What can you get in 8 years?

8 years, that's 2922 days. In the space of a life here in America it's not that long. But for some it is more than a lifetime.

8 years ago the Darfur genocide in the Sudan started. Since that time there has been 2 movies, enough activist A-list Hollywood entertainers involved to almost create an awards show, a new President, 2 elections, and 4 Congressional elections. With all of that, and the numerous bloggers that I am proud to count myself among, the American government has succeeded in discussing the genocide everyone in the world knows is happening.

Congress has discussed HR 180 for several sessions now. They haven't moved forward to do anything, but they did talk about it a couple of times over the years. But to give our Government some credit, President Bush did send some funds to the region and President Obama mentioned it in 1 campaign speech.

Yet there is one company that has finally taken an actions that might get a result. It might even start a trend.

TIAA-CREF is the first, and as I am aware, the only major fund to divest from Asian energy companies that are involved with the Sudan. The companies they removed from thier portfolio are:

China's PetroChina Co Ltd
CNPC Hong Kong
Sinopec
Oil and Natural Gas Corp of New Delhi

Each of these companies values profits over the hundreds of thousands of lives their financial support allows to be killed. In fact the position of these companies can be understood from their response to the sale of a combined $60 million of their stocks.

"This will not impact our investment decision in Sudan," ONGC Chairman R.S. Sharma"

and

"[A] Sinopec spokesperson said: "Investors make rational judgments based on value. If some sell, others will buy."

Isn't that something. The lives of African men women and children has no impact on the business these men will continue to do. Because they are sure that more investors could care less about an African child's life than stepping on a piece of gum.

When anyone in the world equates a life to so many pennies a share, something wrong has happened. Imagine if it was your father, or sister, or family member. And someone said that if you buy a share of my stock it will make up for them being raped, mutilated, and then sometimes killed. Such a way of thinking makes me sick.

TIAA-CREFF deserves to be applauded. They spoke with these companies and asked them to put pressure on the Sudanese government to change what is happening. All but one company (Petronas Dagangan) did anything. Because, I assume, the other companies are taking their cue from world Governments including the U.S. Congress can't even pass one law in 8 years saying that this genocide is wrong, and U.S. companies won't contribute to this with their funds.

Still if one fund is willing to forgo the profit of these companies, others can too. Because there is always another energy company stock that's worth buying. In a country that isn't killing it's people, it's children.

Now if only Congress and the Obama Administration could step up and learn from TIAA-CREFF. If only they would listen to Don Cheadle and George Clooney (who I know has been to the White House).

Let's not wait another 8 years. Because if the people of Darfur are all killed before the Government does something, if you made money off the deaths of these people, imagine how you will be judged.

Brad Pitt donates to pediatric center in Missouri

I love it when a celebrity and/or entertainer uses their fame or money to help the public. This is even better when the action they take benefits children. Such is the case with Brad Pitt and his family.

Brad Pitt and his siblings have joined together and donated $1 million to open a pediatric cancer center at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Mo. This center will be on of 6 St. Jude's affiliates, and will be the only hospital in the Southwest Missouri that has a child cancer and blood specialist.

The center will be named after the mother of Brad and his siblins. The Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center will open this summer. Obviously Mrs. Jane Pitt instilled a great sense of civic purpose in her children. Which is a great thing.

Brad Pitt has always been a standout among most entertainers. He has helped raise money for those in need in Darfur. He has helped to rebuild homes for families that suffered from Hurricane Katrina in Louisianna. There are multiple donations and organizations that he has given money, time and support to that help children in this nation and across the globe. Even if he was ot a solid actor, I would count him among my favorites just because of what he does.

I wish more celebrities and entertainers could be as thoughtful and generous as Pitt is.

Richard Branson joins Mia Farrow's Darfur hunger strike

In less noted news over the weekend, further developments came about in Mia Farrow’s hunger strike. Farrow started the water only strike to highlight and draw attention to the deplorable state of the Darfur region. It was perhaps one of the more dramatic endeavours made by a celebrity to try to garner public attention to the millions that have continued to suffer over the last 6 years and still counting.

12 days into the hunger strike Mia Farrow was told to end the strike by her doctors. Mia Farrow is 61, and continuing the hunger strike would have endangered her life. To which she stated

“I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option.”

To date over 300,000 Darfuri people have been murdered and died since 2003. 2.7 million people are homeless and seeking shelter. Since the start of the genocide (a term the American Government has officially used to describe the ethnic war since shortly after its inception) the United States Congress has done nothing. Every Congress since the start of this genocide has had HR 180 IH before them, which would place financial pressure on the Sudan and help to end this outrage. Each Congress (Democrat or Republican run) has failed to even take the issue out of committee. Effectively America is helping to fund the genocide of women and children.

Thus the work of Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Mia Farrow, and many many others deserves to reach the public. I am an advocate of the work to end the genocide and help the people of Darfur. And I again commend Mia Farrow for what she did.

It should also be noted the Sir Richard Branson, the mega-billionaire businessman and adventurer, took up the hunger strike in place of Mia Farrow. Again I believe he sought to keep attention in the media on this issue (which it seems the media wants to ignore). Branson stated he will be on the strike for 3 days.

I expect that other entertainers and celebrities will take up this cause. I hope that celebrities of note will join in on this hunger strike to drive media attention to this. Perhaps Snoop Dogg could be of some real help (for once) if he were to join in the hunger strike, and even convince other rappers to do so.

Too much is at stake not to be involved. And we as Americans can do so much more.

Mia Farrow's hunger strike

There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling of standing by your convictions. It is a reward upon itself. Even better is when those convictions insist upon or cause to happen the improvement in the lives of another person. That is something worthy of discussing.

Such is the case with Mia Farrow. While the actress may not be the biggest name ever, and she is still remembered by her connection to Woody Allen, there is a better reason to remember her name. She is a human being that puts her money where her mouth is. Or in this case refuses to put food to her mouth.

Mia Farrow is about to embark on a hunger strike starting Monday the 27th. She will eat no food, only taking in water. The purpose of the hunger strike is to draw attention to the cessation of aid to the people of Darfur in the Sudan. Like millions that are now in danger of losing their lives, Farrow will share some of that risk.

This is a serious matter for Farrow. She is 64 years old. She’s not an athlete, just an ordinary woman with the ability to make the public aware of an issue the media seems more than willing to ignore. Just like Congress has done for 4 years now. That means Republicans and Democrats alike.

I commend Mia Farrow for being true to her convictions, and taking a potentially dangerous task in hand. Few people, celebrities and entertainers or anyone else, are brave enough to make such an endeavor. And if she is successful, hundreds of thousands if not millions will benefit.

If only Congress, and/or President Obama, had the resolve – even half the resolve – of people like Don Cheadle, Cynthia Basinet, Mia Farrow and others then perhaps there would be no genocide in Darfur. If bills like HR 180 IH can pass Congress, then maybe we could see world leaders create change in the troubled regions of the world.

I hope that Farrow draws the fickle attention of the news media. I hope that average Americans are motivated by her selfless act, causing them to write to Congress or to President Obama and force them to act. Because more of the polispeak shuffle that has continued for years will result in only one thing, hundreds of thousands of more children, mothers and fathers will die.

And we can do something to stop it.

HR 180 IH may not be the best answer, and it is not the only answer, but it is an action. Only in action are there results. The time has long since come that America do more than turn a blind eye.

President Obama proposes action in Darfur

Finally it seems that America will be taking a stance on Darfur. After over 5 years of genocide, President Obma has given indications that he is willing to do something more than Congress or the prior Administration has ever bothered to do. And it's about time.

In the past 4 years, as some 400,000 people have died and 3 million have become refugees fleeing the violence, Congress has ignored the situation. In both Democrat and Republican led Congresses HR 180 IH - an Act to prevent American businesses from working with the Sudan and thus funding the murder of women and children - has never made it out of committee once. Effectively, America has shown the world that we don't care about those African lives.

But This should change, based on the comments of President Obama

"It is not acceptable to put that many people's lives at risk. We need to be able to get those humanitarian organizations back on the ground."

