. For that, I say shame on the major news media.

On a separate thought, I have to say that I like Mr. Eddie Griffin. I think he is an incredible performer. His standup comedy routine is quite good, though it does rely heavily on the use of the N-word and other negative terms. This is not a new development; his comedy routine has always contained this terminology. It's not a surprise.

I believe in the freedom of speech. I believe in the right and the opportunity for an individual to entertain the masses in a medium and the manner that they are qualified at. When Black Entertainment magazine hired Mr. Griffin for this event they knew what they were getting. Their reaction to his comedy routine is a bit surprising. If they had an issue with the words he was going to use they should've gotten someone else. It's really that simple.

It's a bit two-faced to hire someone based on what they are qualified and consistently do and then to fire them for doing exactly that. Either you're against what they do or you’re for them. Unless of course there was a prior agreement stipulating that Mr. Griffin would not use those words in his routine. Since I am not privy to the terms and conditions that Mr. Griffin was hired on I can only assume this is not the case.

I will note that I contacted Black Enterprise and I have been told that there is a press release forthcoming on this issue. I'll comment further once I have received a copy of this press release and have had a chance to receive further comment from Black Enterprise.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Will Don Imus pay his due? Part 2 - 8.15.2007.2

Continued from Will Don Imus pay his due? Part 1...

Some might say the team deserves the 20 million dollars that Imus just won. Some might say that Imus is a multi-millionaire and won’t miss the money. They would be right that he is rich, but they would be wrong in presuming that his contractually obligated pay is due these women. The pain and suffering they are currently undergoing will not follow them for the rest of their lives. The embarrassment while severe is not going to prevent them from becoming a successful lawyer or doctor or scientist or President of the United States. It will make life in college during the near term harder to get dates, or study or not be the butt of a joke by a drunken frat kid. So I do believe they deserve monetary reimbursement but not excessive amounts.

In America today money determines almost everything. It determines where you live, what job you get, the friends you can have or do keep and so much more. In this case money in the form of Imus’ job was the reason for an unprovoked attack. It should be money that sends the same message to Imus, CBS, and the media industry across the nation. Impacting the bottom line will stick in the memory of all those individuals far longer than comments from Reverend Al Sharpton, newspaper articles, and a huge number of angry bloggers. Take profits away from the shareholders and changes happen over night. Its one of the great things about the American economy and business environment.

I think that it would be a great slap in the face to Don Imus and his former employers that these women take their money and achieve certificates representing their attainment of prominence in various intellectual fields. CBS told Imus to insult people for a living, create controversy, and be mean. Imus decided to be mean and pushed the envelope many times in his career; finally creating enough of an uproar with this last act. Perhaps the best way to prove this corporation, this man, and those listeners and supporters wrong is the realization of success these women can do. But to just throw money at them and take away one of the motivations why they went to college serves them no good nor their communities nor America as a whole.

There is an Ancient saying:

“You can feed a man a fish and he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish he will feed himself for a life time.”

These women should have every opportunity to be taught how to fish and not be given a boat full of fish.

This is what I think, what do you think?

State of the Black Union may be real black entertainment - 8.8.2007.1

Well here is something that sounds like television programming of worth. Viacom and all its properties should take note of what a program aimed at a target group can be like. Mr. Sumner Redstone, Mr. Philippe Dauman, and Mr. Reginald Hudlin should all be paying close attention.

In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, TV One will be presenting a 3 part symposium that deals with the state of African Americans then and now, what America would be like without us, and a recap with memorable moments (in time since the Jamestown landing I presume). The program is called State of the Black Union. That is an interesting subject. It delves into the past and the present day. It evaluates what is good and bad in this nation. It provides food for thought. That is what I consider Black entertainment.

This program, which will start on August 12th, and be repeated on the 15th, will involve Mr. Tavis Smiley as moderator of each segment. I notice that they are avoiding the comedic angle on social commentary another cable television network has taken. Perhaps because a serious subject is normally best handled by a serious credible host.

