Skinheads plan to decapitate Senator Obama and 102 school kids

I have spoken about racism a lot over the years. And one of the big comments I receive every time is that I should get over it, because it doesn’t exist anymore. Then there is news like this

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said the plan was to kill the Democratic presidential candidate and shoot or decapitate 102 black people in a Tennessee murder spree.

In court records revealed today, agents said they disrupted plans to rob a gun store and target an unnamed but predominantly African-American high school by two neo-Nazi skinheads.”

So how am I supposed to get over that?

I don’t believe Senator Obama should be elected President. Not because of his race, but because of his economic plans. But I have to wonder what is so wrong in this country that the mere thought that a Black man is running for President could motivate some to plan the decapitation of 102 innocent school kids and the Democratic nominee.

Does this latest assasination plot mean that Obama should be elected? No. Not in my opinion based on his left wing liberal political views. But that does not make him unAmerican, nor does it mean that any Black person desevers to be killed. Aren’t we fighting 2 wars against people that plan these same kinds of events?

America needs to resolve the race issues that continue to plague us. Race is bigger than the economy, wars overseas, and almost anything else. This kind of division will destroy the nation faster than anything else. It is a festering sore that never heals, because some cannot accept the world as it is.

I really am disturbed by this news. Even without the election such a thought is terrifying. That so many still hold views that should have died in the middle ages with the bubonic plague makes me ill at ease. It reminds me that I still can wake up with a cross burning in my yard.

But I will not back down. Racism is still alive in this nation because too many want to hide behind the thought that because lynchings aren’t happening the world is fine. The thought that some believe racisim can’t exist since I and my family can sit anywhere on a bus or resturant keeps them from seeing the racial tones in the media and politics is not something I will abide by.

America, if we cannot be a nation of people instead of a nation of colors we will fall no matter who is at the helm. African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asians, Native Indians and more all serve in our military and have bled to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy today. That does not mean Obama should win because he is Black. But it means even moreso that he should never lose because of it either; not as long as we want to continue to be a great nation.

Australian movie exec calls Forest Whitaker 'ugly, black, unbankable'

Australia is an interesting nation. The people I have met from that nation have been pleasant and good natured. They have provided America with several excellent entertainers, most notably Mel Gibson (who is American but grew up in Australia).

Yet that nation had, and continues to have many problems. The interaction with the native Aboriginal population is in many ways similar to the slavery issues that were found in America. Even to this day there are extreme racial conflicts between the 2 groups, though the distance to the rest of the world helps to ensure that most of this news is unseen.

It is perhaps because of this racially derisive past and present that an Austrailian film executive felt the need to claim this about Forest Whitaker

“Even if he wins the Oscar he's ugly, he's black and he's unbankable.”

Bollocks! Who the hell is this executive?

I realize that Australia, along with neighbor New Zealand, have gotten quite a bit of attention from Hollywood in recent years. I understand how they might see their importance growing with this greater influence. But that does not justify such comments.

Forest Whitaker is an acclaimed actor, director and producer. His credits include:

• Last King of Scotland – where he received an Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and BAFTA Awards
  
• Color of Money
  
• Bird – Cannes Film Festival Award and Golden Globe nomination
  
• Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - an exceptional film that I recommend people see
  
• The Shield
  
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High
  
• Good Morning Viet Nam
  
• Platoon
  
• The Crying Game
  
• Prêt-à-Porter - National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble
  
• Panic Room
  
• The Great Debaters
  
• A Rage in Harlem
  
• Waiting to Exhale
  

I could go on as his career spans 26 years. In fact he will be working steadily into 2010, where he will be directing and acting in It's A Wonderful World about Louis Armstrong. There aren’t many actors that can be assured of leading roles 2 years in the future, and those that can are the best in the entertainment industry.

Somehow I think the fact that Whitaker is this successful, in all aspects of film, does not only make him bankable – it makes him one of a few actors that are bankable over decades.

To say that Whitaker is ugly is just a base, moronic, and unrealistic comment. It’s similar to the inane argument made by racists that people (usually implying Whites) will not go to see a film starring an actor/actress of a different color. The financial success of films by Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Samuel Jackson, Jamie Foxx, and Forest Whitaker to name but a few prove that to be absurd drivel.

Now the issue at hand was the upcoming movie Winged Creatures, directed by Australian director Rowan Woods. To the credit of Woods he fought to have Whitaker as the lead. He believed that the ability, look, quality, and bankability of Whitaker would be an asset to his film. And he would not budge on his choice of lead.



The Australian entertainment industry responded to this with a racially based slap-in-the-face. The initial budget of the film was $11 million, it was cut to $4.5 million. Who did the racists want? Al Pacino or Michael Douglas. Now I personally don’t think that Al Pacino was ever the most handsome leading man. And Michael Douglas is a good looking guy, but his age shows through these days. So the reality was that they just wanted a White face as lead.

To the credit of the director, Woods, he was able to fill out his cast – on a budget that was a pittance of the initial target – with actors of high quality. I have to believe that each of these actors had no problem with a Black man, and more importantly a quality actor who happens to be Black, as the lead. The other actors are:

Guy Pearce, Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Jennifer Hudson

Racism is a despicable thing in any nation or part of the world. It is usually based in unfounded, illogical, small-minded, envious, mindsets. It is the reason that so many are persecuted by so few. It is the worst image of any group of people.

Again I note that the Australians I have met have been great people. The director of Winged Creatures helps to show that not every Australian is the closed-minded, repugnant, imbecilic racists that seem to populate their entertainment industry (and more than just a few in Hollywood too).

But I think that future directors should think twice before going to Australia for a film. Because if the film has anyone that is Black it seems they will shun the film. And in an industry that is supposed to represent the boundless depth of the human imagination, this repressed limited and potentially psychologically damaged view is a cancer that sours the best of work.

**I want to thank the owner of 1800blogger for bringing this to my attention, and D.C. Moviegirl for speaking on this**

Editorial by Michael Vass

In August of 2007 I wrote a post highlighting my disgust at the major news media. That feeling of absolute sickness came from the fact that the major news media could not bear to spend a moment of time to discuss a travesty in the American legal system.

I said in that post

“After 43 years of shadows, lies and looks the other way a semblance of justice has been enacted. This is not something that we as a nation need to avert our eyes from, but look towards. Like slavery (and reparations) we must address the fact that horrible crimes against humanity and these 2 men, Charles Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee, went unaddressed for decades with no reason better than law officers, the public, and the government in general did not want to think about it. How much further have we really come when justice finally is enacted and the major news media are too timid to shine a light on the dark corner of the recent past that is this nation’s history.”

Now a year and a month to the day I have been given reason to return to both this subject, and to the reprehensible reaction in the major media. Perhaps this time seeing my comments will help give some impact and thought to this mockey of justice.

Comment about Race in America

The following is a response to my post at Black & White Blog, where I am a contributing author.

Sadie Says:
August 26th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
i dont have much to say on any race issue.. but all the time u hear about a white man callin a black man a nigger then everyone is in an uproar and the white man is seen by most as a rasist asshole but then if a black man calls that white man a honky or a cracker its ok because “we enslaved their people”… hmmm ok no one alive today enslaved “their people” and no im not saying slavery was right.. need to point that out before im called a rasist.. i just think that anytime something happens with more than one race involved it gets turned into a race issue. im tired of hearing it.. i personaly dont call black people niggers but how many black people call white people honkys or crackers? thats all i have to say i just needed to get that out.


Sadie,

Thank you for your comment.

First let me mention that I hate the N-Word. I don’t use it in my speech or in any of my posts – ever. It’s a deplorable word and I dislike its use in any format or for any reason. I do realize that your use of the word was not meant to be disrespectful. I just don’t like that word.

But to your point.

Yes, a White guy saying that to a Black man is a racist commentary. That does not immediately mean the White guy is racists as well, though it does cause reason to wonder.

A curse is used when a person is incapable of using any other term(s) that might convey the thoughts they have. The more limited the vocabulary (and therefore the intelligence) of an individual the more common the use of curses in place of an actual thought. And the purpose of a curse is to inflict rage and anger and hurt, nothing else.

In the American (and English in general to my knowledge) language there is no curse or term more derogatory, insulting, and painful than the N-word. It is defined as “the possibly single worst word in the English language”. There is no comparable or equivalent word for any other group, sex, or race. None.

So when a White uses this term they are not merely cursing the Black person, they are using the most vicious word in the language to inflict the most pain – solely on the basis of their race. Because they have no other word in their vocabulary to either win their discussion, or to express themselves. And that is key.

