Jack & Jill Politics

New York Post Employees Unhappy, Ashamed Of Offensive Cartoon

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/19/new-yo...

AFTERNOON THREAD IS UP

rikyrah: BREAKING NEWS! FIRST LADY is on MSNBC! DEPT. AGRICULTURE!

THANK YOU!!

Here SHE IS! VERY LOVELY!! :>) :>)

Some questions:

What does it mean to have an 'honest' conversation about race?

Does it solely mean that whites are to acknowledge, in perpetuity, that racism is part of our history and that it still exists today?

Is it enough to say, I say yes. We have a racist past as a nation and racism still exists today? I have seen and heard, in the past and in the present AAs being portrayed as apes and I denounce it as hateful and reject the comparison. So then, if when confronted with this cartoon I see Congress where others see Obama, am I being cowardly?

Who is perpetuating and reinforcing the portrayal of AAs as apes, those who see Congress as the ape or those who see Obama?

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Does that quote apply in this context?

You asked:
What does it mean to have an 'honest' conversation about race?
Does it solely mean that whites are to acknowledge, in perpetuity, that racism is part of our history and that it still exists today?

...It means acknowleging white entitlement and white privilege. No, it does not mean solely acknowledging the history of the nation, but it does mean you cannot act like it had no impact nor it's significant impact on how race is viewed in the nation. You cannot poo-pah the brutality of that history when no amends have been made for it.

You ask/say:
I have seen and heard, in the past and in the present AAs being portrayed as apes and I denounce it as hateful and reject the comparison.

Then why have you steadfastly opposed those very real opinions on this board when you acknowledge that historically it is so. How can you deny the reality of that truth when you see it expressed by simply saying 'I don't see that'? You speak like an owner of a beloved pet who refuses to acknowledge they are a wild animal that attacks human beings by saying...'my pet is gentle and would never do such a thing'?

"if when confronted with this cartoon I see Congress where others see Obama, am I being cowardly?"

Not so much a coward but you lack the courage of conviction to accept that is not how those who were the victims of the cartoon are indeed rightly outraged by saying it is solely their perspective, while at the same time you know darn well the history of the image. Should blacks say you have no reason to believe a black man who looks menacing to you, is just your opinion? While saying sure blacks commit crimes but that does not mean the man who confronted you about the piss poor service you gave as a waiter was about them 'hating whites'? You know like in the movie, CRASH, the one where the white woman holds harder onto her spouse as they leave the restaurant when she sees 2 black guys approaching them on the sidewalk as they walk by? Who demands that her husband change the locks and when the mexican comes she is more terrified, but in the end has only her mexican maid to rely on for help?

That's what honest conversation means.

You ask:
Who is perpetuating and reinforcing the portrayal of AAs as apes, those who see Congress as the ape or those who see Obama?

White society and especially the cartoonist who is fully aware that blacks are depicted as animals and the animal has consistently been a monkey/ape. Surely you know about the Obama monkey dolls during his campaign? It is no different than when men say 'she asked for it by the way she was dressed' perpetuates that all women are whores. Do you deny that the attire conjures up images that say the men CAN treat her like a whore. It is no more different than dehumanizing blacks as animals, justifying been shot and killed liked an animal by the police.

You are blowingsmoke and refusing to address the core issues.

You ask:
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Does that quote apply in this context?

NO, She is speaking about an individual. The ape image is about a GROUP of people. The individual who is a member of the group is powerless to combat the collectively view, no matter how much dignity they hold as a person, because they will STILL be treated inhumanely simply because they are black!!

And no one can make you feel guilty and/or racist unless you actually are.

True. But if I defend my position that the cartoon was ambiguous but not blatantly racist, that the viewer was left to draw his own conclusion, and that conclusion has more to say about their attitudes about race than the cartoon itself, how do you respond?

I respond that you refuse to recognize what symbols/images represent.
Do you think the USA flag is a symbol of democracy, do you get outraged when it is burned? Why is that if it is only a flag. Afterall, if I don't see your point does that mean I am anti-American. If I say it was ambiguous and not blatantly anti-American and has more to do with your attitude about democracy?

You are glossing over the truths, ignoring and denying. Setting yourself up as an individual vs. a collective member of a society.

The flag IS a symbol of the USA, and our democracy. Would you deny that? Americans may love or hate or feel ambivalent about the symbol but what it represents is clear.

That is not the case with this cartoon. You want to see it as clearly racist when it is not clear at all.

The symbolism of chimp in the cartoon is open to interpretation. Whether deliberate or not, only the cartoonist can say.

You choose to see it as racially inflammatory because you ascribe the symbolism of the chimp to Obama. However, it is not clear at all that this is the case. It is unclear at best and to those who have negative feeling about the stimulus bill, who have followed the debate closely and followed current events, we saw the chimp as a symbol of congress.

I am not glossing over anything. If the chimp was wearing a sign that said OBAMA or was drawn to in some way resemble Obama there would be no doubt, but it does NOT.

All those who are outraged are jumping to a conclusion different from my own. There is no truth except that which lies in the heart of the cartoonist.

But even then, if he was to tell you that he meant for the chimp to represent 'an out-of-control congress on a gigantic spending spree' would you believe him?

You choose to see what you want to see, and ignore and deny any other explanation than the one to which you chosen to adopt.

I am an individual, and I treat all people as individuals. I see nothing wrong with that.

New York Post Employees Unhappy, Ashamed Of Offensive Cartoon

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/19/new-yo...

There are things that people do that are racist and offensive but subconciously done. i don't believe that about the cartoon, but I know that to be true. If we were cognizant and conscious of everyone's race and ethnicity and valued it equally we wouldn't have these issues because an honest conversation about race will have taken place. Images are powerful things.

You yourself admitted that it wasn't blatantly racist. Subtly racist is still racist.

I think that it was inadvertently racist, not subtly racist, because it was ambiguous. If the chimp was wearing a sign that said Congress, would we be having this conversation?

Does not a form of racism exists against the cartoonist, because the viewer assumes the intent of the cartoonist was to portray Obama as a chimp?

