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Is Tiger Woods really Michael Jackson?

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

On CBS’s Big Bang Theory last night, the comedic characters struggled with Jungian issues based in their childhoods.  It occurred to me that Tiger Woods is basically Michael Jackson.  Woods and Jackson both spent their childhoods and early adult lives driving for perfection.  They both became wildly successful, enjoyed great wealth and tried to purchase what could not be bought—lost time. 

Jackson wanted a childhood to replace what he thought he missed.  I remember the Ebony Magazine pictures of their California mansion with a free candy store; my brother and I read those stories before we when out to cut the acre of grass at our house with a push mower.  What did we want for Christmas?  A freaking Snapper. Woods always got a “hood pass” from my friends because he grew up in California around nicer White people than we could imagine in South Georgia.  We had a few nice White people down here and some seriously mean Black folks but my point is that Tiger didn’t need that “up from slavery” edge because he wasn’t. 

Upon further review, that edge could be what is missing with Tiger.  We don’t children to see things that little eyes shouldn’t see (eviction notices, domestic violence, empty kitchen cabinets) but those unfortunate experiences are character-building processes.  My niece called me recently with a dilemma: she could not figure out what to get for Christmas—basically she has everything.  Really?  At first, I told her to donation to some hungry kids but later said that the Barnes & Nobles Nook digital reader would be like her own personal library.  I can’t hate on Michael, Tiger or kids like my niece for having childhoods different than ours. 

What Tiger missed was running the ladies in high school and college since his dad was there to keep him from slipping.  That’s why the Tiger sidedishes all have that MTV Spring Break vibe jumping.  Tiger, I went to MTV Spring Break in Daytona and you did not miss much.  The rush that Tiger experiences when planning his indiscretions must be similar to finessing Bethpage Black—that’s a golf course in New York; not a waitress at Olive Garden.    

The worst case scenario is that Tiger is finish making big money and will live off his current billion.  I appreciate every second I have spent watching him play the most difficult major sport and to think he did all of that on courses where brothers were only welcomed as caddies during my lifetime.  I say “blank” golf and do whatever is right for you and your family.  If we weren’t rushing Tiger onto the PGA Tour for our selfish reasons, he could have stayed at Sanford and enjoy the college experiences we had.   Of course, he could get an ear ring and return to the links with a new set of sponsors.  He did not attend USC but I am thinking “Trojan Man.” Let’s see, where is the most famous USC Trojan these days.  If he called Tiger to offer advice, it will be from his “cell” phone.  

On Capitol Hill, we thought Tiger would be just right for Olympic Gold medallist gymnast and D.C. area native Dominique Dawes.  You can best believe Dawes would have nipped that creeping in the bud; D.C./Maryland sisters don’t play that.  And Michael Jackson should have continued dating Stephanie Mills.

Dominique Dawes

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Tiger Woods and Thankfully No Sistas

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , on December 8, 2009| 6 Comments »

Dam, Tiger.  I point the finger of blame at Brother Woods for not just staying single if he wanted to see various women.  There is an upside and downside to being married.  You can’t have your cake and eat it too.  I would feel better if he did a Hugh Hefner thing and said, “this is the wholesome lovely lady I love and the mother of my kids; we plan to grow old together.  These chicks are play-things who do stuff that wives shouldn’t do.  My wife approves of this unusual arrangement but in some Asian cultures a man can have a number one wife and consorts.”

I point another finger of blame at Elin Woods for thinking that she was bright enough, hot enough and engaging enough to maintain the interest of the number sportsman in the world for the next fifty years.   To me, vows and pledges mean something.  That’s why I would not get married if I did not plan on being 100% behind what I said before God and family in a church.  So a nanny (she has a college degree) thought she could sloop one of the top cats in the world.  Really?  Sure and I am slooping Oprah away from (I better not good there.)

Tiger listened to too many people who don’t look like me. He should have been listening the Charles Barkley saying “I am not a role model” or Eddie Murphy joke about “half…because you treat me like an-imal.”   This crap or the Clinton/Monica crap would never happen to the Obamas because Michelle Obama is a sister who is the total package and who is rolling from the Chi—don’t play with women from the Chi.  (Is Hillary from the Chi?). 

Behind every successful man is a driven woman who nagged him to the top and insisted that he does what he said he would do.  If I married a driven lovely sister in the 80s, I would in congress today; I might be unhappy but I would be unhappy on the top.  The chicks on videos and in the clubs are like cotton candy—tasty and fun but with little nutritional value.  We need substance—vegetables, fiber and protein.  Michelle Obama is USDA approved, grade A, top choice. 

(Since no one reads these post this far)  I don’t think you want to see Elin Woods without that makeup.  I did not go to Sanford or Yale but at my Black college we knew that Black don’t crack—which basically is saying that the effects of the sun are minimized by the melatonin in our skin.  The Black women with fair skin take it hard also; have you seen Jasmine Guy lately. 

http://www.tmz.com/2007/12/04/its-a-different-world-from-where-she-comes-from/

Of course, deep people care about what is inside a person and that person’s character. If a couple grows less attractive over time, the love they have and their shared experiences balances it out.  People are not as deep as they once were; they will bounce on you in a heartbeat.

I am discussing this topic on a public policy blog because the erosion of the American family structure leads to shaky homes, half-raised kids and crime. Tiger’s plea for privacy is nonsense because he decided to make a billion dollars from the public and he therefore gets a billion eyes on him. The last thing wives in middle America want is their hubbys idolizing a man who cheats or bounces on his family for the chickadees.  If a senator or the golf star did that, my hubby might get some ideas since my thighs are bigger and I am applying the Covergirl with a trowel. 

Why are Black women always getting left out?  I am so glad the sisters are left out of this Tiger Woods mess.  Then again, what do I know? If I were in Woods’ position, I would have married track start Marion Jones—and still would. 

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Crossroads: Taliban, Gloom and Boom

Posted in African Americans, Georgia, politics, tagged , , , on December 4, 2009| Leave a Comment »

We are at a seriously crossroads in America and heaven only knows what’s next. From the economy to the national debt to our schools to senseless crime, President Obama’s hair is going to be completely gray by next summer.  The situation in Afghanistan/Pakistan has me baffled because the ultimate goal is keeping nuclear and atomic weapons out of the hands of rogues.  One million dollars per year per service member is pricey but if left unchecked a few angry radicals could do the unthinkable.

At Black college in the 80s, we would listen to Sting’s “The Russians” in the dorm and hope the Russians loved their children too but these new cats actually look forward to better lives on the other side.   “How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer’s deadly toy.”  Those toys in the wrong hands are nothing with which to play. 

I have friends who say that before September 11 they could not imagine their children not being safe at home on American soil.  Really?  Of course, those friends don’t look like me because we grew up on constant Klan watch—not to mention confederates with badges .  In a strange twist, we are not safe in the community today for thuggish reasons.  It is a sad state of affairs when young men from here are safer in the military overseas than in the neighborhood. 

