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Posts Tagged ‘Fox News’

Obama Can Win Georgia/Glad It’s Not Huntsman

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , on September 13, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

 

For those just taking notice of the presidential election, the headlines should currently read “Jon Huntsman and President Obama in vigorous yet civic debate on ideas.”  See, the GOP selected Governor Romney out of a cast of characters and the least amount of interest went to the former Governor of Utah Jon Huntman, a man President Obama appointed Ambassador to China.

Team Obama had the foresight to embrace Huntsman because that sullied him with the conservative movement.  Chicago knew that Huntsman was a candidate who could win the political center.

Chicago and wherever Romney is based has also decided that the election will be won in a few swing states.  Horse feathers!  If most of the south is off the table, the state and local organizational structure isn’t active on the Democrat side.  To me the Red Team is a small, well organized army with weak generals while the Blue Team is a large, unorganized team with better generals. 

Despite the wisdom of Fox News and MSNBC, Georgia can be won by the Democrats.  The  untapped potential for Dems might be motivated the ugliness of the GOP primary–”let’s go to the video tape.”  So, people need to stop this “call your cousins in Florida and North Carolina” talk.  If the people Democrats care about actually voted, the election would be over.  The election might be over if Team Romney doesn’t start producing some plans and ideas.  Romney looks like presidential material; while Obama and Huntsman are presidential material.   

The sweet thing about blogging is that it serves as a record of who wrote what and when it was written.  My friends in the conservative movement know that Michael Steele, Jon Huntsman and I have been begging them to create a moderate wing of their team.  But, they let the crazy 15% drive their bus…off the cliff.

I declare Georgia to be on the table and Romney, a decent fellow, should explain why he doesn’t say anything when the far Right zany talk starts.  Also, I don’t give a dizz-am about party once a candidate wins an election.  If the people are paying your salary, you should visit, listen and explain in every community.  It’s called “forming a more perfect union.”

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Obama vs. Cain, the Black Women with White Men List and Other Insults

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 2, 2011 | 1 Comment »

People get and give insults in the South all day every day.  If you have thin skin, you should move.  These insults come to mind.

The Michael Basiden Show’s list “8 Reasons Black Women Should Date White Men: First, Black Women should date whoever makes them happy and treats them well.  But, the list from Basiden’s show ticked me off because I don’t think the desired traits are rare among my friends. I did like the list’s view on our community’s glorification of thug life.

http://madamenoire.com/22660/8-reasons-to-date-a-white-man-30188/

Obama vs. Cain: I once worked at the U.S. Congress across the hall from Rep. John Conyers’s office and he had a young bright chief of staff named Julian Epstein.  At my Black college homecoming last weekend, many old classmates asked my opinion of the Herman Cain presidential candidacy and I told them that Obama vs. Cain was great for several different reasons from several different angles. I am insulted by Black people who think the Black electorate isn’t intelligent and crafty enough to vote for Cain in the open primary states if they want to see him faceoff with Obama.

While watching Fox News yesterday (yes, I watch Fox News sometimes), Julian Epstein let the cat out of the bag by saying that Democrats aren’t behind the recent Cain drama because smart Democrats want Cain to be the G.O.P nominee.  Epstein then seriously said that Democrats would donate to Cain’s campaign.  As we say in the South, Julian should “hush” because he is telling family business in the streets but he is so right.

Cain is to Obama as LBJ was to Kennedy: Yes, I can insult my political friends by stating that crass LBJ passed bills that smooth Kennedy didn’t get to before his tragic departure.  Those Kennedy boys were no match for the Dixiecrats but old Lyndon knew how to fight fire with fire.  LBJ said that he was insulted when a lifelong Black employee of his family would drive from Texas to the White House and if she need to use the bathroom in route, she had to squat in the woods. 

Obama is my favorite president but possibly too nice to turn the nation around.  He is too nice with the loyal opposition and he is too nice with his base regarding personal responsibility.  If you read the 8 reasons Black women should date White men, you will see that the president and the first lady could say more about their development and growth relative to teaching the next generation of all colors.  If Obama won’t get brass, Cain certainly would and that might be the answer.

