We watched Senator Obama speak tonight on the loss of his grandmother,Madelyn Dunham(1922-2008), and offer our condolences. On the eve of this election, we send our deepest respects. As Senator Obams said;
".. it's hard to talk about."
Grandmothers in America are often overlooked in the contributions they make everyday. Some are the only parents children know. His comments invoked memories of my grandmother. During the Civil Rights era, we often watched the news together. Dr. King's marches, and arrests, George Wallace's defiant speech on segregation..."now and forever."
I wish that she, and my late father had lived to see the movement, and political tsunami of Senator Obama.
...to see America at the dawn of a new attitude.
I researched Senator Obama's state website, and as a member of Congress, to read his positions on issues from Civil Rights to Darfur, to Education. I read both books, and made a decision millions now have, that Barack Obama is a leader for our time.
Hope has arisen in this campaign, and they are not just youngsters. Americans of all hues, ages, and backgrounds are inspired by Obama's story. The transformation of ideas into action, and the inspiration to make dreams realized. Change we need after the direction this clueless administration took us-- war, and economic chaos. Fighting low by using race as a fear factor.
No matter what happens tomorrow, Barack Obama made history in fund raising, in grassroots organizing, in changing the politics of fear, and his supporters recognized this as a movement for change.
Tomorrow we shall see, and make sure, they don't steal this one!
America must choose between a past scarred by the memory of Emmett Till, to a time when we are judged;
"...by the content of one's character".
Many of us over 30 who worked for this day know America was a very different place during the 50's and 60's, and the 21st century smear attacks against Senator Obama have been sowed with a page from that legacy.
Tomorrow, we have a choice. Pray this nation gets it right.
I will be at the polls at 6:00 A.M tomorrow.
VOTE!
Wait a minute, --- whose running for president on the Republican side? John McCain is using his “surprise” nominee to mask Bush’s agenda.It’s reported that Republican women, and so-called Hillary “Pumas” are supporting her.Won’t they be shocked when the truth comes out? The Republicans think we’re STUPID to put it mildly. The party that has brought America to the brink of destruction, both ECONOMICALLYINTELLECTUALLY, not to mention a lack of international respect, and moral decline, now they want to replace HOPE with McCain’s parade style of decision-making.Whose running for president, what are the qualifications, and issues voters need to decide on?One, we need an inspirational leader, not another “Decider.” AMERICANS don’t need a leader who hides behind a woman’s skirt, who selected her to attract “her kind,” who deserted his injured wife, and (while married), dated a woman for five years, much younger, and richer, than his own. Is this our hero? Is this the man we want as president?Barack Obama selected a committee, took his time, and was credited by many for making a wise decision in Joe Bidden. Watching in the sidelines, I imagined McCain as the character “Dr. Evil” thinking he needed SOMEONE to take the spotlight off history. This is the man who voted against making Dr, King’s birthday, a legal holiday. How does his VP feel?And if this isn’t the most shameful form of pandering I have ever seen, I don’t know what his. The racial pot brewing in this race never began with Senator Obama, as most of us know. As an early supporter I saw his potential, and due to history, and recent news, we’re all aware of the danger. The four suspects arrested for the despicable plot are not the first, and this is another area the media has not "blown up" the fact they aren’t being charged as terrorists, but “meth heads.” Where is the outrage over this miscarriage of justice? We need to demand that FOX news, and all the rest adhere to the basic principles of journalism, and focus on pertinent information, instead of being a mouthpiece for Karl Rowe.While they distract the public with the “pit bull in lipstick” who is AGAINST ABORTION EVEN IN THE CASE OF RAPE OR INCEST, WHO WEARS A MASK, AND IS REALLY representing BUSH’S THIRD TERM.
