No black men did not raise the flag that is accurate, however black men fought and died in the south pacific. To not have them represented in this move ignores our contribution to the war effort. Spike Lee complained because the media has habit of making blacks invisible unless they are playing criminals..when it is something positive we are invisible. The media is an agent of socialization and therefore how blacks are presented is of paramount importance.

As for the old guard issue, I believe it comes down to power. They have ruled the black community for decades and so understandably they don’t want to let go of their influence and power. Tell me anyone who willingly abdicates power?

I have to say — that was my very first thought on reading the article.

Well, actually, it was my second thought. The first was that the first 2 paragraphs were messed-up in how they introduced the issues and set the stage … but messed-up in a way that also has plausible deniability for the author if he is called on it.

And that too may be related to what Bronze Trinity said, the thing about conflict. It seems like just another level of the white(?) media liking and supporting conflict between groups of Black activists.

This comment is not to say that there aren’t real issues and concerns among Black activists. It’s just me focusing on the article itself, as that’s where my attention went. The article does seem largely designed to frame issues in a provocative, competitive and conflict-focused way. Feels like a fanning of flames to me.

But I don’t see why that’s a problem. Let Jessie and Al do what they want and bloggers just do what they want and it might be different things. Do we really even know what everyone wants? Does the old guard want bloggers to stop blog activism and join their groups instead? Do bloggers want Jessie and Al to retire and for the NAACP to be disbanded? If not then what’s the problem? Everyone can just do their own thing, work together when they want and do their own thing whenever they want. You’re free people to protest and organize however you want. Whoever does the job best will survive and get the support. Both old and new activists have caused a lot of noise about ‘scraps’ so thats not only a problem for the old activists. So if this was a test I would just say, its better keep your eyes on your own paper and on what you have to get done and don’t worry about what your neighbour is doing. Doing your own thing in your own way may be the best solution.

Understand that essientally, I’m in agreement about the need to take over from the old guard. I would just like to see them challenged with actions as well as words, and up to this point, that hasn’t happened very much at all.

We are doing something about that. Ever read Black Agenda Report, featuring the publishing of the CBC members’ voting records and grading their performance as lawmakers?

We do that. And publish their voting records for their constituents to see.

It got four of them primary challengers. Donna Edwards defeated one of them (Al Wynn).

Come to DC in September during CBC Weekend – we’re planning bigger events designed to draw fire on their behinds. Why do you think the CBC members like Tubbs-Jones are running to Obama crying for him to provide them cover because their districts are letting them have it for continuing to support a race-baiting candidate with bigoted female supporters?

It wasn’t about them dissing Obama; it never was. It was about continuing to tote water for a race-baiting bigoted candidate, in the face of the evidence that showed she would sling them under the bus as fast as she did the Black community.

Don’t assume that because we write about this stuff, that we’re not doing anything else other than writing about it. We’re planning fundraisers, recruiting candidates, organizing readers into greater political activism. Don’t think because you can’t see it, that it’s not being put in the mix.

Ive said repeatedly, I’ll dontate 1000.00 in 2010 to a qualified Dem. Challenger to Sheila Jackson Lees seat. If there are canidates out there, I will blog, walk the streets, and do whatever I can to make sure they have a shot at unseeting Lee.

Ive emailed her office several times for various reasons to
include

A. Questioning her as to why she is NOT following the will of her district. Mar 2008

B. Asking for VISA assistance in regards to my wifes Family in Zimbabwe Apr 2007

C. Questioning what possessed her to put forth a resolution that made it possible to give Hurricanes “Black Names” (how stupid is this) Apr 2003

And as I type this its 1209 CST June 2008 I have yet to hear back from my FORMER Congresswoman on 1 topic mentioned. Yet when its time for re-up the b/c she’s got my name in her mailer, I get emails asking for donations.

Why don’t y’all take his hand off the plow? No offense, but the black blogosphere isn’t challenging the old guard as much as it’s just talking trash about them. There’s nothing wrong with that, because almost all of it is well-deserved. But…what are y’all DOING? For instance, look at the issue of Tubbs-Jones, Jackson-Lee, et al hanging onto Clinton after the planned strategy of race-baiting kick into full gear. I’ve read a lot of talk about seeing them voted out of office, but I haven’t read anything about what anybody is planning to do to help make it happen.

Fox will be the pool for the DNC in Denver beginning August 25, 2008.

While the Old Guard is still marching, we are drumming up a new energy that has been plowed into quieter social activism and grand-scale social networking. We can’t fight this battle without Black bloggers like “Jack and Jill” and “What About Our Daughters?” because this revolution will be blogged!