Jack & Jill Politics

SUNDAY EVENING OPEN THREAD IS UP

WhoTF is Dana Goldstein and why does she have a job at the American Prospect):http://prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?month=11&year=2008&base_name=the_indiginties_of_firstladydo.

This is the kind of S@#$ that is going to make for alot of drama. One of the things we have pushed at this blog is that African Americans want the same things Caucasian Americans and Jewish Americans want. The variation is likely to be cultural at best. Whom does not want a safe clean neighborhood, school for their children, an opportunity to compete for a good job and the right to do their job to the best of their ability. Why would this change for the First Lady.

This B%^&* is now dumping the whole question of what the First Lady(the job) does on Michelle's lap as if it has no precedence except as a demeaning role. Why is she looking for MAMMY and I don't mean Eisenhower.
.

OMG! Who told this chick that she could have an opinion about anything? Dana Goldstein probably thought Sarah Palin was qualified to be a heart beat from the Oval Office.

I've been thinking about MLK, RFK, Moses and Joshua. I think a New "Joshua" has just been commissioned.

That was the dumbest blog I've read in a while....and that's saying a lot considering this campaign season. I'm real sick of women criticizing other women who put their families first. I am incredibly sick of it. Its absolutely demeaning to me as a DAUGHTER to see someone dismiss the importance of putting children first as if its comparable to any old job. Dana Golstein can catch fire.

Miranda - blog was complete bullshit. . . . but opinions are like assholes, everybody has one so . . .. I wouldn' t sweat it.

Don't take the reaction personal (i.e. Michelle's statements of being a mother first). They don't know what to do or expect from our next first family so they are fishing. Let them. It is all good. That just means they are paying attention.

Regarding Dana Golstein catching fire - she may just get burned so again . . . I wouldn't sweat it. Like it or not, we are all going to get another crash course/refresh on the importance of family values over the next few years from the Obamas.

I am curious to see what cause (or causes) First Lady-Elect, Michelle Obama would champion.

That being said, I thought Dana Goldstein's article sucked.
If the First Lady-Elect puts her children first and wants to put her children first, what's the problem?

Whats the problem? They can't have black folk in the White House that ain't pulling their weight. Hell, if she continued on with the article should might have said the two girls need to cut the damn front lawn! She is ignorant at best; where was her article when all of the other First Ladies were in the White House, with no children, just chillin'? Michelle Obama is a stand up woman, I doubt she will only be a homemaker, not that it isn't a job in itself.

Hey nickwah22 - there is no such thing as "only a homemaker". Women that stay home, work at least 3 times harder than they would if they worked outside the home. Just an fyi.

i know, that's why i said its a job in itself.

Did anyone else hear that Obama had recommeded Jarrett for his Senate seat?

Talk about a political powder keg with the Jacksons...oooohwee.

Jesse Jr, has been a very staunch ally and excellent co-campaign manager ...he really has made it known he wants that seat. He has earned it on his own political merits, too

However, his daddy's reputation in the state is such that no one beleives he could win outside of the cities...in the rural areas..and those would be a huge risk.

Now Jarrett, would simply be stepping in the shoes Carol Mosely Braun...and they alredy know Illinois will elect a black woman to the Senate.

Is this going to be the first Obama drama...his recommendation for Jarrett over Jr?

I bet he has Jr in mind for another plum assignment, maybe?

The senate seat should go to Luis Gutierrez.Do not underestimate the work the Latino community did in helping Barack Obama get elected.

whiterosebuddy,

I'm in Chicago. Which radio station?

See, I always thought that Blago would choose Jarrett. First, he needs the black vote (yes, he's delusional enough to think that he can run for another term as governor and as Oprah would say, that's a whole 'nother show) and he's in big trouble w/ black voters.

Jarrett would be the best choice for him. Keeps him in "good graces" w/ Barack and gives Blago some IL vote capital.

I luv me some IL politics. It is just startin' to really really....change. And, the balls are in the people's court!

Goldenstar....I absolutely LOVE this write up of Stepinfetchinopolous interview with Emanuel...it is an awesome synopsis hahahahaa!!! ctfu:

------

OK. Joining George and Rahm in the middle of their interview as I experience some TiVo problems. GS asks about whether or not Obama supports using the $700 billion bailout package to help the auto industry. Emanuel says that the auto industry is important, and they've already given them $25 billion, maybe they should get to using that. GS asks him a different question, and Emanuel basically gives him the same answer, only instead of enumerating his points "1,2,3,4" he does it "A,B,C,D." Then GS asks again, and Emanuel says that he already answered the question. GOD THIS WILL BE FUN WITH THIS GUY IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

Emanuel says that the two major goals of economic stimulus will be infrastructure growth and middle class tax cuts, but it seems clear that it won't be the focus of the lame duck session. Will Obama "postpone" the tax increase on the upper five percent until the recession is over? Emanuel says that the tax plan is a "net tax reduction," so no, and then reiterates his previous answer, AGAIN. And then he reanswers it again. SO, here is the Emanuel method for answering teevee talking heads:

1. THESIS.
2. I SAID, "THESIS," DUMBASS.
3. SYNTHESIS, LIKE A LEAD PIPE TO THE DOME.

Again. This is awesome. I hope Rahm Emanuel can train these people, like dogs.

www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/09/tv-soundoff-s...

Mark my words: Rahm WILL train them and he is not the Dog Whisperer. What's ironic is that Rahm and George both served in the Clinton White House. They seem polar opposites.

I don't recall what Stepinfetchinopolous said the letters were I believe it was a TV station though.

Check out the video on this link...you gotta listen to the interview with Emanuel..it comes towards the end.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/11...

June 19, 2008 Charlie Rose interview with
The three Emanuel brothers -- Ezekiel, Rahm and Ari

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/charlie-rose/my-c...

Thanks Spirit...that was good.

it was not complete though....so I searched out the entire interview
it was good

http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/06/16/1/a...

whiterosbuddy, great eye. Thanks. :-))

I read that he was staying out of the senate appointment. I hope he takes Jarrett to Washington with him.