THIS CHOICE IS full of false pretense, a resume full of holes, (read the interview with Ms. Alaska), and there are more questions he and KARL ROWE are trying to stop now, as Bush approves of Mc Cain’s choice (but they don’t want us to know). The “ Trooper-gate scandal is just the beginning. The mask will be revealed. The future of our national security, respect, economy, and moral standing cannot be trusted to people who react irrationally, or who make decisions based on political expediency. A candidate who lies on his opponents, or who distorts their record wish to eliminate Voters Rights. I would not trust someone whose character, temperament, judgment, and unwillingness to listen to the counsel of others, a wise choice. Barack Obama and Joe Bidden are a perfect fit. The gathering of a diverse, and packed stadium upset the Republicans so badly they reacted the same way in their choice, -simply because it was done to take the focus off eight years of misery. We don’t want any reruns of George Bush and his extremist views. The Republican choice is still more of the same. Let just present the facts, and decide.Over 37 million Americans felt the spirit of the DNC’s send off for Barack Obama. Our work is not over. Not as long as the Rove/McCain smears continues as they shamelessly work their brand of fear. Let ISSUES & SOLUTIONS for all AMERICANS decide this election.
While some are still reading the speeches or viewing the videos of the Democratic National Convention, the campaign of John Mc Cain choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Was Senator McCain so outdone with the Democrats he felt the urge to "one up" on images?
Did Senator McCain listen to Ted Kennendy, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and our official Democratic candidate, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, who spoke for the nation when he said 'ENOUGH!'
(President Bush were your listening)?
More than 85,000 citizens came out in support of Barack Obama. Over 37 million viewers worldwide. This movement keeps growing. Citizens truly want America back. We come in all ages, and colors of the rainbow, and saluted in unison, and celebration as Barack Obama made history.
The day of the famous "I Have A Dream,"speech, and Dr. King would have been proud.
Proud of Barack Obama.
Any person born after 1920 who is still alive, had tears in their eyes at the realization that the United States, of America-- a county that use to lynch Black men for amusement, has finally overcome fear, and bias to elect a man, not because of his color, but due to his love for country, and ability to lead a nation.
Dr. Martin Luther King was prophetic when he spoke of an America where we can be judged;
"NOT BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN, BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER".
Senator Barack Obama's speech demonstrated this as well, COURAGE.
He reminded this writer of Ali-Foreman, and his famous chant;
"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
The pundits were falling all over themselves. Pat Buchanan wore shades.
Stevie Wonder played, and the national anthem was sung by Jennifer Hudson.
The sights, sounds, the MESSAGE, and demonstration of UNITY took the Republicans off their guard.
Over 85,000 American supporters came out for Senator Barack Obama!
The Republican game isn't as tight as it sounds. They're going to need a whole new slate of commercials.
One could read-
Since Barack Obama made his case to the American people, the only thing I have left is to offer a youthful vice-president. One whom I just met, never truly vetted, but if elected, this is just how I'll make decisions as commander-in-chief.
America--who is John Mc Cain kidding?
Have you seen his voting record?
Fox "news reporter" Sean Hannity needs to be investigated (by the Secret Service), for his Hannity.com website's race baiting comments directed at Senator Barack Obama.
He should be FIRED AND TAKEN OFF THE AIR!
And if it's not taken down by now, we should DEMAND it should be.
Here's the site-
"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/23716643#23716643"
What they reveal is racial hatred that still exists among some Americans who refuse to let it go.
The Jim Crow/KKK type lunatics, and Hannity's comments (which I will not dignify here),and threats have been put on blast by Keith Oberman in his "Worst Person In the World" segment of "CountDown."
The Secret Service needs to get information from the likes of Hannity and some of these radical conservatives who are using the cover or label of Repubican to hide their true colors.
They are "haters" from the past, and despise the progress, and success of the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama.
The mainstream press has marred itself by not doing their homework, and having reporters with the background needed to report the facts, without bias.
They've even ignored a "major story" about the cult children out West being removed due to the forced marriages between girls as young as 8 years old to men as old as 50. This mass rape in closed society to facilitate keeping "racial purity" reveals a sickness of mind, but is not considered as important a news tale, as discrediting the best presidential candidate in the Democratic party.
My concern as an American voter, is to read between the lines of bias writing, and the promotion of fear. Many of us have been eyewitnesses to the greatest grassroots movement being led by Barack Obama. We have see historic increases in voter registeration, participation, and community activism.