Beyond the participation of Mr. Smiley, speakers include:

“Rev. Al Sharpton, actor/producer Tim Reid, former ABC news correspondent and current NPR host Michel Martin, radio personality Tom Joyner, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, Radio One founder and chairperson Catherine Hughes, Chuck D of the rap group Public Enemy, astronaut Dr. Mae Jamison, Dr. Cornel West of Princeton University, along with former Ebony editor Lerone Bennett Jr., Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman, and Rep. Bobby Scott:”

Take a moment and review that list. It’s important. For all the images of poor Black people on the news every day, all the gangs, the rappers and music videos glorifying drugs, fatherless families, and degraded women, this list says something the media just does not.

The list includes entertainers that have lasted decades in an industry where most last a season. There are politicians of on the federal and state levels, national media makers and owners, religious leaders, a jurist, a teacher of the highest level of education in one of the most prestigious Universities, and an astronaut. And they even fit in a rapper, though unlike the current gansta sub-culture his entertainment was based in politics and self-improvement.

The list is diverse, covering so many careers and formats that are rarely acknowledged to have any African American influences. That alone should be a reason to check out the program. But to be honest I want to see it because of one reason.

Continued in Part 2...

Ramblings of Michael Vass - 8.7.2007.3

Some days it’s just hard to write to a blog. I know, many of the bloggers out there are reading that and laughing. Of course it’s hard. Reading news, figuring out what story or concept gets you most motivated and then creating a fluid and expressive statement that others might want to glance over. Once you do get consistent readers the pressure to be consistent, topical and timely grows exponentially.

I’m not complaining. I currently write to 8 blogs, with varying degrees of consistency. I cover a diverse range of topics, from NASCAR, to Presidential candidates, to my thoughts and Black issues among others.

But I am annoyed. There is so much that should be written, and I don’t have the ability to cover the scope of it. Anger versus Islam, racism, stereotyping, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Presidential election, global warming and more. There are just so many topics.

But I notice something. The issues that often catch my attention deal with the negatives that affect African Americans and Latino/Hispanic Americans. Generally it is because my anger is invoked, or because I think a lot is being obscured but overall it is just negative. I wonder where the good news is.

I see constantly news on OJ Simpson, or this rapper committing another crime. I read about how Blacks aren’t making it to higher education, that the Black middle class is disappearing, that the segregation among African Americans is worse than from other sources. I see videos that showcase booty-shakin and drugs, or viral videos that promote violence in schools. I observe how the Black community is a commodity for sale from generally non-black corporations. All of this and I get tired.

Why is it that BET can’t provide programming that other cable networks seem to have little difficulty creating? Why is it this nation can’t stop being angry about OJ getting an innocent verdict? Why must 90% of all references about violent or drug related crime, or welfare and social assistance must have African American faces on it? What drives the media to place events featuring African American entertainers and celebrities of a negative aspect on the front page, but charities and positive actions get about 30 seconds of coverage?

Some say it’s because the Black leadership has focused the news this way. That’s crap. There are no African American leaders. When was the vote? How did anyone get registered for it? Who counted? It never happened.

Rev. Al Shaprton, Minister Farakan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and several other notables have been proclaimed leaders yet I know I have never been asked about it. They are just the guys that the media decided to follow and promote. That’s not leadership, it’s attention. The difference is vast.

Continued in Part 2...

Why OJ Simpson won't talk about Paris Hilton Part 2 - 6.12.2007.2

Continued from Why OJ Simpson won't talk about Paris Hilton - part 1...

Given that both men inspire mixed emotions for me, I still do not condone the media using them to mire the inequality and lopsided justice being given to Ms. Hilton.
To the credit of Mr. Simpson I must state that he too feels the media is failing in its purpose. In a recent interview Mr. Simposn states,

”In this day and age, when someone not serving me in Kentucky, with no argument, is a story and we don't know that someone is going up in space and we know more about Paris Hilton going to jail, something is wrong”>

Mr. Simpson is right. This is a farce, made worse by the media whether or not it is something the Hilton family desires or promotes. Seriously what does Mr. Simpson or Rev. Al Sharpton have to do with the legal system? What possible connection could they have to this case? There is none.