Well this was stated on some local chicago station...and Stepinfetchitnopolous played it this morning and asked Rahmbo about it. Of course Rahmbo said nada.

In the paper I read Jarrett was being consided as HUD sec.

Hmmm...'cause he's cool and doesn't show his emotions?

CPL has already written on this yesterday, but I feel this is important.

The REAL Reason Why Lieberman Wants To Keep His Gavel
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/indiv...

Lieberman didn't want to hold Bush accountable, but he seems exceedingly anxious to keep the committee that would go after Obama with a vengeance, effectively becoming a Waxman-like figure -- holding hearings, issuing subpoenas, and launching investigations against the Democratic president.

Lieberman doesn't care about "reconciliation," he cares about going after a Democratic administration. Why else would he fight diligently to be chairman of one committee instead of another?

If anyone has the time please sign and forward this petition.

Just Say No to Joe
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/petition/nom...

To: Members of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee

Dear Senators,

Two years ago, Democrats in Joe Lieberman's own state voted for change in Connecticut's U.S. Senate primary against Ned Lamont.

Despite pledges to caucus with the party and refrain from attacking our presidential nominee, Senator Lieberman has consistently threatened to leave our ranks and even attacked Barack Obama as keynote speaker during Republican Convention.

Earlier this week, he even campaigned against a "filibuster-proof Democratic majority." Make no mistake about it, when graciously offered a chance to remain in the caucus at the expense of his chairmanship, he offered more threats in a nationally televised press conference.

The decision is now up to you. Please do not allow Joe Lieberman to go around Senator Reid and remain chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Though Lieberman has not investigated one meaningful scandal in his role as chairman during the Bush Administration, we are certain he will only be too happy to cause problems for an Obama administration when 2009 rolls around.

It's time for Joe to go.

Please sign the letter to the 19 Senators on the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee who determine committee chairs -- and ask them to relieve Joe Lieberman of his gavel before the start of the next Congress.


PS~ Hat tip to Admiral Komack also

Hello my people, Just stopping by to give a shout out to a sister who repped on MTP this morning - Valerie Jarrett. Always loved her. Love her even more today. She's a tough nut to crack. You would have to hypnotize her to get her off message and even then I'm not sure that could happen.

Go Valerie!

T.

I love that she was born in Iran. So interesting. I really like Valerie!

And the only black advisor in PE Obama's inner(really on the inside) circle...

No....Susan Rice is there as well.

So is Eric Holder

I, too thought Valerie was awesome. I just loved her comeback when Brokaw asked her to tell some of Obama's weaknesses!! It was great.

I liked even better how she said there friendship was such that they only had to exchange looks before he walked out to give his acceptance speech as President-elect.

This is going to be a truly great white house team.

Like Jarrett said....my heart is filled with immense pride and joy.

Excerpt of the script from MTP Interview with Valerie Jarrett:

She aint playin!


MR. BROKAW: The prominent names we're hearing, of course, are Paul Volcker, who was chairman of the Federal Reserve under Ronald Reagan; Tim Geitner, who is the head of the Federal Reserve in New York City; Bob Rubin, who is a former Treasury secretary; and his deputy, Larry Summers. Are there other names out there that we don't know on the economic team?

MS. JARRETT: Well, now, you know I'm not going to share any of that with you. Part of the...

MR. BROKAW: Well, why not?

MS. JARRETT: Part of the strength of our team...

MR. BROKAW: It's just the two of us sitting here.

MS. JARRETT: I know. Exactly. I've heard that line before. I think one of the real strengths of Senator Obama's campaign and now President-elect Obama's transition is that he really does like to think this through thoroughly and not telecast what he's going to do until he's ready to make a decision. I am confident that he will pick the best person for the job. And it will be a daunting job, and the person he selects will be up to it.

Love her!!!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27629956/

Ya know...people like Brokaw are going to have to recover...

I am sooooo tired of these guys (Woodward, Brokaw, Schieffer) sucking up to tired powers that were, and then are oblivious to the fact that they have to pick their own teeth off the ground.

These guys are faux journalists. They only parrot and symp with losers like Bush, Rove and McShame.

Real journalists step back from becoming part of the problem.

"Birds of a feather"...

Yes indeed they will have to recover. They sense that America has become "No Country for Old White Men." Once they choose to take off the blinders, they'll see the the rest of America!

I think Candy Crowley is also going to have to take a step back. She gave some really slanted reporting even AFTER they HRC went down.

Yellin had the plum assignment..she had the winner...Crowley was assigned to HRC cause of her seniority but Jessica Yellin did a wonderful job.

I was ticked that they switched Yellin off...I thought she should have stayed on since Yellin was the one assigned to him from jump.

Crowley is not getting in that door...she is just a step ahead of Fox...she did get a question in at the press conference...but Obama was dismissive of part of it..and Fox had no questions.

yipee

I hate that he spoke to Crowley at all. She's been just short of nasty.

I remember her early on asking if an Oprah endorsement would sell him to the American people. He responed that he wasn't a product like kleenex. I knew then he wouldn't be taking much shit.

YES!
I thought I was the only one who noticed it...her and that John King.

I am glad someone else recalled how Crowley was such a shyt.

Did you see King interview Schwarzenegger today...it was clear as a bell that King came of age during the Reagan years and he belongs to the demographic that thinks Reagan was such a great Prez!...NOT. King jsut kept probing AHnold for what the GOP would have to do. I know he did not like the answers AS was giving cause he kept coming back with the same one over and over.

Ahnold told his IGNANT ass that the repubs are going to have to forget ideology and solve problems that the American people want done. King couldn't believe that AS was not an idealogue so he kept pressing him. AS of course, stuck to his guns.

I think Fareed Zakaria said it best today in terms of what is happening ...there is a paradigm shift...the repubs have loss the conservative tax and spend argument they have pilloried the Dems with for the past 2 decades.

