AUDIO: Tavis Smiley & Al Sharpton Fight
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I really can’t stand Tavis Smiley. I’m no big fan of Sharpton either, but Smiley is soooo full of himself. (via OwlAsylum)
92 Responses to “AUDIO: Tavis Smiley & Al Sharpton Fight”
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I thought this would be a little more substantive. Core Issue never resolved, but confuse each other with “you-said-I-said”. Still worth a listen.
I heard the exchange this morning, and I agree with Al Sharpton. Tavis Smiley still hasn’t gotten over that Pres. Obama didn’t attend his “State of The Black Union” summit, even though Obama suggested that Michelle attend. Tavis during the campaign was an ardent Hillary supporter and came out early that Obama should have waited to run. Then when Obama won the primary and was the candidate, he continued to press the issue that Obama was, not ready and “weak” on issues pertaining to the African American community. There was an unspoken inference about Obama being not “black enough”. Tom Joyner’s listeners revolted and came down hard on Tavis Smiley. Smiley got offended and resigned his regular morning commentator’s spot, expressing hurt feelings and being misunderstood. Today was the first time he was back in the commentators spot, and I was surprised that he didn’t miss a beat in taking up where he left off this time grouping in the African Americans in leadership positions that support the President in his morning tirade. When I heard Al Sharpton call in not five minutes after Tavis’ segment ended, I knew it was “on”. Al Sharpton said much of the same thoughts that crossed my mind when I was listening to Tavis, when I was screaming at my car radio, “They went to discuss the jobs bill Tavis!” Tavis for some time enjoyed the attention and respect of the intellectual public broadcasting crowd as the voice for Black America, and expected many of the so called leaders in the community to walk lock in step with him calling the agenda. Then comes Barack Obama, same age, same generation as Tavis. He didn’t toe the line, and Tavis got vindictive. Biggest “ha ha” moment, when Sharpton reminds Tom of the heated discussion he had with Tavis regarding Tavis referring to Bill Clinton as the first Black President and pressing Joyner to state that he was present at that exchange.
I too have the feeling that for Tavis, it’s about his ego. If one reads his autobiography it is apparent that he still has so many issues to work out stemming from his abusive and difficult childhood. And for Tavis, that would lead to his “Come to Jesus” moment.
Tavis promoted subprime loans for Wells Fargo. He’s part of the problem
Thanks Oliver for posting this audio. Working in Canada this week (unfortunately, not at the Olympics!) and have missed Rev. Al’s show.
I’ve got some more listening and reading to do – Tavis Talks and the NY Times – before I can make any sense out of this tussle. But I’m in Rev. Al’s corner right now.
Tavis should simply concentrate on his publishing gig like he said he would when he announced the SOTBU wouldn’t be held this year. He is delusional if he thinks anyone believes he can be objective about President Obama. That ship sunk in 2008. Maybe SoS Clinton is available to attend the meeting in Chicago next month ….
I really hate seeing and hearing about Blacks turning on each other.
I can’t stand neither of them, but I can deal with Al Sharpton a little bit more though.
But being serious it would be nice if President Obama did focus on more African American issues(Black on Black crime, high teen pregnancy rate,low graduation rate, etc, even though people like Rush, Beck, and right wingers will say he’s doing reparation for Blacks.
To be honest can we not say that whites haven’t had a far more advantage because all our previous Presidents have been white, and focused on White American issues?
Would we judge an Hispanic President if he focus more on immigration issues? Or if a Jewish President focused more on issues dealing with Israel?
People may disagree with me, but I do think President Obama can take some time out to focus on African American issues. He’ll still be helping Americans.
Sharpton and others are in the tank for Obama. 2 years ago all of these folk were saying the things that Smiley is saying. The criticism of Bush was mean spirited and hateful. Keep in mind that it was not Bush that eliminated school choice in D.C. Bush also appointed more minorities to positions of power that Obama.
Tavis is right. Sharpton and others will not hold Obama’s feet to the fire. If black unemployment was the same 6 years ago, they’d be screaming impeachment. Now they defend Obama.
Tavis Smiley has the gall to believe that he is the gatekeeper of all things “African-American” and hates Obama because he didn’t ask Tavis’ permission to run for President.
You have these types all over Black Media that believe that they have to power to break a black politician/celebrity in the Afro-American community if you don’t kiss their rings.
I genuinely do not like Tavis Smiley.
Hello, first I think that both have an agenda. But moreover, I think that agenda is to inform and help the black community. Granted since they are different people, they have different ways of getting their points across. I am not here to say who is right or wrong here, but ont thing I will say is that blacks may be more divided now than ever since Obama became Pres. reason being, most blacks voted him in, and the one’s who don’t share their views are “outcasts” or “haters”, etc.
I think it’s a shame that a time like this, (1st black pres.) blacks still cannot find common ground. It is just as important for the persons who supported Obama to respect the views of those who didn’t.