NO need for me to continue this conversation with you because you still don't understand that inadvertent racism is still racism.

How so. Inadvertant means to not focus the mind on the matter. To not even think about it.

Why do you assume the chimp is Obama?

I assume the chimp is obama because of the placement of the cartoon in the newspaper.? Page 11 OBAMA signing the stimulus bill.? Page 12, "political" cartoon.? Not to far of a stretch.? Not only that, I was the faculty advisor of a school newspaper.? It was my job to make sure that things like this don't happen.? The editor knew it would be seen as offensive.? He just didn't care.?If he didn't notice the placement, his ass should still be in a sling because that was his job.

Why do you think it was inadvertent, when you KNOW that is a historical depiction of blacks as animals? Is it inadvertent when folks ride around with stars and bars decals? Or are they making a statement about not accepting they LOST the war?

Since when do the losers of any war get to fly the flag of defeat? Isn't that the whole point of being conquered?
Isn't that what the picture of American soldiers planting that flag on the hill in Normandy about? Conquering the Germans?

Flying the Confederate flag is a slap in the face to all the Americans who died with the Stars and STRIPS!

It think it was inadvertent because there is no clear identification of the chimp.

I think it was inadvertent because as one who has followed the stimulus debate carefully, I know Congress wrote the bill. I also recognized the connection between the 'crazed chimp shot by cops in CT' and the cartoon.

As for the war, that too is open to interpretation. You say it is lost and I know who would disagree with that assertion.

You see what you want to see.

No one!

rikyrah: The President/FIRST LADY continue to REACH OUT!! :>)

Obama And Michelle Ask Progressive Groups For Help Driving White House Agenda

At a private White House cocktail reception last night for leaders of major progressive groups, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle appealed to these leaders and signaled that their groups would play a key role in driving the big progressive changes at the heart of the White House’s legislative agenda, an attendee tells me.

The message was that these groups would be valuable as a kind of progressive outside “echo chamber,” as the attendee puts it.

The party — which was organized by top Obama aide Valerie Jarrett — signals that the White House is moving forward with efforts to build coordination with outside progressive groups in order to drive the White House’s message and beat back its foes. As I reported recently, Jarrett is at the center of those efforts.

Obama didn’t give a talk, and the President, Michelle, and Joe Biden mingled informally with various groups of progressive leaders. The message, the attendee adds, was that “it’s very clear that there will need to be an echo chamber and a way for groups on the outside to build the case for big progressive legislation.”

“The gist was, `We’re gonna need people out there telling the story of the stimulus and telling the story about how much we need big health care reform and clean energy and green jobs,’” the attendee says.

Among those on the guest list: Labor leaders Jimmy Hoffa, Gerry McEntee and Andy Stern; MoveOn’s Eli Pariser; Sierra Club’s Carl Pope; Planned Parenthood’s Cecile Richardson; and Joe Solomonese of the Human Rights Campaign.

Word of the gathering first leaked out when Ben Smith posted Andy Stern’s Twitter saying he’d just been at the reception.

This is a key development for progressive leaders; more soon.

Update: We have a lot more detail for you on the meeting right here.

Ms. JARRETT is on HER J - O - B!! :>) :>) N-i-i-i-ice!! :>)

rikyrah: Mr. PRESIDENT has his own PRESIDENTIAL STYLE: :>)

AP: Each President Has Own Style For Walk To Marine One

WASHINGTON — Each president seems to have a distinct, though subtle, style for those much-photographed White House departures. And Barack Obama is no exception.

George W. Bush walked with a manifestly brisk stride whenever he got on Marine One for the short helicopter ride to nearby Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. So, too, does Obama. But the new president at times also projects a less-formal image.

Obama smiled and waved as he walked across crossed the South Lawn under a light rain Thursday morning for his trip to Canada. He wore no raincoat despite the conditions.

For the first time since Obama took office, members of the public were on-hand for the departure _ a practice in keeping with past presidential sendoffs. Some 75 people who were taking a White House tour were randomly selected to watch it, and the White House plans to continue this practice for future departures.

Marine One landed at Andrews a few minutes later in pouring rain. The president walked briskly from the helicopter, still disdaining an umbrella. His walk turned into a jog as he made his way up the steps of Air Force One for the flight to Ottawa.

See a slideshow of Obama's trip to Canada [posted]

MR. PRESIDENT'S STYLE - - - - MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL - - -"SWAGGA!" :>) :>)

Primates & Politics in a Post-Racial America
http://snipurl.com/c7odv

New Yorkers to head new urban affairs office

(CNN) — The newly-launched Office on Urban Affairs will have a Big Apple flavor.
Two-term Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion will lead the office, reporting directly to the president, bringing attention to urban areas and coordinating federal programs. Derek Douglas, who served as the state’s chief lobbyist in Washington, will be named Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs

The new office “ will focus on wise investments and development in our urban areas that will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous, and strong," said President Obama in a statement released Wednesday.

You mean PBO's going to include the rest of us "REAL Americans?

Damn, 8 years seems like a Century.

As a Born and Bread NYer, I am pleased. I'm just glad to see our cities getting some attention. We need it.

Check out this live blog of POTUS trip to Canada, from a Canadian blogspot:

http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/19/liveblogging...

President Obama's Top Republican Ally

http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/02/obamas_...

I bet Maria is talking his ear off about Obama.

Has Obama Brought More Color To The Runways?
http://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/m...

The Rude Pundit

2/19/2009
Shut the Fuck Up and Take the Money:
Really, Republican Governors Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, and Sarah Palin of...well, you fuckin' know? Really? You're really thinking about rejecting some of the money coming to your states in the federal stimulus? Well, not really, since the law says your legislatures can take the money without your okay. So you can huff and puff and talk about "strings attached" or what-the-fuck-ever, but in the end, you know that you're gonna shut the fuck up and take the cash, bitches.

