On last night, the 44th President spoke to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. His remarks were profound in many respects, not the least of which being that he correctly noted the black community has to begin to take responsibility, once again, for its own destiny! During segregation many blacks achieved at a higher level in spite of the restrictions placed on minorities by the larger society.
So the POTUS' message was simply; we have to get back to our core principles or we can not be helped by a black President or anyone else. The POTUS also made a direct reference to the fact that more minority kids need to strive to become engineers, scientist and Supreme Court Justices and not just hoopers and rappers. This was obviously a timely reminder that the first Hispanic is matriculating through Congressional hearings en route to becoming a Supreme Court Justice.
What the POTUS rightly understands is that there are only a couple of things that can level the playing field in this world - education, money and power. Most in the black community once understood that if I am educated to the hilt, I can compete with you and can not be denied because you can not take away what I know.
The fallacy in today's concept is that money can gain you access and power. Although not completely false, money can also be lost (ref. current recession) or taken away (ref. Michael Jackson) or you can be denied access for lack of suitable credentials, and then what tools are you left with to compete - NOthing!
It starts with education.
Obama Tells Fellow Blacks: ‘No Excuses’ for Any Failure
By Sheryl Gay Stolberg of the New York Times (7/17/09)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/us/politics/17obama.html?_r=1&hp
Sonia Sotomayor and the Politics of Race
By James Joyner of Outside the Beltway Blog (5/27/09)
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/sonia_sotomayor_and_the_politics_of_race/
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wait Your Turn Politics & The Black Community
In 2007, as a relatively young U.S. Senator began to explore a possible run for President, there were numerous leaders (elected and nonelected) in the black community across the country who were upset that this guy had not sufficiently paid his dues and should wait his turn. How dare he think he can just jump out there replied many when asked if they would be supporting the young Senator. We do not just support individuals for office because they are black exclaimed others.
The larger sentiment being expressed was one that has crippled the black community over the years, leading to some good and some not so good leaders being elected to office or other non-elected leadership posts. However, the issue arises when these leaders time has come and gone, yet they refuse to step aside for the next generation of leadership.
And so with today's generation, you have young black leaders coming along who are aware of the skills, education and capacity for greatness they possess and who are ready to lead and in many cases have already been leading in their respective communities. Moreover, these young leaders are no longer willing to be relegated, by anyone, to the waiting line.
(Note: Gwen Ifill's new book highlights some of these new, dynamic, young leaders)
A current case study of this ideology is in Florida where a three decade old friend is challanging her friend's son in the open U.S. Senate race becuase he has not paid his dues in her opinion.
Brown, Carrie Meek were close
By: Alex Isenstadt of Politico (June 22, 2009)
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23989_Page2.html
By testing the waters in Florida’s open Senate race, Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) is imperiling a relationship between two prominent Florida pols that has spanned three decades. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) was already five months into his 2010 Senate bid when Brown — a longtime friend of Meek’s mother, former Rep. Carrie Meek (D-Fla.) — announced that she was launching an exploratory committee. Brown and Carrie Meek forged a bond while serving together in the Florida state Legislature in the 1980s, and in 1992 she and fellow Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings became the first African-Americans elected to the House from Florida since Reconstruction.
But on May 30, to the surprise of many, Brown announced that she was exploring a run for the Senate against the younger Meek, explaining that she was spurred to do so after commissioning her own poll, which revealed that she was better known and had higher favorability ratings than the Miami-based congressman.
“Experience,’’ the 62-year-old Brown told the St. Petersburg Times when asked why she would be a stronger candidate than Meek, 42 — a not-so-veiled shot at Meek’s relative youth.
The larger sentiment being expressed was one that has crippled the black community over the years, leading to some good and some not so good leaders being elected to office or other non-elected leadership posts. However, the issue arises when these leaders time has come and gone, yet they refuse to step aside for the next generation of leadership.