This post seems gloomy but the sun isn’t shining today.  Okay, it’s shining somewhere other than normally sunny south Georgia.  Some say these conditions are baby-making weather; let’s hope “some” have some jobs and some money because expanding or starting a family during these dark economic days is scarier than the Taliban.

On the bright side, thank heaven for making me an American.  The poor here lives better than the average person around the developing world.  And what are they developing?  Oppenheimer’s toy and resentment.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYDEpeBl-hY

Sting–The Russians

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Dating, Marriage and Carmen Jones

Posted in African Americans, Georgia, politics, tagged , , , , on November 20, 2009| 2 Comments »

The film Carmen Jones, featuring Dorothy Danridge, Harry Belafonte, Brock Peters, Pearl Bailey and lovely Diahann Carroll, is one of favorite movies.  Seeing a romantic tragedy is rough when logical decision-making could have avoid all of the drama.  This adaptation of George Bizet’s opera is a must-see classic.  I can believe I can watch the whole movie online.

On a politics/public policy blog, dating and romance seem out of place.  But, my friends and I have determined that the root causes of many community concerns center on non-governmental matters.  Obviously, we know about moral decay, weak value systems and slack church participation—not cool.  But, today I want to rant about dating and marriage.

Many young women spend more time dreaming about being a bride on their big day (queen for a day) while not thinking about being a wife and then a mother in the long term.   Cohabitating with another adult can be difficult because people don’t want to compromise in the era of “I want it all and I want it now.”  Many guys have no idea what being a husband and then a father is because they have not been around health relationships.  The holiday season is a perfect time for the upright walking men in families to bond with the young men and plant that seed of positive living that doesn’t involve constantly dodging the authorities or having the government tell you to care for your children; not having children early is a good way to keep the “man” off your back. 

A kid says “I am going to have a baby” and my head drops. First of all, you are a baby yourself.  Next, you are going to have a person—an infant, a toddler, a teenager and eventually a young adult.  It’s a long involved, expensive and complicated process so my next question is “she got pregnant for/with what genius?”  Life is a series of phases and one can’t determine what type person someone will be during the late teens and early twenties phase—in my opinion. 

In the barber shop during my youth, the retire military guys would teach us that some of the nicest women in the world are right here in south Georgia but a fellow should consider seeing the world in the armed forces or the range of sisters on the college campus before making life-altering decisions.    

Old folks have always said that what you did to “court” or hook that person must continue “until death do you part” –none of that bait and switch stuff.  Carmen Jones says “bait your hook for fish you can fry.” Dating is just like a job search process and anyone can say anything during an interview but you need to check those references.  Dr. King said no lie lives forever so these people who want to “act” all nice and sweet will show their real colors in time.  Long courtships are essential.  Belafonte’s character in Carmen Jones would have been better off if he stuck with the sweet country girl.  

Regarding money, the pastors who require pre-marital counseling have it 100% right because a person could be styling and profiling during the courtship while running up astronomical credit card debt.  What’s in your wallet?  I will tell a sister in a minute that I have one child and her name is Sallie Mae so check that student loan also.   

My friends and I think that problems occur when people don’t seek the right information and ask the right questions.  The Destiny’s Child question comes up when I am playing tennis with the young brothers.  “If someone from Destiny’s Child step to you, what would you do—be faithful or put your sweetheart in the wind.”  When I was a young man, Anita Baker was the standard by which loveliness was measure.  Forget about video girls and supermodels; we are talking about the sweetest fruit from the African tree and Baker married a regular guy rather than some ball player or high profile dude. 

Beyonce is okay and Michelle’s faith is great but Kelley Rowland has Anita Baker type smoothness (she can’t sing like Anita.)  If you listen to the D.C. song “Cater To You” it outlines the many things a man and woman should do for each other to keep a relationship strong and if that stuff sounds like to much for you, stay single.  Relationships are hard work and some folks are lazy and inconsistent.  Like D.C. sings in this song “I know whatever I am not fulfilling, another woman is willing.”

Finally, stop talking about wanting what the Obamas have if you are no Michelle and he is no Barrack.  Newsflash: the Obamas mostly made the right moves in their personal, educational and professional histories then worked at that their relationship and family.  It was not easy but what worthwhile is.        

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqHVnBjRRLA&feature=fvw

Destiny’s Child–Cater To You

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Jesse Jackson, Rep. Artur Davis and the Black Police

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , on November 19, 2009| 5 Comments »

Rep. Artur Davis

At a recent reception, Rev. Jesse Jackson said you can’t vote against health care reform and call yourself a Black man; clearly referring to Alabama Congressman and governor candidate Artur Davis, Harvard Law grad and one of the leaders of the new school.  The deans of the new school are the Congressional Black Caucus members from the South who have supported agriculture, the military and veterans for over a decade.  

Rep. Davis, like President Obama, is an optimistic glass half-full kind of guy who hopes for the best America possible.  Dude, those people in Alabama will elect you governor when I am able to write a check for one of those M-Class Benz SUVs I see heading from the Alabama MB plant in route to the Port of Savannah.  They wouldn’t even give Turner Gill the football coaching job at Auburn.  But, Davis should voted the will of his constituents who happen to be for more conservative/moderate than urban Black leaders can understand. 

The health care reform efforts in congress will require some serious adjustments and any member who has concerns should vote his heart.  Rev. Jackson’s contributions to America will always be appreciated but Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, former Rep. Harold Ford, Jr., Rep. Artur Davis and legions of Obama Administration appointees are leaders of the next phase; a phase that will be centered on honest analysis and logical solutions more so than government intervention.  The old school got us so far but these new cats will take the torch and use it to burn down crack houses.  If you wanted change, you are about to get it.  I don’t have a crystal ball but our community is about to get a serious dressing down from those weary of the victim mentality and the head dresser-downer is sitting in the Oval Office.    

In my community, we have always talked about the Black Police, that mythical enforcement team that determines who is Black enough and what we should be doing culturally, politically and socially. Since Black America is vast and diverse, we have a zillion different mindsets.   In the 80s, Rev. Jackson was the chief of the Black Police to my college buddies and me but during that same period Rev. Jackson said that the Democrat Party should not assume they have all Black support because we are not sheep and don’t need a shepherd.   I guess the same applies to him now.

How could a Black man vote against health care reform?  He should if he was concerned with how it is funded and if it creates too many new governmental agencies.  Personally, I would have voted yes with hope for changes in the conference report.   New School, go on with your bad self and if you need us, hollar.

Black men can opposite our brother in the White House and therefore help him; and Black men ski.

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Georgia: Justice, Wisdom, Moderation

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , on November 10, 2009| 6 Comments »

seal black

While attending an event at my Black college, the seal of the state of Georgia struck me because the words “Justice, Wisdom, Moderation” were right there on the lectern.  My undergrad buddies often joked that we shouldn’t pay our student loans because we did not learn moderation on campus but our state would seriously be a better place if all Georgians lived my that motto.