Of course, you won't admit why you find your state budgets going down the shitter. Because to do so would mean that Republicans would have to admit that their beloved federalism is a big fuckin' failure, another rank ideological stench emanating from the Reagan era. You put more and more control of projects in the individual states, you pile ungodly debt on top of tax cuts, you toss in a few unfunded mandates (see No Child Left [with a seat for their] Behind), and that piss sound you hear is trickle down, conservatives, except it's the costs that are trickling to the states, not any largesse. Until, you know, right now.

So, sure, Bobby Jindal, you exorcisin' great Republican hope, you go ahead and say you don't want the $308 million in highway construction funds or the half a billion or so in Medicaid money or the over $400 million for education in a state more notable for its official attempts to keep its students stupid (see creationism bills over the years). Which part are you gonna tell Washington to keep? The unemployment benefits? The tax credits?

You're fuckin' adorable. You go ahead and say it all you want. Say how you wouldn't have voted for the bill if you'd still been in Congress. And then, at some point, probably after you give your cute little response to Barack Obama's speech to Congress on Tuesday, with your state's budget shortfall on the fast track to $2 billion and cuts happening everywhere, you know you're gonna have to shut the fuck up and take the money. Same goes for all of the idiot Republicans.

And don't worry. No matter if it helps a little or a lot, no one will expect you to say, "Thanks." At this point, we all know what ungrateful, selfish dicks you are. Like what the quickly crumbling Governor Sanford said this morning. Being against the bill "doesn't preclude taking the money." The thought of that $8 billion not coming to his state? Well, no one's an atheist in a foxhole, right?

Ah, the sweet, plaintive, familiar sigh of Republican hypocrisy. It echoes from the domes of DC to the state houses around the nation.

http://rudepundit.blogspot.com/

That was straight...with no chaser.

I'm drunk on the truth.

LOL!!! I know that's right!

rikyrah: My computer crashed! :>( Starting all over.

FEBRUARY 19, 2009 -DAY 30- Of His FIRST 100 DAYS! :>)

1. HIS SCHEDULE: Thursday Feb. 19, 2009
All Times Eastern

Robert Gibbs holds his daily press briefing aboard Air Force One.

Joe Biden visits C.I.A. headquarters for the swearing in of Leon E. Panetta as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Biden hosts a dinner for foreign policy experts.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Indonesia.
8:00 AM
9:00 AM

President Barack Obama leaves The White House en route to Andrews Air Force Base.
9:15 AM

Obama flies out of Andrews Air Force Base en route to Ottawa, Canada.
10:00 AM
10:30 AM

Obama arrives in Ottawa, Canada.
10:50 AM

Obama meets with Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean.
11:00 AM
11:40 AM

Obama arrives at Parliament Hill and is greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Parliament officials.
11:45 AM

Obama signs guest books.
12:00 PM

Obama meets with Harper.
12:55 PM

Obama has a working lunch with Harper.
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:15 PM

Michelle Obama visits the Department of Agriculture.
2:45 PM

Obama and Harper hold a joint press availability.
3:00 PM
3:30 PM

Obama leaves Parliament Hill.
3:45 PM

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner meets with French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde.
4:00 PM

Obama meets with meets with Leader of the Official Opposition Michael Ignatieff.
4:20 PM

Obama meets with U.S. Embassy employees and their families.
5:00 PM
5:15 PM

Obama flies out of Ottawa, Canada en route to Andrews Air Force Base.
6:00 PM
6:40 PM

Obama arrives at Andrews Air Force Base.
7:00 PM

Obama arrives at The White House.

2. Obama Canada Trip (SLIDESHOW)

3. ANNNND, PICS:
+ FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Barack Obama walks across the South Lawn before boarding Marine One and departing the White House February 19, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama is traveling to Canada, his first foreign trip as president, and will meet with Prime Minister Steven Harper to talk about the worldwide economic downturn and to discuss the "Buy American" portion of the new stimulus legislation.

+ U.S. President Barack Obama deplanes from Air Force One after arriving in Ottawa, February 19, 2009.

+ U.S. President Barack Obama (C) talks with Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean (R) as they walk past an RCMP honor guard after arriving in Ottawa, February 19, 2009.

+ People stand on Parliament Hill next to a snowman as they wait for U.S. President Barack Obama in Ottawa February 19, 2009.

+ U.S. President Barack Obama (L) talks with Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean (R) after arriving in Ottawa February 19, 2009.

+ U.S. President Barack Obama (L) talks with Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean (R) after arriving in Ottawa February 19, 2009.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! ENJOY!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!! :>)

Marc Ambinder: Changing The Culture
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/02/changin...

I find it interesting that those who are so outraged by the implications of the chimp cartoon are willing to ignore the implications of Holder's use of the word 'coward'.

IMO both the cartoonist and Holder should be given the benefit of the doubt. But at the same time, the ambiguity of the drawing and the ambiguous word choice by Holder, have done much to expose our own attitudes about race.

Until we can operate from the viewpoint that 'most people are NOT' racists as opposed to 'most people ARE racists' will any understanding and reconciliation take place.

In the case of the cartoon, the cartoonist left open for interpretation, the symbolic representation of the chimp. He may or may not have done this deliberately. How we chose to interpret it, was our choice, and says much about our own racial attitudes.

After viewing the cartoon, I saw the chimp representing Congress as a 'crazed monkey' that went berserk writing an very expensive and wasteful stimulus bill.

That said, it is very easy to see how many could be offended, if they saw the chimp representing President Obama.

What attitudes about race formed our different opinions?

As for Holder, he chose to use the word 'coward'. Coward in the context of being a 'racial coward.'

I interpret this to mean that we are afraid to face the truth that 'most of us are racists.' I was as put off by this, but then again if he believes the assertion that 'most of us are racist' than I can see why he chose the word.

Thats your opinion and you are entitled to it.Now I did see the connection with comparing President Obama to an ape.I remember a few years back when the LAPD responding to a domestic call labeled it Gorillas in the Mist,I remember the t shirts portraying PBO as Curious George I do remember the hate rallies of McLame the people had monkeys dress up in an Obama T-shirt In white america mythology AA was always portrayed as monkeys, apes and gorilla's.Now you may not want to recognize it and that's what the AG MEANT WHEN HE CALLED YOU A COWARD!!!!!