And so with today's generation, you have young black leaders coming along who are aware of the skills, education and capacity for greatness they possess and who are ready to lead and in many cases have already been leading in their respective communities. Moreover, these young leaders are no longer willing to be relegated, by anyone, to the waiting line.
(Note: Gwen Ifill's new book highlights some of these new, dynamic, young leaders)
A current case study of this ideology is in Florida where a three decade old friend is challanging her friend's son in the open U.S. Senate race becuase he has not paid his dues in her opinion.
Brown, Carrie Meek were close
By: Alex Isenstadt of Politico (June 22, 2009)
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23989_Page2.html
By testing the waters in Florida’s open Senate race, Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) is imperiling a relationship between two prominent Florida pols that has spanned three decades. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) was already five months into his 2010 Senate bid when Brown — a longtime friend of Meek’s mother, former Rep. Carrie Meek (D-Fla.) — announced that she was launching an exploratory committee. Brown and Carrie Meek forged a bond while serving together in the Florida state Legislature in the 1980s, and in 1992 she and fellow Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings became the first African-Americans elected to the House from Florida since Reconstruction.
But on May 30, to the surprise of many, Brown announced that she was exploring a run for the Senate against the younger Meek, explaining that she was spurred to do so after commissioning her own poll, which revealed that she was better known and had higher favorability ratings than the Miami-based congressman.
“Experience,’’ the 62-year-old Brown told the St. Petersburg Times when asked why she would be a stronger candidate than Meek, 42 — a not-so-veiled shot at Meek’s relative youth.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Boys in Blue Gone Wild!
Public Safety by any means. That seems to be the overarching theme among some individuals in our society today when it comes to protecting the public from international, national and yes, local threats. During this week, we have heard that our values as Americans can be set aside when necessary to save ourselves from the enemy. And that that is ok-patriotic even!
Now I am definitely not equating national security with urban policing. However, based on two specific incidents recently - one in Toledo, OH and one in Birmingham, AL - we see that law breakers (foreign or domestic) will be dealt with severely in today's world to a degree that many have rightly noted "simply crosses the line". Moreover, we have also learned that although individuals want tough justice in today's world, the results make many people cut bait and run when it comes to taking responsibility for the outcomes - particularly elected officials.
I am a firm believer in punishment. But any such punishment must be lawful. If we are no better than those breaking the laws then what does that make us?
Toledo, OH Police Choke 14 Year Old Boy Unconscious
Posted on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jZ0Iz2ws9I
Birmingham Mayor Blames Police Beating on "Previous Administration"
By Kyle Whitmire of the Birmingham Weekly (5/21/09)
http://www.bhamweekly.com/2009/05/21/langford-blames-police-beating-on-previous-administration/
On CNN Wednesday night, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford tried to explain how the now-viral video of police brutality in Birmingham escaped the attention of the city’s top brass for more than a year.
At first Langford seemed to be trying to explain that he and Chief A.C. Roper had only recently taken office when the beating occurred. But half-way through his explanation, Langford gets tangled and says the event occurred under the previous administration.
“I was elected in November of last year. I took office in late November. I had been in office about a month. The new police chief we have now didn’t come on until a month after I took office. So neither one of us — It was under the previous administration.”
Langford was elected on Oct. 9, 2007, not in November 2008. He was sworn in as mayor on November 13, 2007. A week before Langford took office, he named A.C. Roper to replace then-Chief of Police Annetta Nunn. Roper was sworn in as chief of police two weeks after Langford took office, Nov. 30, 2007. The police beating occurred Jan. 23, 2008, more than two months after Langford took office.
Now I am definitely not equating national security with urban policing. However, based on two specific incidents recently - one in Toledo, OH and one in Birmingham, AL - we see that law breakers (foreign or domestic) will be dealt with severely in today's world to a degree that many have rightly noted "simply crosses the line". Moreover, we have also learned that although individuals want tough justice in today's world, the results make many people cut bait and run when it comes to taking responsibility for the outcomes - particularly elected officials.