This comes as the President of the Sudan, recently charged with war crimes and acts against humanity by the International Criminal Court, has thrown out 13 humanitarian organization. This further places lives in the region at risk.

Sadly the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon seems to be willing to dilute this immediate need for a bit of polispeak and U.S. press coverage. Rather than focusing directly on the issue at hand, Ban slipped in the desire to see international support of global warming issues. Seriously, he thinks that is equivalent or superior a threat to humanity.

I suppose the Secretary-General had to bring up the issue of global warming. It may be the only way that America will pick up 1/4th the tab of the nearly $5 billion budget that the U.N. has. Since global warming is an issue that liberals like President Obama love (given that there is no proof that it is not a natural occurring effect, there is evidence that global cooling may be starting, and the whole argument is arbitrary since India and China are increasing their CO2 emissions as they become more industrial) his discussing it helps provide reasons why the U.S. needs to waste money on this issue rather than focusing on the banking and credit sectors.

Now as long as the global warming issue is a far second to helping the people of Darfur, I really don't care. There have been hundreds of thousands of lives that have been lost as Congress and America turned a blind eye. The rest of the world followed our lead, as they usually do. So if President Obama is serious, this could help turn the tide.

Polispeak and scientific debate are fun occupations, when lives are not at stake. America has allowed the media and it's own disdain to cover it's eyes for far too long. Hopefully this meeting and the words of President Obama will finally get a result from Congress and the world. The lives of children are counting on it.

Darfur: An end to genocide is possible with your help

Sometimes there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not know there was a tunnel, or a light, if you only follow the major U.S. news media – but that is the case. In this point I am speaking about the 6 year long war in the Sudan, specifically Darfur.

As much as the major media has ignored this conflict, as much as the Congress has sat on it’s collective fat ass (Republican and Democrat alike), no less than 300,000 men women and children have died to date. Over 2.7 million have had to flee their homes.

Individuals like Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and many others both with and without celebrity have worked hard for years to raise the awareness in America of the plight across the sea. The major news media was about as interested as Congress – one too busy hyping a case in Ohio, the other too busy looking to the past to see the present. But thankfully there have been others that have spread the word. And it may have helped.

Today it can be said that the main rebel faction and the Sudanese Government have started on the path that can lead to the end of the war. The first real steps have begun, with initial acts of good will being offered. It is possible that in about 2 weeks the first major cease-fire in that region will occur. It is possible that in the near future, one less place on the Earth will be at war.

But I still blame Congress for its inaction. Over 4 years in a row Congress refused to consider HR 180 IH – otherwise know as the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act. In many ways this could have been like the laws enacted to punish South Africa for Apartheid in the 1980’s. America could have led the world in bringing pressure to the situation, or at least stemming the money that funded the genocide. And genocide is not an opinion, but a direct description of this slaughter by the White House.

But Congress refused to make any statement. They just let this sit and gather dust. In essence they flipped channels while mothers had their breasts chopped off and/or were raped, and children were executed. They allowed enough people to fill a mid-sized American city to be brutally killed while they plotted polispeak and political one-upmanship in luxury resorts. Pick whichever political party you want, they all acted with the same disdain.

We will never know how many lives might have been saved by a simple show of concern by our Government. But I can definitely say that over 300,000 conservatively have died while America twittled its thumbs. It’s not something I am proud of.

Still the good news is perhaps one day soon Don Cheadle, George Clooney, and myself among thousands if not tens of thousands of others will no longer have to raise awareness. Perhaps this will be over and the healing will be able to begin.

But that is not today.

We still need to speak about this. To do something about this. To ask Congress to take some action. Because it could mean saving the life of even 1 child – and to me that is reason enough.

Donate to Not On Our Watch. Write to your Congressional Representatives. Send President Obama your request for action.

Because we are Americans, and we make an impact on the world. Because America is a good nation, with big hearts. And even while we worry about our jobs and homes, not one American ever fears being slaughtered in genocide. We can sleep at night in relative peace, which to me means that making even a symbolic act is the least we can do.

M V Consulting, Inc. presents an interview with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Cynthia Basinet

Recently I had the good fortune to come into contact with Cynthia Basinet. Some of my readers may be familiar with Ms. Basinet from her rendition of Santa Baby – a song by the late Eartha Kitt that has become a Christmas staple, Ms. Basinet’s version often mistakenly credited to Marilyn Monroe.



Others may be aware of the humanitarian work that Ms. Basinet has done for the Saharawi people and Africa. That work includes an appearance before the U.N. in 2008 and a nomination for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize (she was 1 of the 1000 women nominated together that year).

I found Ms. Basinet to be an interesting, compelling, and intelligent woman. She has had a life of many achievements and challenges. She has made strides to improve the world, created a career in music, film, and modeling, and is a mother. In talking with Ms. Basinet I learned many things I would never have guessed about her. And that compelled me to ask her for an interview to share with you. She graciously agreed.

I hope that this interview will entertain you and spark a desire to know more. About Ms. Basinet, Africa and humanitarian aide, and the choices in life that you can make.

“There are no limits beyond those you set for yourself.”

I was told that long ago. I believe it. And Ms. Basinet is proof of it. And so I present my interview with Cynthia Basinet.

Michael Vass: For a bit of background for those not familiar with you, please share with us where you were born, what growing up was like, and your early influences.



Cynthia Basinet: One day, my son then much younger was looking at a photo album of my childhood… and asked if life was like the photos or was that just the film?

You know, life was like that. I was born in the Valley ( Los Angeles ) and raised in Silicon Valley (the Bay Area). My parents drove Peugeots, an orange Volvo and host of other car oddities. My father also rode a motorcycle and had a vintage, “retired” MG TD. He used to smoke a pipe or sneak a cigar outside. Talk to me about the White Owl girl but mostly, he listened to jazz. Every moment of my childhood was filled with music and art. Mom with her classical AM station in the kitchen and jazz on Dad’s. Later, he added country. Mom a BA in the Arts. My earliest influences were three things, all from posters in the house.

First, the serenity prayer. The second, a poster shot in Harlem with all these kids holding instruments. Third, the infamous Indian poster.

MV: You started your career as a model, working mostly in Paris and London . How did that happen?

C: Got on a plane and expatriated for various reasons nearly five years.

MV: Education is a theme I've always felt as being important in life. How has your education affected your life?

C: There are two kinds of education. One you give yourself and the other one [life] gives you. Two of the best things that ever happened to me were the education of music in public schools and private catholic high school. A school that within its walls thought was allowed and diversity respected. I truly thank my parents for both.

MV: Music is something that seems to have always been a part of your life. You are trained as a flautist and play the saxophone (I learned the Alto sax myself). How did you transition from modeling to music?

C: First, kudos on your sax education. Second, music never left me but it was in this safe little box deep inside, ‘till I could finally pursue it. Think a lot of moms can agree… following your dreams kinda comes after you drop the kids off at basketball practice.

MV: What drew you to Jazz?

C: Well, other than being raised on Jazz… and it racing like a language in my veins? Would say the second time around was love.

MV: What first brought the needs of the Saharawi people to your attention?

C: It’s no secret that my music career, like so many others, required self-determination. This concept intrigued me when applied to whole societies. That perhaps my experiences could help others on a larger scale.

MV: In 2001 you visited the Western Sahara and those living in refugee camps there. What compelled you to do this?



C: Wanted to give a voice to their society living under a peaceful resolution, that were also self-determined and under represented.

MV: You have been an outspoken advocate for the Saharawi people and Africa in general for almost a decade now. What drives you in these causes?

C: Believe Oprah said it best when she basically stated if you are a woman born in America, you are among the luckiest. That during my entire life… there was no struggle that didn’t lead me to realize others had it worse and they needed to be heard. They needed access.

MV: In 2005 you were recognized as 1 of 1000 women nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. How was that experience?

C: Being included with such amazing women that literally have done such "nobel" work; many times working in danger to achieve what is necessary for improvements in others lives, was incredible.

MV: What has that recognition allowed you to do?

C: The recognition allowed me to speak on behalf of the Saharwian people and other political activities.



MV: October 2008, you petitioned again to the UN to gain help against the difficulties to life in the Western Sahara including: Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Acute Malnutrition, Landmines, and many others. How was that experience?

