Jack & Jill Politics

I,m German and me and my family were watching Reverend Lowery and absolutely loved him. He had the best speech of the day, is he exemplary for black churches or is he from a denomination where preaching like this happens? He was poetic, funny and his social commentary was spot on, before we knew it we were shouting amen at the tv.

Thank you LadyMacbeth. You get it.

Reverend Lowery's benediction was by far the best spoken piece of the inauguration. Uhm...President Obama should've asked the Reverend to write his speech. Lowery has such a way with putting just the right word into place. Simple. Brilliant. It was the only time Obama loosened up, smiled. President Obama was looking at Lowery with the eyes of a Son to his father. Very nice. And the little diddy at the in was a wonderful inside riff seemingly only known to Black folks.

World Celebrates Obama's Inauguration

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/20/eveni...

(CBS) In Kenya, the land of his father, they sang Barack Obama's name.

In Donegal, Ireland, they cheered in what claims to be the land of his distant cousin, and wrote new lyrics. "There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama!"

They rang the ceremonial bell in the town in Japan that bears his name. Yes, it's called Obama, Japan.

Never have so many felt so close, from so far away, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports.

In Russia, one man said, "all of a sudden we have this smart guy running the United States."

The world seemed to stop to watch the man many see as their new leader too.

"Barack Obama really does seem to be the first American president who is also in many ways quite genuinely the world's president," said Constanze Stelzenmuller of the German Marshall Fund.

And he will inherit the world's problems. But Obama, perhaps more than any before him, is being carried along on a river of good will.

MORNING THREAD IS UP

I heard President Obama's speech on the radio and found it flat compared to previous speeches but full of illusions never before expressed in American Culture(did anyone realize that in 1967 the battle of Khe Sanh started in VietNam on this date). Reading it(the medium I prefer) it is a really great speech.
What I am posting is a review of it by two columnist from the Times of London. I think you'll find it interesting:
http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/pdfs/obamaelect...

Rebecca put it clearly in regards to overcoming ignorance "Some folks may never understand the black tradition of preaching and praying. But that is not our fault...it is theirs."
So how do we overcome this problem. I suggest a reading list for the ignorant. I would start w/ the Fearless Jones novels by Walter Mosely. They'll give a reader a real flavor of what segregation in CA meant, how we survived it and how these lessons/stories/parables continue to influence our thinking to this day.

Let's remember that many great speeches, like many great works of literature, weren't considered successes during their times, including the Gettysburg address which was roundly criticized. It's only in restrospect that they are appreciated. What is arguably the greatest line delivered in the last 100 years, "there is nothing to fear but fear itself", was opined at the time as 'mumbo jumbo'.

It was more than clear that President Obama (I'm smiling) was deliberately restraining himself. He didn't need to give a speech for the ages (especially since, by my count, he already has 3 under his belt), but a speech for the times. If he had delivered a speech with soaring rhetoric--the kind the white liberals wanted to hear to validate themselves--they would have said it was reminiscent of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech. He's not a candidate anymore and never desired to be the heir to MLK. He's President of the United States and delivered a presidential and paternal speech needed for the times, not give a fleeting feel good moment.

NMP, Tell it like it is!

Major Co-Sign.

Sasha and Malia's Inauguration pics (slideshow)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/sasha-...

These kids are cute beyond words...

Imagine the sound of 2million people saying, "awwwww" at the same time. That's what happened yesterday when they appeared.

I no longer have to be envious of past generations who were witness to history! All of my life, I've felt like I was born too soon. So much of who I am is defined by generations before, I truly thought I would leave this world NEVER EVER being able to say, "I was there." I've watched old footage of the March on Washington literally countless times and lamented that I couldn't be there, not yet conceived to even be a thought in my parents minds. I've wondered with all of my imagination what it was like. But of course no amount of imagination could capture what it must have been like for the folks there. To be surrounded by a ocean of people bonded by humanity and a common purpose whom you don't know, but know you'll have the same memory seered into your memory until the day you leave this earth.

Yesterday, I realized I wasn't born too soon. And I'm no longer envious. I'll be able to say for however long I have life, "I was there!" Just like I've heard our elders say a million plus times. And no words can truly describe what it was like. All I can say is I'm grateful to have been alive to witness it and share it with my son and family.

You were born right on time NMP. I was born btwn the assasination's of both Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy in May of 1968. We all here when we are supposed to be. I am blessed to be here to witness these incredible changes in my 40th year of life.