It will no longer be about big government or little government but rather, Smart government.

That is Obama's real opportunity.

You must not have seen my many posts about John King. I think he got paid every time he mentioned Hillary's name.

I saw part of the interview with AS, he probably would have liked to say more, but he needs a lot of money for CA and the republicans aren't running shit. They don't even have a viable candidate to pump up.

I am a fan of Fareed Zakaria. He always told the truth. He even tried to make people understand why Palin was popular in Alaska, it's the oil money stupid.

You are spot on about "smart government" and I think Obama will run a smart government.

Exactly, msmartin.
"He responed that he wasn't a product like kleenex."
Hahaha!

Candy (Creepy) Crowler is high on CARBOHYDRATES! Thus, the line of questioning of Barack, as if he is a slave in the market square, and Oprah is the slave master. Pit-i-ful! I think CNN has health coverage for her to sign in to CARBO-REHAB!!!!!!

LOL.

snicker
snicker
you got that right she's a real

TUBBER

high on carbs...I like that!!!

tee hee

She is FIERCE....love her!

Yeah, Jarett don't play. I am really intrigued about how she was offering Michelle a position and Michelle brought her fiancee to discussion it with Jarrett before she would accept.

I wonder what that was all about. I can't imagine what type of politics was being played that Michelle a Harvard grad and former mentor to Barack, felt she needed his judgment before she was willing to accept.

And then to see how all this played out in the end? Knowing what we know about Obama he was definitely playing chess and I wonder what ideas he had that he felt strongly enough to sit and discuss the 'opportunity' with Michelle...after all he was still a community organizer at that point, no?

Obama is a long range planner, that is for sure...covers all the details...right down to his fiancee's JOB?

Interesting.

Thorough and Deliberate!

Why he gotta have 'Spock' ears? Just sayin'.

rikyah, poweful cartoon post. Pesident-Elect Obama taping up the Constitution........

spirit, when I first saw this I saw him taping it too, but if you look closely, he's taping, stapling and gluing it back together. That is how badly it has been shredded.

Sure you right, msmartin. America is waking up from a long, deep, sleep. Its the sleeping that handed the bushwhack administration the scissors to shred it.

You right about that spirit. The complacency and inaction gave Bush the powers befitting a dictator. Not only did Bush and his ilk shred the constitution, but they also pushed a large number of Americans to the outer fringes of American society - they attempted to make many voiceless and irrelavant.

It is over now, America woke up and the masses took their country back. It took our new president to make them believe that it was possible and even worth doing.

"It is our time, Our time is now!"

It certainly is Our time, and this is a shout out to all you little TROLLS: I will not standby silently and let any one feed me a bunch of regurgitated talking points cut and pasted from the rethug talking heads.

President-Elect Barack Obama!

Tell'em!

MoveOn is offering a free Obama "Yes We Did" sticker:

http://pol.moveon.org/shepstickers/?id=-1077859...

More are available if you make a donation.

"No Country for Old (white) Men". That's pretty much sums up the attitude I think President Elect Obama has to make when making his choice of Secretary of State. I know the conventional wisdom is that Treasury Secretary is the most important decision he has to make, but thinking long-term to 2012, I think the choice of Secretary of State is as important. Immediately after the '04 election when I heard Tim Russert put the nation on notice that the next and future elections will be decided in the South West by Latinos, I took notice. He was right and then some.

I know, I know that Senator Obama owes much to John Kerry for giving him the opportunity to speak at the '04 Convention and coming out earlier than any other top tier Democrat to endorse him, but I'm sorry this is not a time for repayment of personal debts but a down payment on the future of this Party and country.

One of the reasons I thought it was important for Senator Obama to run this time is that because of the rapid racial demographic changes in formerly majority black congressional districts and cities, it might be the very last real opportunity for an African American to ascend to the White House. Not only have Latinos redrawn congressional districts, look at the largest states in the country poised to become majority Latino.

Not only do they know they have the upper hand in the Democratic Party, they plan to play it--hard. Latinos want Bill Richardson as Secretary of State. He's more than qualified, and they are owed. Period.

I think it should be Richardson too.

I have a good post up about Latino appointments in a new administration from a contributor to my own blog. Check it out here:

http://latinopoliticsblog.com/?p=362

There's also this, which might shed some light on things:

http://latinopoliticsblog.com/?p=359

I can tell you that unless we Latinos continue to maintain the momentum, we will not overwhelm those states with our growing numbers. I have studied Latino political incorporation, and sometimes it takes a generation or two for us to gain any real representation (other than token) after becoming majorities in cities and towns.

Bill Richardson has other potentially volatile baggage analogous to Bill Clinton, that is why I doubt he will be selected.

Kerry, being on the foreign relations committee and being a great friend of Biden is a better choice.

I also think Susan Rice would be a fantastic choice...if we need Kerry in the Senate more.

I disagree. Richardson's nomination would send a powerful message to Mexico, Central and Latino America that this president means bidness.

I was willing to see Richardson as Veep; I could understand why Obama had to pick Biden, but I think Latinos everywhere do not want to see lip service from even black presidents. They're entitled to some respect.

I think that it wold send a powerful message too, but it doesn't seem likely at this point.

As for the womanizer stuff, I have heard the rumors too. I just hope that Richardson doesn't blow it like Villaraigosa did in LA. It seems that white America will be less forgiving of a black or brown person engaging in shenanigans than it will of a white guy (see McCain, Kennedys, etc.)

What are you disagreeing about? Richardson is a womanizer.

Does he have the creds for the position...you bet...but he brings other volatile baggage he is a KNOWN womanizer. He can't seem to keep his chauvinistic hands to himself. His female aides acknowledge they just have to get use to him touching inappropriately.

NO DRAMA OBAMA.

Here is a site which featured some of the best shots from the campaign.

Callie Shell - The Obama Gallery
http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0810/callie-b...

as you get to the bottom of the page click show more images. I thought there were just a few pics, but it is a good size gallery.