While Rev. Sharpton has taken this case to promote his cause in highlighting the injustice in the jailing policies of this nation and California in particular, he is not part of the issue at hand. Whether Rev. Sharpton succeeds or not, the fact remains that Ms. Hilton has been treated preferentially and there is no question that ANY other woman would not be treated in a similar manner. This is obvious and to involve him beyond this point is not reporting the news but molding it. When the media molds news we get ‘yellow journalism’ and false reporting.

That is part of the reason Mr. Simpson has held back from discussing this case. It has nothing to do with him. He just happens to be the favorite ‘whipping boy’ of the media. Since the start of the overly-publicized trial, in which he received representation equal to that of many notable celebrities, entertainers and rich individuals, the media has been beating up on him. To this day, cable news (I will single out Fox News as I watch it predominantly) often finds ways of mentioning the OJ Simpson trial on virtually every trial from Phil Spector to this case with Paris Hilton. It makes no sense.

Beyond the fact that many in this nation cannot accept the verdict in the OJ case, virtually a decade later, there is no cause for this. Mr. Simpson had a case where the benefit of high priced lawyers worked for African Americans, something that rarely occurs in our legal system. All the benefits that the price-tag of such lawyers provide were bestowed upon Mr. Simpson and he prevailed. How often has that happened before? Too many to count, just not for Black defendants.

But I digress. Why do the media want to focus this case on Mr. Simpson? To bring his name into a discussion of injustice? Odd since his trial is a clear example of justice on a fair and level playing field. I would again state that it is a manner in which to obfuscate what is happening with Ms. Hilton. It is an example of soundbite news that has proliferated every aspect of the news. Here is an example of what I mean,

“I have friends all over the country, none of them heard a word about the latest events in the Sean Bell Case. I’m in New York State, barely any comment in the last 24 hours. I do watch a lot of cable news, but I’m not glued to it so there may have been somewhat more coverage. But I can say that in 4 hours I saw 2 mentions of the case for 45 seconds each. In the same time I saw 5 minutes of Anna Nicole Smith, and 6 mentions and 12 minutes on the woman shot by unknown individuals in her bed. There was no less than a half hour of information about the Boy Scout that was in the woods. Seem fair?

Concluded in Part 3...

Why OJ Simpson won't talk about Paris Hilton - 6.12.2007.1

Well I am shocked. Why? Because Mr. OJ Simpson is being asked to comment about Paris Hilton. This is all just too much. The insanity has gone to levels that are far too high.

I have mentioned previously that it might be speculated that Rev. Al Sharpton was being asked to comment on the jailing/release/jailing of Ms. Hilton
as a diversion on behalf of the Hilton family. In essence it is plausible that the Hilton family has tried to change the tone of this story, away from the liberal application of punishment against Ms. Hilton, to one that is more racially motivated. I stated,

“But be ready for the general news media to spin this in to a race issue. If they do it will divert attention from Paris Hilton to Rev. Al Sharpton. It will obscure what happened with issues that while real, do not apply here. Its smoke and mirrors played in front of televisions across America. And it may well happen.”

I continue to feel this is the case. In furtherance of the abovementioned quote is the fact that now Mr. OJ Simpson is being pursued for comment. Now I have had my disagreements with both Mr. Simpson

“Personally I will say this. The charges were wrong and the police failed in the investigation. ... Also little things bother me about the evidence. One item that always stuck in my head is the single bloody sock. If a sock is soaked with blood, so therefore are the feet, and if this sock is found next to a bed on a white carpet where are the bloody footprints? ... As for the trial, it was an example of what money can do for a person. If this were a rich white athlete or other entertainer, I don’t see there being quite the same outrage. The defense did what they were paid for....

and with Rev. Sharpton

“… Well, Rev. Sharpton did start the National Youth Movement in 1971. In his bid to run for president in 2004 he campaigned on issues such as: Increase political consciousness and awareness, affirmative action and anti-death penalty policy, economic justice at home, and others. … The Rev. Sharton is not known for these things though. The Tawana Brawley case of November 28, 1987 is what made him a national figure. He is also known for his slurs to Jews, Koreans and Whites in general. … deserve quality as opposed to a flashy and questionable voice in an arena as important as politics? …”

Continued in part 2...