This is a great inspiration to many Americans who are "bitter" about the fact we have a president who turned the middle class into paupers by going to war with Iraq.
Who went on vacation when New Orleans drowned. Americans watched a elderly woman's dead body slumped in a wheelchair for TWO WEEKS BEFORE BEING REMOVED!
GEORGE BUSH WAS BUSY.
CONDI WAS BUYING SHOES!
BARBARA BUSH SAID BLACKS WERE ..."USE TO THAT"...
TALK ABOUT ELITISM!
VOTERS NEED TO BOYCOTT THE LIKES OF RUSH LIMBAUGH, SEAN HANNITY, AND OTHERS WHO REMIND ME OF THE OLD SOUTH, AND THEIR SYMOBLISM WITH WORDS.
TRANSFER THE IRAQ BUDGET to the millions needed for our roads, our bridges, our schools, our elderly, services for the young, educational transformation, (upgrade) global warming,
ISSUES ignored BY BUSH, CLINTON, AND ALL OF THE LAWMAKERS WHO SOLD AMERICA.
We can complain, but if we don't vote out ALL who've been in Washington for years, and have DONE NOTHING, IT'S OUR FAULT.
Remember the Boston Tea Party in American history?
The focus on the economy's woes have to take into account moneies Bush (and former Governor Pataki in New York, against the funds for equity in education), refuses to invest in the next generation's education, while having a blank check to fight a "dumb war."
Why doesn't Sean Hannity, and Limbaugh talk about Bush's many attacks on the American economic system by having "Free Trade" with China (who is supporting the GENOCIDE IN SUDAN)?
Why is Sean Hannity allowed to deal in the kind of hate that's worst than what Don Imus said, and still be on the air?
THE FCC SHOULD CHARGE HANNITY/FOX FIRE HIM NOW!
WHAT HE'S DONE IS DANGEROUS, AND IRRESPONSISBLE.
AND IT'S DEFINATELY NOT JOURNALISM!
Go to Keith Oberman's link and decide for yourself. "http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/23716643#23716643"
January 26, 2008 -- COLUMBIA, SC - Bill andHillary Clinton got walloped yesterday when a photograph surfaced showing them posing with an alleged fraudster whom the former first lady had called a "slum landlord" and linked toBarack Obama in Monday's debate.
In the picture, Hillary Rodham Clinton is grinning alongside Chicago builder and Democratic moneyman Antoin "Tony" Rezko - who stands between the Clintons.
Rezko has been indicted on federal fraud charges and goes to trial next month. The charges involve an alleged scam by Rezko to extort payoffs from companies looking to do business with two state boards in Illinois.
Just days ago, Sen. Clinton slammed Obama for his connection to Rezko, after the presidential rivals got in an angry personal exchange about Republican ideas.
"I was fighting against those ideas when you were practicing law and representing your contributor, Rezko, in his slum landlord business in inner-city Chicago," Clinton fumed.
NBC revealed the photo yesterday when Clinton appeared on the "Today" show.
"I probably have taken hundreds of thousands of pictures. I don't know the man. I wouldn't know him if he walked in the door. I don't have a 17-year relationship with him," Clinton said when asked by host Matt Lauer for her explanation.
"There's a big difference between standing somewhere taking a picture with someone you don't know and haven't seen since, and having a relationship that the newspapers in Chicago have been exploring," she added.
Obama first met Rezko in 1990, when the developer offered him a job that he turned down. Rezko later emerged as one of Obama's top contributors.
The photo could date from 1997, when both Clintons attended a fund-raiser in Chicago for then-Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun.
Clinton's campaign said there is a big difference between a single photo and the $60,000 that Obama says Rezko has donated to his campaign.
As a state senator, Obama wrote letters backing Rezko's effort to get $14 million in taxpayer funds for senior-citizens housing.
The Clinton camp was surprised to get caught in a trap of their own design, since Obama is the one with long Rezko ties.
The campaign put out a memo noting that Rezko has "never contributed a dime" to Clinton.
geoff.earle@nypost.com
This is an article that was in the January 26, 2008 edition of the New York Post. I think it speaks for itself. Remember when the Senator falsely accused Senator Obama of working with a "slumlord?"