I recognize it, but does it apply to the cartoon? The cartoon was ambiguous at best in the symbolic depiction of the chimp and it was related to a recent news story.

When you see the chimp in the cartoon as Obama, you include it as part of the 'american mythology.' You make an assumption which I do not.

What you want to see is black people cease being portrayed as apes, but what you do not see is that you, yourself, in seeing the ape as Obama, are perpetuating the myth, not me.

I'm watching a Canadian channel in French (a by-product of living in a French-Canadian state) that's covering President Obama's visit to Canada. Wall-to-wall coverage. Security is outrageous. Even still, he stepped out of his car and waved to the screaming throngs. The graphic they use features a great picture of Obama with his big old electric smile and these words (for those who know French):

Barack Obama effectue au Canada
sa première visite officielle à l'étranger

South Carolina's Sanford Hedges: We Might Take The Money

WASHINGTON — South Carolina's Republican governor says his state may accept money from President Barack Obama's stimulus plan even though he is ideologically opposed to it.

Gov. Mark Sanford says being against the plan "doesn't preclude taking the money."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/19/south-...

Clyburn put a provision in the stimulus bill that allows state legislatures to override a governor's refusal to accept funds.

Then why doesn't Sanford hedge his bets, and says he will not accept the money, and let the legislature override him.

Probably because he knows that the people of SC supported the stimulus, and he doesn't want to cook his own goose.

Could be. He still could choose to do that.

Yep.
He's just THAT stupid.

Busy biting the hand that's trying to feed'em........SMH

SMH SMH SMGDH!!!!!!! Why am I not surprised?

Uh huh. Sure. They want that money but fought against it for show. Dumb #uck-ups!

They were against it before they were for it.

Justice, they're twisted, even trying to take credit for the bill after oposing it!

Lunatics!

On the The View, going after the New York Post

Can you give a summary?

Basically, they all agreed -- even Elisabeth! -- that the NY Post was out of line and racist. Elisabeth's voice was quivering, saying that people should be mindful of offending people (practice what you preach!). Joy said that even though she disagreed with them, she supports free speech. Sherri said that you can't always hide behind free speech.

But then Elisabeth said that she didn't like that EH said that we were a nation of cowards, and the rest of the panel called her out saying that there was more to what EH said. Elisabeth said he should've used another word, blah, blah fukkedty blah.

If you guys want to see the episode, go to YouTube and do a search for lester94111. He posts the entire show every day.

Thanks Sepia!

So, AG Holder says the US is a nation of cowards and automatically conservatives believe that means THEM.....hit dogs WILL holler, every single time.

Miranda! I almost forgot the craziest part of the convo, but before I tell you Imma have to ask you to sit down and not drink anything while you read this.....




Barbara Walters said that the reason why people were outraged about the NY Post cartoon was because the chimp in the cartoon was black, and if it were white no one would've complained.

I cannot TELL you how much I appreciate the 'spew alert.' I didn't have anything in my mouth, but I swallowed anyway - just to be safe.

BawWaw must be thinking of that one albino chimp in the Amsterdam Zoo.....

Between her and Pat Buchanan, today was not the day for white America to watch the news.

Now you lying.........I dont know why you made that up...I'm not believing that...nope....why you making stuff up Sepia?

Sepia Please!

No. She. Didn't.! Of all the stupid things? Barbara is straight up nutty as hell.

Ladies, I'm dead ass serious! She really said that. The others looked at her like she was crazy.

It's not up yet, but check YouTube for the video. Do a search for lester94111.

I'm just stunned at Barbara Walters ignorance! GMADB!

Wonder what were Whoopie and Sherrie thinking when she stated that? Jesus Christ!

Honestly, I think she is a little senile (or just plain crazy). She is always saying some off the wall crap.
Hell, half the time I can barely understand her.

That was ignorant on an epic scale. That was uber-ignorant. Because the chimp was black?? Lawd have MERCY!!!!

All right - that damned Armstrong Williams was just on MSNBC explaining Holder's comments. Armstrong doesn't know what "world" Eric lives in, but it's not post-racial America......

The President is in Ottawa - and there were those Mounties in their BOOTS! Where's Sasha? Oh, that's right - it's a school day. Poor baby....

Armstrong is on the same Shufflin' Sambo All-Star team as Ron Christie.

Armstrong Williams...I saw him. WTF is wrong with him?

What were his two cents?

He didn't even have two cents...it was about 1/3 of one cent - maybe a tad less or more depending on whether you take away for mispronouncing/stumbling over some word.

You're too funny!

LMAO!!

Basically that Eric Holder shouldn't have used the word coward because look how far we've come. We have a President Obama... Blah Blah Fuckey Blah.

There is always one...

Blah Blah Fuckey Blah.

OMG! I didn't see this before I posted the same thing above. We're on the same wavelength! LOL!

Blah Blah Fuckey Blah

Oh goody! Another form of 'fuck' to add to my cussin' repertoire!

LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Now you know Armstrong couldn't sit back and not get in on the fun this week....hell, I bet he was calling up BEGGING to be on ANY show a spot was available.

Armstrong doesn't know what "world" Eric lives in, but it's not post-racial America......

In my world the next person to say we live in a "post-racial" America would be made to go to Harlem, West Philly, Camden, South Central LA, etc. and say that out loud and see what kind of welcome they get.

BTW, the JJP regulars have my utmost respect for holding it down yesterday. I had an emergency project to finish, which kept me away from here. Just as well because I would have had to double up on my BP meds dealing with the nutcases. Great jobs y'all.

There have been some totally stupid, irrelevant, tripe, dumb-as-spit columns and articles about President Obama....yes there have....but this may be the new frontrunner for the number one spot...its such a waste of brain cells that it actually has reversed itself into having to be acknowledged. I would be remiss if I didn't share it, really....

http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/nation/preside...

look-a-here my Caucasian brethren....y'all gone drive yourselves mad with this kind of stuff, you really are.