Justice

The classic joke in my community was that the government has justice in the penal system because the prisons were filled with “just us.”  When you listen to the fellows who have done time, they are often the first to admit that prisons and jails are needed because they were doing some really bad things and those guys actually want their families protected from the type people they were.  Without opening a dictionary, justice to me is the fair execution of law.  Those to blatantly ignore law are injustice or criminal; that would include Georgians who continued to mistreat African Americans after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that we had certain “unalienable rights.”  As Chuck D rapped in the 1980s, “we can’t wait for the state to decided the fate.”  The best way to avoid wrongful treatment in the justice system is to avoid being involved with the justice system.  In a strange twist of fate, crimes perpetrated in my community are done to us by people who look like us.  If these kids think we are going to be imprisoned in our homes (fortified in private dwellings), they have another thought coming. 

Wisdom

For me, wisdom is knowledge that comes from years of experience.  I have always admired the deference and respect youth in Asian cultures generally give their elders.  Those elders in turn share their wisdom and cultural history to illuminate the path toward success and better living.  (See where I am going with this.)  In my southern Black community, we listened to the old school guys at the barbershops and in the church parking lots. While we were adventurous on some level, we would have been dead or locked up without the teachings of those wise men—okay, a lot of parental praying too.  Where are those wise cats today while many of our youth run around wild and aimlessly?  Oh, that would be us…we are the cool old cats but these kids today walk by while I do yard work without speaking. 

On campus yesterday, the number of students who sincerely greeted me amazed me—did they think I was a professor who would eventually grade their papers or are they the good kids we should mention more often.  We have fine young people in the military and on campus and if give the opportunity I would sharing my wisdom with them. “Beer before liquor…you will get sicker quicker…beer before wine, you will be fine.”  Seriously, American is in a global economic battle and the rest of the world is hungry for opportunities and driven toward success; China holds now much of our debt.   Wise people dance around the face that some of our worst youth were born to parents who were ill prepared to raise responsible Americans.  Yeah, I said it.  The social dilemma becomes how do we encourage people to become parents when/if they are fully prepared for that daunting tasking.  Liberals won’t say it out loud but in the backs of their minds they are hoping that a stupid couple will not bring more stupid people on this earth…to rob them. It is a matter of ethics and a quiet component in the abortion debate.  I am not wise enough to call it so I defer to others and hope they are right.

Moderation

Moderation is such a beautiful word because we must take it slowly and easy in most parts of life.  Of course, my politics is based on avoiding the extremes or coming to reasonable decisions that reflect the views of all involved parties. In the South, we are the descendents of slaves and slave owners.  Whites who did not owe slaves were saving up to get some–people on layaway.  It must be difficult making public policy for diverse groups in the same geographic location.  “Too much of anything can be risky” is obviously true about food, alcohol, tobacco, sex and partying.  But, the same can be said to a lesser degree about charity, assistance, and maybe religion.  I did not say faith and love of the Lord but religion, the earthly institution.  Hear me out. 

Men administer churches and men are human.  In the zeal to have a successful church, men sometimes get caught up in competition with other churches.  Of course, they will refer to passages in the scriptures that command actions against those to seek to subjugate “our” church.  When we were kids, we could not understand if that mindset was directly from God or put there by those who translated the teachings into English.  “Why is this the King James Version…let’s find the original…there is no telling what was put in or conveniently left out like “don’t enslave folks.”  We were some inquisitive little Methodists.

How many times have you seen people get so enthusiastic about their faith or culture that they are moved to do anything to promote it or do anything to those they thought are against it.  Moderation is taught in every major religion and the teachings tell the righteous what to do when faced with the opposition and evil.  “Forgiven them father for they know not what they do..”  The horrible actions at Fort Hood last week could be the deeds of a sick mind or someone whose weak mind was overcome by his zeal for his faith.  It is hard to “lighten up” when you are convinced that you are 100% correct but people can’t just “go off” or “set it off.”  If anyone had reasons to go off it was the Blacks being enslaved in America, the Blacks who suffered de facto oppression in America until recently, the Jews who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis or the Native Americans who had two continents stolen from them. 

Take it easy, relax, and be moderate in your actions were often to words from the wise because overreacting to wrongdoings can go against the laws of the state; and the holy scriptures command respect for those laws.  That’s why I am so surprised by the revolutionary posture of the Tea Party movement.  While I understand their concerns with the size, spending and taxes of the federal government, flirting with overthrowing America is too much.  For years, other groups inside America patiently worked within the system to get rights they should have enjoyed in 1776 (women, Latinos, Blacks, Native Americans, non-landowning Whites.)  But, elected a Congress and President that some don’t like (elect with the majority of the voters mind you) and some people lose their minds.  Don’t sleep, if some people don’t get their way, they will split this nation.  Remember Fort Sumter.

Justice, Wisdom, Moderation    

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Weddings and Marriage

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , on October 28, 2009| 1 Comment »

(Ignore Bradgelina…hear Mrs. Patti Labelle)

From watching Bridezilla (since I don’t have a life) and noticing weddings for four decades, I have concluded that some people want the pageantry of a wedding without thinking about the long-term commitment of being bonded “until death do you part.”  Some women think about being lovely brides (queen for a day) without thinking about being a wife with all the ups and downs of cohabitation.  Too many fellows ignore the “forsaking all others” part of the vows; “thick and thin” could refer to the times or waistlines. I know guys who got married before they start making money and now complain that women are checking them out since they have $40K cars. 

There are some women who actually seek to “date” married men for reasons that escape me.  If you met him creeping, he is a creeper, genius.  Since birds of a feather often flock together, keep us single guys out of your mess—don’t start with that “if you see my wife at the store, you and I have been hanging out more lately” stuff to cover where you have actually been.  Oh no, my name is Paul and that mess is between you’ all.

Speaking of Paul, the local newspaper has a Bible verse everyday and today it was Titus 2:1 “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” Since I didn’t half pay attention in Sunday School as a kid, I just learned today that the Book of Titus is Paul’s letters to Titus who was on Crete. The rest of Chapter 2 was good information for couples.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Tts&c=2&t=NKJV#

Titus 2:9 is controversial in some Black circles because it is one of the “servants obey your masters” selections that was used to justify American slavery.  Hey, Titus 2:5 deals with women being in subjugation to their husbands and the sistas I know don’t and shouldn’t play that.  I better leave that alone.

This topic appears on a political blog because my friends and I are talking about a new brand of moderate/conservative thinking that grows from the particular needs of our community and functions without validation, approval or authorization from the current political establishment.  At some point, you get tried of waiting and realize “we are who we have been waiting for.”  Some things need to be said by those with constructive intend.  Since government should play a limited role in the lives of Americans, we need more leaders who will say that, give examples of life planning that reflects that and help young people learn the possible consequences of poor planning.  Policy needs teeth because reasonable people are weary of taking care of others’ poor decision-making. 