NMP,

there you go, making me cry. The ability to share this with your son? I know it's beyond words, but those you wrote were beautiful.

NMP

Spoken so true.

NMP, you just summed up exactly how I feel as well. I am grateful to have reaped the benefits of those who fought and sacrificed for me. However, I was often wistul when thinking on MLK, John and Robert Kennedy and others. I felt as the great transformative leaders (and moments) were all before my time.

No more.

Let them cry like babies, if it makes them feel better.

I thought about that too....wondering if that was in their grand plan to try to mess this whole thing up for our new President...but the gig is up...he is our President! Thank God!

It's the Day After and I'm still excited!

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES: 7th graders blog on inauguration

Justice Ousley:
January 20, 2009 is the day where dream reaches reality. It is the day where hope takes charge and gives everyone a chance. "We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin the remaking of America." Those words make me wonder what I can do to make this country a better place. The little things really matter now in helping the country. Americans need to change in some way to lead this country to its promise. I won't litter anymore. I will help to make the earth greener. Maybe cleaning the streets is a start.

Adonis Pizarro:
When you listen to this man speak, it is like food. You eat it and you love it. As I heard Barack's speech, I found myself nodding to everything he said, and deep down inside I feel that he can change this country. I believe that he can do it. Yes, he will save the economy. Yes, he will lead this country down the right path. Yes, he will make the United States united. Yes, he will lead our country to the promised land. Yes, he will be a role model. Yes, he will bring our troops home. Yes, he can make this country better. And I can say: yes, I am proud to be a part of the United States. Yes, I can one day be President of the United States of America like Barack Obama.

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-kenny/har...

First daughters Malia and Sasha Obama wear J. Crew; retailer's Web site goes down

Budding style stars Malia and Sasha Obama are proving to be fashion loyalists.
For the past two days, the girls have worn head-to-toe outfits from Crewcuts, the kids line from J.Crew that boasts "designer details" and couture touches on its mini-me separates.

The retailer's Web site, www.jcrew.com, was down for about a half hour on Inauguration Day as shoppers rushed to scoop up the girls' colorful cold-weather attire.
The First Daughters chose bright hues for Dad's inauguration: Malia, 10, in periwinkle blue with a coral dress, and Sasha, 7, in a guava coat with an orange scarf and gloves.
Shoppers can pick up highlights from the custom-made outfits in the Fall 2009 line.

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/20...

Certainly a lot of crow being served these days:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-nickolas/the...

Hope these dudes ate their crow with a little spice in it!

"Illinois Senator Barack Obama's announcement this week that he's likely to enter the Presidential race adds a dash of glamour and excitement to the Democratic field. But all of his media attention doesn't change the basic truth of the 2008 primary contest: The race is between Hillary Rodham Clinton and everybody else." The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, Jan. 18, 2007.

"Ask yourself, is there any other major public figure who dresses the way [Obama] does? Why, yes. It is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, unlike most of his predecessors, seems to have skipped through enough copies of 'GQ' to find the jacket-and-no-tie look agreeable. And maybe that's not the comparison a possible presidential contender really wants to evoke... Now, it is one thing to have a last name that sounds like Osama and a middle name, Hussein, that is probably less than helpful. But an outfit that reminds people of a charter member of the axis of evil, why, this could leave his presidential hopes hanging by a thread. Or is that threads?" CNN Senior Analyst Jeff Greenfield, "The Situation Room," CNN, Dec. 11, 2006.

"That Sen. Barack Hussein Obama Jr. chose the day of 'American Idol's' season premiere to launch his presidential exploratory committee is nicely symbolic. If this were a contest about looks and style, Obama might have an edge. If it were a competition about which candidate is the best orator, he'd win. But it is neither." Cal Thomas, Washington Times, Jan. 19, 2007.

"The country will simply not elect a novice in wartime... [Obama] only has to do reasonably well in the primaries to become such a compelling national figure as to be invited onto the ticket as vice presidential nominee... Then, if the Democrats win, he will have all the foreign policy credentials he needs for life." Charles Krauthammer, Oct. 27, 2006.

Obama "is a black man with a Muslim name who would be seeking the presidency in a historically racist nation currently at war against Muslim extremists. One wonders if there is enough handsomeness, intelligence and charisma in the world to overcome all that." Leonard Pitts, Miami Herald, Jan. 19, 2007.