Herman Cain, Bill Clinton and Thomas Gipson:  I worked at Albany State University with old school southern gentleman Thomas Gipson..God rest his soul.  Mr. Gipson, like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, had knowledge and wisdom for you everyday but he got a pass or was grandfathered on political correctness.  Gip said that the university’s harassment policies were nonsense and that he would never stop complimenting lovely women. 

Bill Clinton, one of my three favorite presidents, insulted me with that whole Monica mess as did Bush 43 with weapons of mass destruction.  If I gave Clinton and Bush passes, Herman Cain gets one also.  If people from Albany, Georgia, want to know what Cain likely said, they should remember Thomas Gipson and know that what was once tradition is now litigation.

In summary, “yes we can.”  We can reelect President Obama.  We can elect a Georgian as president if not Obama.  We can better position ourselves to enhance the lives of Black women.  We can understand if said women find happiness elsewhere.  We can understand that no candidate is perfect and neither are we.  We can use insults as positive dialog starters.   

We can put on that Sade’s remake of Timmy Thomas’s 1972 classic “Why Can’t We Live Together,” sit back and explain to Cain’s supporters why they are alienating the massive political center.  You can’t win the White House without the center.

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Brainwashed: Herman Cain And Me (Luke 6:42)

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , on October 1, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Herman Cain said Black Democrats are brainwashed and he is right.  Also, he is brainwashed and I am brainwashed.  Hell, everyone I know is brainwashed to a certain degree by someone or something—some negative and some positive.

My dictionary tells me that brainwashing is an intensive indoctrination, usually political, aimed at changing a person’s basic convictions and attitudes and replacing them with a fixed and unquestioned set of beliefs.  The negative connotation comes with the unquestioned part because I will question everything that comes out of a human’s mouth…any human…pastors included. 

To start, some brains need washing.  We know that U.S. Marines basic training on Parris Island begins with breaking down the old person and ends with building a warrior.  Thugs and gangbangers need their brains washed as do most of the greedy bastards on Wall Street and many in congress. Some people argue that the loving nature of the Black college fraternity pledge process was sullied by veterans on the G.I. Bill who mixed in methods learned while dealing with the enemy in war.  Newsflash, fraternity pledges aren’t the Vietcong so stop brainwashing college kids. 

Fat folks need their brain’s washed and their colons cleansed. I can say that because I am little heavy and realize that the proper practices of diet and exercise are vital.  Is it brainwashing if it is welcomed? 

I personally know and like Herman Cain; he is a great guy.  As an older gentleman, he has earned the right (like Rev. Jeremiah Wright) to say some interesting things.  When he was going-off about Muslims, I wished I had his Blackberry number because I was convinced that the far-Right had brainwashed that Morehouse Man (that or he deserves an Academy Award.)  Cain later met with peaceful Muslim leaders and walked back his comments about no Muslims in his cabinet.

We should all be cautious around those who seek to indoctrination us—just make your point and I will consider it.  Actually, we have seen a redirecting in the political arena over the last forty years.  Public policy was once driven by political scientists and policy wonks—the eggheads charged with better governing.  Today, ad men and Madison Avenue types are running the show in government as every idea gets tested before market research groups.  They are looking for buzz terms that can brainwash the voters—Death panels, Death tax, stimulus, reinvestments.  It is a dirt chess game and we the people are the pawns. 

Yes Mr. Cain, some far-Left Democrats have been brainwashed into an entitlement mentality.  But, Cain should realize that some far-Right conservatives have been brainwashed into an “us vs. them” mentality that pits Americans against Americans and continues the mentality that an elite segment of the electorate should make decisions alone.  I shouldn’t get started about what happens when that segment (who are often correct on policy) don’t get their way.  They have been brainwashed into circling the wagons and starting revolutions.

Mind you, those on all sides who seek to brainwash the masses do so with power and money as their personal motivators.  I have pretty good filters (everyone thinks they have) so you can’t tell me that Obama and Huntsman aren’t good dudes who sincerely want to improve the nation. However, the political arena is so dirty these days that a leader must be an angel with dirty wings because nice guys finish last.

Fox News on Right and MSNBC on Left slowly have brainwashed people and I learned that from my CNN brainwashing.  On some level, we are all brainwashed and I leave you with Luke 6:42.

Luke 6:42  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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Worst Congress Ever?

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , on July 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

On Chuck Todd’s MSNBC show recently, he had a segment asking the question “Is this the worst congress of all-time.”  While I am not sure about all-time, it might be the worst of my adult life for the reasons discussed by former Senator John Breaux and Political Scientist Norm Ornstein.