In the minds of those that use this word is the knowledge that this singular word is violent, degrading and painful to a specific race. That with one word they are insulting a person, their ancestors, their children, the entire race all at once. And there is no comeback, no reply that can top it or equal it.

By comparison a ‘cracker’ was a term created by the North to describe Southerners in a disparaging manner. Since at the time Whites were the only ones considered of worth the meaning only applied to Whites, but it was meant to describe a region. So you have a word created by Whites to describe Whites on a regional basis. Very similar in the manner that ‘yankee’ was used to describe Northerners, and I imagine had the South won the Civil War would hold the same meaning as cracker does today. It’s a word that is specific to a style of life in a region, and therefore has minimal impact today and is not relevant to describe all Whites.

So while your point that you have not enslaved anyone is valid, there is the difference. You may not have acted directly against African Americans, and Native American Indians for that matter, you are the direct beneficiary of those that did. There is no argument that slave labor literally built the foundations of the nation on the backs, bones and blood of millions of Africans. It was the slave labor that funded the growth and wealth of the nation. A line can be drawn from that labor to the wealth and prosperity of the nation today.

And that word relives that pain and inhumanity.

But in America, when a crime has been committed the criminal cannot benefit from that crime. A killer cannot write a book, nor have an insurance policy that pays them because of the crime they committed. And slavery is acknowledged as a vile evil criminal act.

Yet not one American has been asked to return their profits from their crimes. Ever. In fact it was not until this year that any Governmental body ever expressed remorse or an apology for what was done. And when it was done this year it was done by a voice vote, such that not a single name could be recorded either way – and only in the House of Representatives thus preventing it from becoming an official statement of the Government.

So when the N-word is used it is a reflection of an unrepentant nation, which is prosperous because of millions that were enslaved, killed and died without regard for hundreds of years, and are described as being inhuman and without worth. That’s what it means when a White says the N-word (and it only has a slightly less repugnant meaning when said by a Black to a Black).

You may not use this word against a Black person vocally, but you have no problem using the word. Because you do not see or feel the meaning of the word. I do.

And it is because of that sensitivity (or lack thereof) that you do not see why this or that action can be viewed racially (right or wrong). It’s not something that will ever affect a White person in America. It is something that does affect every person of color in America today. And I can prove it.

Pick 5 generic television stations. Watch each station for 1 hour. Mark down every time you see a non-background character that is non-White. Also mark down every White character. This includes commercials.

If you have more than 2 Asians in 5 hours I bet you were watching a kung fu marathon. If you have more than 7 Hispanics you were watching the non-generic Spanish television stations (like Telemundo). If you get more than 15 African Americans you were watching BET. And I guarantee that you will have at least 300 Whites no matter what.

[Based on 4 main characters per 1 hour show, 2 recurring characters or guests, and 3 people per commercial with 10 commercials per ½ hour – which equals 330 people/hour]

If I am right, and I am very sure I’m at least close within a couple of people, then that means that American television reflects a world where .61% of the population is Asian, 2.1% are Hispanic/Latino, and 4.5% are Black. Native Indians or any other group do not exist. [Just for the record, the actual fact is that 1 in 3 people in America are non-White.]

In effect television is saying that America is 7.2% non-White, or essentially that America is an all White nation. It means that any non-White is unimportant and does not need to be shown in any setting – whether based in reality or fantasy. And I’d bet that if you are White and reading this you never noticed or thought about this. But every person of color gets the statement being subtly made to us every hour of every day.

So I am not surprised Sadie, that you are tired about hearing something that you do not directly feel or have affect you daily. But for the rest of us, it’s not the same thing. And the only way to change this is to remind you that your take-it-for-granted view of America is wrong.

So expect that until racism and the use of the N-word ceases to happen or exist you are going to always be tired of hearing about how biased America really is.

Spain's Olympic basketball team - Racism in your face

It really just floors me. At a time when the world is looking at China, as they hold the Olympics, and seeing the mixing of every culture on the planet we still get to learn about how insensitive humanity can be.

Racism, and insults based solely in race, is neither an American invention nor one of the modern industrial era. But in the 21st Century we all would like to think that it might end soon, that we all would have learned enough about each other to know better. But we don’t. And it shows even as the world tries to unite for a ‘friendly’ athletic competition.

Many in the U.S. might not be familiar with the specific case I am speaking of. It deals with the Spanish basketball team and a photo they took before they start of the Olympics.



The insult is obvious. The intention, as stated by the team, was to have a light-hearted bit of fun. It didn’t happen.

“It's baffling that nobody involved in the picture -- from the photographers to the players -- even seemed to consider that this ad would be looked at negatively. Did it not occur to somebody that it might not be a good idea to mock an entire continent before the world's largest athletic competition that, by the way, happens to take place on that continent. Were they not aware of an invention called "the Internet" that allows pictures taken in Spain to be transmitted all over the world for the eyes of everyone?”

Seriously, I too cannot understand how no one found this to be insulting. But before I wanted to write on this ad, sponsored and organized by Seur - though Li-Ning Footwear (Li-Ning being the former Olympian that lit the Olympic flame) is also a sponsor of the team - I wanted to give Spain’s basketball team a chance to simply apologize.

Instead comments like this on from Jose Calderon were made

“We did it because we thought it was going to be something nice, something with no problem,” Calderon told Yahoo! Sports. “But somebody wants to talk about it. It is too much of a big deal with you guys (the media) and everybody talking about that.”

No problem? Too much of a big deal? Calderon plays for the Toronto Raptors, so imagine if the Raptors took a picture like this one, all in black face. Or doused in water exposing their backs to the camera. Or dressed with green and spilling beer. Or holding plates of spaghetti. In Spain there may not be a care about insulting 1/3 of the world, or any race and ethnicity, but the rest of the world clearly does not share those same feelings – at least most of the time.

Pau Gasol, who plays for the L.A. Lakers, offered a slightly more remorseful comment

“Some of us didn’t feel comfortable doing it just because to me it was a little clownish for our part to be doing that,” Gasol said. “But the sponsors insisted and insisted. I think it is just a bad idea I guess to do that, but it was never intended to be offensive or racist against anybody...

If anybody feels offended by it we totally apologize for it. We never meant anything offensive by it.”

It’s not much of an apology. I mean if he felt that bad about the photo, why be in it? Why not say something? Why not make a comment before or when the photo was published in La Marca?

Gasol said nothing, until the image hit the internet, and the backlash struck the team. That’s not caring about being offensive or racist, that’s covering your ass.

But before you start taking the side of Gasol keep in mind the last part of what he has to say about this

“If you put it in the wrong context and put it with the wrong people or a different kind of people, you could take it that way,” he said. “But not with our group and not with our people. I would find that a wrong read.”

Wrong context? Wrong people? The photo mocks anyone of Asian descent anywhere in the world. What context beyond that is there?

How many times have I heard the words, “I’m not a racist but…” or “I can’t be racist because I know a black person…” or “We’re not racists because we like this entertainer (or athlete)…”

Spain is known for its racist attitude, especially in sports. There are numerous comments that have been made by those in soccer (futbol), auto racing, and other sports. This is a low for that country, among a host of lows presented to the worlds on a regular basis.

Racist acts are not solely an American issue, but that does not make it a good thing nor acceptable. If Spain, and/or the Spanish basketball team, is embarrassed they should be. The world is in the 21st Century, and actions like this have no place in it.

Beware the Clinton wrath

If you have something negative to say about Senator Clinton or her supporters, especially the female supporters, expect to fear for your job. Such is the reaction found on even the most conservative of news cable networks. Fox has been covering the comments of Randi Rhodes for 3 days now, and they continue to be surprised by the failure of Air America to fire Ms. Rhodes.

You may be wondering, what could a liberal radio personality say that would be so horrible? She called Senator Clinton a Wh***. Add to that the fact that she said the same of Geraldine Ferraro.

Now if you think this was bad keep in mind a few facts. This was not on the radio. It was not in a public forum. It was not open to the public. In fact the video of the event, of which excerpt have been running on Fox News for days, seems to be taken on a cell phone. This is still not enough for some considering what was said. But the last fact is perhaps the most important fact, Randi Rhodes was doing a stand-up comedy act.

That last fact is the most important of all the facts. That is comedic expression. Poor taste perhaps, but far from worthy of the indefinite suspension that she received. And dissimilar to other events with celebrities with horrendous humors.