Those were some great pics. I found the one of the bottom soles of his shoes most moving.

He had holes in them despite having re-soled them twice since the primaries started.

I like the way Obama thinks...comfortable shoes that have stood him good steed they just needed to be resoled...and he marched on knocked on doors and running with all his heart and SOLE.

The shoes are a remarkable reminder of how far he has walked to get here.

Preach, msmartin! He's also an example of "waling the talk" by practicing The "Law of Economy" which is: You get the most effect out of everything you do, you get what you need, and everything is turned a spiritual effect.
----------"The Spiritual Laws of Life" by Harold Klemp

With the world economy in a shambles, I'd trust a President who wears worn-soled shoes to lead our country!

So true. And let us not forget Michelle and her affordable fashion that looked great on her.

I am watching Meet the Press. Rep James Clyburn SC House Majority Leader just said Obama(sorry President Elect is so unsatisfying) will govern from the Center Right on some things and Center Left on others. God Damn someone on national TV who understands

RM, James Clyburn definitely has done himself, the Obama campaign/transition, and the Democrats proud. He is rock solid. He appeared on a late evening program earlier this week and articulated PE Obama's vision on how he would govern this country. Very impressive.

Rep. Clyburn? Neutral during the primaries? Only in public. Cause ya know he was on the DL for PE Obama.

T.

I have admired Jim Clyburn throughout this election. I love that he stayed neutral during the primary, but called Clinton out for his racist shenanigans. It will be great to see Clyburn work with the President-Elect.

Yes Parker. I admire him as well. I remember he said his daughter & grandson worked hard for Obama during the primaries and you could see the pride he was feeling. And even today he talked about his daughters tears after Obama won the election. So much joy, so much hope!

Rob M,
Clyburn definitely gets it. I was very pleased when he checked Martinez about his saying that universal healthcare was divisive...I was like huh? No it wasn't Bush vetoed it!!
Clyburn jumped right in and corrected him on that.
I was very happy when the way Clyburn presented the issues and focused on prioritizing them so as to move the agenda forward.

Obama has a mandate for universal health care, middle class tax cuts, energy policy and bringin our troops home from Iraq.

Clyburn did a very good job framing how Obama would proceed on those.

He also focused on getting a stimulus packaged.

I was unsure how community health clinics would be part of the 'step-plan' for health care but I liked the concept that Clyburn was introducing as a way to move forward in a step-wise fashion.

London Calling. An outlook to 2008 based on the economy and whatt President Elect Obama economic agenda as articulated duing the election campaign(very important concept):
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/...

Not sure if this has been posted yet.

Maya Angelou on Barack Obama Presidency
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6H_7azFLfs

I believe deep down she must have never thought this possible when she endorsed Hillary. But, we all pulled together and it happened!

That's why I added her to my Johnny Come Lately post.
They Feel Safe to Come Out Now http://tinyurl.com/6nb7b9 and
There's Nothing Like A Fair Weather Friend http://tinyurl.com/5fye8o

Thank you kindly for adding her to the JCL post. Zebras can't change their stripes!

I'm pleased that you added her.

I loved your posts, they were spot on. I just watched Magic Johnson talking about how he wouldn't mind working for him in the private sector. I will not go into my first response, but then again I was through with Magic when he came out with that you don't want to give the ball to the rookie comment.

I liked Condi's statement, and I think all along she was behind Obama, perhaps because she never endorsed McCain and thought Palin was unqualified. But as you wrote she is a war criminal, and while I was touched by her emotions and what she said, she cannot get a pass for all the wrongs that have happened under her watch. I am curious to know where Bob Johnson's at, and it looks as if I have found a new blog to read. Thanks again for the excellent post.

Ditto on Johnson, Suprk

I was really ticked about that remark, but then I remembered Johnson was never known to be the brightest bulb in the box. All he had to do was remember how he WAS given the ball as the rookie in the FINALS to win.

That remark was so disappointing but he along with lots of other Cali folks backed Hillary. I dogged every single person I knew who back HRC. I wore them DOWN..I cited every single problem with HRC and how she was not what we needed and I demolished that pervasive myth tthat Bill was 'our' friend. When he showed his true colors all my buddies could do was hang their head and said thanks for the heads up.

Quite a number of my friends were 65plus, so I was being pegged as the young whippersnapper...and they were the sages. It felt good to have them come around.

Bob Johnson had his ugly lyingschemingasskissingshady hateradeass on CNN, talking about what a great day it was for AfricanAmericans. I wanted to pewk.

I am in Cali too, so I know what you mean. I heard some of the same stuff very early in the primaries in the barber shop and just shook my head. But what I did do was to get my lap top and play them this clip of Dick Gregory.

Dick Gregory apologizes to the first Black President
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAcN5iKArQU

Not sure if it changed anyone's mind, since everyone seems to act as if they supported Obama from the beginning, and that is including a lot of political figures here in California (no names will be mentioned). But even if it didn't change anyone's mind, it offered a prospective in their thinking.

As for Bob Johnson he will forever be on my list for a lot of things he did with BET. Makes me want to go watch my Boondock's Season 2 which had episodes which BET had banned in the United States.

I saw that when Gregory said it at the State of the Black Union!!
(which might of been my last viewing given Smiley's ugliness)

But at the time I was jumping up and down in my house saying: PREACH!!!

I cracked up when he said ...when you start saying that's your address...something is wrong.

I was hollering...and then I felt the chill and stomach twists when he described the police siren and you clench the wheel ( been there done that)...I was liked YES!!

So you are right that was a very moving moment and I did send it to all my grayheaded friends, too!!

Who was it that said show me an old black man and I will show you an angry man. It's true and it's true with GOOD reason.

Thanks Suprk & Ms. Martin

Maybe I'll update with Bob Johnson but I cannot staannnd him and he's such an obvious phony I just don't want to give him any attention.

Please don't. He needs to be banished into ignominy. Wiped from the conscious of all black Americans.

Agreed.