[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43880181#43880181]

Congress and the White House in the past started with the center (where most Americans still reside politically) and worked on the Left and Right.  Today, policy starts on the Left and Right and goes nowhere.  I think 90% of congress were decent people when elected but they get that “gang mentality” from their political parties and it’s battle battle battle.

Who wants to go through life constantly pissed off?  Senator Breaux was an endangered species as a moderate to conservative Democrat.  The segment rightfully pointed out that there is no more overlap in congress today since centrists like Breaux exited.  In the past, there were a few southern Democrats who were more conservative than California Republicans. 

Why can’t members work together?  When did compromise become a dirty word?  I personally refuse to let anyone pit me against fellow Americans.   Some of MSNBC is slowly becoming the same as Fox News.  If the negativity fostered by media continues, a center-based, anti-party centrists movement might be in order.  

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/07/19/worst_congress_ever

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Obama Supporters: Watch Fox News then Vote

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on October 12, 2010 | 1 Comment »

What in the world could get Obama supporters voting this election season?  Watching Fox Cable News for one hour.  That’s it; I have done it again and gratis I unfortunately add. 

The word unbeknownst comes up in conversational English rarely but many southerners work with people who “unbeknownst” to their neighbors are being brainwashed by the Rightwing media.  We aren’t talking about extremists or separatists; I am referring to average hardworking Americans who have been whipped into a frenzy by a constant dosage of well-crafted propaganda designed to pit Americans against Americans and drive T.V. and radio ratings.  Dig this: the ultimate goal isn’t necessarily winning elections.  The goal is getting gold..staying paid.

The propaganda is rooted in truth but amplified to a dangerous level.  For example, we all had radical phases in college but had to back off that “knowledge and wisdom” before we went too far.  Too much Public Enemy would make you slap someone and like get shot with a deer rifle.  (Flava Fav is dating whom again…and Ice Cube is America’s dad.)  

On the morning after the talent rich Atlanta Braves ended another season without a championship, the talent rich Democrats wonder why we can’t win when obviously helping hard-working people weather a rough economic storm.  It’s because Fox Cable News has twisted voters’ minds so well.  Barrack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are collectively the anti-Christ or something.  Those people at Fox know what they are doing and they are very good at it. 

If you voted for Obama/Biden, you should have someone ducttape you to a chair that is out of arms’reach from the remote control and watch the national Fox cable channel for one hour.  The methods and ugliness of that channel will close the enthusiasm gap with a quickness and make you vote.  If not, you are doing the president wrong by voting for him but being ghost when the heavy lifting starts; he can’t do it alone.  The cats on Fox News are smart people and they know deep inside that Obama isn’t the things they are saying.  To be fair, MSNBC is fast becoming a Left version of Fox so turn to CNN and toss the remote out of the window.  

For the college kids, watching Fox News could be a new drinking game; take a shot every time you say “Say what” “Dam” or “Nasty.”  The Tea Party type Republicans aren’t your daddy’s GOP and as freshmen members of congress they would commandeer that party like the inmates running the asylum.

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10 Questions for 2010: Blue Dogs, GOP candidates, Political Journalism

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 2, 2010 | 2 Comments »

3.  Are some Blue Dogs sidestepping the political heat?

First, I have an original Blue Dog pin and will never sell it on Ebay.  Blue Dogs are a unique breed of moderate to conservative Democrats, but they aren’t Republicans.  If you think about it, the Democrat Party looks like America with diverse groups at the table debating issues.  President Obama has a bold policy agenda and at some point the issues are too progressive for some Blue Dogs. I was working at the Congress on the day current gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal switched to the GOP—we liked Nathan the day before and we liked him the next day.  Deal’s departure seemed natural or organic for a person from his conservative district.

Congressmen walk a thin line between party loyalty and independence but when the GOP needs their members, those members are there.  Why can’t President Obama have that same loyalty on historic votes?  Loyal Democrats are catching “hot heat” for the healthcare reform vote while others are chilling in the shade.  The same Blue Dogs who ran campaign ads featuring their support of a GOP president will be slamming Obama and congressional Democrats on the air this fall.  These members are tossing fellow Blue Dogs under the bus.