Unlike the infamous words of Don Imus, this was not on public airwaves. This was not an attack on private citizens. The comments were made in reference to the public political actions of Senator Clinton and Ms. Ferraro. I don’t approve of what was said, but I note the difference.

Like the comments of Opie and Anthony, this was a private venue. It was not available to the general public, and if it was not taped would never have been an issue. The crowd, in general, seemed to agree and enjoy the comedy skit.

Like Michael Richards it was intended to be humorous. It was supposed to amuse and entertain the crowd. In this case it was exactly what was happening. The women in the crowd seem to enjoy the comments as much as the men. There was no expression disapproval or anger. So unlike the Michael Richards event, Rhodes did not cross the line. Actually Richards didn’t just cross the line, he lost his mind.

But the power of the Clinton machine is immense. The major news media has leapt to her defense, wording the event (and manipulating the video) to seem as if this were a public venue or part of her daily work responsibilities. It’s presumed by the media as if Air America had created this event and solicitate these comments.

The real problem of this is the effect it has on Free Speech. By trying to minimize these kinds of events, and by trying to get every instance of such actions punished to a manner beyond appropriate and environment of stifled speech occurs. That is unfair and dangerous. Even for speech that many might find objectionable.

As I defended Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman, in so far as he should not have lost his job for the private racist conversation he had with his son, I say the same of this event with Rhodes. Private conversations and events that are closed to the public should not be held to the same standards and punishment as public ones. Jobs and lives cannot be regulated by politically correct polispeak standards.

I wanted Don Imus fired because he attack private citizens, without provocation, in a manner demeaning to women and racially prejudiced. I wanted Michael Richards to never work again because he crossed the line of humor and made a racial attack based on his own anger and inner demons in a public venue (which he himself acknowledged). I opposed the call to have Opie & Anthony being fired as they were on a radio station that requires paid subscribers, and allows those subscribers to change the channel if they don’t like what they hear. I opposed Dog Chapman being fired because it was a private conversation, even though he acknowledged his constant and racist charged use of derogatory terms.

Based on that I must support Randi Rhodes. She should not be suspended, and definitely not fired. This in fact should have no affect on her day job at all. The media needs to stay out of this issue – which only exists because they created it.

And for the record I don’t listen to Air America, I’m far from a liberal, a Republican, and have no love for Senator Clinton or Geraldine Ferraro.

Hint for Eugene - Airplane was a parody movie - 3.29.2008.1

One of my readers left a great link in the comment about Eugene Oregon. It is funny, and I did like Airplane.



But the thing is, that the officials in Eugene seemed to miss, is that the joke is that Black people don’t speak like this. That this is a parody.

I’m sure that the Eugene officials were to busy trying to find this woman to run their program to realize the joke. There should be a check to see if they were trying to get Murphy Brown to run the program as well.

I’m still pissed off that they are so lost that they believe that African Americans can’t speak English and can't be dealt with like any other human being. That they are so isolated and apparently ignorant that they deemed there to be a problem that does not exists and is insulting in every manner.

By the way, if you would like to make a comment – or just send a copy of one of my posts - to the Mayor of Eugene Oregon here is the information for the Mayor’s site.

The Honorable Kitty Piercy
777 Pearl Street, Room 105
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Phone: (541) 682-5010
Email: kitty.piercy@ci.eugene.or.us

Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman to return to cable television - 2.20.2008.1

Ok, time to re-focus. As is obvious I have been spending a huge amount of time on the Presidential election of late. From my I Love America That’s Why I Vote! campaign to the multiple posts on all the candidates and vote results [all found at VASS] I have expressed by belief that this election will critically impact all Americans. To that end I am promoting voter registration, and following everything about the candidates.

But, I have not forgotten the core purpose of this blog. So let me get back to those basics.

The first thing I want to touch on is Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman. He is getting back on cable television. Roughly 4 months after his tirade of the N-word and his, in my opinion, pathetic ‘save my job’ apology he will be going back to work.

The A&E cable network has stated

"Since the premise of "Dog The Bounty Hunter" is about second chances - we have decided to give him one."

That’s a load of crap. Lest I misunderstand the program, which I admit to having never seen more than 30 seconds of, it is the reality-styled coverage of a bounty hunter capturing fugitives from the law and forcing them to face the legal system. There is no second chance but forced responsibility. A responsibility that I feel ‘Dog’ Chapman has sought to avoid. And A&E is going to reward that evasion.

When the story first broke I stated

“The mindset that allows the use of the N-word and other disparaging terms against people of color is the issue. It’s that mindset that is angering. He isn’t upset with the words he uses, he is angry if others find out he uses these words. He knows he’s wrong, and doesn’t care.

That is racist. To cowardly use terms to disparage and degrade people, but not be willing to let anyone of the race in question to hear it is racist. Add to this that in the presence of his minister of 7 years, who is Black, he would not use this term but has no problem saying other curses in front of him adds to his deception. He is more than just racist; he is the hidden racist that acts in secret, in a way similar to the KKK.”

Obviously I did not accept the apology made to gain public sympathy. I did not accept his faulty reasoning. I did not excuse his actions. I still don’t to this day.

But I also stated that he should not lose his job. My reason for this has nothing to do with Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman and everything to do with the First Amendment and the fact that it was a private conversation that was made public without his knowledge. It is those factors alone that prevent me from decrying the actions of A&E.

But that does not mean I will support his return.

I hope this program fails miserably. In fact I would suggest that if you did watch this program you discontinue to do so. A message needs to be made, and diminutive ratings would be a nice step in that direction.

I will say it again, I think Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman is a racist. He is the sort of racist of the worst type. One that would smile in the face of an African American – like his preacher of 7 years – and them stab them in the back when no one is looking (and Mexicans and women as well). He is a cowardly racist that deserves no sympathy for his actions.

Let him go back to work. He was duped into being recorded without knowledge. That is a low blow. But his own admissions on national television (speaking with Hannity of the Fox News program Hannity & Colmes) were that this word and other defamitory demeaning comments were used by his cast and co-workers regularly. Thus the failure of his program would be apt justice.

The N-word is not a common plesantry. It’s not a term that is positive for any group of people to use. It promotes the perception that far to many in America are ready to support, that African Americans are lazy, ignorant, repugnant less than human creatures. That is the impression that the N-word has meant for centuries, and it has not changed as ‘Dog’ Chapan so clearly proved.

A&E is counting on the fact that Americans, of all colors, have short memeories. ‘Dog’ Chapman is counting on the same thing. This blog, and I, do not forget easily the use of a word that is meant to equate my family, friends and myself as less than feces.

So the question is do you?

Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday Part 2 - 1.16.2008.2

Concluded from Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday

What a lynching is pertains more to the social and mental status it has in America than anything else. The Tuskeegee Institute records of lynchings between the years 1880 and 1951 show 3437 African-American victims, that is what is recorded. The worst recorded lynching was The Colfax Massacre where 280 African Americans in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873 were killed. Lynchings were glorified in film in the movie The Birth of a Nation.

By the way, it was illegal to commit a lynching since 1922 (after 7 years of trying to pass Congress), a mere 85 years ago. There are people in this nation that committed, watched, and taught their children the sick value of a lynching alive today. This is by no means an act of the past. And while the Tuskeegee Institute may have stopped recording events, accussations of lynchings have occurred as recently as 10 years ago if my memory is correct.

This is what Ms. Tilghman was talking about. This is what she passingly decreed on Tiger Woods.

Now imagine this. If a Black announcer on a national cable channel was discussing the potential for Senator Hillary Clinton to be elected. If one of the commentators mentioned that perhaps the only way to stop the woman was to haul her off the stage, and that Black man said ‘Rape her in the back room’ what would have happened?

Everything would have stopped on a dime, and that announcer/commentator removed from the program and fired. That is the least of the outrage that would happen. But to call for the vicious murder of Tiger Woods is a nothing.

What does that say about the state of America. What does that mean on Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and the 22nd anniversary of the holiday?

The mere fact that such a word and context could pop into her head without though shows exactly how far America has really gone. And that’s not nearly as far as we all would like to imagine.

Dr. Martin Luther King once spoke of a Dream, and as the arguably greatest golfer in the world can now attest to there is still a long way before the dream is a reality. As the recent racial attacks on Senator Obama proves, there is still a fear and refusal of some to have

“…recognized the right of the negro to govern white men…” – part of a quote by Sen. Benjamin Tillman of South Carolina in 1900.

We may have a holiday, that some get to enjoy, but I’d rather have the dream and a golf game without a call for lynching.


