Ludacris is not Senator Obama - understand Sean Hannity?

Name one thing that is potentially deadly to the political ambition of Senator Barack Obama and involves the youth of America.

Ludacris.

Or at least that is what the news media would love you to believe. And when I say news media I mean at least Sean Hannity, that I am aware of right now. But I have no doubt that there will be more than just a few that will try to use rapper Ludacris as a weapon against Senator Obama.

The problem is that Ludacris has released a video where he is lauding Senator Obama, and disparages Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator John McCain, Rev. Jesse Jackson and President Bush – in a manner only rappers would believe to be decent.

Here is the video – WARNING – some individuals and parents may find this objectionable. (note there are several versions of this video on Youtube, I have selected the least visually insulting version)



I agree with most of the news media that Ludacris is a poor representative of Senator Obama. His use of foul language, the N-word, and implications of women as valueless sacks of meat meant for the base enjoyment of men are all things I denounce and disagree with. Were that the only implication in the news media I would have no problem with their assault.

But that is not the case. The words and images of Ludacris are being used to intimidate White Americans. As displayed on Hannity & Colmes the lyrics are matched with images that are obviously meant to imply ‘watch out for the crazy violent Black men’. That I do not agree with.

When Senator Obama first met with Ludacris in 2006 it was at YouthAIDS ''Kick Me'' campaign to raise HIV/AIDS awareness. If preventing AIDS is not a positive, what is? What is violent or crazy about keeping our kids alive and healthy? Nothing, and it’s why the national news media had little to say about their conversation.

After Senator Obama declared his intention to run for the Democratic nomination, months later, a Youtube video came out called Obama Girl. While it was whimsical I heard no comments about how negative this expression of pro-Obama support was beyond its less than serious nature. The media was not rooting out the backgrounds of the performers looking to show how dangerous Obama was at the time. Of course at that time in 2007 Senator Clinton was still expected to garner the nomination.

When Will.I.Am made his popular and catchy music video demonstrating his support of Senator Obama no one raised an eyebrow. Yet Will.I.Am is a member of a music group that has used lyrics that while not as explicit as those used by rappers, is no less suggestive. Of course Senator Obama was still expected to lose to one of the White candidates at the time.

But now that Senator Obama is the Democratic nominee, and another Black musician has voiced his support – well things are different.

But how?

This is just another entertainer that supports Obama. This is just another expression of that support. And it has nothing to do with Senator Obama or his policies. This does not reflect on Obama’s intention to get out of Iraq, or reduce energy prices, or implement a national healthcare system. It’s just a guy saying he likes Obama more than McCain in a bad way.

Yet according to pundits I have seen and read this is Obama’s problem. As if he was singing the song himself. And others have stated how this song does not reflect the social morality and family values of middle America.

But Obama isn’t singing the song. Ludacris has nothing to do with his campaign. And the most recent data states that more than 55% of all rap music sales are because of White youth throughout America. So obviously it must match up with hordes of family values throughout the nation’s White families.

The point is that I can understand debating the policy issues of Senator Obama. I can respect supporters and detractors that have substantive reasons. But to play on stereotypical fears of racial ignorance is insulting and unwarranted.

Yes Ludacris went way too far. Yes he should apologize for the attacks he made. It’s true the Obama campaign denounced the video. But what does any of this have to do with Senator Obama besides the fact that both men are Black?

Sean Hannity was wrong for the manner in which he presented this news item. He was wrong to imply the racial component as he did in his program on July 30th. He too should apologize for the over the top suggestive presentation that he provided. He is no less wrong than Ludacris. And the news media needs to stop trying to create Rev. Wright fiascos for their ratings and newspaper sales, just because a Black entertainer – or just a person in general – supports Senator Obama.

Motorcycles of movies fame and dreams

Sometimes you just need to name drop. Most of the time someone does this it’s because they are trying to show off or impress someone. And just as often the person(s) listening to the name dropping are annoyed rather than impressed. But every once in a while the names are just a backdrop to the real excitement and meat of the conversation.

In this case the question is what do the following celebrities, entertainers, business owners and execs all have in common?

Neil Peart
Carlos Mencia
will.i.am
Will Smith
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
George Barris
Wally Dallenbach, Sr
Dan Gurney
Bob Lutz
Keith Urban
Von Dutch
Sara Liberte
"Big Daddy" Roth
Steve McQueen

Obviously motorcycles is the answer. But it’s not the point that they are all motorcycle owners, riders, and designers. It’s that their motorcycles are all being gathered for an exhibit that most have never seen before.



A collection of motorcycles whose owners span the entire entertainment field, along with classics both old ands new will be in one place – the Motorcycle Hall of Fame – for a blowout exhibit. Hardcore bikers and the merely curious are expected to see this presentation. Everyone is expected to find something to be awed by.

Now personally I want to see this show. I would love to see the bikes used by stuntmen in I Robot or T2 or by Steve McQueen (one of the original motorcycle stuntmen he did many of the riding scenes in The Great Escape). How they adapted them for the movies is an interesting thought to me.

Equally I want to see what some people with enough money to get a bike made or restored would buy. I can’t afford it but the above list surely can. When money isn’t a question what do you get.

And just seeing the different styles of bikes over time is worth the trip as well.

If you want to find out more about this exhibit or any future ones check the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.