I am a firm believer in punishment. But any such punishment must be lawful. If we are no better than those breaking the laws then what does that make us?
Toledo, OH Police Choke 14 Year Old Boy Unconscious
Posted on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jZ0Iz2ws9I
Birmingham Mayor Blames Police Beating on "Previous Administration"
By Kyle Whitmire of the Birmingham Weekly (5/21/09)
http://www.bhamweekly.com/2009/05/21/langford-blames-police-beating-on-previous-administration/
On CNN Wednesday night, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford tried to explain how the now-viral video of police brutality in Birmingham escaped the attention of the city’s top brass for more than a year.
At first Langford seemed to be trying to explain that he and Chief A.C. Roper had only recently taken office when the beating occurred. But half-way through his explanation, Langford gets tangled and says the event occurred under the previous administration.
“I was elected in November of last year. I took office in late November. I had been in office about a month. The new police chief we have now didn’t come on until a month after I took office. So neither one of us — It was under the previous administration.”
Langford was elected on Oct. 9, 2007, not in November 2008. He was sworn in as mayor on November 13, 2007. A week before Langford took office, he named A.C. Roper to replace then-Chief of Police Annetta Nunn. Roper was sworn in as chief of police two weeks after Langford took office, Nov. 30, 2007. The police beating occurred Jan. 23, 2008, more than two months after Langford took office.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sheer Will
For all those Tiger fans out there, yesterday's win by Woods at Arnold Palmers' tournament was yet another example of why this guy has been and continues to be the best ever (sorry Arnold).
One of the commentators noted during the closing holes of the tournament, as Woods pulled off a couple of long distance [par] saves to stay in the game, that Woods father taught him that you can "will" things to happen in life. Well, Woods on the 18th hole showed his stiff spine as he sunk a tournament winning put from roughly 16 feet.
I also heard the commentators mention how good of a technocrat the runner up was at the sport - in other words, he has learned the sport's in and outs very well. But what ultimately seperates Tiger and all the other GREATs from all those who fall by the wayside, as did this guy, is that he has not only the athletic skills and technical knowhow, but moreover, the sheer "will" to win.
How does this relate to everday life you may ask? Simply put, sometimes skill and knowhow are not enough; you have to have an internal "will" to be better, do more and dig deeper to achieve your goals, especially in the toughest times.
Tiger thrills at Bay Hill with winning putt on 18
By Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033000225.html?hpid=artslot
Tiger Woods drove away from Bay Hill wearing the navy blue blazer traditionally awarded to the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is more interested in a jacket of a different color, but this was a good start.
Next stop, Augusta National.
One of the commentators noted during the closing holes of the tournament, as Woods pulled off a couple of long distance [par] saves to stay in the game, that Woods father taught him that you can "will" things to happen in life. Well, Woods on the 18th hole showed his stiff spine as he sunk a tournament winning put from roughly 16 feet.
I also heard the commentators mention how good of a technocrat the runner up was at the sport - in other words, he has learned the sport's in and outs very well. But what ultimately seperates Tiger and all the other GREATs from all those who fall by the wayside, as did this guy, is that he has not only the athletic skills and technical knowhow, but moreover, the sheer "will" to win.
How does this relate to everday life you may ask? Simply put, sometimes skill and knowhow are not enough; you have to have an internal "will" to be better, do more and dig deeper to achieve your goals, especially in the toughest times.
Tiger thrills at Bay Hill with winning putt on 18
By Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033000225.html?hpid=artslot
Tiger Woods drove away from Bay Hill wearing the navy blue blazer traditionally awarded to the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is more interested in a jacket of a different color, but this was a good start.
Next stop, Augusta National.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
One Nation Under God - Just Don't Say Jesus
It seems that uttering the word Jesus in a government chamber evokes harsh critism now adays. This is truly unfortunate, but has been revealed in the bible as being the norm in the "end times"; where people will deny Jesus' name and scorn those who call on him.