This photo speaks more than a thousand words, and is proof that the campaign tactics of deceit, and falsehoods does not work.
I'm certain most of us who saw Senator Obama stand his ground last evening in the NH debates observed more than a few things.
First, his Iowa speech about unification affected even the moderator. He asked the Republicans to greet the Democratic Party candidates. Something we've never seen.
Secondly, the way other candidates are now seizing the word "change." Especially the former first lady, who toots about experience, refers to Senator Obama as a novice, yet for 35 years NOTHING HAS CHANGED! We've seen genocide in Rwanda under the Clinton watch. We have genocide in Darfur under Bush's watch. NOTHING HAS CHANGED!
Third, how Senator Clinton stated Senator Obama is giving 'false hopes" in his speeches, and the attacks on Mr. Obama as a hope monger,and someone who appeals only to the youth. We see all ages, colors, and races in the background, and foreground at Obama rallies, and primaries. This is a great sign that results of the grassroots movement are beginning to reveal the results of the hard work of Obama volunteers.
Barack Obama's Iowa speech was not only inspirational,but undeniable evidence of his oratorical skills.There is no comparison to the current president's lack of articulation. I can't recall the last time a sitting president was the subject of so many late night jokes.
I live in South Jamaica,Queens,and the Senator from New York has NEVER visited my neighborhood, she has not spoken out against RACIAL INJUSTICE such as the NYPD shooting of Sean Bell.
She has said nothing about Suffolk County's current case where protestors said charges should be dismissed against John White--- found guilty after a group of white teens invaded his home, and one teen was fatally shot.
Or was New York just her stepping stone state to the White House? I don't believe Al Sharpton should be left holding this bag (for racial injustice), when we elected representatives to protect us?
She's running for president and assumes she has the vote of all Black Americans, but one question no one asked is--What have you done for Black New Yorkers, or for the depressing situation that still exists between the police department and minorities, and how would you address them?
What about the drug problem in Queens, what have you done to stem that? What about the children in these second rate public schools? Queens has it's own brand of Soweto (poor and black), and Johannesburg (rich and white) and the racism being practiced against minority teachers as well as the children?
Why doesn't she challenged both the Chancellor and the Mayor on why when principals are incompetent and white, they get promoted, and if they are black they are presumed guilty, and fired?
This is happening NOW under their watch. We need a flood of civil rights attorneys to fight the war behind wage now in institutional racism situations, and the best-kept secret in town is the micro-management and abuse of human rights in the workplaces of hundreds of public schools in New York City.
What has the senator from New York done for us lately? What is she doing about this?
Nothing. That's why we believe, if you use people to get to the top, along the way, you are going to see these folks on the decline because the people who elected her to the Senate have not seen their lives get any better. In fact, the stress has gotten worse.
Those of us who have seen thousands in crowds from Brooklyn to Harlem, from the Apollo theatre to Iowa, and now New Hampshire-- see young, and old, Black, white, Indian, Asian, Independents, Republicans, and know this alone, is history in the making.
We want a united America, and this moment in history is one propelling us forward to elect Barack Obama as the true agent of change, and a movement only getting stronger.
Notice how the Clintons are attempting to "co-op" Barack's message of hope and change?
You'd expect this from his critics; not members of the same party, but wait! If you really examine the legacy of Bill Clinton, there are some unanswered questions as to why he has taken to re-inventing his history, and now hers. Yet both are attempting to destroy Barack Obama's character.
He wrote about his "mistakes" in his best-selling books, "Dreams of My Father" and the "Audacity of Hope" which some have translated into his AUDACITY to think and believe he could run, and win, the Office of President of the United States.
The first sign of horns showing was the letter Senator Obama supposedly wrote in kindergarten. That act simply was evil. Or as some say, "she was hating on him." What did it prove other than it backfired?
Next, it was about youthful drug experimentation. Is Mr. Obama now "Black enough?" You know, Black men=drugs, even though the history of Black male contributions to this country far outweighs that negative. The critics jumped on this topic. When the courts recently decided that Blacks on crack get more time than Whites on cocaine, Mrs. Clinton had no supportive comment.