Why Opie & Anthony won't be fired - 5.11.2007.1

Many may have heard about the outrageous actions of Opie & Anthony, radio DJ’s on XM satellite radio. If you have not it can be summed up as the following: The DJ’s had a man (who I believe was homeless) on air and cajoled him as he commented on raping Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, First Lady Laura Bush, and the Queen of England. This was an explicative laden, graphic, tirade that the 2 DJ’s commented and laughed along with. Obviously they seem to find the rape of women funny.

Considering the recent uproar against Mr. Don Imus, Rev. Al Sharpton (for comments about the religion of Presidential hopeful Mr. Mitt Romney), and the rap hip-hop music genre for their insulting use of language, and disrespect of women, many are upset by this ‘comedy’ skit. While I find it vile and reprehensible, I cannot ask for their being fired. It’s not the same situation. Though it is sad that anyone would find humor on this subject, or would want to derive their income from promoting such commentary, I have to say that it is just my opinion.

I do not see any positive reason to encourage anyone to rape ANY woman, ever. I equally can’t imagine that the mothers of these 2 men are please with them. What a way to start the Mother’s Day weekend. I have to believe that both of these men are single, and likely to stay that way. But they should not be fired.

The fact is that they are not on public airwaves, they are dealing with public figures, and there is freedom of speech. The First Amendment allows for almost any comment, no matter how offensive. That is with the exception of directly causing or inciting harm against another individual. This is the reason that neo-nazi’s and klu klux klan members can have meeting. It’s also why you can’t scream fire in a crowded theater. As upsetting as it makes me, they have the right to say what they did; though it’s a close call.

The bigger reasons working for them are in part that all of the women are public figures. This is not an excuse for what was done. What it does mean is that they have venues and opportunities to respond in kind to these comments, if they chose to dignify them with a comment at all. There is no doubt that if any of these powerful and respected women chose to say something about this, it would be covered internationally in a second. There is no shortage of individuals and groups that will respond on their behalf and will have that covered as well. In a manner this is like Ms. Rosie O’Donnell picking a fight with Mr. Donald Trump, both took opportunities to respond publicly. Of course their spat never rose to the same level as this, but at points it was close.

But the most solid reason why they won’t be fired is because it was no a comment made to the public. Unlike Mr. Don Imus, this event happened on essentially closed airspace. Individuals subscribe to XM radio to receive this particular channel. There is full disclosure of how derogatory and perhaps insipid these 2 men can be. Only those who have paid for the satellite service, and chosen to listen to this channel out of the 100 available to them, are affected. That effectively makes it a conversation among willing participants. If a participant finds themselves in a conversation with a racist, or misogynist, or other individual I would call mentally deficient, you can just walk away. In this case perhaps that means changing the channel, turning the satellite radio off, or canceling your service (possibly with a letter addressed to the CEO of this publicly traded company). Some might even go so far as to sell their shares in the stock (the symbol being XMSR).

Though it’s given that Opie & Anthony can do what they did, and that they won’t be fired for it, there is something to consider. The women they have picked on are some of the most powerful in the world. I wouldn’t suggest either of these radio DJ’s go to England anytime in the near future. Britons are noted for their love of the Royal family. Picking on the wife of the President of the United States is hardly a smart career move. With a mere negative public comment the stock of XM radio could be cut in half in a second, and I guarantee they would be out the door immediately afterwards. [It can happen. I saw the President do this to several stocks when I was a stockbroker. It must be said that they were manipulated stocks, but the power to move the market instantly is unquestionable.] Secretary of State Rice is no less powerful and there isn’t a corporation in the world that would want to bring down her wrath or that of her office, just as many nations fear and respect her for the same reasons. I can’t say I’d be upset to see a backlash against these ‘men’.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Concluding Now that Imus is gone - 4.12.2007.3

Concluding Now that Imus is gone...