**I want to thank DeWayne Wickham for his comments in USAToday.com that allowed me to get the quote and link for the full speech of Senator “Pitchfork Ben” Tillman. The full speech can be found here.**

Tiger Woods comment impacts Dr. Martin Luther King birthday - 1.16.2008.1

With all the news on politics of late, little has been mentioned today about Dr. Martin Luther King. Equally little has been mentioned about events that slap the face of what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for, strived to do, and the day is meant to commemorate. Some of those events include the actions against Wesley Snipes (as I have been able to discern), the inference to the death of Tiger Woods, and the attacks on Senator Barack Obama.

I’ve already discussed Mr. Snipes, and to a degree Senator Obama. So I will start with DR. Martin Luther King. Since the death of Dr. King 2 days before I was born, there have been calls for a way to commemorate his life and life goal of racial equality in America. In 1986, after years of fights against the idea Dr. King became the first and only African American to have a federal holiday. Of course unlike most Federal holidays, virtually everyone has to work on this day, and it replaced an already existing holiday in 27 states (which helped get the day passed into law). Sadly more people enjoy a day off on Columbus Day than this one.

For those that are not old enough to realize it, one of the major reasons that there is a holiday today is because for over a decade the day before Election Day was a day that a majority of African Americans would take off. Kids did not go to school, nothing was bought in stores (big ticket items), adults were always sick. It was a social outcry that is unmatched today. And even with that statement, it took 18 years for many states to finally accept the day, though many ignored the holiday completely. All this in just my lifetime to date.

My point is that such willful ignorance of racial imbalance, and disrespect of an honorable and courageous man does not go away in a handful of years. It has gotten better, but to believe it is gone is ignorant and foolish in my opinion.

Which brings me to the comments against Tiger Woods. As some are aware during the recent Mercedes-Benz Championship tournament Kelly Tilghman, an announcer for the Golf Channel, suggested that Tiger Woods be lynched. The conversation surrounding that comment was in terms of what could be done by up-coming players to take on Tiger. One announcer suggested they gang up on Tiger, to which Ms. Tilghman stated

“Lynch him in a back alley”

Not knock him out. Not tie him down. She stated calmly, kill him in a brutal and public manner because he is Black (no matter how Tiger describes his racial history) on national cable programming. No matter how it may be excused, or what she wanted to convey, that is what she said.

The definition of lynching is –

“Any act of violence inflicted by the assemblage of two or more persons, without color or authority of law, for the premeditated purpose and with the premeditated intent of committing an act of violence upon the person of another which results in the death of the person.”

Concluded in part 2...

Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 2 - 10.22.2007.2

Continued from Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 1...

"Last year, there was a little bit of racism, but it didn't surface as much because there weren't as many minorities. I never thought I was in danger or anything, but this year it's starting to escalate more, so now I'm starting to get kind of worried." - Jasmine Whaley a 15-year-old sophomore.

Does that sound like a place immune to racism, or where the predominant racial majority chose to ignore their own actions against others? I mean one of the greatest points of racism that is never addressed is the fact that many Whites don’t see any racism ever. The Superintendent seemed to think there was none until this event, while at least one student interviewed has seen it grow over a little more than a year. And this is hardly an isolated event.

I plan to delve into a case of racism that has been brought to my attention, in a vocational college in Pennsylvania, in the near term. But where is the insight from the major media that has far more resources and personnel than I do? Why do they fear addressing this issue?

I know that this isn’t the 1960’s, and racial conflict stories aren’t popular. That doesn’t mean they are irrelevant. More importantly as nooses, guns and racial slurs are being noted in schools, and kidnapping and torture occurs virtually without any media coverage, we are being told that there is one problem in our nation.

Perhaps if the nation is defined as Whites only. I won’t say that every White American thinks like that. But when I see nooses in Long Island police stations, Jena, and a dozen other locations, when I read about the rape, torture and kidnapping of a woman, and more cases of violence against Blacks and other minorities it seems obvious that there are more than a few that do think like that. And as Superintendent George presents, many more that just won’t see this racism before them.

Some thing needs to be done. The issues need to be addressed. Because I think if you closed your eyes and imagined that 6 black men and women repeatedly raped a White woman, poured boiling water on her, stabbed her, chocked her with a noose, and ripped her hair out that there would be national media attention that would be covered from dawn to dawn until the offenders were found guilty and sentenced to life in jail. If you doubt that, just count the hours of coverage on the Bobby Cutts case.

The question should be asked. Why is there such a disparity in justice in America today? Why is the major media terrified to present that disparity? Who benefits from this lopsided presentation of the nation?

Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? - 10.22.2007.1

I find it interesting how the media works. Months after everything happened in Jena; the media pops up and gets involved as if this were a new thing. But, since this is an obvious example of prejudice and legal bias in the 21st century, the media felt it necessary to ignore the Megan Williams case in West Virginia. As if the quota were filled for the racial injustice for the month.

But that’s not all. The media seemed to feel a need to prove that such injustice was not one-sided. Thus there was a big splash made when a young White teen was assaulted in Virginia by 6 Black teens. But in day 2 of the building coverage that was describing how horrible this racial incident was, and cries of justice were coming from media pundits, they were let down. Let down by facts like the police stating live on-air that this was not a racial act. In fact this was a provoked incident, one that the White teen caused prior to the “sudden attack” which just happened to occur on tape made by his friend who did nothing to prevent the fight, nor defend his friend.

Can’t you hear the major media executives groaning at the loss of that story? Because they killed it right after that announcement. Not another mention of the story since that utterance by the Norfolk police.

Yet throughout all this searching for equality in ratings, and a diminishment of guilt there has been a blind eye turned to the obvious and recurrent. Sure there has been a special about the increase in nooses in the news. But no one asked if it’s an increase of the major media just paying attention. And at the same time we saw that Ellen Degeneris whining about a dog was worth of 2 days of coverage as opposed to an extra 5 minutes about Megan Williams, or the emergence of problems at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA.

Haven’t heard about that have you? I imagine not.

To give you a breakdown, possibly some time in the first week of October 3 White teens, possibly members of the known and allowed “redneck row” verbally attacked 3 non-White students and threw paper at them. While it may sound innocuous, this incident lead to rumors that same day that the next day guns would be brought in and riots were planned. What fun.

And this pastime was a shock to local residents.

"Perhaps we were lulled into a false sense that our school district was immune to racism and bigotry." - Superintendent John George

Imagine that. In a town of 9,000 that has 3 percent Hispanics and Blacks represent 2 percent in the high school. No racism or bigotry. Never mind the confederate flags and “redneck row”. Suddenly they have a race issue.

Continued in part 2...

Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 2 - 10.2.2007.4

Continued from Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 1...

So when some say things like

“I also didn’t grow up in an area where there were drug dealers on the corner. I didn’t grow up in an area where there were gun shots nightly. But why do these things happen in black communities throughout America. Is that White America’s fault?”

Blacks understand that we didn’t choose to have drugs in our neighborhoods. They were brought there to us, and integrated into or communities decades ago. They were allowed to flourish, so long as it was not in the more affluent and ‘White’ communities, though Whites were given carte blanche to go in and out making their purchases.

Drugs promote violence, guns being one symptom of that. Were police truly interested in removing that violence, decades ago they could have stopped, or lessened this. They chose not to, because it’s ‘not their people’ affected. Even if you do not agree, that is the impression we grow up learning.

How can any White American understand all of this? That Black on White crime is debatably 60% more likely to end up with a Black conviction. That Blacks convicted are 3x more likely to have longer sentences on equivalent charges. That the media routinely presumes Black guilt at every instance.

Imagine, if you are not African American, how you might feel knowing that you’re that great-grandfather was lynched, your grandfather was not allowed an education, that your parents were refused a place to live all because of their color.

That your mother was paid less money than her peers, that your grandmother was only allowed to wash other peoples clothing, and your great-grandmother could only get work as a maid by people who routinely referred to her as a racial slur.

Are these absolute facts? No, but they are common enough history that most have multiple elements of this in their background.

Yet for all this, the average African American goes to work everyday. Children grow up getting as good an education as possible and overwhelmingly most are not into drugs. And nearly all deal with the fact that America fears them without issue.

Conversely, White women hold purses tight when Blacks pass by. Security in malls and stores follow Blacks, ignoring actual criminals that happen to not be Black. Police act with a presumption of impending violence even at routine traffic stops. The media constantly portrays every image of poverty and criminality with a Black face, though the quantity of Whites with these issues outnumbers Blacks.