I think of all the famous Caucasian celebrities who have gotten away with drugs, and self-exposure, and Hillary, a mom no less, has no comment on their behavior as women, but wants to condemn Barack's dreams.
What about the past drug use of our current Commander-in-Chief? How can we forget what’s been reported about the privileged son of the CIA director? Why no mention of the fact? We are not certain his clarity of mind then, or now, and what influences?
Why didn't Hillary speak out against the injustice against Genarlow Wilson, (as Senator Obama has done), who is now free, and compare him to the 19 year old who impregnated Jamie Lynn Spears? Why no calls for his arrest for statutory rape?(He went much further). Why is Spear's 'baby daddy' getting a free ride? None of the major media outlets are calling him a sexual predator for taking advantage of a minor? What does Hillary think about this important news story? Why are they ignoring the crime of rape?
They are too busy attempting to create the hysteria now about Barack Obama being a Muslim, which he isn’t. And even if it were true, why would that be an issue due to the 911 fear mongers? Is it too much of a stretch, or just a nightmare to think freely?
Now they are attempting to slander millions of people who had nothing to do with 911, or attempts to destroy America. Just to poison the public about Barack.
As an American who traveled extensively overseas as an undergraduate, I met all kinds of people, and those I met in the Horn of Africa, in Somalia, in Ethiopia, in Sudan, at the time, treated me with the utmost respect, and took excellent care of this Catholic schoolgirl. I never had the opportunity to thank them publicly for the way I was treated. I was subsequently very upset over the manner in which the people of this region, especially in Darfur, and the current crisis in Mogadishu has caused concern that my country does not care about what is happening to innocent men, women, and children.
These regions in the world are known as the birthplace of civilization, and my sense is, some want to destroy all evidence of this. In this capacity, what has Mrs. Clinton done to prevent the genocide in Rwanda, the current genocide in Darfur, and I must include Somalia. Is Somalia's needs being ignored due to the "Black Hawk Down" incident? Must the entire nation suffer as a result? Our foreign policy in Africa needs a facelift. The same manner Europe was redeveloped during the MARSHALL PLAN is the same manner in which Africa can, and should be helped.
Mrs. Clinton, some of us pioneering students back in the 70's have more experience than you. I lived, and studied in Africa. I traveled to more than 22 nations. I wanted to tell the world what I saw; in Ghana, in Zambia, in the Congo, in Sudan, but I was told I would be killed if I tried to educate my own countrymen. I was told to write "for Cosmopolitan" by an Afro-American literary agent, because a certain ethnic group controls the publishing industry. Well, they do not own the Internet, and we can still express our free speech.
And finally, voters want to see the real person who is seeking the highest office in the land. When one complains, and blames the press for picking on you, that does not sound presidential. We need Barack Obama, a person with backbone, not a mask wearer whose does not see her horns showing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5G0xGm5Bs
94-year-old Obama Captain in Iowa.
My Response to an article on FOX NEWS. They have yet to publish it.
Here’s the URL to the original article.
I don’t think they agreed with my response, so I will post it here.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2007/12/26/south-carolina-ministers-on-barack-obamas-support-list-say-they-didnt-endorse-him/#comment-6666
Home | Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton
S.C. Ministers on Barack Obama’s List Say They Didn’t Endorse Him; Democrats Angle for Last-Minute Converts
by FOXNews.com
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two black South Carolina ministers listed by Barack Obama as supporters of his campaign say they never endorsed the Illinois senator, while at least two others say they affirmed their support only after being contacted by the campaign when questions were raised over their endorsements.
Hillary Clinton, too, has stumbled when it comes to claiming the support of the clergy. And with just over a week to go until Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, the questions over endorsements coincide with gambits by the two frontrunning Democrats to pick off each other’s supporters and win them over to their sides.
The moves suggest that every endorsement, however low-key, counts — but the enthusiastic head-counting has had its drawbacks.