Any institution that serves the public has a responsibility and morale imperative to not disparage the public. Commentators are not allowed to say anything they wish in a discussion, television broadcasters (public and cable alike) cannot show movies and films of any content at any time to every viewer without discretion, news media cannot report anything they cannot justifyably confirm. There are limits to what can be done, as there should be. Even in the 1950’s and 60’s when parents were outraged by Rock ‘n Roll, with its mantra of sex and drugs there was still limits. There were boundaries that the society and the corporations abided by. In breaking those boundaries record companies, media corporations and entertainers have violated a trust the public has placed in them. Rather than rewarding this breach of unwritten laws with our money we should protest and deny them our funds.

The good and bad must be taken when appropriate. The Black community has failed its children, just as the record companies, radio stations, and gansta rappers have failed the public. This is not something that cannot be resolved, in fact it must be. We have shown the fact we have power, and we need to use it. We must use it in a positive manner. We need to change the Black culture from the commodity it has become to something greater. We are born Black, to sell that off as a cheap triffle is no different than shooting ourselves in the foot. It’s just stupid.

We must also recognize the failures and positives of some of our more recognized figureheads. I say figureheads and not leaders as at this moment there are no leaders of the Black community. There has been no leader since Mr. Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, with perhaps some argument made for Minister Louis Farakhan or Rev. Jesse Jackson for a segment of the community. While Rev. Al Sharpton was helpful, as was Rev. Jackson, in bringing this recent incident to public attention neither are leaders in my mind. They bring baggage and questionable motives to every arena they enter.

Rev. Sharpton is particularly in question. He has a long history of inflammatory actions who’s main motive seems to have been the promotion of Rev. Sharpton primarily. We need to accept that those that would claim to be leaders of the Black community are accountable for what they have said, positive and negative, and when they are in the wrong they admit to this. I say this as the credibility of serious issues that plague the entire community are lessened and placed in question when public figures of questionable motive jump into the limelight. As an example I pose the fact that several of the pundits on television questioned the seriousness of the demand for the removal of Mr. Imus on the sole basis that Rev. Al Sharpton was asking for it. Leaders are followed because they are credible, because they bring a somber tone to the subjects they deal with. To accept less is to weaken the causes, no matter how worthy, that are being pursued.

Again I say that we must change the nature of rap music as it stands today. In doing this we bring ourselves into full accountability for our community and the Black culture as a whole. We are more than just pimps, ho’s, drug dealers, ganstas and other riffraff. In reclaiming and redirecting one of the most popular and prevalent formats that the society and world views us by, we gain in all aspects of our lives and futures.

This is what I think, what do you think?

You are a helluva B***h - 4.10.2007.1

So how many women feel complimented by that headline? How many people feel that this comment was humorous? This isn’t targeted to any one race. It could be your mother I’m speaking about. Or your daughter, sister or girlfriend. Or just you. Yes, how much joy do you have now that you know this was directed personally?

The fact is that it isn’t personal. I don’t intend to insult anyone. But what is the difference between my headline comment that can be insulting to any woman on the planet and the words of Mr. Don Imus and Mr. Bernard McGuirk? Obviously I’m not as famous, though the fact that this blog is read by people in over 50 countries in the world and coast to coast in the United States makes me more than unknown. Beyond that what is the difference?

I’ll tell you what I think it is. I run the risk, with that headline, of alienating readers forever. I could be losing my base for life and thus crushing my business to make a point. Mr. Imus though got a 2 week vacation. Yes, he was suspended. But he is keeping his job and not, as far as I’ve seen, losing any pay. That is a vacation in my opinion. Just enough time for the media to find a new subject to pump up. Probably the Anna Nicole Smith case, with who is the daddy. You know really substantial news that affects the lives of millions.

Think about that for a moment though. I am risking everything to make a point; Mr. Imus lost nothing (beyond temporary embarrassment that he has gone through before) for saying far worse comments. Does that make any sense?

I’m sure Mr. Imus, and Mr. McGuirk, understand that they are paid to be confrontational. I’m sure that the comments felt completely natural, and/or funny, when they were said. Obviously neither thought this would get as much attention as it has. But I think they, and NBC or General Electric, never were worried about how it may affect them and the current “punishment” reflects that they still don’t think this is an issue.