Imagine that life. Imagine living under that pressure everyday. Imagine that you were me. And then tell me you could go to college, own a business, and never be an addict. Tell me that your friends and family would go to college and raise families without drugs. Tell me that you could not just survive but thrive in that environment.

I do, my family does. So do the families of my friends. But how many “Average Americans” could survive a day under this scrutiny and pressure. How many fail to have prosperous lives without any of these obstacles?

It’s not about who is better. It’s about understanding what the facts are, and how we all can get closer to a world that these things are no longer happening. The first step is comprehension. Not the denial that “Average American” posed. From that point we can move forward. At least I think so.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Another reaction to 'Average American' comments - 10.2.2007.3

So the recent comments by ‘Average American’ and my response got me thinking a bit. I started to wonder about the differences between Blacks and Whites here in America. There are many but there is no real discussion on what they are. I mean what makes us think the way we do?

I mean, think about this. Why do some White Americans view African Americans as they do?

White Americans never have to face the issues other minorities in America have to. Lucky them. I mean think about it.

From almost the first day of life things start to take shape. As more and more parents integrate the television as part of the raising of a child, it increases its influence on their vision of the world. 98% of all people on television, virtually without regard of what channel you pick, are White. The same applies to movies, video games and media in general. A sense of being trapped and minimized tends to begin then.

When Blacks go to school, those in the inner cities tend to be taught with substandard supplies. Thus they are steps behind in being able to achieve the American dream, or to even surpass the lives their parents lived. The inner cities pose other problems as well. As children grow up they see an increased police presence, which is rarely pleasant or helpful. Many are different than them, and none live in their neighborhoods. If seen in action they are constantly after other African Americans, and spare little pain in apprehending them.

Add to this another factor, when shopping with their parents children get to observe their African American parents being followed throughout ever store they are in. Not being helped, or trusted or given the pleasantries of other customers just watched with a presumption of planning a crime.

In this world of disparity, the children grow to understand they are different. That they will have to just deal with these and other reactions. There is nothing they can do about that and just deal with it.

In school, those with non-traditional names will tend to have lower scores and be called upon less by teachers. Isn’t all this fun?

In inner city neighborhoods, police officers that patrol the area are seemingly unaware of crack and drug houses, while every junkie, addict, and normal working person does. This creates an atmosphere of constant danger.

Random violence from these individuals, who seem to be constantly around at all times of day and night without police attention and the low-life dealers engage in this violence to protect areas of control to supply local area residents and multiple non-African American clients. Those clients of the drug dealers tend to drive expensive cars, driving from the suburbs to spend 5 minutes in these lower income areas, and back home all without the intervention or notice of police officers even though they stand out dramatically at 4am. Thus another lesson that police intend to protect only certain people from certain actions.

Continued in part 2...

Response to 'Average American' comment on comparing news coverage Part 3 - 9.28.2007.3

Continued from Response to 'Average American' comment on comparing news coverage Part 2...

When you say

We all know how it works, there will be no justice here or anywhere Al or Jessie chose to spin the truth.

Who do you mean by “WE”? If you imply White America you may be correct. But that is yet another reason why this is a problem. The truth of this case has been discussed on blogs for MONTHS prior to the case ever being spoken by Jesse Jackson, Senator Clinton or the major news media. The Johnny-come-lately news media has yet to cover all the facts, from start to finish on this case because they don’t know. They are still trying to figure out what happened, while bloggers have long discussed it.

If you mean that Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton bringing this to national attention because major news media ignored it is spin, all the better. I am no fan of sensationalized events. I have commented on what I feel are the short-comings of both reverends. Yet there is no question that this is a newsworthy item that the media ignored, in my opinion, because of the racial component.

As for no justice, well I believe that happened when the Jena 6 were charged with attempted murder, that they were charged as adults, that no charges were brought against those that hung the nooses, and when the shotgun was brought to the school. Where was the justice in all those acts?

Were is the justice in the media ignoring Me. Megan Williams, or Jonathan Riches, or Sean Bell? Who does this blind-eye benefit? None of these cases are separate, and all indicate a pervasive problem in America.

You make an accusation against the reverends, claiming that

You can not seek equality and justice by perpetrating the exact opposite.

I ask, where have they committed crimes? What have they done that is vile or dangerous? How have they prevented justice from being done? As far as I am aware, while you might call some of their actions grandstanding, they have not violated any rights or broken laws (with exception of civil disobedience which is not violent – and they were charged and served their punishment for).

Lastly you come to Rodney King. Obviously you come to this with a certain frame of mind. Your focus is on the prior actions of Mr. King, which could not and were not known that night. There was no prior knowledge or justification for 6 or more POLICE officers to stun and beat a man repeatedly for a traffic violation. I ask you, if this were a White man with the same criminal record, or without one, being beaten in the same manner would you still think that the beating was justified as you imply?

To say that this was a critical point, that this changed things in the nation, I disagree. The difference was that there was a videotape of the event. There was no tape when I was driving with friends and the police decided to pull us over and draw guns on ME in the passenger seat, while asking the 2 White guys in the back seats if they were ok. No ticket, no problem with the car. Just that question while I held my hands to the top of the car with 2 guns on me. (The driver was Asian if that matters in your mind. Oh no one in the car took drugs or had been drinking, in case you wondered.)

There was no camera when I was in college and was walking home from buying cigarettes and had officers roll up and pull guns on me. While they were looking for someone, I could clearly hear that they were looking for a White male with blonde hair, it’s what the dispatcher was saying on their radio and I could hear it at a distance of roughly 20 feet. Yet with that fact, as I stood under a streetlamp, in 1987 New Brunswick NJ, I spent the next 20 minutes providing my identity and waiting for them to confirm that they were looking for a White, blonde haired male with a gun pointing at me and my hands in the air. Rodney King was not special, it was just video taped.

Concluded in part 4...

Response to 'Average American' comment on comparing news coverage - 9.28.2007.1

This is in response to a comment from Average American on my post Compare White and Black news coverage Part 2 - 9.25.2007.2. My response was so long I felt it was better as a post of it's own. Please refer to the link to see the comment that lead to this post.


Thank you for responding Average American.

I too feel I am an Average American. I’m 39, of Black Puerto Rican decent and grew up in the Bronx going to public schools. As I state in my bio, I did not grow up in any special way and wealth was never a factor in my young life.

Given that, I do recall how the N-word was used back in the 70’s and throughout my life, including recently. I can recite multiple events, in New York City and the Northeast, where race and law enforcement directly collided against me. Oh, let me add another fact of my life. I’ve never been arrested nor involved in any crime. Yet off the top of my head I can recall several incidents where I have had police draw guns on me, while at college or driving on the parkway, or driving down Hollywood Blvd with friends (White and Asian). I have lived with the knowledge first-hand and through observation that race is a MAJOR factor in how the law and justice are applied in America.

I also have spoken with friends of mine of other races and found that consistently White Americans are not faced with these same events and outcomes. To deny the fact of how race affects issues in my decades of life is to ignore facts that exist. You may not have experienced them, or not recognized when they happened, but that does not change that they happen.

While I agree that if, in the Jena 6 case, race is not considered there is no question that there was an attack made. There is no question that there were 6 against 1. There is some dispute, as stated by Rev. Jesse Jackson and others, whether or not the victim was kicked and/or when he became unconscious. That makes this a crime and prosecution is justified. No one has questioned that.

The question is the application of the law. The victim was not seriously injured. He attended a dance, or some other social event, later that same day. If murder was the intent, 6 people are more than enough to accomplish this, especially if he were unconscious. This was a fight, lopsided but a fight all the same. To charge attempted murder is over the top.

In comparison, days earlier a White student brought a shotgun to school to intimidate one or several Black students. That student, in a nation that has endured Columbine and college shootings, was not charged or reprimanded. Is not a firearm attempted murder when used in this manner? Where is the justice and equal treatment under the law?

While you might say this is a hate crime, I disagree. Were this a random White male selected you might be right. But this student was part of a group of White males that attacked one of the Jena 6; I believe it was Mr. Bell, the day prior striking him allegedly with a bottle. The attack by the 6 Black males was an opportunistic attack in retribution. If the first attack the day earlier, and the shotgun being brought to school, are not hate crimes, then neither is the Black males fight. In fact because this was retaliation on other violence it can be easily argued that race was never a factor.

Continued in part 2...

Reaction to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill O'Reilly Part 3 - 9.27.2007.3

Continued from Reaction to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill O'Reilly Part 2...

