Jack & Jill Politics

Did y'all hear that?!?!

It was the sound of wingnuts' heads exploding after the President's remarks at Cape Coast Castle. Heh. :)

So the President and family will be visting Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. One of the coastal trading sites in Ghana that was used in the slave trade.

Check out this POWERFUL video from CNN AC360: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2009/...

In it, Anderson shows some footage of the castle, but the POWERFUL part is in the second half of the video where Donna Brazile recalls her trip to Cape Coast Castle. It will give ya'll chills.

Here is another important first, of the 3 prez who visited Ghana, Obama is the FIRST to visit Cape Coast. He is the FIRST with actual African blood in his veins. He married to a First Lady who has the blood of African slaves in here veins, and children who are a mixture of both. If people don't feel there is some significance in that, then they are crazy.

I saw that with Donna...she was righteous.

To anyone who is tired of the "first black president" bit, maybe you need to sit back and this about this:

1.) Major changes occur because of someone being the "first". Obama is the FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT, and I sorry to say this, but I imagine that he and will be the FIRST AND ONLY black president in our lifetime, too many forces are already working towards trying to make him only a 1 termer let alone some the oppo forces who don't even want a "minority" prez. But you gotta admit, even though I think it will be harder for another minority to become
prez, Obama was the first, and every first that he does just may make it more easy for other to follow.

2.) Background. Can anyone see any other President saying as Obama did today that he "has the blood of Africa in his veins"? Answer...NO. That's why this is another powerful "first" for Africans, and African Americans. Also, how much more of a Personal bargaining chip in trying to help the continent, than being able to say as Obama did that he has family members who while themselves are not hungry, who live in villages who "know hunger"! Answer...a big one.

It just seems to me that many of us in the post-civil right generations take many of these first for granted. Many of us take to the notion that it's "about time", which is true, but still needs to recognize and revel in the significanct of "the first".

Now, I not saying that we need to be cheering for frivolous firsts that all Presidents do (i.e. still at the desk in oval office, state of the union address, etc), but we SHOULD celebrate those occasions such as; meeting the pope, the queen, overseas trips to African, etc, that may never be duplicated.

*sigh* I'm not sick of him being the first Black President, I'm sick of it being almost the only way he's defined in the media, thus making every little thing he does a big deal. I could see if it's his first time ever going to Africa, but he's been there before. I'm just not bowled over by it. He went to Africa as a Senator. It's like how they kept telling us Obama was Black during the campaign, I'm sure even the BLIND know by now that the man is Black.

But I was never an overly sentimental person when it came to Obama. I realized it was historical, I was excited to see him at a couple of rallies, I even got to shake his hand once, but he's just a man. I can understand why some people think everything he does is amazing simply because he's Black, but I got over that within the first month of the Presidency. I'm just ready for the novelty to wear off.

And it seems Obama has blood from everywhere running through his veins, so he can say that he has "the blood of ___________" statement in quite a few places.

While symbolism is great, I'm ready for more substance (and no that doesn't mean I expected him to fix the world's problems in 6 months).

deleted.

We agree to disagree. I don't wan to appear "overly sentimental"

Not that you or Muzika asked me or anything :) but IMHO: You're both right!

Warning, mini rant below!
Can we talk about how terrible the feed was of President Obama's speech in Ghana? I tried to watch it on CNN and MSNBC and was so frustrated re: the 1950's style picture quality and sound. (And don't get me started about the CNN morning anchors talking over the speeches by the Ghanaian president and MP.) Here is a novel idea , how about we use some of that international development money to get a freaking workable satellite signal over sub-saharan Africa? Geez!

I saw that, but I think that transmission was not the fault of the networks. I think that the speech was being run by the state run media in Ghana. I could be wrong though.

The President is on CNN and MSNBC giving his speech right now.

good speech...powerful
I guess he was trying not to offend lots of African leaders...lol
I was lucky to watch it in a restaurant here in Accra and everyone is in agreement

Dear Friends;
I have thing to say this the greatest moment in our history. Being a old grand dad and thinking of the past in this country, of the old stupid sayings yelled at us "Go Back To Africa" Well today we did but as the Head Of The Free Worlds Most Powerful Leader. Thank God Free At Last Free At Last.

folks...the excitement is real...u can feel it even from my malaria sick bed...arghhhhhhhhhhhhh

I am currently in Ghana doing my internship..I thought this would be my moment honestly to finally meet POTUS since my Boss is part of the parliament...but I have been sick for the past one week

Last night was FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...Ghanaians partied till early this morning...Oxford street went crazy....I could hear the music and sounds and Barack chanting...gosh I hate sickness

Oh well...I don't think I will go to Cape Coast to see him but will try and watch on TV
AKWAABA POTUS and family...Ghanians are the most friendly people...I can testify to that:)

Hope you feel better, Luxuriate!

Thank you all
I am sweating so that is a good sign when u have malaria...lol...I was joking abt getting some of that 63 billion pledged today since I am already a victim of the African problem...hahaha

kudos, Luxuriate. Feel better and be well.