4. Are some Republicans uncomfortable with non-GOP supporters?

Have you ever seen a candidate who doesn’t want public support?  To be honest, some Black activists took a backseat during the Obama campaign so the effort did not seem like a Black v. White situation (which it wasn’t.)  In a similar situation, some GOP candidates seem to downplay their supporters who are Democrats because their base might feel they are slipping to the left.  Say What? 

I think most candidates enjoy any sincere support, but the campaign staff often comes from the red meat selection of their party.  When the campaign event comes on the local news, I want to see a crowd that looks like Georgia.  We must highlight Georgia’s history of peaceful living as an economic development tool. Companies don’t want to bring jobs to a region if they think employees will be fight a mini Civil War in the break room.  In the era of the angry mob, GOP candidates with a range of supporters deserve respect. 

5. Are Fox News and MSNBC putting political agendas over journalism?

I love CNN because the reporting is balanced—literally.  This Georgia based operation puts pundits from the left, right and center on the stage at the same time.  Fox News and MSNBC seem to execute a political agenda that flexes the traditional rules of journalism. While I watch these channels for diversity reasons, I can’t help but think that the slant is blatantly obvious to some and not to others.  Glenn Beck was correct when he said that his job is entertainment—not running the nation.  I hope other Americans know that.

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Sarah Palin and Mrs. Shirley Sherrod: Take This Job and…..

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on July 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

If Sarah Palin is Mamma Grizzly, I am naming Mrs. Shirley Sherrod the Brown Thrasher because since Palin and I were college students, Mrs. Sherrod has been fighting the good fight patiently. Notice how you can’t say “Shirley” or Sherrod anymore than you can say “Rosa Parks,” “Lena Horne” or “Nancy Wilson”—that’s how we do it in the real South.  “Mrs.” and “Mr.” are signs of respect.  The lady in the cafeteria is “Mrs.” and it is “yes madam”  –a lesson one Capitol Hill intern learn the hard way from yours truly.  It was a teachable moment. 

The Thrasher is the state bird of Georgia but most people did not know that until Atlanta’s hockey team took the name.  Mrs. Sherrod and Mr. Charles Sherrod have been encouraging Georgians to want more from themselves and aim higher for years–basically transition from the plantation mentality.  Their efforts to keep Black farmland in family hands were noble but as soon as granddaddy’s body was cold, that land was sold and the greedy grands were heading to the BMW dealership.   Land: they are not making any more of it.

Mrs. Sherrod taking that position with USDA was seen as the crowning event in a long career since she had been working for “rural development” her whole life.  Why do people sleep on the USDA?  Every person needs safe, affordable food; clean water and fresh air.  While urban improvement generally falls under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USDA covers the farmland and rural communities.  If you want to slow the flight of rural people into the bulging cities like Atlanta, it starts with Mrs. Sherrod and others (like me) who haven’t given up on small town America.  We can’t forget about the suburbs are which are blurring the line between city and country.  If you travel north on I-75, Atlanta starts about 15 miles above Macon.  There isn’t a wildcat in your backyard; you are in the wildcat’s backyard.  Watching young professionals move to rural areas, tend their own gardens and telecommute with their laptops is too cool.

Mrs. Sherrod should think Sarah Palin, Herman Cain, Dr. Howard Dean, and Mike Huckabee then passing on that USDA job.  These former candidates are doing bigger and better outside elected office or governmental employment.  Book deal, T.V. show, and the lecture circuit—it’s her turn to have a victory lap and thanks to the tape-cutting blogger who made this all possible. 

We shouldn’t forget that Mrs. Sherrod was speaking freely on the mic about race—a little too freely when you work for “the man” —even when “the man” looks like you.  You want to have a national discussion about race relations in America.  Let’s do it.  Let’s put the NACCP in the room with the Tea Party and toss in the moderates.  They will discover what wise people already know: we are all Americans with common interests who have plenty reasons to be mad.  But, blowing a gasket will not help anything…so simmer down, have some Sweet Tea and let’s get a better understanding of each other. 

Coming soon, The Sherrod Show on Fox News.  It’s fair and balanced.