Earlier this month, Obama’s campaign released a list of what it said were nearly 130 senior pastors in South Carolina endorsing his run for the Democratic nomination. When contacted by The Associated Press, several ministers said they have yet to decide who will get their vote and were unclear how they ended up on the Illinois senator’s list.
“I really haven’t decided to endorse him yet. I was thinking about it,” said the Rev. Clifford Gaymon of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in rural Clarendon County.
An Obama spokeswoman said the list was created after campaign organizers called ministers and asked to release their names publicly. “We used all our resources to ensure we had the most accurate and up-to-date list, and we worked to check with everyone on the list,” said South Carolina spokeswoman Amaya Smith. “It’s a pretty long list of people.”
But some ministers said their names were used without their permission. Gaymon, mistakenly listed as retired on the Obama list, said he’s been to campaign events to find out more about the presidential candidate, but did not receive a phone call about making an endorsement.
The Rev. Michael Blue of Door of Hope Christian Church in Marion was added to the list without permission and has asked the Obama campaign to take his name off the list, said church spokesman Ronnie Green.
Clinton ran into some of the same questions after her campaign released its list of endorsements from black ministers late last month.
Blacks compose nearly half the Democratic primary vote in South Carolina, and the candidates are looking for an edge with the critical voting bloc.
The majority of people endorsing each candidate was accurate, according to the AP reviews, and many supporters said they are eager to lend a hand.
Both campaigns lists’ had some sloppy record keeping: misspelled names, churches listed in incorrect cities and beside incorrect names. But, like Clinton’s list, Obama has some other substantial inconsistencies.
When Obama’s campaign released its list of ministers Dec. 4, it said everyone on it was a senior pastor, unless otherwise noted. That meant there were 122 senior pastors and three associate pastors of different churches and ministries, including four retirees.
Before supplying a second list to the AP a day later, the campaign withdrew two names and added one, and noted a fourth associate pastor. The AP review found at least two more associate pastors and a youth pastor’s assistant.
The Clinton and Obama campaigns also got into an endorsement spat Wednesday, with each claiming to have converted a former supporter of the other.
Clinton’s campaign spotlighted Iowa ironworker and former Obama labor steering committee member Bob McFadden, announcing Wednesday that he has switched his support to Clinton.
“Hillary Clinton won’t just talk the talk — she cares about the issues important to all of us and will work to change the direction of our country,” McFadden said in a Clinton campaign statement.
Obama countered, announcing that Army veteran Kent Sovern, formerly the Iowa co-chairman for Clinton’s Veterans Committee, has defected to caucus for Obama.
Clinton and Obama got into another sparring match over the weekend over who can lay claim to the backing of members of the Bill Clinton administration.
Obama suggested Friday in Iowa that he has more Clinton-era foreign policy experts backing his candidacy
“We used all our resources to ensure we had the most accurate and up-to-date list, and we worked to check with everyone on the list,” said South Carolina spokeswoman Amaya Smith. “It’s a pretty long list of people.”
My Response
So a couple of ministers said their names were not supposed to be on the list. That’s news? That’s reactionary.
I have yet to write about the fact Black Americans are entitled to have different points of view, depending on roots, knowledge of history, and one’s own unique experience living in America.
However, not because of race, but due to his substance, and the fact he is best qualified, those two ministers should get on board, as Chris Rock humorously stated at the Apollo.
If America wants to change her image, and only if Americans have truly matured, then the American people will elect Barack Obama as president of the United States.
When Obama wins, everybody’s true colors will be revealed.
Our next president should be qualified, intelligent, a person of character, good common sense, and a grassroots organizer who gets things done.
What has Hillary done for New York? (Besides use us as a stepping stone to her ambitions?)
Why doesn't she speak out on the racial injustices such as the execution style shooting of SEAN BELL, and the recent verdict against Mr. White for shooting a teen who invaded his home to fight?
We still have a two-tier system of racial injustice, and Clinton has NOT cited the back-door way in which Bush has destroyed the Bill of Rights, and the Civil Rights acts, while smiling in our faces.