Her poem

Still I Rise

is one of my favorites,....and certainly fits this moment.



You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

How could one write a poem like this and campaign so vigorously against the very subject of it?

Co-signing, msmaritn. I'm not feeling Maya Angelo's poetry for an Obama Inauguration/administration. PERIOD!

Rita Dove

Maybe if she had remained neutral, I could have lived with that. But for now, she is irrelevant to me. She should save her poems for the next Clinton inauguration (if there is one).

Angelou was like Vernon Jordan, both of them were too old to see the change. Both of them felt their friends were more than color of skin.

I do not agree with that ...but there were a lot of politicians in the same basket. Even the CBC, Lewis, Meeks, Waters, etc

I don't think anyone should have supported him because of his race. I also don't think the ones who didn't support him should use this historic moment which includes race to join the party.

While I didn't understand why they diddn't/couldn't support the competent, intelligent, inspiring black candidate with a beautiful black family, I do not begrudge them their choice.

But, again, I don't understand the tears because of this historic moment w.h.e.n. you (they) tried to stop this moment from coming to realization - it's contradictory.

Fine, you supported who you supported, (and some of them quite vigorously) but don't hit me with the fake shit.

I see why you would feel it is contradictory but it isn't.
When folks get old and they are beat down and old black folks have had so many dreams and hopes die by the time they get to sixty...until I can understand why they just might have the emotional stamina to hope for something again only to lose in the end. When you get old you don't want drama you want to be on the winning team...despair and depression are real hard to bear with old age...so they cling to what they beleive will bring a ray of light instead.

But I FEEL you...it is those young politicians like JacksonLee, TubbsJones, Meeks that I despised for not having the courage of conviction so they did what was political expedient for THEMSELVES they did not care one wit for their constituencies...those are the ones I want thrown out of office.

I can forgive the old..they have too many other physical and mental infirmities for me to be resentful of them simply wanting to have peace in their old age.

I also don't think their joy was fake...it was just too much for their old spirits to hope for is all.

I mean you have to stop and think about it surely you would agree that extreme emotions are very taxing spiritually. Elation and Jubilance now bring them nothing but comfort even as it the energy to expression it taxes their spirit.

Disappointment and despair would have only weighed their spirits down...so they declined to take that risk.

That is what the young ar e for. Also, if you look throughout history...it is the young who bring about change...seldom the old...it was young college students who sat at those lunch counters and young people who were willing to march with Martin INITIALLY and young people who were hosed and had their heads beat in like Lewis....the elders were nothing but AFRAID for their children and they admonished and cautioned them against all of that in the South. Those old grayheads and parents were terrified.

They were lead by the young...just like this election it was the children who brought their parents along...even Caroline Kennedy said that along with McCaskill their children told them to support Obama.

So, we can't be too angry at our old southerners who lived through Jim Crow...they were just doing the best their spirits could tolerate.

B

Maya Angeo is a seventy year old, smart, capable, and astute buisness women.

She made her way in life with the help of hard earned $$$ from Black folk through her works. And that's great. I have doubts about her pondering jim crow when she supported Billary.

Annnd, I don't think that every one who did not support Barack is not a racist, tom, or coon. Just make your choice and claim it. When your choice looses, tryig to slink over to the winning side to grab your 15 minutes or so fame & catch a quick $$$, irritates the living f#@ck out of me!

I think that our elders need to support the next generation who have worked, struggled, maybe not as intensely as the elders, but earned their stations in lfe just as well.

Good lawd, I could see if the Barack was ignorant, and dumb like Palin. We need to hold up and support black brilliance, intelligence, goodness. Those are the qualities we are as a people.

Angelou had an opportunity to bring some of dem lovely poems to life in support of Barack, but she made her choice.

Into the Jonny Come Lately Camp for you Maya!

You make some really great points. But I think Angelou and many others supported the candidate they thought they would have favor with if that candidate won and I'm not mad at them for that.

Yea, I think so. She is from that generation that never thought they'd see the day. I think I may want a poem from her...

i can't get enough of the you tube videos of jubilant celebrations that took place all over the country on tues night. joyfull kids jumping up and down in the street in one city after another. it really says alot about where things were at and how much frustration there was. read frank rich today. he nails it.

Kids???

Not just kids. ADULTS, too!

Dropping this link in case you guys missed it. Bill Ayers finally speaks

His shirt!! LOVE IT. Lengthy article that I will have to read after my matinee at the theater.

rikyrah: HEAD BOW for victims of Hurricane Paloma:

Monster Hurricane Makes Landfall In Cuba

CAMAGUEY, Cuba - A ferocious Hurricane Paloma roared across Cuba on Sunday, downing power lines, flooding the coast and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate on an island still recovering from two other devastating storms.

Early reports of damage were limited, but Cuban state media said the late-season storm toppled a major communications tower on the southern coast, interrupted electricity and phone service, and sent sea surges of up to 2,300 feet along the coast.

Paloma made landfall near Santa Cruz del Sur late Saturday as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, but soon weakened to a Category 1 storm with winds of 85 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters warned that even though the hurricane had lost its intensity, it could still produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Story continues below ↓

THERE IS MORE

God Bless ALL.


P.S. Church calls! L8R :>)

Out of this tragedy hopefully we can talk with Cuba as adults.I think Obama should make a statement that now is the time for a change in policy and the United States will be there to help the Cuban people without preconditions.

Yes, it is about time. How can such a tiny island be such a threat? This has gone on way too long.

They weren't a threat they just wouldn't be subjugated or taken over like what happened to Hawaii or Puerto Rico. This was always about US domination. Look at Haiti - they've wiped out the economy and force to pay back billions of looted money. They're so poor they could never have a functioning gov't. It will be interesting to see whether we the people make it a necessary priority for the US policy to change and what Obama does. We can't leave it up the gov't to decide. And the Congo just deteriorated as well. This is not the time to ignore or worsen these conflicts.

I see Obama going to Cuba--not in the near future--but possibly mid or near end of first term.