I must admit my annoyance with Whites that presume to understand Black America’s issues and present answers with a sense of moral authority. Yes, Mr. O’Reilly is correct that fathers in the community are a major issue, but it is not the only one. Rev. Jackson presented several others that are equally important.

The rant by Bernie (I forget his last name, and honestly have lost massive respect for him after attacking Rev. Jackson) presuming to understand what ails African Americans smacks of the classic ‘White Savior and Protector’ image that portrayed, and continues to, Blacks as jungle savages. Bernie needs to be reminded that Africans created the number system the world uses today. Africans made the pyramids that cannot be duplicated today. Africans have helped create the world that exists today, in virtually every field of endeavor that Man is aware of at this time, and the slave descendants of those Africans continue to be important in America today.

We are as diverse in our culture, though major media ignores this, as much as any group in America today. To say that there is just a simple answer and that he UNDERSTANDS what I have gone through in this life is preposterous. At the best he may comprehend, but it is impossible for him to understand, much in the way I could not understand what it is to be White or female in America.

I can continue to go on. The issues are far flung and deep-rooted in American culture. Fear is a major factor; I have live through many aspects of it. The problems are multiple and come from within and without the Black community. [As I have noted before, having books older than myself while in high school, being denied word and training as a stockbroker because of my looks, being prodded to get into a fight because my manner of dress is upscale and mashed an obviously weak and tiny ego, and far more]

The point is that this is a discussion that needs to be continued. I hope that Mr. O’Reilly is incorrect. Whites need to speak up. Debate, especially passionate debate, must occur. Fear can only be defeated by action.

I will close with this though, but when I get more composed and when I get to read some of the responses from you my readers. I will come back to this.

The only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Franklin D. Roosevelt

**I am posting this here and at Black & White Blog. That is a site where discussion on racial issues are exchanged between myself and the other co-contributor, who happens to be White. For those uncomfortable commenting here for whatever reason, I suggest commenting there as an option.**

Reaction to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill O'Reilly Part 2 - 9.27.2007.2

Continued from Reaction to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill O'Reilly Part 1...

I do not deny that I have criticized Rev. Jackson and Sharpton for their actions in recent years. I still question why they have not lent their considerably publicly accessible voices to the tragedy in West Virginia, or the absence of reporting on Jonathan Riches, or why the major media seems to have completely forgotten the Congressional hearings on the music industry, specifically dealing with gangsta rap. I feel they can make far more noise than most, gaining attention to these matters that demand attention.

Am I glad they are raising the bar on what is being reported on Jena 6? Definitely. Should this have happened months ago? Without question. Do I feel that the major news media is seeking any means possible to avoid the subject and their abysmal responses? Do you even need to question that?

Even so, this does not mean that the media can round up any figure they can get a hold of and allow vile personal attacks on people that are reporting facts they were first person witnesses to. The attacks on Mr. Juan Williams are not out of context. How dare he call any Black American a ‘Happy Negro’. Being Black does not justify such a comment, nor does it automatically allow news commentator at CNN the ability to not challenge such offensive actions. They would not allow a White interviewee to get away with such a comment, nor should a Black one.

I feel insulted that the implication made by CNN is, via their acceptance and lack of action on the insulting attack on Mr. Juan Williams, that any African American (or Latino/Hispanic, Asian and so forth) that agrees in part or whole with views of Mr. O’Reilly is an Uncle Tom, mindless, foolish, minstrel. Would they let someone call a Spanish public figure a spic? Or an Irish one a ‘Happy Mick’? How about an Italian as a ‘Happy Wop’? Is my point made?

Since when have African American been relegated to a singular viewpoint? Since when did anyone get to be the singular voice of African Americans determining what is or is not permissible Blacks? How dare CNN allow such an image to be created, without question or challenge!

I know I have long said that I do not feel that Rev. Jackson or Sharpton are Black ‘leaders’, but that does not mean they are not important figures. I do not believe that this means that any person chosen by major news media can spout any kind of commentary and it be taken as gospel. Being Black does not mean you can say anything you please about other Blacks, nor does it excuse Whites from standing up and correcting such vicious and unwarranted attacks.

Continued in Part 3...

Reaction to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bill O'Reilly - 9.27.2007.

**I am posting this here and at Black & White Blog. That is a site where discussion on racial issues are exchanged between myself and the other co-contributor, who happens to be White. For those uncomfortable commenting here for whatever reason, I suggest commenting there as an option.**

I hope that Fox News, and Mr. Bill O’Reilly make the transcript of the program tonight, September 27, 2007, available to the public. They covered a large number of issues, all of which need to be dealt with more in depth. The conversation needs to be had. And I found Bernie Goldman’s (I believe that is his last name) comments about Rev. Jesse Jackson offensive, cruel and unjustified.

I agree that the whole issue on O’Reilly has detracted from more important issues. I was unaware of the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock 9 (I’m not that old) occurred during all this hoopla. I’ve mentioned several issues that I am aware of that also have been unfairly ignored.

I must mention that I found the words of Rev. Jackson riveting. This is perhaps the best conversation and most informative allocution I have heard from him in decades. There has never been a question in my mind of his intelligence. I have a great deal of respect for his past actions and achievements. At the same time, I admit that I have found fault with his more current actions and failure to address issues that I feel are very important. The same can be said, to a lesser degree of my feelings towards Rev. Al Sharpton.

Rev. Jackson has to be commended for finally being the person that got the actual story of the Jena 6 out to the media. Until this conversation, major news media has picked at parts of this case, sensationalizing aspects of it and ignoring others. Every major news station and news media outlet can share in the blame for failing to properly cover the Jena 6 for MONTHS.

I also have no problem stating that I agree with Mr. O’Reilly, and Mr. Juan Williams, that the absence of fathers is a major source of the issues in the Black community. I do not feel that it is the root of the problem. Mr. O’Reilly is correct that this goes back to the days of Slavery, and that fear motivates many of the actions of Whites (not all but in my opinion most) in America.

I have addressed the fear that prevents America from apologizing for Slavery. I have addressed the fear that prevents discussion of reparations. I have discussed how this fear leads to anger on both sides, and that this anger is a poison in America that is not going away.

I commend both Rev. Jackson and Mr. O’Reilly for honestly stating the issues before America, and denouncing racism – especially when it is used as a tool to manipulate and divide American opinion for the gain of a few extreme groups or worse yet, money.

There is no easy way to address race issues in America. Both sides, actually all sides are wrong at points, and absolutely right in others. All sides are passionate on their view. And there is no question that none completely understand the feelings and viewpoints of the others. Comprehend, sometimes but understand, ABSOLUTELY not.

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?

Compare White and Black news coverage - 9.25.2007.1

I find it interesting what has been reported yesterday and today. The news has made a big deal on an issue that you probably have seen. It’s the beating of the 13 year old boy in Norfolk, Virginia.

First things first, I do not advocate the violence this case is about. There is no reason that 6 people should beat upon one person. I don’t understand why kids today feel the need for such kinds of fights, if they must fight at all. If it takes so many to beat on one person, either that person is a real badass (a la Bruce Lee) or the attackers are punks. My opinion, like it or not, group/mob attacks are mindless and cowardly.

But there is an issue here beyond the fight. Actually several. The major news media and I will use Fox News again as I watch them predominantly, jumped on this story Monday. That was the first I saw anything on this case. Today I have noted that there is further follow up. 6 minutes of coverage occurred at 2:54pm alone.

I’ve seen the video tape and an interview with the boy several times by the point of this post. The media is being very generous in providing the view (which the boy and family promote) that this was a racial attack.

Yet it seems that this is incorrect. But before I go there, here are the apparent facts. The boy, who is white, was going to a basketball game on Saturday with his friend (who happens to be Black it was reported). Somewhere along this route they ran into the 6 boys, who range from 13-17 as reported, who then ‘suddenly’ started beating the kid. Luckily there was a friend of the boy being attacked who stood there and videotaped the altercation. Portions of that videotape are what are seen on Fox News.

So, we have a portion of a fight, showing several kids fighting one kid. The attackers are Black. And the media is making a lot of noise on this. But why is the supposed friend of the kid taping this and not helping his friend? Is this another Youtube fight that went too far? The kid was beaten, but seems to walk away from the fight without serious harm, and seemed fine when interviewed Monday. I’m not excusing the actions, just investigating the facts as the news should have done.