Where is the outrage from Hillary? Mrs. Clinton avoids touching racial problems, -- she has not lived them, nor does she seem interested in being around the common Black person on the street—only wealthy folks (unlike Oprah) who have turned their backs on the less fortunate in this city, and promised her the ‘pauper’s vote.”
When I wrote to Mrs. Clinton about problems within the educational structure of this city, the violence, the corruption, the racism against veterans educators of color, her response was a form letter, but no action.
Remember when everyone asked Hillary if she were running for president, and she either denied, smiled, but never quite answered the question? Yet she has the arrogance to cite Barrack’s kindergarten work? He was not supposed to dream?
I see a woman who feels entitled. She is not. The American people want the best qualified. Mrs. Clinton's experience is limited to the fact she was First Lady, and as the Times reported, she did not have security clearance.
We need to break free from the Clintons, and the Bushes. Voting for Barack Obama is something Americans need to do to ensure we have a different, more constructive future; it would prove we are no longer a country governed by fear, race, or religion.
The ignorant need to read more about the issues, and Obama’s experience, and accomplishments in the Illinois State Senate, and in the Senate of the United States Congress.
The proof is before us, Barack Obama is a conciliatory statesman who wants to lead, and serve ALL AMERICANS. He is not a self-serving advocate of himself. Barack is capable of leading this nation; he only asks that we each do our share to change it,
Ask the 94-year-old precinct captain in Iowa!
On Thursday November 29, 2007 we were listening to Senator Barack Obama onstage at the Apollo Theatre. He spoke to an impressively mixed audience; it was a rainbow of colors, ages, ethnic backgrounds, basically what makes up America.
We saw famous faces, controversial faces, all there to listen to Senator Obama. Of course, we were treated to music, words of wisdom from professor Cornel West, the comedy of Chris Rock, who introduced the senator, and made us all very proud. This was truly a historic moment. I looked around and the entire theatre was filled, and SRO. Harlem embraced him, and the senator answered the call. Ever since the Afro-American Day Parade when several women asked;
"When is the candidate going to visit us?
Now. Obama was here, generating both excitement, and hope!
The Apollo, a place where I've seen the likes of everyone from Bob Marley, to the Jackson 5, to South Jamaica Queens' Lost Boyz, where so many artists got their start, we saw the making of movement, an agent of change, and a memorable moment in American history.
The Jena 6 case demonstrates how much trouble this nation is still in.
Teachers in schools across America will tell you that fights among students rarely bring out the District Attorney threatening young people of color. A suspension on both sides, but not jail!
An incident that began with a "white tree," the six learned nooses had been placed where they sought shade a day earlier. Why the ropes? Why no arrests for that? Make no mistake what it signifies. 100 years of lynching in America. The fact is this is 2007, but in Jena, Louisiana, and other places it is still 1807.
The administrators, and perhaps some teachers at this high school allowed this incident to simmer, knowing Louisiana's racial history, and it's very much alive.
Why no arrests for those students who placed the lynch symbol? Who brought in a rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition? Why didn't they notice the bogus injury of the "victim" who attended a party that same evening?
The Jena 6 case is bias, one-sided, racial in nature, and they need to remove the DA who rushed to judgment on six Black males, because "that's the way it is" in these hidden pockets of a time warp in many cities, and not just in the south.
This is the kind of mentality that kills, for while the DA (and school board member) threatened the protesting youths, another notorious and vile case (the 20 year-old Megan Williams recently rescued after a week of torture, rape, and beatings at the hands of six whites, -two mothers and their adult children), in West Virginia this week, even these "terrorists" are out on bail.
They know certain elements are still chasing the long-suffering, second-class citizens. What's even more outrageous is the fact an extremist web site posted the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all six Jena families, encouraging readers to "seek justice," by lynching. The site has not been shut down, despiste making racial and death threats on the Internet.
People are "sick of tired" of the two tier system of injustice here in the United States.
How can you preach about democracy anywhere in the world when your own citizens don't have it?
Especially those who were promised 40 acres and a mule?
When does freedom ring? Does freedom ring in the Jenas of Americas? Bring it out into the open, expose and deal with this type of hatred, and selective justice that has no place in a free society.