If you are not ready to be a spouse or parent, skip the process. The problem is that many who aren’t ready don’t realize it.  Contrary to popular believe, single folks are very happy to see positive families.  Single people like me respect the institution of marriage so much that we would never think about entering into it lightly and the same can be said about parenthood. 

A couple that is truly ready should consider the Patti Labelle song from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack “My Love, Sweet Love” for a first dance at their wedding. (You know Patti is from Albany, Georgia.)  If the jam “No Diggity” fits your situation, wait awhile…you have some growing to do.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN84sixVRGM

blackstreet – No Diggity (Das Diggity Radio – Greatest Remix

At 3:00 in this song, the DJ put in the best remix feature ever.  A Native American is chanting so smoothly.  

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Cadillac Records and Politics: Marketing the Blues

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , on October 25, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Howlin' Wolf Arrives Proudly at Chess Records

Howlin' Wolf Arrives Proudly at Chess Records

The cable channel Starz is playing the movie Cadillac Records and I watched it while thinking about politics past and present.  The film, based on Chess Records, chronicles the musical careers of Leonard Chess, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Etta James and Little Walter.

Chess decided to start a blues label to get paid from the emerging sound of “race” records.  Of course, gospel produced blues and blues produced R&B, and Rock and Roll is really blue-eyed R&B.  You can’t blame Chess for making money in the Black community—the same can be said for the White corner stores from our childhood and the Asian corner stores in our communities today.  Most of the artists in the film were happy if they had liquor, women and flashy cars but Howlin’ Wolf was different.  In real life, Howlin’ Wolf, Chester Arthur Burnett, drove himself to Chicago from the Mississippi Delta with $4,000 in his pocket. 

Though functionally illiterate into his 40s, Wolf returned to school, earned a GED and later took accounting and business courses.  He married an educated woman who managed is professional finances so well that he paid his band members decent salaries and provided health insurance.  To see Muddy Waters go to Chess repeatedly for money struck a nerve with me.  I remember hearing in college that Minnesota Fats was Etta James’ father but seeming someone look for validation from someone who is not interesting in them got on my last nerve. 

The same can be said about the relationships between the Black community and the two major political parties.  In Georgia politics, Blacks are the consistent base of the Democrat Party but Black candidates for high office will usually find someone jumping in the primary race who the establishment deem more electable.  I just realized that candidate for governor of Georgia Thurbert Baker has been state attorney general since 1997.  But, some in the Democrat establishment thinks former Governor Roy Barnes is the guy to take back the governor’s mansion.  We know that the next governor will likely be GOP in this red state so let’s hope their nominee is familiar with our community on some level.

The GOP in this state can’t produce a Black congressional candidate if left to their own devices because they don’t understand the moderate to conservative nature southern Blacks.  Leonard Chess was smart enough to let the artists do their things and Michael Steele should do the same thing with Black GOP candidates or White candidates who need Black support to win.  Of course, they don’t think they need Black or moderate support.  Did Chess and later Barry Gordy at Motown follow established norms or did they put it out there and let the people decide—sounds like Obama over the Clintons.

A conservative, self-determination movement is brewing the Black community and the Democrats are poised to be the beneficiaries while the GOP battles internally with their worst elements.  You Black Republicans need to stop asking if this candidate or that candidate is acceptable to the GOP establishment and just do it like Howlin’ Wolf—without advances or approval from the boss man- just give the boss man his cut and he will smile all the way to Suntrust Bank.

A conservative, self-determination movement is brewing the Black community and the Democrats are poised to be the beneficiaries while the GOP battles internally with their worst elements.  You Black Republicans need to stop asking if this candidate or that candidate is acceptable to the GOP establishment and just do it like Howlin’ Wolf—without advances or approval from the boss man- just give the boss man his cut and he will smile all the way to Suntrust Bank.

(Cue Etta James or Beyonce crooning “At Last.”)

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Black Republicans and The Fox News Article: The Plot Thickens

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , on October 15, 2009| 6 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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Black Beauty, Sagging Pants and Funny Names

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on August 28, 2009| 2 Comments »

Someone emailed me the link from a Black beauty pageant and basically said they knew that the day would come when “those names” would be everywhere.  Wait just a second Uppity Conservative: America is a complex and intricate tapestry woven from many different fibers; we have various subcultures.  While I am a moderate and wouldn’t wear sagging pants if I were in school today, I do remember wearing boxer shorts with gators on them as short pants (of course we wore briefs under them.) 

Excessive tattoos and sagging pants concern me but so does middle age women with too much cleavage.  What’s up with the women at church yard sales with short shorts so their leg can tan evenly.  Ultra short shorts on mothers and young daughters are as inappropriate as Ray Ray’s sag.  

Like Don Henley sang, “the more I know, the less I understand” and I have been trying to get to “the heart of the matter” but I give up.  I don’t understand the thug culture or “the confederacy was right” culture.  The R&B singer Jaheim helped me make peace with the new culture (I prefer agri—culture) with his hood anthem “Fabulous.”  The lyrics included the line “name our kids them funny names” but more important Jaheim sincerely said, “we got love for you’ll but you’ll not love us.”  When this song came out, I would have considered you nuts if you told me that a funny name person would be president in 2009.  Don’t sleep, it could have been our sister from the South….Condoleezza. 

Jaheim-Fabulous

http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x24jcd

Remember William Shakespeare’s Juliet saying, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As we say in the South, “it’s not what they call you; it’s what you answer to.” 

Since this post started about a beauty pageant, may I say that the recent Miss. Universe pageant featured some of the most strikingly beautiful women of color I have ever seen.  While the other contestants were nice and I generally prefer the nerdy librarian type, my DNA double helix turns me toward ladies who look like me: Miss Ethiopia, Miss. Jamaica, Miss. Dominican Republic, Miss. Tanzania, Miss. Curacao and even Miss. India.  I could trip all day at a cookout with Jaheim and the guys over which sister got robbed of her crown at this pageant (but Miss. Venezuela is not exactly chopped liver.) 

“Check this out, Son. Miss. Ethiopia, Son..great day in the morning, Son. As we said back in school…she is the one who makes Black so beautiful.”  Those young guys need to pull up their pants and read that Steve Harvey book “Act like a Lady, Think Like a Man’ and they will be ready for that African or African American princess.  

http://www.missuniverse.com/members/contestants/sortBy:region

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Outstanding Georgia Triplets heading for UGA

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , on August 18, 2009| 2 Comments »

UGA Arch

UGA Arch

We read so many negative things about our youth in the newspapers these days. Below is a positive story about triplets from the Savannah, Georgia area heading to the University of Georgia…top three in their class…. public school products…. single parent household with working mom.