LOL! PBO's less than informal because he didn't wear a raincoat and has a disdain for umbrellas because he jogs in the rain without one.

BWA HA HAHA!

That tripe came from the AP, the true authority on rain gear.

LA Times on a Progressive Voice for MSNBC's 10 PM Hour
It was brought up yesterday about one of JJP's own hosting the show,maybe we should call and write MSNBC to put our 2 cents in
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et...

One more reason why the Reich wing of the republican party needs to be eradicated.
Utah State Sen. Compares Gays To Alcoholics, Terrorists: ‘They’re The Greatest Threat To America’»
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/02/18/buttars-hom...

HAHAH MC STEELE MOE DEE IS BACK!!!!

GOP needs to be more Hip Hop
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/19/rnc-ch...

You know, this could be dangerous:
What will MC STEELE MOE DEE do if Hayley Barbour hugs him and says "You my niggah!"
Be careful what you wish for...

I can't wait to see him do this:

i said a hip hop a hippie to the hippie
to the hip hip hop, you dont stop
a rockin to the bang bang boogy say up jumps the boogy,
to the rhythm of the boogity beat.

now what you hear is not a test--i'm rappin to the beat
and me, the groove, and my friends are gonna try to move your feet
see i am wonder MIKE and i like to say hello
to the black, to the white, the red, and the brown, the purple and yellow
but first i gotta bang bang the boogie to the boogie
say up jump the boogie to the bang bang boogie
let's rock, you dont stop
rock the riddle that will make your body rock

"Tax cuts, homes!"

allamr18: This is VEEEERY INTERESTING! NO! STUPID annnnnd INSULTING!!

For all his poor attempts to "COPY" PRESIDENT Obama, I'm thinkin':

1. did he EVA see/hear President Obama "PLAY the PLAYA GAME" in order to ATTRACT young Blacks and Hispanics?

2. did he eva see/hear President Obama "SPEAK HIP-HOP"?

3. did he eva hear President Obama SINGLE OUT young Black/Hispanics in ANY way? He ALWAYS SPOKE - - - UNITY!!

4. How does he expect to attract those young Black/Hispanics who DON'T participate in the "HIP-HOP culture?"

5. Sooo, he's planning to have this - We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-surburban hip-hop settings." - - the GOP version of"BLING! BLING!- - - -

BUT - - - - - -WHERE'S THE SUBSTANCE!?

Oh! I'm sorry! Why would I EXPECT that???

MAN - O' - STEELE, the purpose of the COPY MACHINE is to get an EXACT COPY NOT A - - - -

Shadow - -
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
William Shakespeare

GET A GRIP - - - - - DUD! Oops! I mean - - - - -DUDE! :>) :>)

***shakin' my head!*** :>)

Here is a preview of MC STEELE MOE DEE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WICfZ4_V-ys

OMG......*dead*...........................................

OH............*choke*.........ROFLMAO.............................

Dear God...please MAKE. IT. STOP.........................

MC STEELE MOE DEE hires DMX as his Director of Communications.
(...well, it COULD happen)

its soooo embarrasing. this is the fundamental problem with the GOP they think its a matter of marketing and appearance not actual policies.they change their label but its the same product. "hey we are putting out a new product called hip hop republicans theres nothing really different about us we just want you to think there is"

agree with all of the above. it's at the point of being sad to see a grown man try to look hep to a "hip hop" audience his mind has created. or even if it's real, i.e. if he has talked to some supposed hip hop culture leaders (however you define them), then he and his budget are about to get gamed. no need to elaborate.

to paraphrase a quote I can't find right now: It's a shame to see an old person trying to be cool in order to appeal to youth because he loses on both fronts, losing authenticity with his peers and arriving at the party long after the cool kids are gone."

Rev. Joe Lowery is damn near 90 years old and I've seen kids damn near bow when he walks into a room....he is the ultimate example of how the bridge between our youth and senior citizens should be.

Miranda: TA- RUE DAT!! :>)

RESPECT - - -ya gotta EARN IT; - - -NOT attempt to manufacture it!

DANG!! HE IS sooooo, anachronistic!!

TRY to - - - KETCHUP!!

***shakin' my head*** :>)

Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele, in an interview with the Washington Times, says he's planning an "off the hook" public relations offensive to attract young blacks and Hispanic voters.

Yep - unless the message changes and does an about face, then it's the same ole shit under a different tune.

Wordsmith: WORD!! :>)

off the hook"

Please. (Rolling My Eyes)

"off the hook"

Dear Chairman Steele,

1994 called. It wants its slang back.

Love,
Me

ROFLMAO.............

shits really insulting, like young blacks and hispanics want to hear their leader say shit like off the hook or bling bling. they really do see minorities as simpletons. hey if we appeal to them with our lingo and music bam weve got their votes.

I agree. He thinks the only way to get across to black folk is to dumb it down, which goes to show you what he and his GOP massas really think about us.

This is the racist shit people should be mad about.

And the shit I've been mad about since M.C. Steal Moe Bling has started his RNC job.

He's going to connect with the "youth" and "the blacks" by using slang?

Hey, you gotta just laugh at this foolishness....that is hysterical. I just hope one of his "hip hop" outreach appearances makes it way to Atlanta....oh, this I gotta see. I wouldn't put it past this idiot to dress up in parachute pants and a big gold medallion since he still thinks its 1989.

I don't know what hip hop has to do with being relevant but as long as this is how the rethugs foot soldiers feel it wont make a difference anyway
Where All The Cool People Are Not At
http://pandagon.net/index.php/site/comments/whe...

Holder Urges Justice Dept. Workers to Discuss Race Openly
Thursday, February 19, 2009; Page A02

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. urged employees yesterday to take advantage of Black History Month to begin a dialogue about race, labeling the United States a "nation of cowards" for not discussing the country's checkered history openly.
Holder, the first African American to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer, said that Justice Department workers have a special responsibility to acknowledge social limits and to push past them.