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Congressional Candidates and Howler Monkeys

Posted in Georgia, politics, tagged , , , , on February 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

In his reelection bid, Senator John McCain doesn’t deserve opposition from former Congressman J.D. Hayworth.  J.D. is good people and constantly spoke to staff on the Hill; I think he thought I was a former football player like him.  But, the Ultra-conservatives’ challenges to anyone who dares dialog is with the other party puzzles me.

During the presidential campaign, the Obama vs.McCain suited me fine because both would have been good presidents.  If someone from the other party is to lead, I hope it is someone decent.  The same can be said about congressional races.  We must admit that the vocal Tea Party Movement is very “vocal” but whatever happened to the “science” in political science.  They loved to ask members of congress about the number of phone calls they have received and the amount of protest.  But, do those numbers accurately reflect the opinions of the average voter or average citizen? 

In the rainforest in southern Costa Rica, howler monkeys make a huge roar as a defense mechanism; you would think they are the size of King Kong.  These monkeys are actually smaller than my leg but I can’t knock them doing what they need to do to survive.  They same can’t be said about vocal protesters on both ends of the political spectrum.  I can’t go into the local post office or McDonalds without hearing people say that all they see on T.V. is political this or that.  These people only watch one channel or listen to one type radio pundit so they are correct.  People who only watch MSNBC can say the same thing.

It is my understanding that Fox News C.E.O. Rogers Ailes admits that his job is to drive viewership (and therefore revenue) rather than objectively informing the public like traditional journalists.  He is doing a great job.

In summary, my conservative friends are correct in stating that “what you hear” is a strong criticism of the administration and congressional Democrats.  What you don’t hear is the quiet majority who tend to speak in the polling places.  November will tell whom the majority trust more or dislikes less but real radicals/activists seldom take over without the middle’s support.  The same middle that far right people are busy alienating.  

I said it before: if the Right produced congressional candidates like McCain, they might win a large number of seats.  But, their primary process yields candidates who scare people like howler monkeys during the general election.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REPoVfN-Ij4  Howler Monkeys

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/105777/FOX_Deliberate_misinformation

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Black Republicans and The Fox News Article: The Plot Thickens

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , on October 15, 2009 | 3 Comments »

After the interesting Fox News article about Black GOP candidates, conservative political consultant Raynard Jackson wrote a column that goes into details regarding his concerns.   

Black Republicans Running >From Race

Raynard Jackson 

Black Republicans running for various offices this election cycle seem to be running from race while running their race.  This is one of the most asinine things I have every seen, but not unexpected.  This is why Black Republicans have no credibility within their own community. 

Just wondering because I know they all claim to be candidates of great principles and I know they would stand up for right because they are the voice of the people, right? 

Finally, can you tell me if you have any Blacks on your paid campaign staffs with hiring or decision making authority?  Are you spending any campaign money with Black vendors (office supplies, computer services, restaurants, caterers, etc)?  Are there any Black banks in your area that you are utilizing?

I would be stunned if any of the campaigns could answer yes to these questions.  But, this is my offer to them.  I am offering 30 minutes of air time on my radios how (www.ustalknetwork.com) to each candidate to address these issues and talk about their campaigns.

So, while you are running your race, please don’t continue to forget your race!

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm.   You can listen to his radio show every Saturday evening from 7-9:00 p.m.  Go to www.ustalknetwork.com to register and then click on host, and then click on his photo to join his group. 

Last week I was interviewed by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos of  FOXNews.com.  The story was published this past Monday (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/12/carter-obama-allen-west-race-card/).   

I was appalled at the comments of these Black office seekers and their obvious lack of understanding of how their words would be interpreted by those in the Black community.  Allen West, a retired Army colonel running against Democratic Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22nd), said, “Since (Democrats) have thrown out the race card, it has made me more appealing….because it shows the contrast of our principles—how different we are even though we both have permanent tans (referring to President Obama).”  West continued, “A lot of people who don’t want to be part of Obama’s policies are being called racist….Then they say, Hey, this guy, Colonel West—he’s Black and I support him…. It has nothing to do with race…People don’t care about your color, they care about your character.”   

But, Colonel West, WAIT!  You said it was not about race, then you say you’re Black, therefore people in your district are supporting you (because you are Black).  Which is it?  So, let me make sure I understand you.  White people are supporting you because you are Black so that you can speak out against the Black president, so the white people won’t have to (because they can’t call you a racist since you are Black).  Oh, I get it now.  You know we have a term for people like that and it begins with the word UNCLE!