I also think that many blacks only voted him in because of the color of his skin. It would be very interesting to find out the views of blacks who voted him in. Many I spoke to only voted for him because he’s black, not knowing or understanding anything he stood for! I think that they felt Obama would save the black race.
I am black, and I want my race/community to have a fair shake at life here in America. the Black agenda is important, but if we continue to quarrel among ourselves, mind you many black forums are encouraging this behavior, we will NOT SUCCEED!!!!! Stop it Guys, handle it privately form this point on. Stop using public forums, you’re only embarrassing yourselves, and the community. DOn’t you realize people ARE LAUGHING AT YOU? please guys……
Tavis Smiley is a surly baby with an agenda. I never liked the man; and that was even before his
high pitched whining that the POTUS didn’t participate in his homage to Tavis. As far as I’m
concerned Rev. Al (who I too have issues with) could have spanked Tavis some more.
Smiley doesn’t have to be lock step with the president. Doesn’t have to like him–but he needs to come from a place that his criticism isn’t ultimately linked to his believing he was ignored by President Obama and is still carrying hurt that he got bashed by the listening public. (And I believe 90% of his hate for President Obama is
that.)
With all the bullshit going on in this country Tavis Smiley feeling unloved and wanting to bean the POTUS
reeks to the highest degree of GTFOOH–boring. And every time he rears his head someone should remind him of it.
Respectfully CJ–
If health care reform is instituted–that will be a boon to African Americans.
When jobs bills are passed–that will help African Americans.
Making monies available for people to attend college–that will help African Americans.
The First Lady addressing childhood obesity–that will help African Americans.
Keeping mortgage lenders from destroying whole communities–will help African Americans.
Don’t you see that all these things address the problems that you noted linger in the AA
community and across the board in this country? Teen pregnancy has risen–period.
Crime statistics have risen–period. Education, healthcare and jobs will empower everyone.
I’m sorry, but we are all sinking here. It’s time to join hands and float and maybe even swim together. I think the time is past for parsing racial differences in facing imminent disaster for the whole country–’cause let’s face it–that’s done against African Americans and other minority groups enough.
Tavis wants to be the face of Political Black America so bad. Obama’s election victory pretty much nixed that, so the guy’s bitter.
Until there is some honesty about what is really going on in a lot of black communities, there will be no resolution to the unemployment issue. Recreational drug use, a disdain for education, and an abandonment of the work ethic that allowed our predecessors to advance despite the obstances we faced can no longer be avoided. We have some complicity in the problem.
Sounds like sour grapes on Tavis Smiley’s part. I will say, as many have on this forum, that I’m not a fan of either. But Sharpton makes sense here. Tavis makes himself sound foolish, especially when Sharpton reminds him and Tom of his “Clinton as first black Pres.” comment. Smiley has had a burr in his behind with regards to Obama since he announced he was running for Pres.
Tavis Smiley does not speak for me as an African American…Neither does Al Sharpton.
Americans, regardless of color need jobs. President Obama owes Tavis Smiley, me or African Americans as a whole no more than he owes America as a whole. Just my opinion.
Tavis Smiley…get over it.
Charles Ogletree? Where has he been, and why hasn’t he shown up on the MSM? There’s a quality mind I’d like to hear more often. Leon Higgenbotham’s student, if I recall..
Rev Al and Tavis, I will be praying for you both because I have truely enjoyed listening to you both over the years. Brothers hold it together…we need you both…sometimes disagreement is there to help us grow…but do it lovingly and not ugly like I observed today. Through sensible and honest debate we can usually learn something.
But after listening to the audio of this morning’s exchange on the radio, between Rev Al and Tavis, I feel very disappointed that they did not sit down in private and air their strong feelings. It is truely typical of us as minors…we eventually turn on each other. Some of you are saying you hate Tavis. Some of you are saying that you agree with Rev Al…I love Rev Al and I love Tavis. It is okay that friends don’t always see eye to eye, but keep it rated G, for gentle, G for gentlemanlike.
Anyway, lately I have stepped back to observe and it appears to me that we are giving some of our political leaders a pass.
I do not believe Tavis hates the president. I do agree that Tavis has the right to disagree with the president.
I was trying to find out why a large segment of our society was in such an uproar about our president’s and congress’s agenda. After listening objectively to some of the hidden facts coming out about some of the legislation our government has been planning and trying to pass, I am disappointed.
President Obama is a young man who may or may not make the right decisions…one thing we all can do for him is pray for him that he makes the right decisions…the bible says “the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord”. He is in that leadership role (as a king) now, we have to work with what we’ve got.
Thanks for posting this. Tavis backtracked – he did say that black leaders including Rev. Sharpton said the whitehouse did not need a black agenda. Of course there cannot be a publicly “ballyhooed” black agenda – look at what’s happening with the health care agenda. I think Rev. Al is right in that the approach is to focus on issues that predominantly affect African-Americans, as well as others, and give it a global name rather than an outright supposition of a black agenda.