"To the surprise of many whites and dismay of his supporters, Barack Obama trailed Hillary Clinton among black Americans by a 40-point margin in a recent Washington Post-ABC poll... The sad truth... is that Obama is being rejected because many black Americans don't consider him one of their own and may even feel threatened by what he embodies." Orlando Patterson, Time.com, Feb. 8, 2007.

"What's a guy with only two years' experience in the U.S. Senate and none as governor, someone few outside his immediate family and the Internal Revenue Service ever heard of three years ago, doing running for president? And why is everybody--or anybody, for the matter--taking him seriously?" John Farmer, The New Jersey Star Ledger, Dec. 12, 2006.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-nickolas/the...

Thank you Rev. Lowery! Everytime I hear you speak, you never cease to bring it!

What a racist terd. As a Georgian I know too much about the shister Lowery. "Whites embrace right". How bout Jigaboos finally embrace right. Stop the robbery, stealing, leaching off the guvment, illegitament births, crack smokin, race blame game, anti american tirades, loud obnoxious behavior, in short stop acting like the Apes which you are. Lowery who is no more a real reverned than a warlock could not be elected to dog catcher in the great Anti Obama state of Georgia.

Romanaa: Hmmmmm. Yesterday U were Tyronaa

The NAME was CHANGED - - BUT NOT the RACISM!!

What NAME should we expect tomorrow??

Oh! Annnnnnd, those mis-spelled words - - - - WE KNOW! THEY R REAL!!

Back to ELEMENTARY SKOOOL!!

Uhm...ok. Apparently someone woke up with a case of the crazies.

There's nothing quite as tempting as a racist 'race-baiting' troll wallowing in their ignorance.

But I gotta respond to this tidbit here: "leaching off the guvment" [sic]- are we talking about the likes of Lynn Westmoreland? Saxby Chambliss? Isakson? Those leechers?

Nothing more comical than a racist troll that doesn't have a basic grasp of spelling and grammar. Maybe you should spend time getting some of the basics of English down instead of coming here so we can laugh at you all day.

Was Rev Lowery talking about you? Oops. lol

But if we are Apes, how can we stop acting like it?

I mean, you're a racist and you can't help coming on a black website spewing misspelled racist shit.

You are what you are, right?

Jigaboos, Apes and you call Reverend Lowery a racist?

Just got back from DC and this surreal, giddy, cold day. I am processing, journaling and coming back to earth by watching CSPAN and catching some moments I didnt see while yelling and clapping on the Mall in front of the Washington Monuement. What a great day.

Jay Smooth of illdoctrine.com : "Why I'm Happy, Why I'm Not Satisfied"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYsRwHexkpE

Great line that I've got to spoil: "Dr. King's dream DOES NOT have a finish line"

Nate: GREAT LINE!! Thanks for sharing!! :>)

I can't feel my body from the waist down. I have few words.

I was 20 feet away from the President and First Lady when they danced at Biden Home States Ball.

I should have pics and video and more words posted on Thursday.

I'm so giddy I can't see.

Hi, Craig. I was thinking of you when I saw Joe & Jill at the Biden Ball.

Love to see those pics and hear more when you're BACK IN YOUR BODY!

Craig,

you really need to stop. If you didn't have pictures, I don't think we'd ever believe you...your journey so far has been unbelievable.

fyi from economictimes.indiatimes.com

"Obama's autographed pictures with ex-US presidents for $6000


20 Jan 2009, 1901 hrs IST, AGENCIES


WASHINGTON: Barack Obama's autographed pictures with former US Presidents, which will be an collector's item, may go for 6000 dollars.


Obama, along with presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, agreed to sign 250 prints of a staff photograph.

Each president will eventually receive 50 copies that have been signed by all five of them, according to a White House official and an Obama transition aide, Politico.com reported.

Early estimates value the signed pictures at more than 6,000 dollars apiece, based on the rarity of such a meeting and how few copies of the photograph will be circulated. That value could push higher when collectors factor in Obama's popularity and historical significance as the first African-American president.

"You're going to see these valued and collected and sought after in a similar fashion as the previous ones, and when you're talking about a president that's very popular at the moment, that has to help," said Steven Hoskin, president of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association.

This curious practice dates back to 1981 when all four living presidents gathered at the White House before Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat's funeral and later autographed copies of the photo.

But it turned into a more coordinated effort, with a pre-set limit on the number of copies, when the presidential club gathered in 1991 for the dedication of Ronald Reagan's library in Simi Valley, California, the website said.