The department's civil rights division, which came to being half a century ago to help the Freedom Riders and students seeking to integrate public schools, more recently has been the target of criticism from Democrats who say it has lost its way.
Holder told employees that the level of social interaction among people of different races is "bleak" and that it in many ways does not "differ significantly from the country that existed some 50 years ago."

Demographic changes that within decades will result in no single racial majority only underscore the need for openness and, in some cases, confrontation on issues that separate people, Holder said.

He added: "If we are to make progress in this area, we must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about racial matters that continue to divide us."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

notice all the cable chatter about this. you ever wonder why it is whenever we talk about race we have to do it in a manner that doesnt scare white people? or the prism has to be seen through the vision of whites? im waiting for the day when we have a discussion of race with blacks hispanics asians and muslims being the ones controlling the debate not a white news anchor

!00% Co-sign.

Holder should have said, Americans are not as "BRAVE" as they could be when it comes to race. This is what a co-worker said to me this morning.

Why did he have to say "COWARD?"

Being told we're cowards scares white people. Tough shit! The problem is whites don't want to look at their own racial attitudes and prejudices.

So I asked said White person, What bothered him/her about the word coward.
Stuttering, they said "Well, it was so blunt, all of us aren't cowards."

Just the mere fact that this person was bothered by the words coward and focused on it instead of the issue of race, tells me he/she has a problem with dealing with issues of race.

I told them when you're ready to have a real dialouge about RACE let me know, until then, please leave my cubicle.

Co-sign!

White folks whining about the AG using the word "coward" is like a fat person getting mad because you tell them that they have a weight problem. "Oh, I'm not fat.....I'm thick/big boneded".

Naw. You fat.

Sepia: LOL!! :>) Sooo TA-RUE!! :>)

Educational-ese gave us - - - He/she made a "POOR CHOICE!"

Naw! His/her "POOR CHOICE" led him/her ta - - -BEAT DOWN THAT LITTLE CHILD!!

THAT's WHAT he/she DID!!

In "HIP -HOP -ESE" - - - TELL IT LIKE IT IS!! :>) :>)

Thank you. We ain't back in the 60's trippin on no LSD. You fat you fat. you racist, you racist.

THE END.

Stuttering, they said "Well, it was so blunt, all of us aren't cowards."

Funny.......they really don't like it when the tables get turned on'em do they?

IMO, 'brave' would have been a better word choice, because the word acknowledges progress. If one is brave, they confront their fear, if one is a coward, one runs from or gives into that fear.

And make no mistake, progress has been made, much progress.

The use of the word 'coward' doesn't scare me as much as it offends me.

How would you begin a 'real dialogue' on race?

It really can only begin, with individuals, one-on-one.

Making blanket statements and generalizations about white people like 'the problem with whites is..." is an affront to those whites who have looked at their own racial attitudes and are comfortable with these attitudes.

I am acutely aware of race, how can I not be.

That said, when I note a person's race, I do so in the same way I note the color of their eyes, their smile, their demeanor, their dress. I notice it, but I try not to judge it.

Only until I actually have an opportunity to engage and interact with a person of a different race, can I form an opinion about that individual.

I always try to react and respond to people the way I would like to be treated, this first and foremost guides my actions and any prejudices or stereotypes that I have encountered or collected, I choose to dispel.

Conserv1: ****shakin' my head***

Just the mere fact that this person was bothered by the words coward and focused on it instead of the issue of race, tells me he/she has a problem with dealing with issues of race

And that is the problem with how the media is discussing this. They want to sugar coat everything and don't like to be called out. I'm sorry, the truth hurts sometimes and if we ignore history we will repeat it.

Agreed.

I am disturbed that the way the media is talking about this is as if Eric Holder should apologize.

No, Holder is spot on and the reaction from the so-called "liberal media" is proof that what he said is true.

Politico linked to a piece yesterday where the author called Holder "smug." No, what is smug is the dismissal when blacks speak truth to power about whites that they don't want to hear.

I said yesterday that a cartoon about our Attorney General will no doubt be up next.

"smug"................(rolls eyes)........yeah...HOW DARE HE!!! (sigh)...its so tiring.

This is why they're cowards! They need to be told about themselves.

this is the same shit all the time. none of these writers or anchors are talking about race, they are only talking about talking about race. Not one mention of the disparity of blacks in the prison, not one mention about the drop out rates of blacks and hispanics, not one mention of the reading and mathematics disparity in school, not one mention of pay, or in std rates, health care. THEY ARENT TALKING ABOUT RACE. they are talking about talking about race.

allamr18, the more things change the more they stay the same. You know there won't be any fair reporting of these types of issues as long as MSM remains milky white.

CNN aired Right being wronged or some such nonsense a few nights ago. POC know already know what it feels like to be WRONGED.

That documentary was filled with folks who represent every thing POC have to fight against every single day. And they turned it around and made it all about WHITES.

My sense is that they are fearful of the shift in the population of POC in America. Whites are now becoming the MINORITY, and they are scared as hell. Their white privilege is being threatened.

And when you're fearful, you don't want to face your shit. If these folk talk honestly about race, it would tear down the white privilege construct they so neatly embody.

Those white media writers and anchors don't want to talk about race because their social, economic, and psychological welfare would be shattered. Their lie of WHITE PRIVILEDGE would be exposed.

Tell it.

Amen

I think Holder launched a new type of necessary discourse, though I'm not sure how well it will develop into a full and open discussion. "Coward" said at this level is jarring on a number of fronts - only the stuck pigs will cry about it as this is their chance to look brave. Everyone else will take the conviction for what it is: true. Truth and Reconciliation seem the remotest impossibilities.

Now they want him to apologize.

On all sides, we should be very sick of the apology cycle we're oriented to. Look now at the Post thing. You mean to say that someone can slap you, play dumb, apologize under his breath, and then you walk away satisfied that you "showed them who was the chimp."

So disheartening that we seek approval or human empathy from people dedicated, open, and honest about ridiculing us.