Why would the 6 ‘suddenly’ do this? Was it racial? Well, today the police of Norfolk have stated, on air, that this was not racial. It seems there is something that the White teenager did previously that motivated the attack. So much for the racial claims major news media jump on at first. And the presumed innocence that they implied in the coverage. That doesn’t make it right, it just points out a bias.

Now I ask this, why was the major news media so quick to cover this story and totally ignore the Jena 6 situation? Both had a white kid being beaten by several Black kids. Both were allegedly over racial issues. Both were in the South. What is the difference? Think about that, what is the difference?

Continued in part 2...

Issues stemming from Jena 6 Conclusion - 9.23.2007.4

Continued from Issues stemming from Jena 6 Part 3...

mike vass: No, he is going to be released.

MH: No he is not being released. Check CNN.

mike vass: I stand corrected, what is happening then?

MH: I am still reading. That sucks, even after the protest they still didn’t get "justice".

mike vass: Not really. But protest has been ongoing for months. At least now there is a chance, Congress is supposed to get involved.

MH: Which makes my point. I think that is just a spin.

mike vass: It is, but it may get justice served along the way. They may be self-serving, but he may get help by accident.

MH: So in order for us to get justice, we need to call Al and the gang and have a march?

mike vass: We need to pursue it, and realize it won't happen immediately. If we stop it's like stopping swimming, you drown. May still die while swimming, but at least you have a chance.

MH: We need to get the hell out of the pool then. This is crazy.

mike vass: You can only get out of the pool if you win, and we aren't winning.

MH: We only make up 12 percent of this country, we will never win.

mike vass: Actually, we are at 15% and Hispanics are 15%. We are roughly 1-3 for people of color, which means things have to start to change.

MH: Oh excuse me. So even if we and the Hispanics teamed up (don’t hold your breath) and really rallied, we would still be basically doing nothing. We don’t even like our own people.

mike vass: But how depends on what we do, and not being divided, or distracted (like by trying to be the next sports star, or the whole rap/hip-hop thing).

MH: Black Americans don’t like Jamaicans, Puerto Ricans don’t like Dominicans. But we get bent out of shape when whites don’t want us around.

mike vass: No real reason for it. But it makes things easy for others to maintain control.

MH: Jamaicans are idiots because they say "Black Americans allowed themselves to be mistreated during slavery so they are now lazy." Which is asinine. Black Americans think "West Indian men beat their women and cheat on them all the time and they are arrogant."

mike vass: That’s so stupid.

MH: Yes it is. Which is why I can see why Whites don’t like us.

mike vass: Where does all this come from?

MH: We spend too much time doing stupid things. It comes from the fact that the English were much more humane to their slaves (Black Caribbean’s) than American slave owners were. They were not beaten nor treated as harshly as American slaves were. So there was some level of pride left in Jamaican slaves, when they were freed, they were in a better position and they look down on American slaves.

mike vass: Ah, that makes a big difference.

MH: It does, but it’s stupid because we were all slaves. Hating one another doesn’t make sense.

mike vass: Exactly, still suffering the effects of all that.

MH: No he is not being released. Check CNN.

mike vass: I stand corrected, what is happening then?

MH: I am still reading. That sucks, even after the protest they still didn’t get "justice".

mike vass: Not really. But protest has been ongoing for months. At least now there is a chance, Congress is supposed to get involved.

MH: Which makes my point. I think that is just a spin.

mike vass: It is, but it may get justice served along the way. They may be self-serving, but he may get help by accident.

MH: So in order for us to get justice, we need to call Al and the gang and have a march?

mike vass: We need to pursue it, and realize it won't happen immediately. If we stop it's like stopping swimming, you drown. May still die while swimming, but at least you have a chance.

MH: We need to get the hell out of the pool then. This is crazy.

mike vass: You can only get out of the pool if you win, and we aren't winning.

MH: We only make up 12 percent of this country, we will never win.

mike vass: Actually, we are at 15% and Hispanics are 15%. We are roughly 1-3 for people of color, which means things have to start to change.

MH: Oh excuse me. So even if we and the Hispanics teamed up (don’t hold your breath) and really rallied, we would still be basically doing nothing. We don’t even like our own people.

mike vass: But how depends on what we do, and not being divided, or distracted (like by trying to be the next sports star, or the whole rap/hip-hop thing).

MH: Black Americans don’t like Jamaicans, Puerto Ricans don’t like Dominicans. But we get bent out of shape when whites don’t want us around.

mike vass: No real reason for it. But it makes things easy for others to maintain control.

MH: Jamaicans are idiots because they say "Black Americans allowed themselves to be mistreated during slavery so they are now lazy." Which is asinine. Black Americans think "West Indian men beat their women and cheat on them all the time and they are arrogant."

mike vass: That’s so stupid.

MH: Yes it is. Which is why I can see why Whites don’t like us.

mike vass: Where does all this come from?

MH: We spend too much time doing stupid things. It comes from the fact that the English were much more humane to their slaves (Black Caribbean’s) than American slave owners were. They were not beaten nor treated as harshly as American slaves were. So there was some level of pride left in Jamaican slaves, when they were freed, they were in a better position and they look down on American slaves.

mike vass: Ah, that makes a big difference.


MH: It does, but it’s stupid because we were all slaves. Hating one another doesn’t make sense.

mike vass: Exactly, still suffering the effects of all that.


I hope this conversation was of use and interest. I want to thank Michael H. for allowing me to present this to everyone. And thank you to everyone that read it all.

Issues stemming from Jena 6 Part 3 - 9.21.2007.3

Continued from Issues stemming from Jena 6 Part 2...

MH: Well then here is the crux. The black student wasn’t arrested for sitting under the tree; they left nooses basically taunting him. Not hanging him outright. So what would have happened if he ignored it?

mike vass: Who knows? I feel a noose is more than a taunt. In the South that's a death threat.

MH: Agreed, a noose is more than a taunt.

mike vass: somehow I don't think it would have ended with the threat.

MH: We will never know, but the escalations that followed were done by blacks retaliating with physical harm.

mike vass: If you don't respond then it's a sign of fear and/or weakness and the aggressor pushes to see how far they can go. I agree that they reacted badly. But that was a death threat. Not justifying it, just a point.

MH: So then report it to the authorities, we have that right now as opposed to the 60's when we were on our own.

mike vass: True and I agree they should have. But to charge attempted murder is going overboard. Especially when other fights around that time, by whites against blacks, were never given charges most of the time and the ones that were got misdemeanors.

MH: Why is it overboard? It was 6 to 1 right? Were blacks beaten up? If the colors were reversed, how would it play out?

mike vass: Yes. And it would be like in West Virginia with Megan Williams.

MH: This is not in WV

mike vass: Fine, but nothing so serious would have happened. It wouldn't make the news or the blogs. You know that.

MH: But would justice be served? That is the important thing, not whether I can see it on CNN. If it doesn’t make it on TV and the people have been prosecuted correctly then I don’t need to see it. TV would probably put a negative spin on it anyway.

mike vass: Does justice get served now? Jonathan Riches took 43 years to get arrested and convicted and not a blip on national news. And as true as your words are, it isn't getting prosecuted correctly.

MH: And it’s on the TV, so what is the difference?

mike vass: For every one case we do hear of there are 15 that don't get any attention. I mean it took months to get this news out on the Jena 6, and bloggers were speaking about it for months. Oh, by the way, I just heard one kid just had his conviction overturned. Which is more just.

MH: But it didn’t make a difference, the boy is still in jail.

Continued in Part 4...

Issues stemming from Jena 6 Part 2 - 9.23.2007.2

Continued from Issues stemming from Jena 6 Part 1...

mike vass: Given. These are all very true points. So where is the issue with what I said? I tried to address and suggest sparking debate over those feelings.

MH: Had the black student kept those facts in mind, he would not have asked to sit under a tree where it was CLEARLY seen to be a white’s only area, or whatever. Why did he have to choose THAT area?

mike vass: Why shouldn't he be able to is the question. Not that he should have, but should be able to. And why did they have to respond with a threat of death? Especially over a tree.

MH: No we know why he shouldn’t be able to. Because he should be able to sit where he wants.

mike vass: Because of segregation and racism.

MH: Which is the norm in the South.

mike vass: Which I address in the post.

MH: Which is why he didn’t need to sit there.

mike vass: That's why this nation will always have race issues. It's also why there will never be an apology for slavery.