I think Fidel would want to stay alive for that one.

I have family in Havana and luckily they made it thru alright...This is very late for a hurricane.

I was thinking the same thing; and people don't think global warming exists! HA. Hopefully this is the last one though

Cuba and Haiti were hit really hard this season. May God Bless all who want his blessings.

I spoke to my uncle this weekend. He told me that Obama is a combination of JFK and Malcolm X. I never thought about that. But you know something I totally agree with him.

The discipline. The type of family man he is. His laughter when someone says something whack to him. His incisive response to accusations. His non emotional intellectualism. His insatiable intelligence. His Chi-town roots. His humility. Being sharp, clean, thin and oh so cool.

People link him historically with Martin Luther King, Jr. and rightfully so. But is personal demeanor is more like Malcolm X.

Excellent analysis. Malcolm always remained calm, cool, collected and focused no matter what. I am a big Malcolm fan. :-)

Wrong about the Chi-town reference

I agree. And at the end of Malcolm's life, he was all about bringing people together.

Kudos to Katie Couric for revealing the real Sara Palin! Can you imagine how insecure
America would feel today if this woman TODAY was a heart beat away from the Presidency...thanks to John McCain?

America woke up from a long sleep just in time to send these two characters back to where they belong!

Long live President Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

I am going to keep an ear out to see if she tries to snag Sen. Ted Stevens seat. I don't think I could sleep well at night thinking she was voting on major decisions in Washington.

Sleep, eat, walk, think, breathe...! I know some conservatives will say we fear her. I don't fear her. I fear what she represents: anti-intellectualism. It started with George Bush, but Palin has taken it up a level, and a level, and a level. And I hate her arrogance. I can tolerate arrogance in really smart people, but not stupid people. I truely think she believes it's some sort of virtue to be ignorant.

It pisses me off to know end to listen to white journalists, particularly white female journalists, dismiss criticism of her as sexist. Why the hell is is sexist to expect someone who wants to assume the 2nd highest office int he land to have at least the knowledge of a 6th grader?

It kills me that while China and India are producing billions of the brightest minds in the world, we're even having this debate. It kills me that I have to lecture my black teenage son everyday about the perils of not getting a college degree then turn on the tv and have to confront this walking and barely coherently talking contradiction.

I have really learned a lot about "feminism" this election. One site I keep an eye on, is already pushing the black vote on Prop 8. This is still all about Hillary and her looking just like them.

Well, let them stew. Last I heard one slogan was 300 strong, that sounds about right.

Those journalists are just promoting white woman accommodation which is the sister to white male patriarchy. It's all about them and what they want and if you get in their way they'll try to take you down by any means necessary.

Highly unlikely. She cannot appoint herself to it. They did that very recently w/ the daughter and changed the state constittution to prevent a governor appointment. The other mitigating factor is Alaska is highly dependent on OIL REVENUE for their state budget. W/ oil at $63 there is no money for the programs they laid out(They were like all of us planning like good times were going to roll forever). As she makes choices she will be more critically examined in Alaska(mudflats has always been on the case but as Bush has shown until the s@#$ hits the fan everyone wnats to drink a beer w/ the cheerful guy). Plus the Democrat whom ran will have a great deal more support from the incoming President(rightfully the trial was not enough to do more than lipservice and I am sure the Democrat knew it. Plus hometown turnout is still home town turnout until something changes it.) Lastly I doubt that the Republicans will be in a position of having something new to say if the new election takes place before summer of 09. If there is a positive change in the economy they will not stand a chance.

It was reported by a journalist (I don't remember which organization) that she would appoint herself.

Palin can't appoint herself.

If Stevens wins and he resigns or is expelled, there will be a special election withing 60-90 days. Palin would be able to run for that Senate seat.

Absolutely wonderful! I hope Alaskans reject her resoundingly. Has there been any polling about how she might do in a senate run.

She must plan on violating her own state's constitution.

The state of Alaska was major pissed that Former Senator, then Governor Frank Murkowski, used his power as Governor, to appoint his daughter to his Senate Seat.

This woman's arrogance knows no bounds, and that's why the GOP leaders are slinging her under the bus and grounding her into such a powder that she can't say "2012", let alone run.

I hope you're right about the grinding CPL, this woman should have no place in the decision making process - not just because she's ignorant and unimaginative, but because she is willing to divide the nation along cultural, religious and racial lines and not just to win an election, rather because that is who she is - divisive, ignorant and bigoted and dismissive of a large portion of the people of the nation she seeks to lead. Very dangerous!

See what happens when you create a monster! I'm laughing at this. The Rethugs went way over the line of reason because they were sooo desperate to hang on to power. She isn't as 'dumb' as they're trying to make her out but she is a racist, willfully ignorant and selfish. She knows how to jockey for power with the worse of them.

As far as Alaska is concerned,since Gov. Palin railed against earmarks no more of my tax dollars should go to finance any policies in that state.Alaskans can thank their Governor when they can no longer drink from the federal teet.

And the Government does not have to worry about her blocking access to that oil pipeline.

Can you say "Emminent Domain"? Unless Alaska secedes from the Union, the lower 48 can declare emminent domain and just take whatever resources Alaska has, and the Supreme Court will back it up.

GOP gears up for 2012
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 11/9/08 6:56 AM EST

Sarah Palin's and Mitt Romney's names are both bandied about for a possible run in 2012.
Photo: Composite image by Politico.com

Votes are still being counted in some races in last Tuesday’s election, but no matter: Talk of the potential Republican field in the 2012 presidential election is already underway.

Too early?

Too bad — just look around.

Two potential candidates will be in Iowa before month’s end, multiple prospects — almost certainly including Sarah Palin — will make high-profile appearances this week at the Republican Governors Association meeting, and Newt Gingrich’s name has already been floated in a Bob Novak column.

Read the rest of te article
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15451...

I read where Bobby Jindal and Huckelbee also have scheduled trips to Iowa as well.

I bet the GOP ticket this time will be Palin/Jindal or Romney/Jindal.