Individuals should see that the usual things they have become accustomed to making their gods are all failing them (houses, jobs, 401k, stocks, governments). But Jesus never fails!
A crackdown on prayers in the Senate
By Andy Green of the Baltimore Sun Blog (3/25/09)
The Baltimore Sun's Gadi Dechter sends over this dispatch from the State House: A J-bomb went off in the Maryland Senate this morning, Julie Bykowicz tells the basement, who tells you.
During the morning prayer, a pastor from Bowie uttered the name of Jesus. This is a no-no, because it is considered insensitive to non-Christians, and possibly unconstitutional. Sen. President Thomas V. Mike Miller shook his head in disgust as the name was said and later said the prayer would not be journalized.
He ordered the secretary of the Senate to review prayers from now on.
This was the latest in several times this session that visiting pastors failed to refrain from mentioning the name of their Messiah, despite admonitions from Senate leadership to keep it ecumenical.
The House of Delegates used to have this same problem, so several years ago they simply decided to have delegates recite prayers instead of having visiting ministers, rabbis, priests and imams do the honors.
Still, lawmakers in the House also slip up occasionally. Earlier this session, Del. Donna Stifler, a Harford County Republican, mentioned the “prince of peace,” a reference to Jesus, in her convocation, though she quickly corrected herself and said she meant to say “God.”
Individuals should see that the usual things they have become accustomed to making their gods are all failing them (houses, jobs, 401k, stocks, governments). But Jesus never fails!
A crackdown on prayers in the Senate
By Andy Green of the Baltimore Sun Blog (3/25/09)
The Baltimore Sun's Gadi Dechter sends over this dispatch from the State House: A J-bomb went off in the Maryland Senate this morning, Julie Bykowicz tells the basement, who tells you.
During the morning prayer, a pastor from Bowie uttered the name of Jesus. This is a no-no, because it is considered insensitive to non-Christians, and possibly unconstitutional. Sen. President Thomas V. Mike Miller shook his head in disgust as the name was said and later said the prayer would not be journalized.
He ordered the secretary of the Senate to review prayers from now on.
This was the latest in several times this session that visiting pastors failed to refrain from mentioning the name of their Messiah, despite admonitions from Senate leadership to keep it ecumenical.
The House of Delegates used to have this same problem, so several years ago they simply decided to have delegates recite prayers instead of having visiting ministers, rabbis, priests and imams do the honors.
Still, lawmakers in the House also slip up occasionally. Earlier this session, Del. Donna Stifler, a Harford County Republican, mentioned the “prince of peace,” a reference to Jesus, in her convocation, though she quickly corrected herself and said she meant to say “God.”
Monday, March 23, 2009
Alabama Takes a Hit Below the Belt - US to Buy Chinese Condomns
Being from Alabama, I could not resist posting this article. Moreover, if ever there were any doubts about how hard-hitting and far-reaching the economic downturn is in the country, as well as, the impact of the new global economy, this story captures it perfectly.
For a roughly 3 cents saving per condemn and because Congress removed "Buy America" language from the recently passed stimulus bill, USAID is taking its business to China!
As a result, 300 individuals in tiny Eufaula, AL are SOL after decades of service.
WOW
Stimulus? U.S. to buy Chinese condoms, ending Alabama jobs
Reported on McClatchy (3/23/09)
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/64577.html
By Mike McGraw of the Kansas City Star (3/22/09)
http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966.html
Call it a condom conundrum.
At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?
In this case, Chinese condoms.
In a move expected to cost 300 American jobs, the government is switching to cheaper off-shore condoms, including some made in China.
That's the dilemma for the folks at the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has distributed an estimated 10 billion U.S.-made AIDS-preventing condoms in poor countries around the world.
But not anymore.
The switch comes despite assurances over the years that the agency would continue to buy American whenever possible.
"Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,” said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped “buy American language” in a recent appropriations bill.