C: It’s frustrating. They, the UN, are paid stewards of the Saharwian people amongst others and yet…

MV: You have used your jazz recordings to highlight your humanitarian efforts, especially your acclaimed rendition of the late Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby. Was this always your intention or did it grow out of your compassion?

C: Originally, had always entertained the idea to release a song that all could sing to at the Millennium (inspired by the Coke jingle, “If I Could Teach The World To Sing“). Then as it was “Santa Baby” that gave me the exposure, figured [I] should do something that she would have done. So when the invitation came to help raise awareness for the Saharwian people, did not skip a beat in accepting their plea.

MV: As a woman what challenges have you faced in your life?

C: It’s all in my mind. ;-) But will say, that being a mom, specially a single mom, is so isolating and requires endless pools of unconditional love and care… that that challenge alone needs us all working together. Like a village. That is what my time in France gave me.

MV: You have also had a career in movies; is that something you will pursue more in the future?

C: Sure be nice. ;-)

MV: One of the humanitarian efforts that I find important is the ongoing actions to end the genocide in Darfur. How do you feel about this tragedy?

C: Truly a tragedy. It is so difficult in these modern times where we can see the problem in real time, but we can’t seem to really stop it. I am truly horrified by the continued barbarity perpetuated on the already demeaned, demoralized and displaced citizens of Darfur. If this new century and millennium could be about one thing, it needs to be humanity. The right to live a humane life. And in peace.

MV: How about the Child Soldier Prevention Act?

C: I am so impressed this is one of your featured causes because these are the future fathers of Africa. No amount a pain and suffering inflicted in one area of the World, does not eventually affect us all. Whether it be the prevention of child soldiers in Africa, street children in Brazil or children sold into various forms of slavery [it] has no place. We are all too aware and affluent to do nothing. We can boycott, petition and finance so much change. We can stand as a shining example for other leading nations, like China to follow suit.

MV: In recent years women have taken important positions in business and politics. For my female readers what might you advise them about following their passions?

C: I know… what a trip the past few years have been. Interesting because it’s also a time when so much media and advertising attention is played to the distractions in women’s lives. Weight, beauty… and the unclearness of the opposite sex. Like SO much time is spent, derailed. No product or ideas produced. The key is to be of good mind and form and you can accomplish anything.

MV: What might you suggest for those looking for more information or ways to provide humanitarian aide?



C: Pick a cause or a country, look for non-profits that aid your cause or contact directly the embassy near you for your country of interest. So much can be found by research through the Internet.

MV: Among your many accomplishments you have found the time to have and raise a son. Is their any secret or technique you can pass on to mothers that wish to balance their career and family?

C: Every mom needs time for a good bath. Seriously, believe moms can ask for more help from their children, partners, etc.

MV: And finally what is the next project my readers can look forward to see and/or hear from you?

C: In the studio now… stay tuned. :)

I want to thank Ms. Basinet for taking the time to share her thoughts with me, and you my readers. I hope that this has helped spark an interest in education, humanitarian aide, self-improvement, and at the same time given you some entertainment.

If you would like to know more about Cynthia Basinet please click here.

Click here to learn more about Darfur, and the on-going genocide there.

And here for commentary on the Child Soldier Prevention Act.

You can read the full transcripts of Ms. Basinet speaking at the UN.

A Night to End Violence Against Women in Darfur

Recently I have been in contact with Cynthia Basinet, an accomplished woman of multiple talents. She might be best known to some for her 2005 cover of Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby (which was included in my tribute to Kitt after her death). But she is also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and an advocate for women and Africa.

Cynthia Basinet sent me something that I am happy to pass on to you my readers. On February 11, 2009 there will be a nation-wide effort on behalf of the women in Darfur, as well as to end the over 5 year long suffering in that region of Africa. There has been an on-going genocide there, as acknowledged by Congress and the U.N., that too little is being done about. I have spoken about Darfur several times. And I look forward to the day I no long have a need to do so because it has ended.

But until that day I encourage all my readers to be involved, with donations and/or contacting your Congressional representatives to pass the laws we have sitting in Congress doing nothing. And part of that involvement can include A Night to End Violence Against Women in Darfur.

In communities across the nation there will be a viewing of Violence Against Women and the Darfur Genocide, a movie discussing the horrific violence that is happening right now. A terrible blight on humanity that the American news media seems to feel secure in ignoring. And afterwards there will be an online discussion with communities just like yours being involved.

You can make a difference in Darfur. You can help the hundreds of thousands that are suffering even as you read this now. I recommend that all my readers find out more about this event, learn about Darfur, and if you can host this event in your community. Because America is a great country, once we get our asses in motion. And the news media is sitting on its ass when it comes to Darfur.

But we don't need to wait for CNN, MSNBC, FOX, or any other news to have a slow day to cover this. We can act today, and on February 11th, and every other day we choose.

To find our more about how you can help the women, children, and families in Darfur on February 11th just click on this link.

We can make a difference here. And we should make a difference. I hope that you agree.

The best, most popular, and different posts of 2008 on Black Entertainment USA

For my last post of 2008 I wanted to look back and see what were some of the most popular posts I had written, and what I consider some of favorites. I know I am highly critical of things that displease me, so I thought I'd turn that same critical eye towards myself for a change.

I must say that in looking over the hundreds of posts I wrote on Black Entertainment USA alone this year, some just don't belong here. Some of the comments are far more political than anything else. And I can't use the excuse I have no where else to have said these things - I do own a political blog as well.

And I admit to having a few posts where I was just far too tired. I should have gone to sleep. Or taken that vacation all my friends have heard me speak about over the last 15 years (I've had 2 vacations in my life, none exceeding a week or involving travel). But instead I must apologize because they were really sub-par, even for a bad day.

Still overall I will say that roughly 80% or more of my posts were relevant and interesting. Many are topical and focused on the events of the day. Looking back some are not as important as I first thought they were, and others far more than I would give credit. And several posts were popular that I would not have expected to be.

Some of the top Black Entertainment USA posts of 2008, as viewed and/or commented by you my readers were:

So there is a Black guy in an elevator...
Audi television commercial says we are all not the same
OJ Simpson convicted - kangaroo court closed
OJ Simpson trial - injustice unreported
The new 90210 - is it cancelled yet?
NASCAR, Mauricia Grant, and my opinion
Is Robert Downey Jr funny as an African American?
Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman to return to cable television
VH1’s Top 100 of rap music celebrates the positives of the genre

It's an interesting group of posts indeed. And I think that I got it right in those posts. Not that everyone agreed with my view, just that they felt something after reading it. And that ultimately is one of my goals.

But I looked over the entire year and I saw a couple of other posts that I thought were very important, and/or meant something to me directly. Not all of them were relevant, given, but they said something important. And I want to present them again. Again you may not agree with my view, but I hope my top 10 will motivate some reaction. [Oh since 3 of my top 10 are in the above list that you my readers have found of interest, I will substitute 3 others]

NJ considers apology for slavery (part 1, 2, 3, 4)
Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday (part 1, 2)
President Bush and Darfur now - not the movie
R Kelly - next stop Neverland Ranch
Janet Jackson: Intelligence, success, and fame are not enough
Black Americans - commodity, criminals, or something much more
Do you know enough about the 2008 Presidential election?
1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero - please read and donate if you can
50 cent sells a new opiate to the masses
Movie Review Iron Man

I also found the time to champion a couple of other causes that aren't the most popular or widely held:
Boycott 33 variations - Hanoi Jane Fonda
Levi's 501 jeans - promoting HIV and AIDS?

Found a video on Youtube I really liked - Try This with an Xbox360 or PS3 - and one I though was an abysmal joke - Snoop Dogg in Country Music: a bad experiment

And I achieved a great step forward for my company as well:
M V Consulting, Inc and TV One Announce Collaboration - Press Release
Introducing the first 2009 model Ashley

And of course I found the time to pick a fight:
Viacom (and maybe Jon Stewart) doesn't like Black Entertainment USA. Maybe.

So I wasn't just speaking about entertainment this year. But considering all the things that were going on, all the changes, and the things I felt mattered, I think I covered a lot of what you wanted to read about.