Education is not the cure: they know full well what they're doing from innuendo to impact to increase in sales.

Apology is a defeatists dream: they don't get hold our self-esteem. they're apologies are worthless.

The answer: look on the train in nyc tomorrow at all the black hands that will read the post. Look at all the white hands who will call themselves progressive reading the post. Step 1: stop buying the paper and stop buying from the advertisers.

Otherwise, we deserve what's coming - another racist cartoon (I'm sure this stuff is scheduled.), followed by another outburst, followed by faux intellectualism that dignifies the topic with explanations. [a man calling me monkey... do you really think a history lesson or an activist (if not fist-delivered) eyejammy will cure him?]

We should just get on our local hustle and let Al do what he's doing. A public agitator is one vital flank and no one can say that he does not make sense. He is only attacked ad hominem (al hominem?) but he does seem to have sway in places where it counts despite what popular media say.

We just need to get to hustling on a local basis - teach our kids to read, better our schools as these are the most difficult to defend against: awareness and literacy.

"Otherwise, we deserve what's coming - another racist cartoon (I'm sure this stuff is scheduled.), followed by another outburst, followed by faux intellectualism that dignifies the topic with explanations. [a man calling me monkey... do you really think a history lesson or an activist (if not fist-delivered) eyejammy will cure him?]"

That's it right there...nuff said.

Yep. Great reprise from your psot yesterday, Miranda.

President Obama's Top Republican Ally
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/02/obamas_...

For You Ladies....





Because

BY TD Jakes

Just because no one has been fortunate enough to realize what a gold mine you are, doesn't mean you shine any less.

Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out
that you can't be topped, doesn't stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come along to share your life, doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has made this race worthwhile, doesn't give you permission to stop running.

Just because no one has realized how much of an awesome woman you are, doesn't mean they can affect your femininity.

Just because no one has shown up who can love you on your level, doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve the very best there is, Doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still preparing your king, Doesn't mean that you're not already a Queen.

Just because your situation doesn't seem to be progressing right now, doesn't mean you need to change a thing.

Keep shining, keep running, Keep hoping, and keep praying,
Keep being exactly what you are already.

COMPLETE!!

Mr. Jakes needs to tell this to his son

This is a good time to ask this. What is the real deal with Donnie McClurkin? I have heard some stories, but I never understood his full story.

He said he was sexually abused as a child lived the gay lifestlye(whatever that means) now he is an ex-gay.This is just a rumor but the word is he still likes men even though his rhetoric towards gays is hateful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_McClurkin
http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2008/10/...
http://bloggernista.com/2007/10/26/ex-gay-donni...

It was some years ago now, but I think it was Ebony where he revealed he had been molested when he was like 10 or 12, something like that....I can't remember exactly.

I suspect that Mr. Jakes' son will be cured (a la Haggard) and married within a year. I feel for the sista who gets caught up with this cat. It's one thing to be on the down low - whole notha' ballgame when you're standing in the park fondling yourself for the "viewing publics" entertainment. Jeeeeesh!

LOL!

Talk about how hard the economic crisis has hit the world; ethnic Han(Chinese) are practising Tibetian Buddhism for spirtual help. The Communist party s going to be calling for money guns and lawyers over this given their suppression of Tibet.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Canadian Tourism was ON it!!! re: PBO's visit today..

Welcome to Ottawa, President Obama!

What should President Obama know about Canada?

What should President Obama do in Ottawa?

that first video is so touching :'(

isonprize. Great videos! I'll vouch for the Canucks. President Obama is in for the warmest of greetings.

I lived in Toronto for 4 years and visited the Ottawa and Montreal frequently. There's a diversity and wholeness of spirit in Canada, and of all the places in the world that I've lived, Canada's my favorite.

Good advise on what to do and see in Ottawa. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is a must see. It honors the First Nations People and the Aborigines. There are museums within museums.

TruthSeeeker's a Canuck. Where you at TS? I hope you get an opportunity to See PBO!

There's a diversity and wholeness of spirit in Canada, and of all the places in the world that I've lived, Canada's my favorite.

Same here. Before the economy slowed my roll I'd go up to Toronto 3-4 times a year (mmmm...Tim Horton's maple dipped donuts). TO is my absolute favorite place in the world, so much so that I want to eventually move there.

Damn, you had to mention Tim's. I don't do the dounuts, though. LOL!

We go to to Carabana every July. Have you ever attended. P.A.R.T.Y!

http://www.caribanatoronto.com/

I've gone to Caribana a few times. Always have a great time but the last time I went (I think it was '06) some of the young folks were acting so buck wild I thought I accidentally turned up at Freaknik (LOL). Case in point: I was staying at the Royal York, and while I was sitting in the lobby this young bro strolls through wearing his wifebeater and shorts, topped off with the hotel robe. The finishing touch was a pair of Timberlands. Being the old fogie I am all I could do was SMH.

I'll be glad when the economy recovers so I can get back.

ROTFLMAO!!! Wifebeater, shorts , RY Hotel robe and timberlands..... BWAHHAHAHAAA!

Stop it!.......SMH.

Some numbers suggest the dimensions of the crisis. As states are preparing their fiscal 2010 budgets, they are looking at a revenue shortfall of $84.3 billion, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The largest gaps forecast for 2010 are in states hit hardest by the real estate crash: Nevada (with a budget shortfall of 37.6 percent), Arizona (28.2 percent), New York (24.3 percent) and California (22.3 percent).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Two of these governors are Democrats(AZ & NY) and two are Republicans(CA & NV). All are up to their asses in alligators while trying to drain the swamp. The public is inudated(sic?) in Republican Congressional reps decrying the stimulus spending yet they are boasting about it on their websites(hat tip to djchefron). then there are these I have no words:http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/cha-... Or their allies are publishing racist cartoons and having their agents of intolerance defend the indefensible on websites like this one. The purpose of this Goebbel's behavior is to divert the publics attention from the real issue of stopping the decline of the economy without having the true bad actors paying for their behavior.
So let's keep educating those we can.