MH: This nation will always have race issues because there will always be racists. I don’t want an apology for slavery. You can never apologize for that. But whether there are laws telling whites to accept me or not, will not change the fact that they will not want me around them if they don’t like me.

mike vass: I agree

MH: Then the real question is how far do I want to push the issue knowing that the more I try to integrate myself, I will certainly run into resistance. Is it worth it just to prove a point? Just to be able to sit under a tree?

mike vass: Sometimes yes. Because if you don't try to sit under a tree, eventually you can't sit in a diner, and so on. Especially as kids today pay less attention to the issues that affects them, and buy into the commoditization of being black.

MH: I don’t think so. A diner is not a tree. The tree was not specifically mapped out for whites only. It just so happens that the groups of whites have always been under that tree.

mike vass: A diner can become one with time. The point is the segregation and not where it happens. It just so happens that they may eat at a diner, or go to a classroom. Where is the difference?

Continued in Part 3...

Issues stemming from Jena 6 - 9.23.2007.1

The following is a conversation that I had recently with my best friend Michael H. (MH). MH has known me since elementary school. I think this conversation may be of interest for some, because it’s separate views on this Jena 6 issue.

MH, like many in America, only recently became aware of the situation. He has heard of some of the details and discussed the matter with me. He is my age, college educated, and a father. He currently lives in the South, though we both grew up in the Bronx, and he moved south relatively recently.

I thank my friend for allowing me to share this conversation with you all. Take what you will from this.


Michael H (MH): I have a problem. This whole Jena 6 issue got started because a black student wanted to sit under a tree. Not a library, a diner, or the front of the bus. A f***** tree.

mike vass: yep.

MH: Now I know that he did have a right to sit under a tree, but should we have all this media attention based on the fact that tempers got flared, and a boy is now in jail because he and 5 others beat up another student.

mike vass: They were charged with attempted murder. One of the boys got 15 years, though it's being review by the courts. One of the kids was a minor and was charged, and convicted as an adult.

MH: Well was it attempted murder?

mike vass: Nope, the kid that was beat up was at an event (a dance) that same day. It was just a high school fight.

MH: I have heard of minors being charged as adults under extenuating circumstances

mike vass: These weren't them

MH: I am not familiar with all the details but is the battered student really worse off?

mike vass: Nope the kid is fine. He was bruised but nothing serious.

MH: I just have an issue with the viewpoint you make in your post. I have 2 facts of reality I come into the discussion with.

1) If you are a black person in the South, you have to be careful about racists

2) No matter how you try, you cant legislate people's feelings

Continued in Part 2...

A conversation on the Jena 6 Part 2 - 9.21.2007.3

Continued from A conversation on the Jena 6 Part 1...

When that segregation was acknowledged and challenged, the response was to place nooses on the tree. That is a powerful message, especially in the South. When my friend thinks about a noose he thinks of a hanging, but I informed him that for an African American it evokes an image of a BLACK person being hung – a lynching. And when that happens in the South you get the image of KKK and slavery. It’s very different for me to see that and for my friend. I wanted him to comprehend that. I know he cannot understand it as I do, but the comprehension that those nooses are a death threat. It makes the difference of how the reactions unfolded. It provoked anger, and that is not an excuse. Violence is a bad response to provocations, but it is one response when death is the message.

As I recall, back in the 1970’s a court (I believe the Supreme Court) held that incendiary words exist, and their use could provoke actions. These actions could be crimes, but due to the incendiary words the punishment could be minimized or removed. I’m not a lawyer but I recall that well [any lawyers that know better or the exact case, feel free to correct/support me here]. Thus, back then, if an African American were called the N-word, and he beat the crap out of a White man that said it to him, the incendiary clause could be used as a defense.

The nooses were the incendiary. The tree is the segregation. Essentially what happened and was said is, in my opinion, ‘Hey N*****, you don’t belong here. Go away.’ When that was challenged with the thought that segregation doesn’t have a place in 21st century America the response was ‘Uppity N***** I will KILL you.’ Which lead to the violence.

Perhaps it’s the fact that African Americans still feel the weight of the past of America on them, or that America has never apologized for slavery (nor willing to provide reparations as the nation has for other groups that were wronged in the past) because America is not beyond the thoughts of that time, but this is the sentiment that still pervades the nation.

It goes both ways. As my friend correctly mentioned, there are places that he cannot go in New York City. There are places that any race or ethnicity cannot go in America, to this day. We have not gone as far as most of us wish we have. And as long as we don’t address the root of the problem, we never will.

America has its head in the sand when it comes to race relations and segregation and prejudice. Slavery is a subject no one wants to speak about. Reparations is so terrifying a concept, because of what it addresses, every Presidential candidate except one (not Senator Barack Obama) refused to even speak about it in a debate. And these events, like Jena 6, continue to happen.

Continued in Part 3...

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...

Major news media cowardly ignores the past - 8.24.2007.1

What an interesting day so far. There is a lot of news on the floods in the mid-West, Michael Vick’s admission of holding dogfighting at his property (though he won’t admit he gambled on the outcome or gruesomely killed dogs that lost), the 82 minutes that Nicole Ritchie spent in jail (real punishment there), and the minor charges placed against Lindsey Lohan (6 felony drug charges were dropped – you can bet neither you or I would get off that easy in the same position). A lot of news indeed, yet a rather large miscarriage of justice has gone unspoken.

Have you heard anything about James Ford Seale? No idea who he is? No idea what I’m alluding to? Perhaps you heard about a murder of 2 Black teenagers in Mississippi in 1964. The case went ‘unsolved’ for over 40 years, and I say ‘unsolved’ because local authorities knew exactly who did it as I understand.

In May 1964, the 2 men were abducted their bodies found 2 months later in the Mississippi River. James Seale was arrested for the murders and the charges were dropped. The case went cold and nothing was done about it for decades. Why? Because Seale was part of the Ku Klux Klan (allegdedly), and so were the local police and law enforcement officers. They just let him get away with murder.

Today, 43 years later, Seale has been convicted and sentenced to 3 life prison terms. Big deal. Wait for it. I say big deal because Seale is 72 years old, has cancer, bone spurs and other health issues. Basically this killer is about to kick the bucket and take his place in Hell next to Hitler and other self-glorified murdering scum, in my opinion. The few years or months that Seale will spend in prison will hardly impact him harshly enough to begin to account for what he did.

Seale kidnapped 2 men, in the prime of their lives, and drowned them in the Mississippi River. Because they were Black and wanted to be treated with the respect the Constitution and life provides. Such a crime and its motivation turns my stomach.

Even worse is the fact Seale will be receiving treatment for his ailments, and imprisoned, on my tax dollars. Were it up to me, Seale would receive a quick and public hanging. Nothing more, Seale would be lucky to get bread and water until that time.

James Seale has lived for 43 years, working, laughing, playing with every freedom we all hold dear without a thought for the lives he took. Seale earned a living, dated (I assume though I would hope that any woman would reject a person I can only think of as refuse), basically lived and now, at the end of his life he is expected to reflect on what he did. Had he been convicted and still in jail 40 years later, I would say he could reflect, but not now.

To say this is a miscarriage of justice is to say that Lindsey Lohan has a problem. It’s obvious and leaves a taste of bile in the mouth.

But, I have yet to see a single news brief on Fox News or CNN. Since 10 am, nothing has been said. There hasn’t been a whisper. Somehow I cannot see the justification that says this is not news. I think the 5 minutes used to discuss whether or not Camilla (the wife of Prince Charles) will show up at some event for Princess Diana, could have been used to discuss this case. This is far more relevant to most Americans. It makes a statement about where we were and where we may go. It highlights how screwed up the legal (not justice) system was, and continues to be. It shows how far irrational and illogical hate can go. It reminds us that as a nation we must always be aware that fear and fanatical beliefs are not just the property of terrorists and lunatics halfway around the world.

After 43 years of shadows, lies and looks the other way a semblance of justice has been enacted. This is not something that we as a nation need to avert our eyes from, but look towards. Like slavery (and reparations) we must address the fact that horrible crimes against humanity and these 2 men, Charles Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee, went unaddressed for decades with no reason better than law officers, the public, and the government in general did not want to think about it. How much further have we really come when justice finally is enacted and the major news media are too timid to shine a light on the dark corner of the recent past that is this nation’s history.

5 minutes. About as long as it takes to read this post. Yet even that is too much to honor the 2 lives lost one night 43 years ago. Perhaps the news isn’t that James Seale will die in prison, finally, but that the cowardice that allowed him to commit these crimes and remain free still pervades this nation.

This is what I think, what do you think?