I know, some will say “But Rev Jesse Jackson held a protest,” or, “Rev Al Sharpton took him to task on the radio.” Well with all due respect that just makes it somewhat farcical. The inclusion of both these men in this matter just makes this less serious, not more. If President Bush made comment, or both Senators for New York, or any number of other legislators were critical of this punishment and the comments that would be serious. I say that because neither man is representative of Black culture or the majority of the Black community. Both do grab the headlines though.

I’ll detract a moment more. Mr. Malcolm X was a leader. Dr. Martin Luther King was a leader. Mr. Bill Cosby has assumed a position of influence. Senator Barak Obama, Representative Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Condolezza Rice and her predecessor Mr. Colin Powell are persons of influence and leadership. But there is no leader of the Black Community today. There is no one person that speaks for all African Americans. There is no one person or group that is recognized. Both the reverends are far from the levels the abovementioned are at. They just get a lot of media attention. So does Anna Nicole Smith, but that doesn’t mean it’s justified or worthwhile.

Continued in Part 2...

Imus, Rutgers basketball, and Rev. Al Sharpton - 4.9.2007.1

Ok, I’m a bit behind on this event. What can I say, I don’t like basketball and I don’t listen to either the Imus radio show or the show of Rev. Al Sharpton. As such I only recently found out about the disparaging comments made last Wednesday by Mr. Don Imus. To say I am upset is an understatement.

For those that may be in a similar situation as myself, Mr. Imus called the Rutgers women’s basketball, “…some nappy-headed hos”. This was in response to Mr. Bernard McGuirk’s comment, “some hardcore hos.” By the way, no one has asked for the resignation of Mr. McGuirk, though his comments are no less insulting. Obviously there are a lot of problems here.

Let me start with Mr. McGuirk. The fact that he calls Black women hos is despicable. I understand the argument that calling women as such is common because rappers and hip-hop entertainers do so, but that does not make it proper. I have discussed rappers using such insulting terms to describe women, I disagree with that and I disagree with this. He provided the fuel by which the far better known Mr. Imus created this furor. While I am in favor of severe actions against Mr. Imus, I feel Mr. McGuirk cannot be left out either.


As for Imus, well I’m not surprised. There has been a long history of ill-toned comments against African Americans by him. This is just another example, and furthers the viability of his being removed from the air. I find his apologies half-hearted, motivated by fear of losing his position more than his own true feelings.

Mr. Imus has tried to excuse his commentary, when speaking to Rev. Sharpton, by referring to the fact that other African Americans entertainers and people use this term often. That did not fly with Rev. Sharpton, nor does it with me. That seems to remind me of the comment my mother used to say, “If everyone jumped of a bridge, would you do it to?” To claim that one person should be excused because of the infantile actions of another, when both are acting badly, assumes that everyone involved and everyone listening is stupid. I am not, nor do I believe you my readers are either.

I understand that at 66, Mr. Imus is part of a culture that believe calling Black Americans “colored” or the n-word was a commonplace act. He grew up and was taught that African Americans were second-class citizens at best, and that the need to be separated from them socially and economically was an imperative. I understand that that was the truth of the time of his formative years. Yet that does not excuse his actions. As a seemingly intelligent man, who has worked for decades in entertainment and has lived in the probably most diversified city in the nation, he should know better. He should be capable of understanding that individuals are not stereotypes, and that stereotypes invariably target the worst aspects of any group of people.

An intelligent man does not need to demean women. An intelligent man does not need to comment on a group of sports players based on their hair or its style. An intelligent man does not need to make back-handed “compliments” to be humorous. Most importantly an intelligent man accepts the responsibility and repercussions of their actions and comments, even when this is a detrimental result. That is part of my expectation of any intelligent man.

Pleas that Mr. Imus is a good man are irrelevant. Even less relevant by the fact that it is Mr. Imus making the plea. To speak about the acts of kindness he does for a few does not excuse the damage he does to millions. I don’t care if Mr. Imus despises African Americans. That’s his choice. I do care how he speaks about us in a public forum.

