Comments on: Obama Power Broker New Face of Black Politics http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/ A black bourgeoisie perspective on U.S. politics Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:48:55 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: JJ http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5570 JJ Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:30:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5570 @anonymous...do you have a point?<br/><br/>@fullnelson....I've got two masters degrees and eventually will have a PHd..I more than qualify as well educated. BUT too many times I've seen our supposed "leaders" forget about "us" when they get power and position under their belts.<br/><br/>This includes the "I marched with King" crew. So yes I'm skieptical. And some of these cats (Ford, Booker, Fenty) have given me pause. You don't just get my solidarity becaue you're Black. I call foul where I see it, regardless of color. @anonymous…do you have a point?

@fullnelson….I’ve got two masters degrees and eventually will have a PHd..I more than qualify as well educated. BUT too many times I’ve seen our supposed “leaders” forget about “us” when they get power and position under their belts.

This includes the “I marched with King” crew. So yes I’m skieptical. And some of these cats (Ford, Booker, Fenty) have given me pause. You don’t just get my solidarity becaue you’re Black. I call foul where I see it, regardless of color.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5557 Anonymous Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:31:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5557 Obama is surrounded by failed policymakers, including unreformed Students for Democratic Society leader Bill Ayers, now an education professor; Susan Rice, who, while at the State Department alienated the Eritrean Americans so that all 270,000-plus voted in bloc against Al Gore and was so slow that Osama bin Laden escaped the Sudanese police; and Tony Lake, who changed his mind at his nomination hearing as Bill Clinton's CIA director. Obama is surrounded by failed policymakers, including unreformed Students for Democratic Society leader Bill Ayers, now an education professor; Susan Rice, who, while at the State Department alienated the Eritrean Americans so that all 270,000-plus voted in bloc against Al Gore and was so slow that Osama bin Laden escaped the Sudanese police; and Tony Lake, who changed his mind at his nomination hearing as Bill Clinton’s CIA director.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5551 Anonymous Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:46:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5551 Assemblyman Dov Hikind yesterday predicted that Jewish voters would make "a mass movement toward Sen. McCain" if Barack Obama knocks Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the race in tomorrow's critical Democratic primaries.<br/><br/>Hikind, an Orthodox Jew whose Borough Park district includes the largest Hasidic bloc in the United States, blasted Obama for what he called his half-hearted support of Israel and his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., who has repeatedly praised anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has endorsed Obama. Assemblyman Dov Hikind yesterday predicted that Jewish voters would make “a mass movement toward Sen. McCain” if Barack Obama knocks Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the race in tomorrow’s critical Democratic primaries.

Hikind, an Orthodox Jew whose Borough Park district includes the largest Hasidic bloc in the United States, blasted Obama for what he called his half-hearted support of Israel and his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., who has repeatedly praised anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has endorsed Obama.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5550 Anonymous Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:44:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5550 "We have a sick political culture, and that's the environment Barack Obama came from," Jay Stewart, the executive director of the Chicago Better Government Association, told ABC News. He notes that, while Mr. Obama supported ethics reforms as a state senator, he has "been noticeably silent on the issue of corruption here in his home state, including at this point, mostly Democratic politicians." “We have a sick political culture, and that’s the environment Barack Obama came from,” Jay Stewart, the executive director of the Chicago Better Government Association, told ABC News. He notes that, while Mr. Obama supported ethics reforms as a state senator, he has “been noticeably silent on the issue of corruption here in his home state, including at this point, mostly Democratic politicians.”