When I read “top three in their class,” I made a face normally reserved for a rim-rattling dunk or the perfect execution of the hook and lateral football play.  While the sisters might have achieved in sports also, this story is about family, 4-H and good old fashion hard work.  My friends and I are puzzled when someone says their child is practicing basketball 5 hours a day to hopefully make the N.B.A.  While sports are good “anti-drugs,” Junior could be leaning on the UGA Arch with the triplets if he put that much attention to his books. The business and professional connections made at a major university can be more beneficial than a few years in professional sports.  

Since all three Morgan sisters plan to purse pharmacy degrees at UGA, I have a headline for you:   

Georgia Sisters Plan Careers as Drug Dealers

I never thought I would see that and be pleased and proud.   

http://m.savannahnow.com/articles/192975227;search_results?query=uga&page=1

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Elite Blacks: From Adam Clayton Powell to Henry Louis Gates

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , on July 28, 2009| 1 Comment »

An old friend from Capitol Hill sent me the following email about the subgroups in Black America.  Among Black males in the Georgia delegation in the 90s, the guys would often turn to me for a certain angle because I was familiar with a range of “us.”  In other words, I did not want for anything as a child but I still had a valid Hood card.  My boyhood home was in a subdivision that was/is “hood adjacent” so I can swing if I need to and would have done a better job mama-talking than Henry Louis Gates.  In my town, the second “your mama” came out of someone’s mouth, dude was about to get slammed on the hard pavement or that G.A. red clay.

T
Did you happen to catch the Black in America II special? I was inspired to see our younger folks exploring that entrepreneurial spirit. However I was also disturbed by our wealthy brothers and sisters establishing cliques based upon status. To me it sends the message if you were born with the silver spoon you are in. But if you were not, too bad, and by the way our door is closed and we are not going to help you get in. But if you somehow do gain wealth (hook or crook) then you are welcome. For me and you I am not so concerned, but in the case of my younger brother I am. He has consistently been at the top of his class and is destined to be a great achiever. But unless he scores the big dollars he can’t get into the club. That is pure BS!Your thoughts?

 V 

Once and for all: fancy folks don’t necessarily related to non-fancy people who look like them and humbly-raised southerner Bill Clinton might actually have a more valid Hood card than Barrack Obama.  Remember, Obama was raised in Kansas and Hawaii by some of the nice people you will ever meet.  Clinton came from rough and rural Hope, Arkansas.  Have you ever seen the picture of Bill Clinton shaking hands with President Kennedy at American Legion Boys Nation in 1964?  I was a Boys Nation alternate in 1981so I have always like that photo and noticed that the young man in the picture waiting to shake hands with Kennedy is Tom from Sylvester, Georgia, my hometown.  Tom became an All-American football player at UGA and a surgeon but Bill Clinton had him crying in the dorm at Boys Nation.  Clinton was campaigning to make history by electing a Black kid from California the first Black Boys Nation President but Tom said he could not make that vote because Blacks were genetically different from White people according to the teaching at his high school. 

 

Bill Clinton and JFK

Bill Clinton and JFK

 

I remember this story because Ted Koppel did a show about it on Nightline in 1994 when the Boys Nation class of 1964 reunited for their 30th anniversary with a member in the White House. 

Gates, Obama, and children of Blacks who are third and forth generation doctors and lawyers have grown removed from the experience and culture of Blacks on the other end of the socioeconomic range and I am proud of Black parents who have provided better living for their children.  Some of these Blacks are unaware of poor Whites struggling and there are Whites who never knew that there have been presidential quality Blacks in America since America became America. 

As a kid reading Jet and Ebony magazines, I questioned the loyalty of Adam Clayton Powell and Thurgood Marshall because they did not looking me but I was so wrong because MLK just presented the whole “content of their character” thing.  Powell was a Harlem congressman who grew up as Black elite in New York and my daddy would tell us stories with pride about attending Powell’s father’s Abyssinian Baptist Church with it’s 5000 members.  Congressman Powell never lost his connection to average people in Black America because he was always in the restaurants and barbershops teaching and listening

 

Rep. Adam Clayton Powell

Rep. Adam Clayton Powell

 

In “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” Malcolm said that Powell told him in a Harlem barbershop that the poor people’s march on Washington was taken over by powerful people from outside our community.  Originally, the protest was designed to be poor people laying down on the steps of the Capitol and the runways of the airport.  But, some money guys came in with a peaceful plan and some big checks..with equally big checks to follow if the plan was executed properly.  The rest is history but think about it: the civil rights movement was not about poor people solely.  It started with Blacks who served in World War II returning home and wondering why they fought for freedom overseas yet did not enjoy fair opportunity or fair treatment at home.  When you look at pictures from the civil rights movement, you see neatly dress and well-groomed people protesting their systematic denial from the America middle class.

Who knows what the next phase will bring but I keep hearing that line from the old Police reggae song “One World is Enough for All of Us” that said “we can not sink while others float because we are all in the same big boat.”  Many successful Blacks are weary of certain elements inside the Black that hold back progress or actually reverse past gains.  I saw Chris Rock’s wife taking the kids to Africa on “Black in America II” and had to think about Rock’s standup routine that started, “I love Black folks but I am……”  CNN’s Black America II was nothing new to most Blacks because we all know about the Black clubs and institutions that did not want Blacks darker than a brown paper bag or those without “good hair.” 

V, we both worked as congressional staff together and knew that most Black Americans assume that the actions of Black members of congress were driven by the best interests of America in general and Black America in particular.  We knew that some of those members were primarily concerned with securing campaign funds to keep their high-profile jobs.  You know I like Obama, Artur Davis in Alabama and Harold Ford Jr. because they expanded the issues of concern for Black America to include every federal issue.  They are standing on the shoulders of Rep. Sanford Bishop and that generation of CBC members who were freshmen in the 90s.  The next generation of CBC members (in my opinion) should included more diversity from the center and even a conservative or two.   A conservative member might choose to skip membership in the CBC like former members of congress Gary Franks and J.C. Watts but we realize that there is a subsection of Black America more interested in business development and self-determination than governmental intervention.  That is nothing knew because a sizable portion of Black America has always felt that way.   

 

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Dr. Henry Louis Gates and Soledad O’Brien Discovery My Black America

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , on July 23, 2009| 7 Comments »

What do they call a Black man with a PHD?   You know and it is a shame. What’s worst is that my parents told me that as part of the obligatory “don’t get to comfortable with certain folks” talk.  Dr. Henry Louis Gates did not listen to the warning that President Obama’s election would not change America overnight.  That warning came repeatedly from Obama himself, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Sharpton and everyone who really knows what’s what. 