In 2009 I will try to stay on point a bit more. But as always I will share with you my thoughts and views about the important topics affecting all our lives as well as our entertainment. And I always look forward to your comments [yes even the dissenting views that are thought out beyond just cursing me out] about what I present.

2008 has been a tough year, no matter what country race or whatever you may be. 2009 will be different, and I hope that all of my readers, and those that will become my readers, their families and friends will share in a prosperous and peaceful year.

Bill O’Reilly interviews Senator Obama – part 4 oil and ANWR

In the last portion of the interview between Senator Obama and Bill O’Reilly the subject of domestic drilling and alternative energy sources are discussed.



Now remember that when this interview was taken the Democrat-led Congress refused to discuss in any form domestic drilling. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was adamant in refusing to even consider the issue. Also note that Nancy Pelosi hold a substantial position (worth in excess of $250,000) in alternative energy stock.

But today OPEC has cut back crude oil production. The only reason for this is to sustain and elevate the price of crude oil. This is also timed directly for the winter heating oil season. For those that believed that crude oil was going to go back down, they had not considered the cyclic ups and downs of crude oil. Thus the need of alternative sources of oil are deeply in demand.

And Nancy Pelosi has hinted recently that Democrats will consider allowing some domestic drilling if some unstated factor is given to Democrats for their compromise. Though they emphasize that alternative energy must take primary attention.

Given this the fact that Senator Obama is against domestic drilling (based on his voting record) but states that he is for it is confusing. The same can be said about his willingness to create nuclear power plants as he told O’Reilly.

I will never understand, and Senator Obama makes no credible argument against, drilling for oil in ANWR. The amount of land suggested for drilling is miniscule. The disruption to wildlife is questionable. Yet the need for reliable sources of energy, until a viable alternative is available, grows daily. If Senator Obama wishes to side with an animal over American citizens, I cannot see him becoming President. I love animals, but people come before them for me.

Still Senator Obama is correct about the fact that money must be spent on all alternatives to find which is the viable option. All options. Note he leaves out nuclear in his description of where he wants to spend your money.

By the way, where will the new money for all these energy development and research plans come from? Senator Obama tactfully leaves out that. It’s called taxes, these on energy usage, which is left out of the economic plans that Senator Obama speaks about. So much for increasing the money in 95% of paycheck receiving citizen’s pockets.

And while we are developing these new energy sources Democrats seem to forget that America will still need energy. And if we are not drilling domestically we will be paying more money to foreign countries.

But I suppose if you can get to ANWR (which will take fuel unless you walk), and stay warm (more fuel), you might love the “beautiful real estate” and that will make it all worthwhile (while the pipes in your house freeze)

As for foreign policy, the clear signal so far has been that Senator Obama is unsure of what to do in the real world. His speeches sound great but his response is questionable at best. Georgia knows this, as it took him a week to support them. Iraqis know this as he fought to not send troops to that nation and create the stability that exists today. Russia, the Middle East and many other nations love the idea of an Obama Presidency. Because they think that it also means an America that avoids the issues in the rest of the world, slow action, and little impediments to attrocities. Unless you think the constant comments about Darfur that Senator Obama makes are changing things in the Sudan.


If you want to see the full interview of Senator Obama and Bill O’Reilly, from start to finish, please go to [www.mvass.com] VASS. You can also find commentary on all the candidates and the issues we all believe to be important in this election.

After the Sean Bell trial - now what?

So now that so many have heard about the verdict of the NY police officers involved in the Sean Bell killing (or shooting as some would prefer) the question that comes up next is what shall we do.

What did we do after the Rodney King trial and riots? What did we do after Amidou Diallo was murdered. What have we done after the media circus that was the coverage of Wesley Snipes vs the IRS (which he basically won – though you probably never heard the major news media mention that part)? What has happened after the rape torture and kidnapping of Megan Williams? What have we done about Congress (Democrat and Republican led) and the Presidency’s inaction in Darfur?

I have tried to promote information for you my readers to make comment on all these issues. I have hoped to spark intelligent debate. I ultimately hope to inspire those with more resources, time, and ability to do something. And I have donated and acted as well.

But perhaps I am too small a voice, or to little known for some people – no matter that I am read in over 100 countries every month with visitors that number better than many newspapers across the nation. So I offer the thoughts and comments of Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Marq Claxton.

2008 Olympic Games: What I hope to see

The 2008 Olympics. The once every 4 year event that circles the globe and features the greatest athletes in the world. The pinnacle of healthy fit human bodies. Supposedly representing the best of every nation, and with little polispeak of those nations.

But that’s not exactly true.

China is a prime example of that, and needs to be addressed before, and during this years games. China is a key supporter of the Sudan, and in this manner supporting the genocide of Darfur. China is the Sword of Damocles over Taiwan. China is the iron fist against Tibet. And while it’s not as commonly discussed as it has been in the past, for all the economic innovations made in the past decade, they are very communist.

On Wednesday many Americans got their first glimpse of the problems that China promotes. The students that crossed the Atlantic Ocean and our country to scale that bridge, at serious risk to themselves, made a statement. The protests, which were far more peaceful than similar events in England and France, got significant attention. But the major news media missed the big boat.

Well let me rephrase that, they missed the big boat of issues that I care about. While much was said of the protesters supporting Tibet, little was said about the other problems of China that have been ongoing for decades. Not to belittle the desire of the Tibetan people to be free. But I have yet to hear more than a polispeak soundbite discussing the continued efforts of China to encourage the Darfur genocide.

But it’s not because some with the major medias eye have not made statements. Stephen Spielberg quit as artistic advisor to the Olympics because of all the issues. French President Nicolas Sarkozy seems ready to boycott the Games. Last night Dennis Miller made perhaps the best statement and idea I have heard on the matter during his time on the Bill O’Reilly show – that every athlete, of every nation, appear at the opening ceremonies dressed like this



Some might say that a bit of clothing is just not enough. That this is not a strong enough statement. That more is required. I agree that more needs to be done. That Darfur needs to be ended, and those supporting the genocide punished in some manner.

“The Chinese have had their way over Tibet. They have openly intimidated those countries who want to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. And from their point of view, the Tibetans are an ungrateful bunch of peasants who have been dragged from the Dark Age of a Buddhist theocracy to the modern era of paved roads, city plumbing and light bulbs.”

Does that sound familiar? Does it remind you of the European desire to help the African people find civilization? Or the comments of some recently trying to justify the slavery of Africans in America and the current condition of Black Americans. Those kinds of thoughts and comments were not always unaccepted or considered the utterances of minds filled with compost. And even recent Olympics have been the stage for criticisms of American acceptance of those similar thoughts. Many of my readers may be too young to recall the international attention that this one scene created, deservedly so.



The Olympic Games are about the nations that host, as much as they are about the athletes that are competing. Nations are connected to the Games and each other. To accept the Olympic Games without calling attention to the murder of children and the subjugation of countries is an insult to what is on-going.

Thus I agree with Dennis Miller’s thought. I support his idea and add one minor point – every visitor to the Olympic Games’ opening ceremonies, including the political representatives of all the nations, should join the athletes in wearing the robes of the Tibetan monks. Such a display, viewed around the world, would shame China and hopefully be the cause of starting to address these horrible actions in a peaceful non-paranoid realistic manner.

Do you agree?

Not On Our Watch, Cheadle and Clooney, donate $500,000 - 3.13.2008.1

Unlike the major news media, or the Government of the U.S., I have spoken about Darfur and what is happening there. For years there has been little said about the genocide, and even less done in Congress. An example of that inaction is HR 180 IH.

But there are individuals that have done a great deal. One of the most notable and famous is entertainer Don Cheadle. Mr. Cheadle, along with George Clooney, producer Jerry Weintraub, entertainers Brad Pitt and Matt Damon created Not On Our Watch. Through this non-profit organization attention and aid has been given to Darfur and the 200,000 African that have been murdered and the 2.5 million men, women, and children that no longer have homes.

It is Not On Our Watch that again did something our nation seems incapable, or unwilling, to do. Today they gave $500,000 to the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations. The WFP has been providing food and support people in Darfur for years, in fact 70% of it’s aid goes to this area alone.