For a roughly 3 cents saving per condemn and because Congress removed "Buy America" language from the recently passed stimulus bill, USAID is taking its business to China!
As a result, 300 individuals in tiny Eufaula, AL are SOL after decades of service.
WOW
Stimulus? U.S. to buy Chinese condoms, ending Alabama jobs
Reported on McClatchy (3/23/09)
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/64577.html
By Mike McGraw of the Kansas City Star (3/22/09)
http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1100966.html
Call it a condom conundrum.
At a time when the federal government is spending billions of stimulus dollars to stem the tide of U.S. layoffs, should that same government put even more Americans out of work by buying cheaper foreign products?
In this case, Chinese condoms.
In a move expected to cost 300 American jobs, the government is switching to cheaper off-shore condoms, including some made in China.
That's the dilemma for the folks at the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has distributed an estimated 10 billion U.S.-made AIDS-preventing condoms in poor countries around the world.
But not anymore.
The switch comes despite assurances over the years that the agency would continue to buy American whenever possible.
"Of course, we considered how many U.S. jobs would be affected by this move,” said a USAID official who spoke on the condition that he would not be named. But he said the reasons for the change included lower prices (2 cents versus more than 5 cents for U.S.-made condoms) and the fact that Congress dropped “buy American language” in a recent appropriations bill.
Forget Smoking - Eat a Few Burgers
I was just mentioning to a co-worker the other day that I have never had an addictive personality. I drank in college, but quit later in life. Likewise, I smoked cigars for a period of time, but also let that habit go. However, those hamburgers and fries are something I have never been able to shake (pun intended).
Maybe it is because fast food joints are on nearly evey corner in urban communities. Or maybe it is because most American children have been unwittingly trained, socialized even, to know the golden arches from birth. Either way, fast food is as ingrained into our way of life as is t.v. (which is a whole other conversation).
We all know fast food can be very unhealthy, but is fast food akin to tobacco? A case is being made by a Yale research center that says so.
Is Food the New Tobacco?
By Marion Nestle of the Atlantic (3/21/09)
http://food.theatlantic.com/nutrition/is-food-the-new-tobacco.php
The Rudd Center at Yale is devoted to establishing a firm research basis for obesity interventions. Its latest contribution is a paper in the Milbank Quarterly from its director, Kelly Brownell, and co-author Kenneth Warner, an equally distinguished anti-smoking researcher from the University of Michigan. Its provocative title: The perils of ignoring history: Big Tobacco played dirty and millions died. How similar is Big Food?
The paper is getting much attention. A spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, a group well known for its close ties to food companies, emphasizes that food is not tobacco. Of course it's not. But food companies often behave like tobacco companies, and not always in the public interest. The Milbank paper provides plenty of documentation to back up the similarity. Worth a look, no?
Maybe it is because fast food joints are on nearly evey corner in urban communities. Or maybe it is because most American children have been unwittingly trained, socialized even, to know the golden arches from birth. Either way, fast food is as ingrained into our way of life as is t.v. (which is a whole other conversation).
We all know fast food can be very unhealthy, but is fast food akin to tobacco? A case is being made by a Yale research center that says so.
Is Food the New Tobacco?
By Marion Nestle of the Atlantic (3/21/09)
http://food.theatlantic.com/nutrition/is-food-the-new-tobacco.php
The Rudd Center at Yale is devoted to establishing a firm research basis for obesity interventions. Its latest contribution is a paper in the Milbank Quarterly from its director, Kelly Brownell, and co-author Kenneth Warner, an equally distinguished anti-smoking researcher from the University of Michigan. Its provocative title: The perils of ignoring history: Big Tobacco played dirty and millions died. How similar is Big Food?
The paper is getting much attention. A spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, a group well known for its close ties to food companies, emphasizes that food is not tobacco. Of course it's not. But food companies often behave like tobacco companies, and not always in the public interest. The Milbank paper provides plenty of documentation to back up the similarity. Worth a look, no?
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