The whole “I can’t believe this happened on Harvard Square” thing tripped me out because Malcolm X told us that the South is everything south of Canada and he lived in the same Boston.  Bill Russell said he did not play for Boston but for the Celtics after people got so ugly when he moved into a certain neighborhood.  Can you believe that someone broke into his home and defecated in his bed then covered it with the comforter?  That was wrong; as wrong as someone who looks like us robbing Mrs. Rosa Parks in her home.  I wish she would have done like Pope John Paul II when he was shot and pointed the guy out in a spirit of forgiveness at the Million Man March.   While she is a forgiving person, the street in me would have smooth hung my Rockports in his behind.

I love me some PBS with those long projects by Ken Burns but Dr. Gates series about who is related to White people kind of tripped me out—like those Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemming family folks.  I don’t want to know so I stop my people when they start that talk or I leave the room because I see those people in the post office everyday.  We are not talking about generations removed from the drama because sharecropping (the last part of slavery) did not end until the mid 70s. In other words, there are big farms in my community that got big because the labor was free then systematically cheap.   

The USDA/Pigford case is addressing discrimination problems that grew from the county committees deciding who would farm and who would farm for someone else.  The progress in Black America that is chronicled by Dr. Gates and Soledad O’Brien might be reversed by the current generation of softer, less focus, bling-preoccupied youth. 

So the mayor of Cambridge is a sister and the president was a little rough on the police.  Rather than taking Dr. Gates class or attending his lecture, the young Black, White and Brown guys need to catch me on the tennis court after the matches for my class “How to encounter the police and live to talk about it.”  Repeat after me, “Officer, I was wrong” while remembering the event for a possible lawsuit.       

Finally, what up with Soledad’s CNN Black in America; like she discovered Black America last year. “I have found this fascinating group of people living among us called Blacks and it turns out they are different in many ways from other Americans.”  Soledad, Gates and other Harvard Blacks (who outnumber Morehouse, Spelman, Hampton and Howard in the current administration) don’t know our community as well as the Arkansas connection that came with Clinton in the 90s—Black and White.  Don’t start that “who’s blacker: Barrack or Bill” nonsense because that was answered this time last year. 

On a side note, I am really starting to think President Obama made a deal with Hillary that he would push real reform and let her have it in four year unless he was wildly successful.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Thinking about locals vs. the college community turned me to two classic film scenes. And Good Will Hunting was set in Boston. 

 Spike Lee’s School Daze: KFC —-Language Warning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNOfAFUT4xU

 Good Will Hunting Apples Scene —Language Warning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWaRulZbIEQ&feature=related

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Blacks Who Actually Vote

Posted in politics, tagged , , , on July 20, 2009| 6 Comments »

On Meet the Press this weekend, NPR’s Michele Norris made an interesting point about Americans and the Healthcare debate.

MS. NORRIS:  But outside of the Beltway there’s an interesting data point here that people involved in the process talk about, the fact that some 90 percent of the people who voted actually have health insurance and three-quarters of them are satisfied with what they got.  And there’s different ways of looking at that.  And one way to look at that is to say that perhaps there is not the public mandate for this that would dictate this sort of rush to legislation, and that’s going to make it harder to make that point and sell that when they, when they…(unintelligible).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31982038/ns/meet_the_press/page/4/

If that stat is correct, 90 percent of actual voters have health insurance and most of them are happy with what they have.  The debate should focus more on affordability rather than universal coverage but U.C. is important to prevention costly conditions and to stop people from using the E.R. as a doctor’s office.

The numbers of issues voters decide for people who don’t vote amazes me.  All of the good work we (Capitol Hill Democrats) did for struggling Americans during the Clinton years should have made Al Gore’s election a cakewalk.  But certain folks don’t vote; don’t vote but are busy messing up the nation. 

As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and who are the squeaky wheels…voters.  And who are the most squeaky wheels—those tea partiers.  They are doing it big down here and in the court of public opinion, those voices register because they are bring stats and facts to the table. 

Here is a new stat for the discussion: what is the percentage of non-voters should we give a rat’s ____ about?  (Wow, that is a rough question and it ended in a preposition.)  Some voters would say zero percent while the compassionate might say 100%.  In the barbershops in my community, people often say it is hard helping people who won’t help themselves or vote.  In the end, reasonable people are concerned on some level because the actions of everyone ultimately impact are safely and financial well-being.  The “most real” guys in my neighborhood break it down so hard as to say that the answer for assisting poor people is to limit the number of poor people…China style.

An old friend who is a conservative sister asked me about their efforts/failure to approach the Black community seven years ago—where did the time go.  I told her then what I tell her during our weekly telephone policy debates: most members of her pachyderm party don’t want people unlike them around in the same way they sometimes use private schools and home-schooling to get away from certain elements. 

Michael Steele’s efforts to attract more minorities would drive away equal numbers of members who join to get away from those he is seeking to attract.  Not so fast; conservatives in the South are comfortable in the pachyderm party without “us” in general but they need a few percentage points of BWAV (Blacks Who Actually Vote.)  These people don’t realize that the average person you see getting arrested (Black or White) on Cops doesn’t vote and BWAVs experience the worst affects of the worst elements. 

If we consider how the Right plans to take power again, the answer doesn’t involve appealing to current moderates or centrists.  Oh no.  As quiet as it is kept, the answer is to employ the politics of fear to scare non-voting Whites into a defensive posture about losing their country…. “You better start voting Right or else.”  Being a southern, I know it could work because history has a way of repeating itself.  (I was going to type “the apple don’t fall too far from the tree” but decided against it.)

For the last time (today), our community needs better/more representation on the Right…mark my word. 

 

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Can Michael Steele and John Boehner Stop GOP Self Destruction?

Posted in African Americans, Georgia, politics, tagged , , , , , , on June 14, 2009| 3 Comments »

I keeping hearing the hook from rap anthem “Self Destruction” when I think about Obama’s concerns for our community.  With elements of Kennedy’s “Ask not what this country can do for you” classic speech, President Obama and his lovely family will outline the formula for better living for those who care about themselves and how we carry ourselves.  However, that same rap hook applies to the self-destruction of the GOP.  

The GOP is working hard to marginalize themselves and doing a fine job.  Alienate Blacks with attacks on Obama, Steele and Powell…check…alienate Hispanics and women with attacks on Sotomayor….check…alienate centrists by pushing Specter away and preparing to attack McCain and the few remaining moderate GOP senators if they voted for Sotomajor’s confirmation….check and checkmate.  You just guaranteed defeat in the midterm elections.  

If the GOP purifies their rank and file, those voters pushed away will natural hang in the center or join the Blue Dog division of the Democrats.  The Blue Dog selection of the Democrat team could therefore grow large enough to counterbalance the far-left urban ultra-liberals and give President Obama the opportunity to be more corn-fed Kansas populist than Chicago rural liberal.  We must remember that Obama created his statewide appeal in Illinois by connecting with the country folks down state. 