As much as half-a-million dollars is, it does not compare to the $77 million needed in 2008 alone.

Don Cheadle, George Clooney and the others in Not On Our Watch need to be commended on their actions and support to date. Congress, including Presidential candidates Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama, and President Bush need to be admonished for their failures to address this issue.

America has not take a stance against what is happening in Darfur. When Apartheid needed to be stopped, America stood up and refused to do business with the nation. We placed pressure on that government and helped to improve the lives of millions of South Africans including former political prisoner and now leader Nelson Mandela. [For those that weren’t alive in the 1980’s, Apartheid was the rule of the White minority in South Africa over the African majority. Think of it as a couple of steps above slavery and segregation on crack.]

If America as a government is unwilling to end the support of the Sudan, which Darfur is within, perhaps the people of America are willing to step up. Already the entertainers mentioned above have done so, and no one would consider entertainers political leaders. Yet they have done more to lead this cause than all of the politicians in America so far, in my opinion.

Darfur may be in Africa, and Africans are not as important to America as other parts of the world. That is apparently factual based on what our nation has done, or failed to do, over the last 5 years. But I see no difference in the lives of children in Darfur than in Iraq. If there can be such huge support for helping Iraq (whether through leaving the area or staying and winning the fight against Iran and terrorists) I cannot see how we cannot want to support those in Darfur.

If you agree with me, and Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and so many other regular everyday Americans you have never heard of then please go to Not On Our Watch and make a donation. Today this organization sent $500,000 because of what they believe and the families and children they wish to help, and amount few of us have. But I have to believe that we normal Americans can afford $1 or $5.

I will even make it easier if you can’t afford that. Every dollar and cent donated to any of my blogs or sites, as recorded in my donation widget above, since the beginning of this year until my birthday on April 6th will be donated to this organization. In addition I will make a donation on that day beyond the funds collected.

So if you can only afford .50 cents, or $1.50, or even .05 cents, I will send it along with ever other donation I receive.

One person probably won’t be able to come up with $77 million or a solution. But all of us together can easily do so.

President Bush and Darfur now - not the movie - 2.19.2008.2

In 2005 a category 5 hurricane named Katrina struck New Orleans and devastated the city. The United States government, lead by FEMA, failed the city and its citizens in a catastrophic manner. This is fact and there can be no dispute of it.

Some have argued that the failure of the government was in part because of the personal beliefs of President Bush in regard to African Americans. It is not the purpose or goal of this blog or me to delve into the heart of the President, but I will state that as the Commander-and Chief and highest elected official of the nation he ultimately is responsible for those that died and suffered. That being said, this failure should not have been a surprise since 2 years prior, and continuing to date, America allowed the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

Today, President Bush was visiting Rwanda. During this visit he went to the site where thousands were buried from the atrocity that occurred in that nation. It was obvious that when questions were asked the foremost would be why America, under his leadership, has allowed genocide to occur that will one day create a similar site. The answer was polispeak and paltry, in my opinion.

“I still believe it was the right decision,” Mr. Bush said. “But, having done that, if you’re a problem solver, you put yourself at the mercy of the decisions of others, in this case the United Nations. And I’m well known to have spoken out by the slowness of the United Nations. It is — seems very bureaucratic to me, particularly with people suffering.”

America has become a policeman of the world in my lifetime. We have entered multiple nations as a peacekeeping force and in wars. Yet, for some reason America has turned its back while the equivalent of Orlando, Florida (or possibly Cleveland, Ohio – the exact number is unknown) have been killed since 2003. Let me make this clear, that’s between 200,000 to 400,000 men women and children that have been killed and counting.

If you are wondering where this is happening, the place is called Darfur and it’s in the Sudan.

Today President Bush stated that he supports African nations taking care of African problems. That is a first, since America and Europe have meddled and created problems in Africa for millennia. President Bush has stated

“White soldiers are a target for both sides of a conflict [in Africa] and are counter-productive to resolution.” – as stated on Fox News via news clip

While that may well be true, this has never prevented America from doing anything before. Such an answer is paltry in my opinion. It leads me to believe that if this mass murder of children was occurring in Europe or affecting Whites, America would be there in gangbusters.

And lest anyone think that President Bush is alone in this decision, I refer you to HR 180 IH. Congress has failed to act on this matter for multiple years, and has facilitated the blind eye America and the major news media have given this genocide. Republicans and Democrats share equally in this failure. The President may be responsible for his actions as the Chief Executive, but Congress is no less complicit.

President Bush went on to say,

“We are cooperating to address violence and genocide in Darfur.”

To that end the President has pledged $100 million dollars to those African nations that will help to end the 5 year long conflict in Darfur. Rwanda is to receive $17 million with Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Malawi also to receive funds. Yet American businesses continue to do business (and thus fund the murder of women and children) with Sudan unabated. And Congress seems too busy with holding meetings about steroids with baseball entertainers or investigating why individuals that are employed at the pleasure of the President were fired (a situation that was never illegal and known to have violated no laws).

America has acted too late and far to hands off in this matter. The major news media have ignored the issue though individuals like George Clooney and more prominently Don Cheadle have tried to being it to the spotlight. I mean Mr. Cheadle even was involved in a movie (Darfur Now) specifically to draw attention here. Yet none of the media paid attention, or the elected officials of the nation.

Thus I must ask why. When the action in Kosovo draw immediate attention and comment, and the problems in Israel are in our headlines. When the politics of Russia and the various nations of the CIS (many of which are only slightly less chaotic) are fodder for pundits. What is the difference?

I can tell you what Kanye West thinks (stated inappropriately in a format that deserved better)



Considering the actions of America about Darfur over the past 5 years I would have to say that his claim has merit. And the Congress along with the major news media is no better.

If you’d like to prove me wrong, write to President Bush and demand more action at:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

FAX: 202-456-2461
comments@whitehouse.gov

president@whitehouse.gov
vice_president@whitehouse.gov

You can write to Congress to request action in preserving the lives of thousands of women and children via your local Senator or Congressman:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

Or

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

Bobby Cutts trail coverage is not what Black History Month is about - 2.11.2008.2

This was inspired by my earlier post - Grammy's versus Black History Month, and the current coverage of the Bobby Cutts trial.

As of this being written Bobby Cutts is being televised live, on trial for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend. So far this has gotten 15 minutes of non-stop coverage. Heath Ledger was discussed earlier in the day. There was about 5 minutes of coverage of a news reporters comments about Chelsea Clinton (which I did not think was so severe as to get that much attention, if any).

Compare any of these to the news coverage of Wesley Snipes being vindicated in Federal Court (with no live coverage or even film clips to my knowledge), the admissions of 3 of the rapist torturers of Megan Williams of their guilt, or the inspiring work of Will I Am geared to generate interest in getting African Americans, and the youth, to vote in November 2008.

I agree that the major media don’t care that they imbalance the portrayal of Blacks. I agree that the stereotype of African American men as violent and vicious killers is more important than any positive views.

Yes, Bobby Cutts did a terrible thing. Yes he needs to be punished to the full extent of the law. But he does not represent Black men, or the Black community. Such is not the impression that major media would provide.

Imagine that you are a European, or Japanese. You are watching the American news feeds and you see and hear the constant ‘reporting’ that focuses on American Blacks and Hispanic/Latinos murdering people. You watch American videos that feature Black and Hispanic/Latinos women gyrating in skin-tight scant clothing. You see the men brandishing weapons and intimating acts of violence. What would you think?

That is what America is sending out to the world, and our citizens. Even as Senator Obama proves each stereotype wrong. As Condoleezza Rice proves them wrong. As Colin Powell has proven them false.

This is Black History Month, and I have seen more on the exceptions of the norm, the aberrant few, than I have on actual history of the contributions of African Americans. Where are the Amber Alerts about our missing children? Where is the coverage of the Megan Williams case?

For every Scott Petersen there are 5 Bobby Cutts on major media. Yet it’s a proven documented fact that most murders are committed by White Americans. Most crimes are committed by White Americans. That most of the poor of this nation are White. But viewing the media on any given day you would never know that.