]]> By: fullnelson http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5549 fullnelson Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:37:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5549 I attended Princeton University (though earlier than Michelle Obama), and the importance of public service was part of our indoctrination. We had several Black leaders (most notably and memorably, Shirley Chisholm, Florence Kennedy, Barbara Jordan) who challenged us to use our knowledge FIRST to serve our communities, and THEN to make a good living. What no one warned us of was that returning back to our communities would expose us to skepticism over our "true motives;" we became outsiders to the grass roots leaders, who immediately questioned the authenticity of our commitment. It is very satisfying that, a generation later, many of these well-educated African Americans have persisted in their interest in public service, to the point where we are seeing their success in politics, business, etc. Not surprisingly, though, their authenticity and commitment are STILL being questioned. We have to realize that "marching with King" is no longer the only way for someone to show s/he is "down." Just as kids mock and shun smart kids as "acting white," many adults display their own version of this nonsense. No doubt, this is as a result of racism, i.e., our own reactions to racism, but it has held us back from empowering those who have been lucky enough to receive educations that have allowed us to peak behind the curtain of power to gain an understanding of how it is best used. I am excited at the potential contributions of the Obama's, the West's, the Deval Patricks, etc., and look forward to the day when the rest of the African American community is willing to accept their commitment to uplifting Black folks and everyone else. I attended Princeton University (though earlier than Michelle Obama), and the importance of public service was part of our indoctrination. We had several Black leaders (most notably and memorably, Shirley Chisholm, Florence Kennedy, Barbara Jordan) who challenged us to use our knowledge FIRST to serve our communities, and THEN to make a good living. What no one warned us of was that returning back to our communities would expose us to skepticism over our “true motives;” we became outsiders to the grass roots leaders, who immediately questioned the authenticity of our commitment. It is very satisfying that, a generation later, many of these well-educated African Americans have persisted in their interest in public service, to the point where we are seeing their success in politics, business, etc. Not surprisingly, though, their authenticity and commitment are STILL being questioned. We have to realize that “marching with King” is no longer the only way for someone to show s/he is “down.” Just as kids mock and shun smart kids as “acting white,” many adults display their own version of this nonsense. No doubt, this is as a result of racism, i.e., our own reactions to racism, but it has held us back from empowering those who have been lucky enough to receive educations that have allowed us to peak behind the curtain of power to gain an understanding of how it is best used. I am excited at the potential contributions of the Obama’s, the West’s, the Deval Patricks, etc., and look forward to the day when the rest of the African American community is willing to accept their commitment to uplifting Black folks and everyone else.

]]> By: Ms.Martin http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5537 Ms.Martin Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:24:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5537 I agree with the bag of health and politics. But I also believe that there needs to be real talk about the issue that racism still exists and inn great detail.<br/><br/>I think you will all agree that with this presidential campaign it has reared its ugly head and those who usually hide behind it are having a difficult time containing their true feelings and motives.<br/><br/>I believe that the new elite who find themselves in positions of power, who still have to defend against being an African American, must find a way to address the issue. I agree with the bag of health and politics. But I also believe that there needs to be real talk about the issue that racism still exists and inn great detail.

I think you will all agree that with this presidential campaign it has reared its ugly head and those who usually hide behind it are having a difficult time containing their true feelings and motives.

I believe that the new elite who find themselves in positions of power, who still have to defend against being an African American, must find a way to address the issue.

]]> By: OBAMA mama http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5529 OBAMA mama Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:25:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5529 JJ, I'm the same age as Barack Obama, graduated from a 'wannabe' Ivy School, post civil-right, yada, yada...<br/><br/>But I'm feeling your issue too.<br/><br/>I think both issues are relevant. The fact that leaders like Deval Patrick, Cory Booker, etc. are in leadership positions is a good thing. <br/><br/>However..... and it's a big 'however' there are still people in power positions, especially in gov't position, who are just as racist as they come. <br/><br/>But also smart enough to keep their racism undercover. I see it on a daily basis, as I work in public health. Racism in 'undercover' ways. Things like requiring grassroots groups to submit documents via e-mail.<br/><br/>Sounds innocuous enough, unless you know that a great number of people of color don't have computers at home.<br/><br/>"Um, wonder why no black folks applied for this grant. Well, we tried..."<br/><br/>JJ, keep sayin' what you're saying!! There needs to be a middle ground on this point.<br/><br/>I don't think the 'post civil rights' candidates are running from being Black, but they do need to hear the 'real deal' about racism in public services. JJ, I’m the same age as Barack Obama, graduated from a ‘wannabe’ Ivy School, post civil-right, yada, yada…

But I’m feeling your issue too.

I think both issues are relevant. The fact that leaders like Deval Patrick, Cory Booker, etc. are in leadership positions is a good thing.