Even sick you are one lucky ......
Enjoy

lol...tanx...I am actually enjoying it...Oxford Street in Accra (a popular street) wass empty today because of POTUS...lol
we got there and was like WTH...only to be told that they blocked roads...

There was a story about Black newspapers...

well, here's something else....

Will TVOne or BET cover The President in AFRICA?

three guesses, first two don't count.

Can I bitch, JJP family...

HOW COME..one of the BLACK FOLKS at CNN couldn't go to AFRICA WITH THE PRESIDENT?

HOW COME....it's Anderson Cooper?

'Splain to me, people.
'Splain to me.

Suzanne Malveaux is there.

LOL! I'm with you on that. But I think Suzanne Malveaux was traveling with Obama on the trip.

Um...'cause Al Roker is busy serving Meridith Vierga coffee in the morning (Weather Channel promo)?

Anderson does the traveling, he always does. I don't think any of the black people on CNN would do any better than Anderson.

Oh, and his speech tomorrow will play be at 3:45 PM ET.

on CNN?....his speech?

He is speaking on CNN right now. I don't know how long it has been on. The sound is not very good.

Co-Sign, Anderson is CNN's top tier.

If a mid/junior-level personality at CNN (Soledad, Malveaux or Lothian) had gone to Africa, then people would be complaining why didn't you send Cooper or that "Brown"-bytch to follow the President in Africa.

Rikyrah's real complaint should be, WhyTF doesn't CNN have a top-tier AA personality/host on it's network to follow PBO to the far flung corners of the Earth?

It's sick that the networks of NBC, CNN, or FOX do not have a single AA host leading any of their primetime programming.

It's funny to me how many folks here at JJP sang the praises of ED's ED Show as if though he's black. He should receive an NAACP Image Award the way folks praise him here.

I admit for me...it's his doggedness on healthcare. Without healthcare, Ed would be , well ' eh'.

I like Ed. He's got a "Ya big lug" quality about him that I like. And he spits fire on health care.

Of course, I'd be the first one to give him an Image Award if I could. He's better than some of the past award winners. And every year I become more convinced that BET is a plot hatched by the KKK.

No flaming from this way Muzikal. I respect your opinion. However, his presence is still historical for many ppl around the world whether you are tired of hearing it or not.

Many of us are "used" to him by now, so he's just our Prez. However, he means a hell of alot to people in Africa and Ghana specifically, since he is visiting. If his presence can continue to motivate and inspire, then let "history" continue.

This is the only way some of these folks can earn some $$$, so let 'em have at it. If it's overkill to you, look at it this way. You don't have to worry about spending your hard earned money on it. :-)

For me, this was one of those ' goosebumps' moments that I anticpated with the election of Barack Obama.

Thank you for breaking it down.

You're right, I'm just used to him at this point, and I realize he's just a man. I'm just tired of like everything he does being "so amazing" because he's Black. I mean I suppose it is, but hell he's the President, let's stop marveling over how great it is that he's Black in the press and pay attention to what the heck he's doing (and not just for purposes of smearing him, that crap is old too).

Of course in Africa they don't need to do that because he hasn't promised them anything, and he's not their President.

Truth be told, when I turn off the computer tonight, I'm not going to give the fact that he's in Africa another thought, it's not like he's never been to Africa before.

I hear you Muzikal. I really do. I won't be giving it much thought when I go to sleep tonight either. You know what though? Let the Ghanaian's have their joy. There's nothing wrong with that. :-)

Agree

I'm glad they love our President, but I saw a picture of a lady buying a dress with Obama's face all over it, I think some of that stuff is overkill. . . But then again, I'm also not really bowled over by Obama being the "First African American President of the United States visiting Africa." (I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying that) I think I'm just tired of so much focus being on Obama's nationality. We get it, he's Black, I suppose every day he's in office is historical, I'm just sick of hearing about how historical it is. And like I said, some of that stuff REALLY just seems like overkill to me.

But thanks for the photos! I want to go some day and see the coast where they held the slaves before they were shipped, I saw a documentary once where someone did that and it really seems like something good to do (one day when I'm rich, HA!)

I suppose every day he's in office is historical, I'm just sick of hearing about how historical it is.

Is that right? Sick of hearing how historical it is?

That.Is.You.

I'm not old, but i am a student of history. WRB said it best on an earlier thread:

WE who came from the continent as descendants of KINGS. WE who were pushed down to the lowest dregs of society and enslaved only to RISE UP and now send back one of our own as the most POWERFUL leader in the WORLD to represent us amongst KINGS that we descended from.

That's some deep shyt she said, but even more, the notion that WE get to LIVE to SEE all these HISTORICAL FIRSTS that our ancestors could not have dared imagined, makes me extremely, EXTREMELY THANKFUL.

THE NOTION THAT I WOULD EVER, EVER GET SICK OF SEEING THESE FIRSTS IS AN ABOMINATION.