Perhaps I should not be so upset. But now into the over 30th minute of Bobby Cutts I am struck not by his guilt, but the fact that coverage of by the media is so minimalizing that the only other way to see African Americans in a positive light is as an entertainer like Beyonce Knowles or Kanye West. Not because they may be doing a positive action, like Don Cheadle and his efforts to end and open Americas eyes to 5 years of genocide in Darfur; but because they are discussing a new album or winning in a sporting competition. We are so much more than that.

This is 2008, Black History Month, and just a year ago the thought of a Black President was a joke – literally. The thought that Senator Obama could win a non-high density Black state like Idaho (where he received 80% of the vote) or Iowa was incomprehensible just 3 months ago. The fact that Whites would vote for a Black man was unnerving and irritating (to former-President Bill Clinton at least) just 30 days ago.

And according to the major media coverage this is not only all the quota of positive Black non-entertainment news they need, it needs to be countered with re-inforcing negative events in an uninterrupted manner. It’s now been 1 hour of watching Bobby Cutts, without a single commercial break or a comment by the news reporters.

Maybe I’m asking for too much, but I’d love to see the 3 remaining defendants and the 3 that have admitted guilt in the kidnapping, torture, rape and sexual abuse of Megan Williams on national television explaining what prompted them to commit these acts. I’d like to see the uninterrupted coverage of them on the stand trying to explain or excuse their actions. I’d like to see in depth analysis of why and what caused them to act like the brutal horrendous animals that they are.

But such an honest look at America seems impossible. The major news media seems to find displaying the few worst individuals of people of color as entertainment. I don’t agree. I never will.

The actions of Bobby Cutts last year is not Black history to me. It’s not entertaining. While it is news, it’s not deserving of over an hour and counting of non-stop ‘reporting’. The 12,000 that fled from their bombed homes on Friday in Darfur is. The missing Black children in America since the beginning of the year are. Coverage of the Wesley Snipes trial and Megan Williams would at least be fair.

Don’t let the Bobby Cutts case or other such news be the history you and our kids learn this Black History Month. The major media may be afraid to discuss the achievements that have been done, schools may be remiss in detailing these facts, but they are there and they are facts. Our history in America is far grander, and more important. If we only focus on these negatives that major media force feeds us, we will never attempt to attain better while we are capable of the best.

Grammy's versus Black History Month - 2.11.2008.1

Why is it that I have seen news on ‘Cookie’ Thornton for a day last week, and then a bit later news on C.J. Turner, but I have yet to hear that 3 of the 6 defendants responsible for the rape, torture and kidnapping of Megan Williams have admitted their guilt? Why is it that I have seen maybe half a dozen missing women reports since the beginning of the year yet none of them have been Black, Hispanic/Latino or Asian. Why is it that major news media followed every aspect of the OJ Simpson Las Vegas case for 2 weeks, but there was barely 5 minutes of coverage on Wesley Snipes being found innocent of Federal charges? [Look at the linlks on the bottom for posts on the above.]

I bet right now there is more news out about who won Grammy's, and what the celebrities and entertainers wore than on Megan Williams, Wesley Snipes, and every Black woman and child that went missing in this nation since the beginning of the year. At the very least you think you would see more about African Americans since this is Black History Month, yet that isn’t the case.

In fact, there is more news about the drugs Heath Ledger took to kill himself (accidental or not), or the coverage of the news about Kayne West and Amy Winehouse winning awards than there was about the 3 villages in Darfur that were bombed on Friday, and the tens of thousands of men, women, and children that are fleeing for their lives.

But what can the major media do? It’s only Black History Month. It’s only realistic and a small portion of it positive non-entertainment related news about African Americans and Blacks in the world. That’s not something important. And besides the quota of positive Black news was filled with the coverage of Senator Obama winning Primaries and Caucuses.

I would say I’m being obtuse and sarcastic, except I don’t see anything on the major media that refutes such a thought. Nothing. In fact I will make a bet with anyone willing to take it. I say there will be more coverage (in minutes of airtime and/or number of related stories) on the Grammy red carpet and what Beyonce, Bai Ling, Soulja Boy Tell'em, Carrie Underwood all wore, than about Megan Williams, Darfur, Wesley Snipes winning his trial, and every other positive news event other than Senator Barack Obama, combined. I’d also bet that the Grammy’s will garner more attention than Senator Obama’s wins this weekend. I won’t even bother comparing it to coverage celebrating the African Americans who made 1000’s of inventions that we use every day or those that have given up their lives so that Obama can be a Senator now.

I think this is the perfect month to ask, why are those White Americans that run the major media so terrified to present positive and real events involving African Americans? Why is it that the only real media focus is on Blacks as entertainers or criminals? Even in the one, shortest month of the year when attention of a positive nature is supposed to be the secondary, or even terciary focus.

The most I’ve noticed are more television commercials with Blacks in them. Like the one from Time Warner Cable. The one with a woman comedian (who looks White – but could be incredibly light skinned) who thanks Richard Pryor (without ever mentioning his name) for letting her be able to joke about events in her life on stage. While that may be a breakthrough, I think the things that Time Warner could promote about Richard Pryor beyond that can fill hours of television time. Yet that’s the best homage they could manage. Not his writing, his work to fight Muscular Dystrophy (MS) or other events.

In fact even in schools there is a failure to recognize African Americans and there contributions to America. There are tens of thousands of things that African Americans have done over centuries to improve lives in America, but don’t think the major media or schools will mention that. From early versions of gas masks that saved lives of miners and firemen 100 years ago, to the Tuskegee Airmen who saved hundreds of lives and helped win WWII, what has been done is barely ever scratched.

I know of schools that have yet to discuss African Americans, though they are discussing the world history. Kids of all races know a lot about the Holocaust, yet few know anything about the causes of the Civil War and where freeing slaves really fell as a priority. And if it were up to major media, not a single child would learn a thing more than Blacks play games well, can sing and shake their asses, and some can make funny movies. That’s the message out there.

The more I think about it the more I get upset and insulted.

If you have kids, nieces or nephews, take a moment and ask them about Black History. See if they can name more than 5 famous names (and what those people did). See if they can name anyone beyond Senator Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King [the DR. part is important – he had a doctorate and it should be included in his memory], Malcolm X, Dr. George Washington Carver, and Booker T. Washington (rappers, sports figures, and other entertainers of general achievement don’t count). Ask them if they know the real reason America had a Civil War (freeing slaves was an afterthought – tying up loose ends). Ask if they have ever heard of the Tuskegee Airmen, or Tuskegee College for that matter. And if you don’t know these things you can learn about it too.

Everyone in America has seen the positives of White America, the positive news of various selfless acts, and the fears that occur when a White child is missing. I just wish the major media could give a little bit of attention to those same things for African Americans, or any people of color, at least during the shortest month of the year.

Since America is set against apologizing for the slavery that built the foundations of this nation, and livid at the mention of reparations fro that slavery, the Jim Crow laws and segregation that followed, a bit of positive images are the least that can be done.

Darfur vs. political poll numbers

When I think of Darfur I am reminded of a quote,

“Man's inhumanity to man is not only perpetrated by the vitriolic actions of those who are bad. It is also perpetrated by the vitiating inaction of those who are good.” – Dr. Martin Luther King.

Back in June I noted that there had not been a single candidate that had spoken about the atrocity in Darfur. Today that genocide in Darfur continues, Congress has not acted, and the Presidential candidates continue to turn a blind eye. Not only that, but the major news media continues to have a blackout of any information on this issue, going so far as to be silent on even the recent Don Cheadle film on this subject.

Yes, there was a film about Darfur that came out in November. Did you hear a single review? Did you read about it in your newspaper? Highly unlikely, just as it’s unlikely that you will hear a single candidate discuss this issue while they argue about who has more experience in international matters.

How can we believe ANY candidate has international experience when they cannot mention and seem to be unaware of a massive, 4 year long genocide? The candidates running for the Presidency can even figure out the national level of concern in that they have not done anything on HR 180 IH. That is the title of the resolution in Congress all year that has received scant attention.

“The point is that the United States government has reacted pitifully in regard to Darfur. So far 3 sessions of Congress have been discussing this and still nothing has been done. And here is the proof. On January 4th Representative Lee introduced HR 180 IH. If you wonder what that means it’s the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Introduced in House). So far any attempt at accountability has gone out the window.”