Ryan Frazier is a 31 year old city councilman in Colorado and is running for the U.S. Senate in the Republican primary.  Frazier said that being Black is an asset.  So when he opposes the president’s policies, no one can call him a racist.  According to Frazier, “I don’t think they will be able to use that argument against me or engage in those tactics against me.”  So, let me interpret this.  Because of the skin color that you say doesn’t matter, you are able to criticize the president because of the very skin color that you say doesn’t matter?  Ok, now I understand. 

Michael Williams has served several terms as Texas Railroad Commissioner and is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat that current senator Kay Hutchinson is vacating to run for governor.  He states that his Blackness will be an asset.  According to the article, “one of the things it allows me to do….it allows me to speak very, very frankly about what I believe, and what I feel, and nobody is going to call me a racist.”  Again, I am confused.  His Blackness is only an asset when it comes to denigrating a Black president and his policies.  According to Williams, other than giving him cover in criticizing the president, his race doesn’t exist.  Wow, either he is color blind or just blind to people of color. 

Do these guys hear themselves and how ridiculous they sound?  Have you ever heard of a Jewish candidate denying or distancing themselves from their own heritage?  Or a Latino or Asian?  These groups use their ethnicity to endear themselves to voters from their group while at the same time building coalitions to expand their base of support

Can you be against the president’s policies and not be a racist?  Without question.  But, I challenge these candidates to answer a few questions for me.   

What does describing Obama as a Nazi have to do with healthcare?  What does calling him a liar during a joint session of Congress have to do with healthcare?  How does calling him a socialist, fascist, or communist, further the healthcare debate?  So, you would think that if this debate was about healthcare, the signs at town hall meetings and rallies would read, “how will you pay for your plan, Mr. President, how will it be implemented, or what if I don’t want your plan?”  Those would be legitimate questions.   

Another question for the candidates, are there any public statements by them speaking out against the actions of Congressman Joe Wilson during the president’s speech before a joint session of Congress? 

Are there any public statements by them chastising individuals and party officials for some of the incendiary rhetoric coming from Republicans (Barak the Magic Negro, calling Michelle Obama a monkey, or the celebration by many conservatives that Chicago was eliminated from Olympic consideration)?   

Just wondering because I know they all claim to be candidates of great principles and I know they would stand up for right because they are the voice of the people, right? 

Finally, can you tell me if you have any Blacks on your paid campaign staffs with hiring or decision making authority?  Are you spending any campaign money with Black vendors (office supplies, computer services, restaurants, caterers, etc)?  Are there any Black banks in your area that you are utilizing?

I would be stunned if any of the campaigns could answer yes to these questions.  But, this is my offer to them.  I am offering 30 minutes of air time on my radios how (www.ustalknetwork.com) to each candidate to address these issues and talk about their campaigns.

So, while you are running your race, please don’t continue to forget your race!

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm.   You can listen to his radio show every Saturday evening from 7-9:00 p.m.  Go to www.ustalknetwork.com to register and then click on host, and then click on his photo to join his group.

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Black Republicans candidates and the Fox News Article: Jacked-up Planning…Again

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on October 13, 2009 | 5 Comments »

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/12/carter-obama-allen-west-race-card/

The political part of the web is buzzing about the Fox News article on Black GOP candidates for congress.  This article highlights what is fundamentally wrong with the approach of Black elephant candidates: push the color blindness.  Of course, all issues before congress concern all Americans but when will the Black community birth a Black conservative candidate rather than the conservative community selecting someone they find suitable or innocuous.  

I am talking about a community-oriented person who speaks passionately about the limited role of government, personal responsibility and self-determination like Dr. Bill Cosby—speaking out of love for the community and the nation rather than hate for Obama.  The dilemma is finding a candidate who appeals to the right and our community also.  In classic GOP form, it rarely crosses the GOP establishments’ mind to find candidates that will be acceptable to Black centrists.  Here is a little trick: get some non-GOP Blacks’ opinions on the candidates first. 

Raynard Jackson, a Black political consultant mention in the article, should be the GOP pointman on Black candidates and the worst nightmare of the Dem Team—in think he knows how to pick and position them.  You grow candidates in the “farm system” like Major League Baseball so go find a list of Black congressional and administration staffers from the 90s and you will find some proven quality candidates who will likely have community, civic and college connections that can net them 20% of the Black vote walking in the door without compromising their core conservatives principles and spending a ton of money.  What these candidates should do is speak against the crazy talk of the most extreme elements of the far right—stay on the issues.  Newsflash:  that move will get them even more Black votes.        