Why haven't we heard comments from other candidates?
Where’s the commander-in-chief? He should pardon the six, in the same manner he pardoned Mr. Libby.
Instead of "misquoting" Barack Obama, the heat should be on the DA, Jena's elected representatives, and Governor Blanco.
Fear, ignorance, and the arrogance of the Jena officials who refused to release Michael Bell, should be exposed in the same manner as the Duke University case. The DA was sent to jail, and this DA deserves the same. It applies in this situation.
As of September 28, 2007, Mr. Bell was finally released on bail, due to the over 15,000 demonstrators who marched on Jena.
The charges, if not brought equally should be dropped. Justice demands it.
Michelle Obama's recent comments on her family, and how she strives for "normalcy" was missed by some reporters. She spoke about her children, and they wrote about Hillary. One reporter mentions her name, and media reacted.
People recognize cheap journalism. The "writer" leaped on statements out of context, and DID NOT DO HER JOB! (Did she read the entire quote?). The obvious goal was to create a 'scandal.' Any candidate's spouse has a right to free speech. Their comments should NOT be misinterpreted, UNDER reported, or sensationalized. Is that too much to ask of 21st century journalists?
Free speech is law. Accuracy in news coverage is taught in the best journalism schools.
What's happened to the free and democratic news?
The brouhaha was selective. A fair press would focus on issues. It is unfortunate, and undemocratic to fabricate stories, and sell their souls.
If they are looking for someone to investigate, why not the former Mayor of New York?
As a native New Yorker, it's not just family values, but character, honesty, and change that Brack Obama represents.
"Our Children are 'in Crisis'-- And the Real Terror is Neglect!"By P.KellyOn the subject of education, we need dedicated administrators, parents, and educators working so that all children can learn, and who recognize many youngsters are in crisis. We have many great, and loving parents, but we also have adults who are not supportive, whose lifestyles conflict with, and are not in the best interests of their children. We have adults who abuse youngsters struggling to make their way in uncaring environments, - we are in a State of Emergency in our schools.Yet those in charge are not listening!Many administrators think the solution to the problem is to harass the best teaching staff, and many veteran educators retire early because no one hears their stories or values their experience. Too much testing (and not teaching), is not the solution.One of our solutions in technology is to engage students, and make them ultimately capable of teaching themselves.We should have national standards, but on a day-to-day basis, I believe each teacher and student needs to be trained in both computer and academic skills in order to bring this country back as a leader in Science and Mathematics.We are consumers of electronics, but ignorant of the Bill of Rights.Grown parents pay and play expensive video games, instead of investing in the future of their own offspring. There's a lot wrong from the top down, and it would impossible to list all here, but the main point is 50 years after Brown, the Supreme Court has violated it's own laws in attempting to eliminate race as a factor.Sounds like the administration has hijacked the Judicial Branch.Which makes the education of minorities all the more critical.
Judges appointed by the current administration are attempting to undo all of the Civil Rights gains in education and other vital areas.This is more important than Iraq, because of the pure waste in money that is needed here, right now for our students.
I've seen riots in schools, daily fights, and it 's growing more violent, as patronage, nepotism, and unfair treatment of both students and staff has become the norm.
People are afraid to speak out for fear of their jobs. This is America?The discussion should include teachers as the front line of combat in the American classroom.Politicians who fought against the CFE, such as former NY Governor Pataki, and Assemblyman Bruno slapped every child in the face in the urban community when they voted against educational equity, and to appeal the decision to spread the school’s wealth.As I teacher, I have given all--time, money, skills, to provide supplies when I was lied to (we don't have money), or when thousands of dollars in computer equipment routinely disappeared at one Brooklyn school-- and not one administrator is held accountable?Or when the teacher quits because you promised a new lab, and they gave it to someone else?Who loses? The children. When they drop out, and are unable to get jobs, contribute to Social Security, or society.We are more fearful of Columbine types, than the foreign ones we are bombarded with by a bias media.
Students are literally, dying, and the people who care for them, concerned adults—the contributions they can offer for change, must be heard, not ignored.Our most precious resource, children, are counting on all of us.