None of the white GOP men will want to be on a ticket with Palin.

The GOP like's Gingrich's ideas but they don't really like him as a politician.

Maurice: Major co-sign!! :>)

Long live President Barack HUSSEIN Obama!
INDEED! :>)

rikyrah: Hoping that this is not a duplicate:

This SONG and VISUALS - from AROUND the WORLD are simply WONDERFUL!! :>)

The Obama Song(World of Friends): Bridges For Obama


ENJOY!!! :>) :>)

President-Elect OBAMA!! :>)

This is very nice, love the song.

rikyrah: Sunday, NOVEMBER 9, 2008 - DAY -72 - on his "JOURNEY TO JANUARY"

1. WORD(S) of the DAY: CHANGE/REVERSE (Bush Policies)

2. Headline: Obama Ready To Ouickly REVERSE Bush Actions, Executive Orders

Transition advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse White House policies on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues, according to congressional Democrats, campaign aides and experts working with the transition team.

A team of four dozen advisers, working for months in virtual solitude, set out to identify regulatory and policy changes Obama could implement soon after his inauguration. The team is now consulting with liberal advocacy groups, Capitol Hill staffers and potential agency chiefs to prioritize those they regard as the most onerous or ideologically offensive, said a top transition official who was not permitted to speak on the record about the inner workings of the transition.

Read the whole story here.


3. The AFFECT of President-Elect Obama's victory -- in FRANCE:

Obama Supporters In France Set Sights On Diversity At Home

Barack Obama’s supporters in France are taking up a new challenge: breaking down barriers in French politics so that younger generations of Arab and black minorities dare reach for the Elysee Palace.

The first of a string of committees formed in France to support Obama’s presidential bid has decided it will not disband after the election victory, but instead work for change at home.

Called “The Movement”, the 2,000-strong group in the eastern city of Lyon plans to set up a blog to track progress in getting visible minorities into positions of power and speak out against discrimination.

“Our friends are asking us to continue,” said Patrice Schoendorff, president of the Friends of Obama Group. “There is a glass ceiling in France and that ceiling needs to be shattered.”

Obama’s historic election as the first African American in the White House is holding up a mirror to France, home to one of Europe’s biggest black communities and the largest Muslim minority.

France’s political establishment remains overwhelmingly white despite the appointment of two women of north African descent and a black human rights minister in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government.

There is only one black member of parliament from mainland France.

“Obama can be an example here,” said Azedine Haffar, a former municipal councillor from a Lyon suburb and senior member of The Movement.

THERE IS MORE

4. The President-Elect continues to REST and RELAX with the FIRST FAMILY. :>) :>)


President-Elect Obama!! First Lady Michelle! :>)

Obama victory celebrators shout "We love you" to NYPD riot police....

NYPD "We Love You" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn OBAMA Rally
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=_YACdv7Nl9Y

Sore loser Ralph Nader:

Ralph Nader asks if Barack Obama will be an Uncle Tom
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsP6XN2dIo

Did Nader hold Bush's feet to the fire?

Nader needs to go someplace and stfu. He's only seeking attention! Will he ever get that no one gives a d%mn about him? Geeez!

He was able to get enough points to play spoiler in past elections....this time he's gone down to 1%. I guess his supporters went into the booth and broke out into a cold sweat. I'm glad he's now powerless on that front...Shep called him "irrelevant", which got him upset.

TuthSeeker, heeheheee! Ralph Nader: "Irrelevant." This is os true.

All Nader cares about is getting even the dimmest spotlight on himself and like a great deal of wannabe politicians before him, he knows stupid reactionary remarks will do it.

He somehow feels he is a spokesperson for the ignored, yet whenever he gets a chance to speak out he becomes an example of the type of personality and ideas that needs to be ignored.

You know, I read a diary at Kos where the author was on a commercial flight with Nader. Nader stood in the aisle talking loudly to his travelling partners who were seated. People had to sqeeze past him to walk down the aisle.

Here's the diary:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/4/3/1545...

I haven't seen this getting the kind of attention it deserves. http://change.gov/

I think this speaks volumes of the kind of presidency we can all look forward to.

We can't possibly expect everyone to agree with any President's decisions, but when was the last time anyone has had a president go out of his way to make sure everyone had an equal voice.

David: Hey! :>) This WAS posted; BUT your reminder is very helpful!! :>) CO-SIGN! :>)

THANK YOU! :>)

President-Elect Obama! :>)

Great videos of the spontaneous celebration outside White House:
http://jotman.com/

TruthSeeker: I've "read" all your posts! Really EXCITING !! :>) :>)

Thanks for keeping the "spirit" alive!! :>)

President-Elect Obama! ">)

Link drop: Barack Obama and the 9/11 Generation - About how 9/11 and the events thereafter will inform a Barack presidency (we hope) http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/barack-ob...

"From 52 to 48, With Love"

http://www.zefrank.com/from52to48withlove/index...

It only took me to the seventh picture to figure out what they were talking about.

I love that, took me a while to get it, but once I did I thought it was great. Thanks for the link

Jasmyne Cannick: "No-on-8's White Bias"

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/...

I'm definitely an outsider in this conversation that Ms. Cannick is having, having no knowledge of any ideological rifts between Black and White gays/lesbians--but I nevertheless found myself thinking about what she was talking about.

She made very valid points but still many people just don't want to hear what she's saying. No on 8 did not outreach that I was aware of. There were even gay Republicans that approached them about reaching out to straight women in the party and they were rebuffed. I've learned you can write no one off without first trying to find a way to appeal to them on some common ground point of view and then take it from there. And there has to be reciprocity. There was this assumption that Black people would automatically vote for No on 8 because some white people voted for Obama.

Let's not forget: More Gays and Lesbians voted for McCain 27% than for Bush 23%. Kerry received 77% of support from the gay community and Obama received 70%. With all the ridiculous focus on "black homophobia", where is the focus on white gay bias? Clearly, there is a lot left to do on this issue.