Now some may say I am being unfair. They will note that during a YouTube debate several candidates spoke about Darfur. And they may note that Senators Dodd and Obama also have a resolution. I will counter that empty soundbites and resolutions that sit and do nothing are just the equivalent of eye candy. It’s fluff to look busy and important without the substance of conviction.

“As for Senator Clinton, she got a bit of all the best answers and combined them, mostly. She agreed on the need for sanctions. She agreed on a no-fly zone. But she would not agree to place ANY troops on the ground.

Senators Dodd and Obama (as well as Biden and Clinton) co-sponsored Senate Resolution 559 (introduced on Sept. 7, 2006), which encouraged President Bush to work with NATO and the UN in establishing a no-fly zone.”

Congress has been so busy trying to find ways of taking down President Bush and his administration that they have failed to even notice the murder of hundreds of thousands of people. Presidential candidates are so busy puffing themselves up they can’t even commit to divesting their personal holdings in companies that are supporting the Sudan and the genocide in Darfur.

It is a n international embarrassment that the U.N. has more backbone than our nation on this issue. The fact that the U.N. has committed 26,000 troops to protecting lives in that region is paltry, but at least an attempt at something.

“And politicians can take the simple amount of time it takes to act on HR 180 IH, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, forcing companies to admit if they are supporting the regime that is murdering women and children for no reason beyond the fact they exist. I dare even one politician to provide a reason that is logical that explains why this has not passed yet. To explain why this simple act has yet to be passed after 7 months seems inplausible to me. That only 151 Representaives have backed this is sad. How many lives will it take to move forward and act?”

We are America. We can do better. We can do more. And that action starts and ends with out political leaders. We elect them to do our bidding. They are there to enrich our nation, our world, and the lives of everyone we influence. And the influence of America is virtually inarguably massive.

"It is up to citizens in these early primary states to determine the agenda of the presidential candidates," New York Times journalist, Nick Kristof, said at an event at Drake University in Des Moines [...]. "Iowans, specifically, can use their voice during the caucuses to bring Darfur to the attention of the presidential candidates."

Think of this. If we can turn a blind eye to the suffering and death of millions of people, that we can help end, how long until we turn a blind eye to Robert A. Hawkins, and all the others that commit mass murders in our malls and schools. How long before we accept the suffering of those in our nation that suffer from hurricanes, earthquakes and floods? How long before we become so inhumane as to allow murders of anyone not exactly like us, that us being an individual determination?

And how long will it be before we realize that there is no difference between turning a blind eye to this genocide and committing the murders ourselves?

Preparing for the TV One Heartland Presidential

This is an excerpt about the TV One Heartland Presidential Forum webcast that will occur latter today.

As the TV One webcast of the Heartland Presidential Forum at 2:30 today approaches, I want to review some of the main issues that I think it will and will not cover. Overall I think that the candidates, of both parties, will seek to avoid a large number of issues most people really care about. Expect a good deal of deflection and moves to tangent issues rather than answering the actual questions posed. I doubt that it will be as obvious as the dramatic and highly covered yes, no, and maybe answer Senator Clinton offered on driver’s licenses for illegal aliens in New York State but I believe they will happen none the less.

First off there are the issues that the candidates will avoid speaking about. The issues are widespread and party specific. For the Democrats there is the fact that for 9 months of this year virtually every candidate vehemently stated that the surge in Iraq could not and would not work. They coupled the disbelief in the surge with they demands for immediate withdrawal of troops.

In the past couple of months, the most liberal pundits, reporters, and politicians have verified that the surge has in fact worked. Iraq is safer and more stable now than since Saddam Hussein was removed. Thus we have seen the debates and the public speeches of the candidates have moved from immediate withdrawal and failure, to a need to withdraw most troops (leaving an unspecified amount of troops for an unspecified amount of time) and failure, to not speaking about the subject at all as much as possible. Kind of funny how that went.

In addition Democratic candidates have moved into the subject of national healthcare as their primary talking point. Though all the plans are not fully explained, and the cost (upwards of 100 billion dollars at the least) has no explanation where it will receive funding from (extra taxes from the rich is the general answer. What is rich is a floating income number ranging from 200,000 at the top and 90,000 near the bottom).

For Republicans the key early issue was again Iraq and supporting the surge (and thus highlighting the Democrats willingness to retreat) and being against terrorism al la 9/11. After several months of each candidate mentioning how strong they are against terrorists they all have shied away from using the single greatest attack on American soil in past 60 years for their political gain (mostly).

The new line of discussion, now that the surge has been shown to be working and President Bush has mandated that surge troops will be slowly phased out of Iraq, has become illegal aliens. Each candidate has claimed they will resolve this issue, though there is no plan stated that will deal with the 12 million plus illegals that are in this nation right now, nor any that will be coming in the future. There are half thoughts of paths to citizenship, documentation, healthcare and deportation but no real plans. And lots of one-upmanship over who is tougher on the subject and who has the best past performance. Oh and there are arguments over who is more devoutly religious, and who can do more to prevent higher taxes. Again no real plans though.

So that is what they were all talking about, and what they want to discuss now. It’s a very short list. And yes I do realize they spoke about other things. But that was/is the focus.

Continued at Preparing for the TV One Heartland Presidential Forum Part 2 - 12.1.2007.1

America debates while the U.N. acts on Darfur - 7.31.2007.1

Repost from Vass

Finally we see the start of some action. Finally leadership has arisen and taken a stand. Sadly it was not the United States that has been the bold leader that our nation can be, and often is. Even so, I am happy to spread this news.

The United Nations has announced that it will be sending 26,000 peacekeeping troops to stop, or at least stem, the mass murder in Darfur that has claimed some 400,000 lives and left 2,500,000 homeless. I have been speaking about Darfur for a little while now, inspired by the words and actions of Mr. Don Cheadle.

Still the resolution has its flaws. Since the troops will be comprised of African Union and U.N. troops it will take months to organize and implement. Additionally there is no sanction component that can cause a dampening effect on the ruling government, slowing its efforts to commit genocide. This sanctioning is a needed component as is food aid for the area. It is an abysmal fact that the major industrialized nations of the world, including America, have sat on their collective asses in this matter.

As I mentioned previously HR 180 IH, has sat in Congress without action all year. In 2005 the members of the G8 summit sought to address the issue, and after few words that hold as much impact as the soundbites politicians use for most every situation these days, did nothing. So I have mixed emotions right now.

There is the start of actions to improve the lives of millions of Africans, a start but that is all. American businesses continue to support and by their inaction fund a genocide that has been on-going since 2003. Politicians have failed to act on resolutions presented to them. The news media has virtually ignored the situation. This is insulting.

I place myself along with the major media, up until recently. We can all do better and more. The stories on the vapid and imbecilic Paris Hilton can wait a bit. The comments on the rantings of Ms. Rosie O’Donnell will still be there later. BET will still provide the second-rate, debateably exploitative programming which can be protested against while they ignore their obligation to provide news and substance to the very target group the cable news channel is named for.

Fox News, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS et al. need to forget that this is happening in Africa and treat this matter like it was in Europe. I strongly feel that were this happening on a separate continent, with people of a different color, more would be done. Well it is happening and they are human beings and we can do more.

And politicians can take the simple amount of time it takes to act on HR 180 IH, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, forcing companies to admit if they are supporting the regime that is murdering women and children for no reason beyond the fact they exist. I dare even one politician to provide a reason that is logical that explains why this has not passed yet. To explain why this simple act has yet to be passed after 7 months seems inplausible to me. That only 151 Representaives have backed this is sad. How many lives will it take to move forward and act?

America is a great nation, I believe that without hesitation. We have helped and defended millions across the globe for decades. We stand for freedoms and rights that no other nation can claim to give so completely. Because of these reasons we cannot fail to act when the need is so dire.

This is what I think, what do you think?

HR 180 IH, what does that mean? - Repost - 6.28.2007.2

This is a repost from my Vass ...