I noticed that the Fox News article attributed the Democrats lock on Black votes to LBJ’s social programs without mentioning the GOP’s Southern Strategy.  That makes me appreciate CNN so much.  Anyone who only watches Fox News or MSNBC doesn’t know what they are missing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Strategy

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Fox News and MSNBC: Yellow Journalism or Healthy Debate?

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , on September 24, 2009 | 3 Comments »

The current political and media climate drove me to read a little about the Machiavellian principle of “The End Justifies the Means.”  Clearly, many Americans have concerns with the size and role of the federal government; as others had issues with the previous White House administration.  To me, we enter the public policy arena fairly, state our points fairly and respect the decisions of the consensus…fairly.  When someone feels the majority is wrong, what happens next?  Do they educate the people and wait for the opportunity (elections) to change leadership or target the opposition now “by any means necessary…..with no holds barred?”

During American slavery, were revolt leaders justified in attacking women and children?  What considerations were given to the slave women and children?  Do two wrongs make a right?  I relish the late night debates we had on these subjects in my Black college dorm.  In the end, we will all answer for our earthly actions?  These dilemmas were the central theme of the classic movie “Sergeant York” featuring film great Gary Cooper.  Congressional Medal of Honor winner York considered avoiding military service in World War I until his pastor pointed out that killing or defense is in the Bible and necessary.

In my dorm, we talked about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.  The peace and love stuff was fine but if someone aims to kill innocent men, women and children while they are in church, it is rifle time.  That situation is not violence; it’s self-defense. 

Did William Randolph Hearst really push America into the Spanish-American War to sell more newspapers?  Is the far-left and far-right media enjoying the current culture war for similar financial reasons?  Can you blame them for getting paid?  Has Hearst’s yellow journalism lead to a modern version called “yell” media?  Don’t get it twisted: real concerns are valid but some stuff is laughable.  Death panels….you can’t make this stuff up.  All southerners are ignorant zealots.  Sure, and that is the reason Atlanta and Charlotte are bursting at the seams with new arrivals from your wonderful cities. 

I can’t call it but I catch Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rachel Maddow, and Ed Schultz with my filters fully functioning.  Should real political leaders set up and request a return to civility before some sick-minded individuals act tragically and trigger a mini civil war?  The news ratings would be through the roof.   If we had these news channels and the internet back  in the dorm, it would have been on like Donkey Kong.    

http://www.philforhumanity.com/Does_the_End_Justify_the_Means.html

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CNN: A Trillion in Healthcare Waste In America

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on August 12, 2009 | 1 Comment »

CNN has me thinking with an open mind about all sides of the healthcare debate.  Everyone has a study about this and an analysis about that but I personally turn to CNN for balance reporting and to FOX and MSNBC for commentary.  The following story exemplifies the type reporting I prefer.  If you only listen to FOX or MSNBC, that’s your business and I hope your insurance covers the explosion of that vein in your forehead—simmer down now. 

If folks spent less time yelling, the valid points about waste, tort reform and administrative mistakes could be heard.   

I have always said that healthcare reform needs “teeth.”  Not a dental plan but some hard decisions about the money this nation spends for healthcare that could have been avoided. i.e. the Diabetic who refuses to check his blood sugar level; your uninsured uncle who eats every and anything then gets rushed to the ER.  Some of the money uncle spent on food and drinks could have gone to a basic health care plan.

We should brace for a battle because one person’s waste is another person’s income.

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Shep Smith in Wolf Blitzer clothing

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , on June 12, 2009 | 2 Comments »

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I am watching MSNBC and wishing that they don’t be come the left version of Fox News.  Keith Olberman and Bill O’Reilly are both journalists to me but Rachel Maddow is starting to smirk in a way that is as negative as those people on Fox in the morning—two wrong does not make….

Shep Smith, currently of Fox News, is going through some things with the far right because he has evidently grown weary of twisting the truth and pushing propaganda—good for you Shep.  It had to be Smith who announced that Obama was president on Fox News that night because anyone else’s head would have exploded.  I am no expert but there is a line between reporting the news and facts as a journalist and some form of news entertainment that doesn’t follow the appropriate code of reporting ethics.  (i.e. MSNBC’s the Ed Show.)