While the GOP is counting on the big spending from the White House helping them during the mid-term elections, America might actually like Obama and the Democrats more as the White House slides toward the center.  Cover the children’s eyes because the sight of a dying elephant could traumatize them for life.     

Michael Steele has some elephant-sized EKG paddles in his hands but I don’t think he can get pass those who are in denial about what when wrong in the past or those who don’t want new congressional candidates to be more Sen. Isakson smooth and less Fox News bitter. They could pick up three House seats in Georgia just by reading this blog. 

The House Minority Leader John Boehner recently said what…I can’t believe it…no he didn’t…he told the truth.    

Boehner: ‘Digging Ourselves Out of a Deep Hole’ – George’s Bottom Line

“We’re digging ourselves out of a deep hole,” he admitted.  “We took it in the shorts with Bush-Cheney, the Iraq War, and by sacrificing fiscal responsibility to hold power.”  Boehner also acknowledged that the GOP hasn’t done a good enough to job shaking the “party of no” label. 

Rep. Boehner outlined his positive strategy turning things around but I think he needs some fresh face with encouraging vibes.  Michael Steele should consider the following a personal gift from me: in Georgia, getting Austin Scott,  Deborah Honeycutt into the correct congressional races would be your best spot at picking up seats by pulling voters from Blue Dogs.

As the Republicans taught the Democrats in the 90s, voters are reluctant to vote out incumbents from the party controlling the power in Washington.  The GOP can’t win any congressional races in Georgia without producing Obama and dare I say Palin like popular, fresh candidates.

We know that traditionally Organized Labor and the Trial Lawyers controlled the Democrats with money and the Faith community and big business did the same for the Republicans.  Obama got most of his money from the people so after all this bailout stuff he should do what the people want if he wants a second term.  (And I am not sure he actually does.  Maybe he wants to change the whole game with sweeping reforms without concern for reelection..walking away on top of the game like Jim Brown.  Is that the secret deal he cut with Hillary?)

What would happen if the faith community created a third party?  Who would be left in the GOP?  Hear me: embrace some less bitter GOP candidates now or suffer the consequences.

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Formula for Black Georgia: C and D after A and B

Posted in politics, tagged , , , on May 23, 2009| 9 Comments »

If one more conservative Georgian asks me how do they make inroads into the Black community, I am going to freaking scream because any adult who doesn’t realize that much of the Black community is conservative or moderate already is not fit to be in the discussion or public policy arena. 

Watch the Blue Dog Democrat congressional field staffers because they go everywhere since everything is governmentally related these days.  Republican field staff go to meetings directly related to the federal government or meetings involving industries and enterprises that generally support their bosses.  That is like preaching to the choir.  An old friend and former GOP Black staffer almost ran for congress from Savannah last year and she was about to shake up the world and create the formula for improving their party’s posture in our community.

The formula is simple: show the flag everywhere.  Democrat and Republican congressmen and women should have a Black staffer or two who rocks business attire well and who, like Hemingway and Brad Pitt, goes everywhere to listen, learn and inform the people.  The information from a moderate or conservative standpoint centers on the message that we are responsible for ourselves, you can’t expect the government to ensure your quality of life, and we are duty-bound to be deliberate in our actions because those who went before us fought for us to have the opportunities that we are squandering.  We should feel guilty-ridden on some level. 

These actions, speeches and talks are grassroots fiscal conservatism.  Real talk: the taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be wasted to address folks messing up in school, fooling with drugs/crime or slacking on their parental duties—if you don’t want to be a parent and work 40 hours a week, it is apparent that you should not be a parent.

My friends and I call it the policy formula of C and D after A and B.  Liberals wanted to address C and D problems with programs and funding without reading the riot act about how the problems were created to ensure that the crisis conditions end.  Conservatives simply say stop doing what you are doing or let them suffer.  Moderates take a more non-linear and comprehensive approach by saying temporarily the response is C and D with the understanding that A and B created this situation and it stops now.  This formula also works when understanding that pass government actions or systematic oppression drove A and B while leading to C and D.  But some of those victim arguments when out of the door when Obama walked into the White House; if a Black guy with a funny name can be president, you can get yourself together.  While racism and discrimination will continue for the decades to come, many community problems are FUBU. 

President Obama is surrounded by liberals but he is about to show his moderate if not conservative Kansas roots.  His vision for improving America includes a national discussion that is basically taking some folks to the proverbial woodshed.  Waterboarding can’t compare to what Mr. Niceguy is about to do and for all the ultra-liberals he would lose, Obama will get four moderates to replace them.  It will be a thing of beauty that actually changes to the mindsets of millions.  I strongly suggest the Right beat him to the punch (which is what conservatives were supposed to be doing instead of kissing up to corporate America only.)

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Understanding Southern Subcultures: Football

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 8, 2009| Leave a Comment »

strong_5

We learned this week that college football head coach Turner Gill of Buffalo and University of Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong feel they were passed up for other coaching positions because they have white wives.  I briefly attend UF during graduate school but decided that a Black college was the better place for me to study the specific subject matter of my field; the same reason I did not attend UGA for my last two years of undergrad. 

 

Sometimes, you want to be surrounded by people who are like-minded and yes UGA actually had more Black students than my HCBU but it did not feel right for me personally.  I think coach Gill’s and coach Strong’s wives are factors in the top level college coaching searches in the South but I think the bigger factor is that SEC and ACC head coaches are not just ball coaches. 

 

They are heads of subcultures (Bulldog Nation, Gator Nation, War Eagles, the Tide) that resonate in most aspects of southern life for professionals—marriage, friendship, business, and culture.  We use to say at Florida that we had culture and UGA had agriculture but seriously, the events surrounding gameday and the local alumni chapters would be similar to the African-American professional community in the south being involved with fraternities and sororities until death. 

 

A good-looking SEC football head coach travels the South to visit alumni chapters and encourage financial support for the university—some flirting necessary. While it might be a violation of EEOC regulations, coaches had better be tall and strong like Bear Bryant; smooth and cool like Richt, Dooley and Spurrier; or one helleva winner.   Fans and supporters make million dollar connections at team events.  SEC fans in there early 20s meet their spouses while watching the game at thousands of bars and clubs across the nation.  Ivy league southern politicians like Congressman Jim Marshall from Princeton actually are second-class socially to UGA and Tech grads. 

 

Black football players should feel comfortable at state schools because every citizen of the state technical owns these universities.  Gladiators of the gridiron bring glory and revenue to schools that sometime treat other Black students as guest or exchange students.  Mississippi State gave Sylvester Croom an opportunity that the University of Alabama should have given him (he played for Bear Bryant) but I was never confident that grumpy Croom would be fully accepted by the magnolia mansion crowd if he did not win the SEC champion soon. 

 

Those coaches are similar to congressmen and real dudes get weary of back-patting, picture-taking and half-smiling—it’s not just Xs and Os.