Here is something annoying. You have not heard a single Presidential candidate speak about this. I don’t recall any news media coverage of this. Were it not for the efforts of Mr. Don Cheadle, and several other prominent actors, and the humanitarian award he received I might not have heard about this. Not that there was any significant attention made about Mr. Cheadle getting the award or why.

The point is that the United States government has reacted pitifully in regard to Darfur. So far 3 sessions of Congress have been discussing this and still nothing has been done. And here is the proof. On January 4th Representative Lee introduced HR 180 IH. If you wonder what that means it’s the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Introduced in House). So far any attempt at accountability has gone out the window.

As of my writing this now, as Congress prepares to go on July 4th celebration seven months after introducing this bill the best thing that can be said is that it only took 3 months for a subcommittee meeting on this. In virtually seven months there has been no movement on this bill since March 20th. Perhaps if the members of Congress were in danger of losing loved ones there might be more action on the matter.

Now some of you may be saying, ‘Hold on, we don’t need to start another war.’ Others may be saying, ‘What is HR 180 IH?’

The answer to the first is that the bill doesn’t require the United States to put a single solider anywhere they aren’t already. The answer to the second is

“To require the identification of companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies, and for other purposes.”

Basically this bill cuts off money that goes to support what the 108th Congress

“declares that the atrocities unfolding in the Darfur region of Sudan, are genocide.”

That was almost 3 years ago to the day. How many have died since that time do you think? The GENOCIDE was unfolding according to Congress, it still exists, and we barely hear anything about it.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told Congress there was a genocide, President Bush told the U.N. that there as a genocide, yet only 4 states have passed laws requiring that no company doing business with the Sudan can do business with their state. Odds are it’s not your state. I can guarantee that it’s not New York State, home of Wall Street, and where the big six brokerage houses invest millions of dollars in mutual funds that could be doing business with [thus supporting] the Sudan and genocide.

I bet that 99% of those reading this now, that have a pension or mutual fund, have no idea what that mutual fund is invested in. I would bet that 99.5% have no idea what businesses might be supporting the Sudan government. Yet I am sure that, of those over 30 [which is maybe 50% of my readers] everyone was for and supported the bans against South Africa and Apartheid back in 1986.

To my knowledge, virtually every member of Congress is old enough to have at least heard about the 1986 bans. They have no excuse.

Of the 24 colleges mentioned in this bill there is not one that I am aware of that is a Black college. That could be simply an oversite of Representative Lee, or that they are doing matters separate of this bill. But I recall that back in ’86, there was more than one black college that was invested in South Africa.

Perhaps Congress can sleep at night without doing more than speaking about this terrible situation. Perhaps they have more to do in preparing their particular candidate for the 2008 election, or raising funds for that candidate. Perhaps every candidate for President right now can’t spend any time to come up with a 30 second soundbite for Darfur, as there isn’t enough time after explaining the resolution to Iraq, taxes, terrorism, social security, and why they are so great and warm people. Each of those points explained in 30 second soundbites. Perhaps the moderators of the debates are too overwhelmed with questions on when America will be out of Iraq, that question can be and has been asked in each debate maybe 20 different ways, to find one on Darfur.

I know that I was too busy writing to 6 blogs, and growing my company to stop and get into this issue. But at some point you have to stop and say, I can do more.

Well here I am doing more. I’ve raised the bar. Now you know. What will you do? Will you get in touch with you Congressional representative and ask them what they did over the 4th of July while people died and a simple resolution sat on the congressional floor? Will you take a moment to read HR 180 IH, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007?

This is what I think, what do you think?

What interested be from the BET Awards - 6.27.2007.2

What can I say about the BET Awards? Well actually a couple of things. The first refers back to a post I made about Mr. Robin Thicke. Mr. Thicke did not win an award. Many were expecting that he wouldn’t. For me it wouldn’t matter if he had or not.

The question I posed still remains a question. Is there a bias to the BET Awards? IF there is, which there may not be, is that a bad thing? It’s hard to say, and I don’t have that answer. What do you think?

More important to me was the fact that Mr. Don Cheadle
was recognized for his humanitarian work. Few entertainers or celebrities, African American or otherwise, have done as much as he has. He has brought attention on the plight of millions, and I think he has helped to improve those lives.

If his award helps to bring conversation and attention to this matter, then it was a great thing. His work in film, a book, and his organization Not On Our Watch stands out. In this nation with so much, there is just so little said or done about Darfur. If Mr. Cheadle was not as good an actor as he is, those things alone would make him newsworth.

But I expect no less from a man proficient at GO [I do play and would love to get a game with him] and poker. I look forward to his next film Talk To Me and his future humanitarian work. Congratulations on the well deserved Award.

Lastly I am surprised by the apology made by TI to Ludacris. It’s wildly uncommon to hear of such a thing, to any degree, especially in public. It’s so much better than how these things usually get resolved; bullets, fists and jail time. Maybe some in gangsta rap are starting to grow up.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Recap of the 2nd week of January 2007 - 1.16.2007.1

There are a few things from last week I didn’t get a chance to mention. I’ll try to catch up now. First the week in history. During the last week: Fisk University was founded, Dr. George Washington Carver was born, Delta Sigma Theta is started, Twelfth Night or the Epiphany occurred (the baby Jesus was born in January not December and the 3 wise men visited him last week).

Beyond those events, this is the second week I can mention that of the 3 individuals considering or running for President that I have contacted none have responded to date. Now to be fair I did not send my letters to each all on the same day, but they have had some time. Of course I may not be the first name on their list to respond to. Still considering that the questions I am asking are what I believe are important to you as well, I think that they should be in touch soon. Then again, some of them may not wish to clearly define where they stand on issues important to Black Americans, Latinos and Hispanic Americans, and others. But when they do respond I will post every word, unaltered, for every one of the tens of thousands of you to read. [Yes I feel good that so many pay attention to my blogs] You can look forward to reading my letters to Senator McCain, and Obama in the near term. Possibly Rev. Sharpton as well.

You can reach each letter posted to date at the following:
Letter to Mitt Romney - 1.10.2007.1
Letter sent to John Edwards - 1.5.2007.1
Letter to Senator Clinton - 12.16.2006.1

As for some events that happened last week, there is an interesting bit on the rapper Noreaga or NORE or whatever he goes by now (his name is Victor Santiago and I will refer to him as such). In Mr. Santiago’s desire to build record sales, he had no problem befriending and employing a couple of members of the Murder Unit gang. That’s not my opinion, he said, “Hard-core hip-hop tends to sell more records. It's about selling an image.” Mr. Santiago stated this as a witness in the trail of one of the members of the gang. It seems that the accused allegedly murdered 3 victims and stole cocaine. My opinion is that Mr. Santiago’s claim that he was unaware of any of these gang members he employed were selling drugs, carried weapons, and were violent is either false or the man is beyond dim. Since he knows how to use people to promote himself, as well as possibly providing him with the drugs he admitted to using [a shame they couldn’t arrest him for that] I doubt dim. I just find it infuriating when an entertainer (especially a Latino/Hispanic) brazenly uses drugs, chases women, employs potentially violent drug dealing felons and brazenly admits to it while cracking goes at a trial. All this just to sell records and make money on an image. Wealth is just not worth it, I think.

Something worth speaking about are the continuing efforts of Mr. George Clooney and his father in bringing more attention to the Dafur atrocity. If you have missed the news on Darfur, which is easy since little is mentioned about it on the news [though there is plenty of time to discuss say the Trump vs. O’Donnell idiocy], over 200,000 Africans have died since 2003. Over 2.5 million have had to flee from their homes. Mr. Clooney has spent a good deal of time raising the awareness of this situation, having spoken to the U.N. twice already trying to get international attention on the matter. I respect Mr. Clooney as a man due to his efforts, as well as respecting his choice of movies and ability in them. If you missed the presentation of his documentary film A Journey to Darfur, look for a replay on the AmericanLife TV Network. Or ask for it to be put on DVD or on a local station near you.

Perhaps 2007 will be the year we see some of these rappers, or other celebrities, entertainers, and politicians do something to help these Africans that are in need. It may not be as much fun for them, but I hope they all don’t want to live like Mr. Santiago.

This is what I think, what do you think?