I followed this issue on Andrew Sullivan's blog. I clicked on every 'No on 8' Ad that he posted. I didn't see ONE with Black folk. If you don't care enough to get Black gay folk in an ad so that they can appeal to the Black community, then why are you shocked when ' No on 8' loses? were there no Black gay people in California that wanted to be married and were willing to cut an ad? no Black gay people, married, with children?

Cause, once again, middle-class white gay guys drove the agenda, and just assumed that all of California would get on board to prevent the proposition from passing.

If they do their homework, the proposition doesn't pass. And many LGBTs of color specifically said that the powers that be on this issue failed to approached them for support and on the ground GOTV efforts.

So, rather than assume blame, they retreat into their "whiteness" and pass the buck on those who have jack shyt to do with it - US.

And I'm hollering "bullshyt" on all of IT.

Don't. Get. Me. Started.

The "gay movement" is much like the feminist movement.

Ain't I A Gayman?

"Ain't I A Gayman?"


HaHa...Craig...I like that. It is like the feminist movement's relationship with black women.

I think that black LGBTs need to formualte their own agenda and identity if the mainstream white LGBT community continues to marginalize them.

I

Until there is parity and reciprocity any success of the Gay Rights Industrial Complex will be limited. You never see them comparing the Holocaust to marriage amendments but have no problem using every struggle by PoC as a litmus.

A close friend of mine, a gay black man and I have discussed this issue often. He feels that black gays our on their own in the struggle for rights. He also believes the struggle for black gays is two-fold and that they are fighting against discrimination on two fronts with no assist from their white counterparts in the gay community.

Ms.Martin, your friend is CORRECT on all counts.

They're fighting discrimination by our own (because we're such "Christians" y'know ->snark), and just like the feminist movement, we're useful as long as we do the heavy lifting; when they're successful, they sling us under the bus while they reap the benefits of our hard work.

Black gay men and lesbian women have brother, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, parents, and friends who love and support them too. looks like untapped support.

I'll ask again:

Anyone seen Shelby Steele?


BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

I read something that he wrote about Obama's win but I couldnt go past the second paragraph. I cannot stand him.

Unfortunately, I saw him on Election Night on some program. Tells me that there is no rest for the weary (and I mean the doctrine-weary).

That guy will still be around to show his folk that he's loyal opposition and a stalwart defender of the minority in this country.

In other words, Shelby Steele will still continue to be a SLAVE-CATCHER, for his corporate masters.

Nothing to see there, move along, GAME OVER.

I'm also on the hunt for Tavis.

I noticed that BET has "special programming" since Obama won, probably so that Johnson can try and hide the fact that he has been a perfect ass this year.

Tavis showed up with Dark Sith for a joint interview trying to stay relevant.
http://tinyurl.com/6nb7b9

No, but I've been looking for his ass.

Not that I want or that JJP needs them back...but you haven't heard from Karmi, s, or indie-ed lately either. Hmm...

Especially "S", cause she was ragging on us and urging to vote for McCain.

Karmi is mental on off their meds.

I think Ann Coulter was pretending to be s and Karmi...and possibly indie-ed....LOL.....she was awfully quiet the last 3 months.....I think her assignment was targeting the black blogosphere.

If that was MAnn Coulter, she got some major slaps upside the head and couldn't defend that shyt she spewed.

OTOH, S is a real person; a bougeosie African-American supporting McCain because of the tax cuts she thought she'd get to continue to enjoy.

And she was a slave-catcher as well - even in the face of evidence of McCain and Palin's bigotry, she kept insisting that McCain was the way to go and that Palin really wasn't a bigot. <<<eye roll>>>

She left us with a mention about the "bullet proof glass" before she left. I don't think she'll be back she's bitter.

She might be the first loony African-American to talk about how Obama needs bulletproof glass.

On the scale of self-hating Negroes, she's ranking close to Clarence Thomas.

LOL.....Aren't they all?

no but the new trolls have a new agenda. Barack Obama isn't black or some other negative fcukrey

Nate: Co-sign. Since I hesitate to write their "names", I didn't write to ask "Where are they." :>) :>)

Anyone want to "wager" on WHAT DAY they will re-appear?? :>) :>)

I'm gonna say -ummmm, Monday, 11-10-08! Why NOT? :>)

Annnnnnd, there will be some article on ECONOMICS that they will "cut/paste".

Almost - TRUST! :>)

lurkin probably.

As odd as this sounds, Katie Couric needs to be given a THANK YOU.

when the Palin interview first came out, I thought Couric didn't do her job.

in retrospect, Couric just calmly and smoothly kept on handing Caribou Barbie more and more rope so that she could hang herself.

Both she and Tweety.

We wanted flamethrowing journalism and they used honey and got homegirl to not only hang herself, but tie the knots in the rope she used to hang herself.

You can always let out more rope if the rope line is oiled....(think more flies with honey)

Yes, Katie C. gets my kudos for holding up a big ass mirror to the ignorant one. And whoa nelly, did we get to take a real hard look at mediocrity.

Katie's interview reminded me a bit of Tim Russert's interview style. Maybe Katie shoud consider going to MSNBC.

She didn't do her job because she would've made Palin look like an idiot. How many VP candidates are asked the questions she asked Palin? Couric knew something we didn't know early in the game. Shame on her for not snitching! haha

rikyrah: I'll co-sign. :>)

She was "tough" with those "gotcha questions", like, "What do YOU READ??" :>) :>)

President-Elect Obama! :>) :>) First Lady Michelle! :>)

I think the reports of Katie Couric's demise have been greatly exaggerated. I still remember the rumors from the first of this year that she'd bow out of CBS after the election. And as it's turned out, it was one of Couric's interviews that played a pivotal part of the election.

Couric is not the best reporter, and her ratings aren't great. But her tenure as the lead anchor for the CBS Evening News has been far from the failure many predicted. I'll watch her reports before I turn to Charlie Gibson on ABC or Brian Williams on NBC.