The one that gets me most of all is Michelle Malkin, blogger turn Fox News talking head.  She is clearly a bright woman who at some point decided she would write or say whatever took her to fame and fortune.  She puts me in the mind of southern political leaders from the last century who were raised loving their family housekeepers (who look like me) but would say the ugliest things about all members of my community who get ahead politically and get rich.  The type who made a tennis court out of the local swimming pool the day the order came that Blacks citizens had a right to dive-in.  That would be the same day I decide be a tennis player so thanks.  If they turn the court into a polo field, I give up.  

Like George Wallace, many of those so-called leaders would have a change of heart as their death approached; don’t want to explain that stuff before the pearly gates.  To be fair, the hate speakers who look like me often have their change of heart also.  A date with hell is a natural laxative.

Here something interesting: what is the first institution of higher education in America to admit Black students in 1835?  Michelle Malkin’s alma mater Oberlin College of Ohio.  But, they welcome her on-campus speaking dates because decent people like dialog and discourse.  

When you are pitifully poor (old school Black college term), some decision must be made and people weight their personal integrity against pending financial doom; what profits a man to gain the whole world…. 

This blog acknowledged John McCain’s efforts to dial down the rhetoric last year; rhetoric that would compel the sickest minds to get on a rooftop and turn their baseball caps backwards…you know the rest.  It’s good to be a moderate because the extremists on the far-left and far-right take recreational “hate speak” as a call to arms.  

Wolf, is there room in CNN’s Situation Room for a Shepard? 

Conservatives Attack Fox’s Shep Smith — Politics Daily

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Carrie Prejean: the “Real” Miss USA, Vanessa Williams and Obama

Posted in politics, tagged , , , on May 12, 2009 | 5 Comments »

Bla, Bla, Bla, Miss California spoke her mind bla, bla, marriage should be bla, bla, other woman gets the crown bla, bla, I got robbed bla bla.  First of all, how many Miss. USA or Miss America winners can most people name?  When you are in the middle of drama, people will remember you; so actually you win in a certain way. i.e. Vanessa Williams. 

Williams set the stage for Barrack Obama when see won Miss. America and said, “I am not Miss. Black America but Miss. America who happens to be Black.”  Spike Lee and my friends at Black college were like “say what, slim.”  The pictures came out and we put our loving Black arms around her because that’s how we do it in the community.  But, I always thought giving up the crown to Miss. Suzette Charles was wrong because real people in the country make mistakes, get themselves up, dust themselves off and start right over again.

Williams mistake was not breaking the story immediately after the pageant before it broke on her.  (I am not going to get into how her boyfriend, who doesn’t look like us,  put her in the wind and said she embarrassed his family.)

But if she came to me (a budding spin doctor in the dorm) I would have hooked up a classic press conference statement for her:

“I am so honored to be Miss. America because America is about hope, opportunity and resolve.  I exemplify these values because my life is not a perfect one.  While young and gullible, I took pictures which were against my better judgment.  Of course, my first inclination was to limit my dreams and aspirations—my history being tarnished.  But then it occurred to me that if we let a few youthful mistakes end our lives, we permanently banish most Americans to limited dreams.  I stand before you as the epitome of America; a Miss. America who got this crown over self-flicked obstacles and serve as an example for the world.”

Like Williams, Obama knew he had to run to be president of all of America—not just Black America or the part of America that would vote for him.  He also knew that he should air the dirty laundry before the gotcha crew did it first.  Obama did that so pretty that he won support for being a real dude with a past rather than a pampered prince of entitlement like certain other members of the Black elite—you know who you are. 

Of course, Prejean’s dilemma includes the contradictory aspects of being strong in her faith but taking those pictures.  Hey, pot, kettle, black—I had better leave that alone because I liked Vanesssa Williams before her fall but really liked her after she rose from the ashes.  I watch Ugly Betty every Thursday and if I had her fortitude, I would be a congressman and taking Vanessa to Black Tie affair with Obama last weekend—the three of us chilling on top… scars and all. 

We should not worry about Prejean because Fox News, TBN or Ugly Betty will make her crazy rich.

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