However….. and it’s a big ‘however’ there are still people in power positions, especially in gov’t position, who are just as racist as they come.

But also smart enough to keep their racism undercover. I see it on a daily basis, as I work in public health. Racism in ‘undercover’ ways. Things like requiring grassroots groups to submit documents via e-mail.

Sounds innocuous enough, unless you know that a great number of people of color don’t have computers at home.

“Um, wonder why no black folks applied for this grant. Well, we tried…”

JJ, keep sayin’ what you’re saying!! There needs to be a middle ground on this point.

I don’t think the ‘post civil rights’ candidates are running from being Black, but they do need to hear the ‘real deal’ about racism in public services.

]]> By: JJ http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5522 JJ Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:26:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5522 <i>nd that harvest will eventually bring real changes in lives of average African Americans</i><br/><br/>Hmmm....<br/><br/>I'm not convinced. nd that harvest will eventually bring real changes in lives of average African Americans

Hmmm….

I’m not convinced.

]]> By: The Bag of Health and Politics http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5521 The Bag of Health and Politics Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:24:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5521 And that harvest will eventually bring real changes in lives of average African Americans. At least, that is what I think. Which is why I think this is all a good thing. And that harvest will eventually bring real changes in lives of average African Americans. At least, that is what I think. Which is why I think this is all a good thing.

]]> By: The Bag of Health and Politics http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5520 The Bag of Health and Politics Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:23:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5520 What I think this shows me (to clarify my post above) is that the first wave of blacks educated at the elite law schools is now coming to power. This is really important because people like Patrick, Obama, and West can be outside of the stereotypical black politician--where a City Council Seat or a seat in the State House of Representatives is the pinnacle of power. Now we're seeing Governors and Senators; Mayors and District Attorneys. <br/><br/>That's really important, in my view. In a sense, what we're witnessing now is the first harvest of integration. What I think this shows me (to clarify my post above) is that the first wave of blacks educated at the elite law schools is now coming to power. This is really important because people like Patrick, Obama, and West can be outside of the stereotypical black politician–where a City Council Seat or a seat in the State House of Representatives is the pinnacle of power. Now we’re seeing Governors and Senators; Mayors and District Attorneys.

That’s really important, in my view. In a sense, what we’re witnessing now is the first harvest of integration.

]]> By: JJ http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5515 JJ Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:23:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5515 All this post-race talk causes me problems...I can't lie.<br/><br/>I keep reading about all these young Black folks who grew up post-civil rights and don't see race and "transcend" race...yadda, yadda.<br/><br/>Why are black folk expected to "transcend" race. And I'm leery of any Black person that doesn't see racial slight when its being played.<br/><br/>And some of these "post-black" candidates (Ford, Fenty and Booker come in mind) spend time NOT being the candidate who happens to be Black but RUNNING from being Black.<br/><br/>I'm 28...easily 20 years younger than these "young" politicians. Born and raised in a place where race was an EVERYDAY issue. So I don't get it.<br/><br/>And I'm leery of all the talk. All this post-race talk causes me problems…I can’t lie.

I keep reading about all these young Black folks who grew up post-civil rights and don’t see race and “transcend” race…yadda, yadda.

Why are black folk expected to “transcend” race. And I’m leery of any Black person that doesn’t see racial slight when its being played.

And some of these “post-black” candidates (Ford, Fenty and Booker come in mind) spend time NOT being the candidate who happens to be Black but RUNNING from being Black.

I’m 28…easily 20 years younger than these “young” politicians. Born and raised in a place where race was an EVERYDAY issue. So I don’t get it.

And I’m leery of all the talk.

]]> By: The Bag of Health and Politics http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/03/obama-power-broker-new-face-of-black-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-5514 The Bag of Health and Politics Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:06:00 +0000 http://s45368.gridserver.com/?p=907#comment-5514 This is interesting and a good thing all around. <br/><br/>As for Clinton, <a HREF="http://healthybagofpolitics.blogspot.com/2008/03/hillary-clintons-true-colors.html" REL="nofollow">her true colors came shining through tonight.</a> This is interesting and a good thing all around.

As for Clinton, her true colors came shining through tonight.

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