 

If certain SEC and ACC schools won’t give head coaching opportunities to Black coaches, then Miami’s Black coach can get the best Black talent (like Notre Dame gets the best Catholic talent) and win national champions.  To be fair, Black players can have a great experience with great White coaches like UF’s Urban Myers and USC Pete Carroll.  60 Minutes did a recent story about Carroll’s involvement with inner city Los Angeles gangs—he goes places I would never take my Black behind.    

 

The modern plantation system known as southern college and high school football needs change.  At Worth County High School (my HS) in Sylvester, Georgia, Robert Toomer broke Herschel Walker’s rushing records (7,866 yards) before going to LSU.  But, he can’t get the WCHS head-coaching job for some reason.  On one side of the railroad tracks in this small southern town, an infant boy gets a red and black football put in his hands shortly after birth in hopes that he will play for the bulldogs one day—most never do.  On the other side of tracks, infant boys wear Nike basketball shoes despite the fact they can’t walk, in hopes they will play in the NBA—most never do.

 

Football coach lead players who will hopeful be  prepared for life.  The sweet part of the deal is that young Black football players in the SEC and ACC who form life-long business connections with their teammates, classmates and “the Nation” will benefit more than those who have short-lived, inquiry-plagued NFL careers.  If someone is trying to use you, use them for education and networking: a situation of mutual benefit.  Bulldog Nation did not trip when Herschel Walker was winning games for them and dating the woman (who doesn’t look like him) who later because his wife.  Evidently, they really wanted to win championships but that punches holes in coach Gill’s and coach Strong’s white wife argument. 

 

As for me, my bank account would be nicer if I gained entrance into the Bulldog Nation or fully membership in Gator Nation.  Funny thing: I appreciate the opportunity UF gave me and yes, some Black folks are screwed over at Black colleges.  

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Understanding Southern Subcultures: the N-word and B-word

Posted in politics, tagged , , , , , , , , , on January 8, 2009| 5 Comments »

(I should not go down this road…a wiser dude would press delete)

 

A few years ago Chris Rock went off about how he loves Black folks but he hates N-words.  We know the history of the word “nigger.” During college, we listen to the great Chuck D of Public Enemy say, “every brother, aint a brother because a Black hand took the life of Malcolm X, the man…the shooting of Huey P. Newton..the hands of a nigger pull the trigger.”  

 

Change in my community that starts with the election of Barrack Obama is a good time to stop using the N-word.  Obama and his Red, Black, White and Brown supporters grew up in sweeter parts of the nation than me or the southern ones are the next generation of less bitter people—that’s wonderful. 

 

Reality dilemma: what do we do about identifying and labeling actual negative elements and subcultures.  There are sub-groups inside Black, White and any group who should be identified, prayed for, but in the mean time avoided.  “This _______ just robbed his grandmother.”  This blond_____refused medical treatment from an Asian paramedic and bled to death.”  “I have had it with _______ driving in my subdivision with foul music blasting at 3a.m…. some folks had zero home training.”  “_________ never believed Obama could win because they felt ________ are not suppose to be in the White House.”

“Those rotten high school _______ are making school unbearable for good students.” 

 

Don’t get me started about the denial of righteous sisters about the existence of B-words.  No, people should not walk around calling all women out of their names but we need a word for the worst females.  “That _________ was with that woman’s husband in his wife’s bed and put her panties in the lady’s jewel box.”   “That ______ laughs about getting the money dude should be paying in child support.”  “This stupid ________ killed her sweet kids because her new boyfriend doesn’t like children.”

 

We should have compassion for those who are “limited” for whatever reason.  In doing my little part for “change,” I will refrain using the N-word and I have never been big on the B-word.  I am replacing both words with “fool.”  As children, we could not say fool in my family—which was odd because we clearly had some fools around. 

 

While we are at it, “fool” should replace “cracker” when referring to the worst White element also.  Cracker is an interesting word in Georgia because the minor league baseball team in Atlanta before the Braves was the Atlanta Crackers and the Negro League team was the Atlanta Black Crackers.  (I had better leave that alone.) 

black-crackers

 

Obama likes JFK so in 2009 “Ask not what your country can do for you…ask what you can do to deal with the fool subcultures messing up America.”

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Reading Obama’s moves

Posted in Georgia, politics, tagged , , , , , on January 7, 2009| 3 Comments »

My daddy play college football at North Carolina A&T during the one platoon, leatherhat days—let him tell it, he was on the field for every play for four years.  He taught me that in sports a guy can make head and feet moves all day but watch his waist or his belt buckle—that’s where he is going.

 

President-elect Obama plays basketball with the best of them.  I have been “watching his waist” on team-building and I think where he is not going is telling us the sections of the Democrat Team that he has quietly and inadvertently put on the bench.  For example, Obama is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus but Sanford Bishop is the only member of the CBC who was seriously considered for a cabinet position.  There is one school of thought that dictates that Obama is a CBC member at the top of the table so why should others be there. 

 

Obama clearly respects Bishop and fellow Harvard Law grad Rep. Artur Davis; but I am starting to think he wonders why other CBC members and other Democrats did not provide better congressional oversight during the Bush years.  Are CBC members mostly interested in keeping themselves in office?  Rangel, Thompson, Waters, Holmes-Norton and Clyburn are major players on the Hill but most members of the CBC could have or should have done more with policy and legislation for the years they have been in office.  How does a skinny kid with a funny name blow pass you in route to the White House in a few years?

 

Listen to my daddy and read Obama moves.  We had a pastor at my AME Church who uses to say she was tired of hearing people pray “Lord, they need you over here and they need you over there.” Pastor said God must be thinking, “Why do you think I put you down there…you fix it, then come back and tell me about it.”  Obama must be pissed with so-called leaders who fail to see these huge problems or messes coming and must be think how dare those guys think change starts with them when they help get us in the ditch in the first place.

 

Obama promised change but my friends are wondering if some oldheads will be surprised when he starts calling Dems out for being asleep at the wheel.  He can start with me: I confess that I believed Vice-President Cheney when he said that if we can get to the Iraqi oil fields before Saddam Hussein sets them on fire again, we will pump enough oil to fund the war.  Then again, I am not a baller in the game.

 

Before the primary season, old school Black leaders and many CBC members lined up behind Clinton and Edwards because those leaders had clout with those teams.  I like the way Black leaders did not automatically get with the Black guy.  But reading their waists in retrospect, they knew changing the politics, methods and policies of old would mean they were old dogs who need to learn new tricks.  The same thing applies to Republicans: conservatives who are sincerely interested in ensure that the new administration’s initiates include sound fiscal and budgetary provisions are good Americans.  Conservatives who want failure so they can get political power again should be ashamed.     

 

President-elect Obama is like Michael Jeffery Jordan standing at the top of the key explaining exactly what moves he is about to make on the way to scoring.  If you stepped into the arena with a weak game and much mouth—you better eat your Wheaties.  

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