The rethugs know that when all else fails (as all else HAS) then they go to their distraction tactics of race-baiting...unfortunately for them, this isn't 1982. We can be as outraged about their stupidity while at the same time being informed about the actual IMPORTANT issues of the day. They are so damn stupid trying to play these games as if information is only filtered thru THEIR lenses. So while they run around decrying the stimulus, we will kindly point out how their dumb azzes are taking false credit for a bill they rejected. Damn they are dumb...or they think their constituents are...probably both.

Co-sign. Missed you last night. Did the Tornados by-pass?

Yep......ever since that tornado actually touched down in the middle of the city I've been spooked by the hint of a tornado watch! I grew up in the country where a tornado could touch down at anytime, but I was under the false impression that one would NEVER touch down in a major city because of the buildings (or something I remember reading about that).

Glad everything's ok with you. Of course you're wise enough to plan and protect. Whew! Do you ever feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ?

You're not by yourself. Heck, I'm down right scared....even of Thunder Storms. Tornadoes aren't nothing to play around it. Life is too valueable for that.

hi Miranda. haven't seen your posts in a while. ;-)

Co-signing on your comments. i actually see a positive side to all this. . . .let them continue to expose themselves because they are only making it easier for the general public to see their true colors. More and more citizens are standing up against this garbage.

I just find it almost unbelievable what has been exposed of the GOP in this last 6 months. I tried not to associate the right wing radio with the actual congressional leaders...but now...well...they really are one and the same. I honestly am a little surprised with what i hear coming outta the mouths of Boehner and Cantor and the rest. Its like they are robots and not actually people. I swear I think they're programmed.

Simple solution.don't give them a dime and stop giving them more in tax dollars than they put in.See everyones happy. They can stick to their principles there is more money to go around to states that don't want to stay in the 19th century and while we at it no stimulus dollars for the people who voted against it.Then come election time they can explain themselves to the voters

If only it was that easy. In the llink it points out the legislators can vote to spend the money regardless of what the governor says or does. That is why I have no words but Goebbels for them; hide the truth is their motto.
This is such a case of cognitive dissonance that there will be new books. Unless every last one of these governors plans not to run or the economy never pulls out of its slump, the video tapes are going to be both their primary opponents and their Democratic opponents lead ad for why the current Governor should be kicked out of office. It is just amazing people think they can hide from their actions.

.If only it was that easy. In the llink it points out the legislators can vote to spend the money regardless of what the governor says or does
------------------
That's the rethugs ace card.They can rail against the stimulas but they know the legislature will cover thier ass.It would be great if we had a communication center where we can pool our resources to let thier citizens know how deceitful they are

When this economic tsunami isover, it would be interesting to see how the HBCUs fared and how many students were forced to leave these institutions because of financial difficulty. Unlike Howard with its $400M endowment, it doesn't seem as though many HBCUs have the ability to save themselves, let alone help the neediest of their students.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/us/19colleges...

ive been wondering about HBCU's as well. I hope Barack and Michelle go to some and meet with Presidents of those institutions. You know how its a tradition for the president to go to the army navy game, i think itd be great if he went to a southern grambling game or something like that. But anyway i hope that when these educational funds appropriated in the stimulus bill makes its way to HBCUs

I agree. Every HBCU should have a "Stimulus Czar" in place by now. They should also take this time to get their financial houses in order. There seems to be an awful lot of mismanagement.

Co-sign! HBCUs are really getting hit hard. I was encouraged to hear the Sec of Education on Tom Joyner (yesterday, I think), acknowledging the unique benefits of these institutions and the importance of keeping them open.

White House Memo
Stimulus Tour Takes Obama to New Blue States
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/us/politics/1...

Literary Obama Post: "Praise Song for the Day" Reviews and Remixes
http://literaryobama.com/2009/02/19/praise-song...

.The Taliban get their first wish
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KB19Df0...

Stimulus a Landmark Victory for Obama
By Joe Conason
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/...

Here is How We Can Start Talking About Race
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/here-i...

It's a good article... more ppl here should read it, pause and consider Holder was not just calling white people cowards.

This is a very thought-provoking editorial. I can't say that I'm completely comfortable with Uygur's rhetoric (that NY Post article was really disturbing), but this paragraph gave me pause:

If we're going to have a useful conversation about race in this country, we can't have everyone walking on eggshells. Let's afford people the opportunity to take some risks and to say things they might not otherwise say in mixed company. Because if we get these things out in the open we might find out a lot more quickly how wrong our perceptions of the other side are. And more importantly, move beyond them.

It's a good point. I'm not sure what's worse - the passive-aggressive "hipster" racism or the overt, bold-faced spit-in-your-face racism - but in either instance, it seems to me that it is better to get these things out in the open. To have dialogue with those who are willing, to be able to correct these wrongs rather than have them fester. That's a good thing.

I am grateful for Al Sharpton, but it bothers me the way that critics start focusing on him instead of addressing the real problems he raises. It's another way to shut down productive dialogue. And then nothing gets done until the next new controversy.

The New Republic
This Won't Hurt a Bit
by Jonathan Cohn
Health care reform for dummies
Advocates of single-payer systems complain frequently that the mainstream political debate doesn't give their idea the attention it deserves. They are right. Public insurance programs enjoy huge economies of scale; they don't fritter away money on profits or efforts to skim healthier patients from the population. When it comes to billing, they tend to be a lot simpler than, say, a system with dozens of competing insurance plans. All insurance systems require providers to file a lot of paperwork; single-payer systems, though, require just one set. The centralized power of single-payer systems also gives them unparalleled sway over not just the amount of money they pay but how they dole it out; with that kind of leverage, they can push the medical system toward making key improvements in quality.
Read more:
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=4d41a...

Ca-Ching! -- Or Not -- Which GOP Governors Could Really Turn Down Stimulus Bucks
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/cha-...

Our cowboy governor is thinking about turning down the stimulus - or so he's saying publicly. I say - well, besides not liking him personally - it's just another posed direction, IOW - calculated.