Obama will be the last of the five presidents to sign the photographs. His aides expect him to receive them some time over the next few weeks. "

ooo - look what I found.

And ya mean, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels didn't do 'CC Rider?' Damnn...I love the Internets!

From Andrew Sullivan

20 Jan 2009 04:52 pm

The Difficulty In Mocking Obama, Ctd.

"[Obama is] just one of those guys, you know, like Will Smith. There's no Will Smith jokes. There's no Brad Pitt jokes. You know, what are you going to say? "Ooh, you used to have sex with Jennifer Anniston. Now you have sex with Angelina Jolie. You're such a loser." What do you say? "Ooh, your movies are big. You make $20 million." There's nothing to say about Brad Pitt...[With Obama it's] like "Ooh, you're young and virile and you've got a beautiful wife and kids. You're the first African-American president." You know, what do you say?," - Chris Rock.

For all those who questioned Michelle's Inaugural Outfit..

looking at the front pages of the newspapers ..

It photographs very well.

I saw some pictures and it does look like a different dress in photos. I really didn't like it, but she wore it well. She was beautiful and in her element regardless.

Some folks need to upgrade their tv's to HD and stop hatin'! If you can't see the detailing, you can't appreciate it. The dress is gorgeous!

I have HD and I didn't like it.

I'm sure the First Lady won't be saddened that you and Utah* didn't like her dress.

*According to Time Magazine's poll residents in the other 49 states loved the dress.

Still don't like it - love Michelle though.

Well maybe I saw too many details of the dress! LOL!

It wasn't horrible. I just don't think it was the right dress for her.

Whatever.

I don't have a problem with sistas wearing white, but not this white dress.

I hope that she finds other great young designers that meet with equal approval. But this Jason Wu creation still was not it.

I find you to be kind of rude. You didn't need to respond to her like that.

and I find you to be kind of rude. How about that? blksista didn't say anything out of turn.

rikyrah: Which LINK? Thank you. :>)

Our President and First Lady have now danced their last dance and gone home to celebrate with friends.

Bow chicka wow wow! Chicka wow wow!

Sookie Sookie Now

vulcan_girl: Suuuuuuuure! ***WINK*** :>) :>)

***backin' out of grown-folks' conversation*** :>) :>)

rikyrah: He came there ta SPEAK from HIS HEART!! Annnnnd, I'm happy for him!! :>)

He came there to BLESS PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, First Lady Michelle, Malia and Sasha! :>)

He NEVER thought that he would see this DAY annnnnd, I believe that he interjected HUMOR to keep from CRYING!!

God has allowed him to see his OWN "PROMISED LAND!!" IMHO! :>)

God has Blessed him! :>)

God has allowed him to see his OWN "PROMISED LAND!!" IMHO! :>)


Yes, GreenLady! I believe that. God Is So Good.

Justice58: Aaaaaa-man!! :>)

co-signing. Most of us got that.

still up watching the inaugural ball. Did you all see the interviews on Fox 5?

Incredible. They interviewed Kanye West and Sway from MTV. Fox 5 clearly did not expect the level of intellect from those guys

The commentator asked Kanye what do you want to see in the next 4 years or 8 years. Kanye said - better economy, more jobs, less media spin, less sensationalism and the media should report based on reality. LOL

When they talked to Sway - Sway held it down. I watched his interview three times. That man is very intelligent. I have to see if I can find the clip.

If you can find the clip, please post the link.

I went looking but couldn't find anything.

It must have been that good, that Faux didn't have the stones to keep it.

still searching. I know somebody HAD to post that on you tube. It was magnificient. Still looking. Refuse to give up.

I need help - where can I find front pages from around the United States and the World?

rikyrah: Will this help you to get what you wanted?? Wednesday Newspaper Front Pages(Updatedx5) US and Worldwide Edition- PRESIDENT OBAMA

Orrrr, did the author put them together? ***shrug*** :>) :>)

Sincerely, Technologically Challenged GLH :>) :>) :>)

I found that post, GLH. Thanks. It's a start.

rikyrah: My pleasure! :>) :>)

I see that Val has the "real deal!" Yaaaa! :>)

hey Rikyrah here is the link.

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/

Cool! Thanks!

Val: you found the "Real Deal!" Yaaaaaa!

Thanks Val,

You're on it!

thank you so much

Rev. Joseph Lowery and Wallowing in Hatred and Blackness...