I don’t agree with anyone referring to someone’s hair/hairstyle in a discussion that pertains to anything but that. Hair does not define a person any more than skin color. Does the fact that Mr. Donald Trump may have a hairpiece change anything about him? Does that mean that all men that might have a toupee share his exact qualities? If such an argument sounds ludicrous then the words of Mr. Imus are no less so. What I would like to hear Mr. Imus, and Mr. McGuirk, explain is what makes the Black women of the Rutgers basketball team hos. Then I want to hear what makes their hair nappy. And then perhaps I can hear how either of these comments have anything to do with basketball or the abilities of these women. I would listen to Mr. Imus explain that, and I’d like him to do this in front of the women that he has nationally demeaned. And then he should still be fired. Not resign, fired. He has given up his right to save face in this matter.

I do not often agree with Rev. Al Sharpton, but I find his one comment to be correct, “I accept his apology, just as I want his bosses to accept his resignation.”

This is what I think, what do you think?

Verizon commercial and Trump vs. Rosie, why? - 1.10.2007.2

Before I mention how annoyed I am with the “Trump vs. O’Donnell” garbage, let me ask a question. Have you seen the Verizon Wireless commercial with the Black American family? I like it. It’s funny. In this commercial the father asks his kids (a son and daughter) how they like the Chocolate and EV (I think) phones that he got them. The kids think they are great and are happy. The father asks what they got him, and the daughter mentions “We got you cologne.” The father replies, “No. Dad got hosed.” Now that is funny. One of my best friends mentions similar thoughts every Father’s day, his birthday and Christmas. The way the Black man mentions it, I have to guess he is a dad in real life. Finally a commercial that is not insipid or berating that stars African Americans. There aren’t many, but it’s nice to see it and the reality based humor works too.

But, going from a funny thought to something so stupid it should be funny yet it isn’t. Yes I mean the whole back and forth with Ms. Rosie O’Donnell and Mr. Donald Trump. While I agree that Mr. Trump was wronged first, it’s long past time for it to end. The whole thing is a waste of time, and more importantly a waste of news airtime.

Here is what is annoying me about it. So far this has been going on for about 20 days now. [see my post The odd and dumb before the holiday - 12.21.2006.2] Virtually every day there is commentary and reports on who responded and what they said. There have been debates on who started it (which is obvious) and whether whatever statement is true or not. It’s taken up what I estimate to be about 2 or more hours of news time for almost as many days as it’s been going on. Doesn’t sound like a whole lot, except you may not realize that in a regular day most items only get about 30 minutes of coverage in 30-45 second soundbites.

Think about it, as I estimate, there has been almost 40 hours of time spent on this one story over almost a month. [based on 24-hour news networks] The death of President Ford barely got more coverage, but it was in about ¼ the number of days. And he was a former President. News coverage for the murder of Mr. Sean Bell lasted 2 days and had maybe 6 hours of coverage. The actions of Michael Richards captured all of 4 days and 12 hours of attention. Am I the only one wondering what is being tossed out to cover a battle of words among 2 celebrities that affects nothing.

Seriously, this changes nothing. It’s minor gossip on television. There is nothing that will be improved or affected in the average American’s life, yet this is being covered more than almost any other story. I’ve seen coverage of too many stories in 45 seconds as opposed to the average 3-5 minutes this gets. It’s bad enough that news has been relegated to mere soundbites and partisanship, but now it’s becoming even less interested in actual news.

I’d love to know more than 30 minutes in a single day about why Mr. Al Sharpton is considering a run for President. I’d enjoy more than 2 ½ hours on Senator Obama, and not spending that time on how good he looks for being a smoker and African American. I’d occasionally like to know a bit more on, perhaps. what African American children have been abducted or are missing in the nation. [I’ve seen maybe 3 stories since the beginning of the year about White children that have been abducted. It’s a good use of news time; I’m sure more can be done to cover such stories and perhaps covering some of the other racial groups that are having this done to them as well.]

Television was meant to entertain and educate. It’s evolved to just provide entertainment. News has always been held to be the exception to that rule. Until now. I don’t think I’m the only American with intelligence. I think we all deserve more respect, and should be able to get a full news report on things that matter. I don’t think gossip and ‘drama’ need to be added, life has enough of that. Entertain me when I watch a comedy, or drama, or sci-fi. Inform me when I watch the news. Is that a lot to ask for?

This is what I think, what do you think?