Our ancestors who have returned to the dust are witnessing this from Heaven, but we get the priviledge of partaking in these firsts in the flesh. It is one of the greatest blessings that can ever be bestowed on not just a living person, but an entire, living people.

I count myself as blessed just to be a witness to it. I will never, ever be sickened by it. I will be thankful.

You missed my point. I realize it's historical. I'm glad I'm alive to see it. But I don't need to be REMINDED every day of how historical it is. It's like hearing the same song every hour on the radio, after so long you get sick of hearing the song (even if you like it). I'm not SICKENED by the fact that it's historical, I'm sick of the way everyone (especially White News Anchors) makes a big deal out of every little thing he does.

Speak Webb!

Let everyone know!

Love you Webb! :-))) Well said

I love it 'cause you know it pisses
off the wingnuts and the racists.
"I am your President, too."

:)

ROTLMBAO!!! Yep, that too, Admiral.

See now.....I read Webb's post and was trying to have my sensitive spiritual moment reflecting on my ancestors...........then I read your post and can't stop laughing!!! you a fool!!!! LMAO

I didn't do it. :-)

Muzikal, I went to West Africa just out of undergrad and how I cut costs was to go with a tour group. There are a number of tours that go there regularly. The group I went with was an African Diaspora sojourn trip so we went to Senegal (Dakar, Goree Island,) Ivory Coast(did a cross country tour from he south to the north Abidjan to Khorogo,) and Ghana (Elmina and Cape Coast Slave castles, Accra, Kumasi, etc.) It put me in the hole about 2700 for almost two weeks of travel. The group had to make decisions together ahead of time like: air conditioner or no air-conditioner on the tour bus. 4 star or 3 star hotels etc.

Worth every penny and it's more doable than Europe. Remember Ghana is West Africa so its not as far as Kenya, South Africa, or the other popular African Tour areas.

I get you on the whole OMG the "First African American President of the United States visiting Africa." I felt that when Lawrence O'Donnell was rendered speechless seeing Obama and his family coming off the plane. I was like, I must be missing something.

Exactly! I saw that and I was just like "is he serious?" He just kept repeating it, it's not like Obama has NEVER been to Africa before. Geesh.

Muzikal,

Seriously, you don't have to be rich to visit Africa. The countries of Ghana or Senegal are very reasonable travel. Granted this was a few years back and it was a group tour, but we spent less than $1200 for a ten day stay in Morroco and Senegal. (And that included real hotels (a Sheraton in Rabat, Morroco and a Sofitel in Dakar, Senegal.)

WDAS radio (when it was black owned...) used to run annual trips, so they had the hook-up. But if you really want to go, work with an experienced international travel agent. You'd be surprised at what you can find.

An on a personal note, I was cynical when people said it would change my perspective. I remember thinking to myself "I am not some sort of country bumpkin, I've travelled before"

But it's not even about the travel, it's about your frame of reference for the world. And if you've read any of my comments on JJP, you know I'm not always the flag wavin', USA lovin' patriotic citizen.

But let me tell you something... when that plane landed at JFK airport, my happy ass was clappin' and singin' "Oh, say can you SEEEEEEE" with the best of 'em!! You'da thought I was Dorothy 'cause there is no place like home!

Most Black folks don't realize how AMERICAN they are until they travel abroad..LOL

Fo' real! I had about had it with not being able to make a reliable phone call. One of my trip buddies swore he really couldn't drink the water (but nobody else got sick...)

And I'm far from a prima donna traveler, but most of the world outside of US and parts of Europe is NOT air conditioned. You just deal with fans and good architectural design.

And yes, West Africa is very hot. We were there in late July, right about now...

this is bad, but...

It's the NO ICE thing - in Europe - that killed me. Learning how to say ICE in different languages..LOL

I went in the month of December (their winter) and it was hot. lol

And one woman I traveled with to Senegal FLIPPED out when she realized that she only had a tub in her room, not a shower. And they didn't provide wash cloths either. She embarrassed the hell out of us because she actually yelled at the hotel staff who had no clue what was wrong with her as they spoke French and we didn't.

up with sick kid... Lord, I really am addicted to JJP. LOLOL

I FORGOT about the 'no washcloths' in the hotel in Senegal. I remember thinking that was very strange. But washing with your hands ain't such a bad thing...

Bidets are pretty cool too.

I'm on LA time now.

I think one of the challenges with Americans abroad is the belief that our "normal" is everyone else's. And unfortunately our normal is considered wasteful in most places (ie paperplates, meat with every meal, bottled water, etc)

I would love to go back to Senegal. I went in 94 when I just out of undergrad. I remember being in a CLub (lol) and they were jamming to Bobby Brown "My prerogative," HARD. The song had been played out on the US, but I danced like I was in the video and happy about it. lol

LOL! Well okay, I won't have to be rich, but I'll have to have a job and still save since I'll be paying out the ass for student loan payments for the next 25 years or so.

Travel is always on the top of my list.

Just like when I heard Maxwell was coming to town, 'hey, somebody just ain't gonna get paid.' LOLOLOL