Hatred exists. Racism exists. Acknowledging is not wallowing. In this nation, on that platform- it was LIBERATION.

Whites can't seem to grasp the reality that there is a difference between equality and equity. True we are all equal in philosophical ways. Yes we are all God's children and worthy of fair treatment etc. But the TRUTH is that is NOT the experience of most people of color.

Your whiteness is showing- again. Posting this (again) is troll like behavior. You and the person above who is calling Black people apes are more alike than not.

The only people who would be offended by what Lowery said would be white people wallowing in hatred, self righteousness and whiteness.

BUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTED

Me? I immediately started laughing...

BTW, Bishop Gene Robinson will be on Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show' right about NOW. I'm out west, so it's only midnight.

Glad everyone's so happy. More than anything - I'm f**cking relieved.

Town: You just SPEAK TRUTH! Boo-yah!! :>) :>)

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next time, do yourself a favor and learn about black tradition.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Some folks just don't understand.

The benediction was great...right on time....and a blessing for all people. I thought the good Rev did what he needed to do. Ask for a blessing of the first family, the US and the world. And end on a high note...with humor. Some folks may never understand the black tradition of preaching and praying. But that is not our fault...it is theirs.

Give it up, you can say what you will, but the man who just took the oath today to become our 44th president IS black...and along with the anticipated future of great days ahead, we can not forget the past which includes great struggle and sacrifice.

Just because you were either unwilling to hear it or can't stand the truth, it needed to be said. Here is another article for you to ponder...one without the silly woe is me white person attitude: http://www.cottonfieldchronicle.com/archives/20...

Rebecca: You just SPEAK TRUTH! :>) :>)

Say it, Rebecca!

Karmi,

just stop. Wasn't any hatred in Lowery's benediction.

And what's wrong in him ' wallowing in Blackness' - just exactly what does that mean?

“VERY COLORFUL” … so to speak.

+Oh ya know some play on words - evilneessss, my precciouss..

Someone remind me, where did those lines come from at the end of Lowery's benediction. I've heard it for years.

the beginning part was from the Negro National Anthem by James Weldon Johnson.

Part of it is from a song (30s or 40s) song by Big Bill Broonzy --

If you're white, it's all right
If you're brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother
Get back get back get back

rikyrah: Look what I found in AUSTRALIA

When I was an adolescent growing up in rural Queensland, frequently I heard older Aboriginal men taunt each other with a sarcastic saying:

“If you’re white, you’re right - if you’re brown, stick around - but if you’re black, stay back.”

I don’t know where it came from but when I turned 18 and sought entertainment at the local bowling club for the New Year Celebration Dance, I soon discovered the meaning and power of that adage. On reaching the front of the queue, I held out my hand to pay the entry fee, only to be told aggressively by a finger-pointing, white bouncer that “no blacks are allowed”

Oh! ACCIDENTLY found the one that YOU referenced: Get Back (Black, Brown and White)
Big Bill Broonzy. Chicago, 8. November 1951

Another reference: America in Ferment: The Tumultuous 1960s - The State of Black America in 1960

In the North, too, black Americans suffered humiliation, insult, embarrassment, and discrimination. Many neighborhoods, businesses, and unions almost totally excluded blacks. Just as black unemployment had increased in the South with the mechanization of cotton production, black unemployment in Northern cities soared as labor-saving technology eliminated many semiskilled and unskilled jobs that historically had provided many blacks with work. Black families experienced severe strain; the proportion of black families headed by women jumped from 8 percent in 1950 to 21 percent in 1960. "If you're white, you're right" a black folk saying declared; "if you're brown stick around; if you're black, stay back."

FINALLY: Ulysses in Black (By Patrice D. Rankine)

You have to SCROLL DOWN to see PAGE 66, since this material is copyrighted. BUT, you will find this "adage."

After all of this, it boils down to - - WE KNOW!! :>) :>)

Thanks for this! I'm over here stuck on listening to Big Bill Broonzy - then went over to Amazon.

Wordsmith: Since I'm -er, -ummm, somewhat Technologically-Challenged, :>) I am continuously awe-struck by what I find once I start "riding on the 'information highway'!"

Phrases like: "R u kidding me" and "No they di'int" are constantly in my vocabulary! :>) :>)

ENJOY YOUR TOUR!! :>) :>)

I could swear I've heard it like Rev. Lowery gave it out. I was thinking the the 60s/70s. Hadn't heard about a song before.