I also checked Tavis’s website and didn’t see a transcript.
He seems focused on his “conversation.” He made so much money off those books he wants to keep it going.
I am not going to bash either, but will state that Rev. Sharpton was right. Tavis needs to get mental help. It does make us seem more against each other when we cant even support one another in the subdivisions we live in. We really need to accept that allot of our problems in our community is brought on by our own doing, Yes whites have scorned us but we need to want a better future for ourselves and not want every time a positive black role model to save us (President OBama). This man and others have demonstrated to us that hard work pays off. The white man is not coming in our homes and making us get pregnant, do drugs or sing the BS some artists are singin to just get paid.. come on be realistic. We need to grab hold of this opportunity and push as hard as we can intelligently and create our own positive future.
Tavis,,u wine to much and you always playing the blame game.
Shartpton at least you are making the footwork for our people.. I agree with your words.
Gloria,
stick to the issue, and don’t insult those of us in the AA community like we’re idiots and unable to make an informed decision. Pres. Obama was not the first black to run for president, but he was the first black to run that the WHOLE nation endorsed, which helped him achieve his goal. He’s one of many capable AA’s that have worked within the black community and could have been elected pres(jessie jackson, for example), but he was smart enough to realize that in order to GET IN THE WHITEHOUSE, you couldn’t alienate people before you get there, especially when you need everyone’s vote – not just the black community. Al Sharpton was right on the money when he called Tavis to task, because TAVIS made this issue public FIRST, and that’s what Rev. Sharpton told him. He said he should have called him first, and the others mentioned in his vitriolic diatribe on TJMS, to see what was actually said – or he could have listened to the TJMS, when rev. sharpton discussed some of what was said, or maybe even listen to rev. sharpton’s own show. Tavis made himself irrelevent by assuming that Pres. Obama was not ready, and then when he won the Dem. nomination, not supporting him. He was arrogant, and full of self-hatred, and is trying now to regain the relevence he had previously in the black community. But once again, he showed his true colors with his arrogance in thinking HE should be the one to open a forum, and clear up the issues. He should have spoken IN PRIVATE, with rev. sharpton, and then just suggest the need for a forum, and discuss all of the issues affecting the black community. He’s being vindictive, because anyone with his intelligence, like most in the black community understand Pres. Obama is not going to be able to heal all of the ills of our community, without our help, and he would get absolutely NOTHING accomplished, if he went on tv and announced a BLACK agenda – that would alienate all of the other minority communities, and their representatives, and would give the nutcases currently fighting against him the ammunition to completely kill any progress he would otherwise make! He can do everything we need without “announcing” it wrapped in a Black agenda, because that is SMART leadership – not neglecting the issues, but being smart about addressing them, and receiving the support need from ALL sides to get the needed issues addressed, and supported. We, the people on the ground, have got to take back our communities from the ground up – and he is helping the black community do just that! As someone mentioned on here as well, when we get the healthcare, mortgage, and job situation under control that’s going to help us ALL – not just the black community! And rev. sharpton was correct in telling Tavis that he should have communicated with those “leaders” he quoted in private first, and not decided on what they said, or their meaning, by quotes from a newspaper and simply decided HE should be the one to open the dialogue. It’s a bunch of showcasing, grandstanding and arrogance on his part, and then instead of apologizing and owning up to his arrogance, he tried to justify it and even go so far as to try to embarass sharpton by quoting some other comments he made on cnn. tavis’ own arrogance and injured soul has determined his non-voice thus far. and it’s sooo sad, b/c he had such a rising star – and now it has fizzled out. I, like most others, have no problem with discussing issues, but the problem here, is the way in which tavis brought this whole issue about. coming back to the tjms with criticism of black leaders – when he decided after his previous “spanking”, that he would turn tail and hide, along with his hurt feelings. he’s such a non-issue, that it’s a shame he’s gotten this much attention – which is exactly what he intended. a shame, just a shame.
C.J.- with all due respect, it’s this kind of thinking that doesn’t help “us” either,”When black people turn on each other” this is not that happening, it is about two intelligent men having a disagreement.I’m not a fan of either myself as far as thier points of view, but do respect thier humanity and right to thier own opinions. When two white men have public disagreements, it’s not them turning on each other. “We” must think as equals to be equals. Al Sharpton and Tavis just happen to have a public forum where they are at odds, that’s all.
Point two, again with respect, “People like Rush, Beck and Right wingers” what is that suppossed to mean? Have you really listened to what they are saying, if you were and if you would analyze some of their arguements there would be no iplying the negative conotation as in popular media repeats of “Right wingers” as if these people don’t have merit to what they are sayin, for years I as a man of color understand what rush and other radio commentators are saying to all people who live in America, it is not excluding blacks, thier words are inclusive of Black Americans. But, because it is “trendy” to call them names instead of thinking about things they are saying, we don’t fully examine important issues related to us as People.
As far as the President having a focus on “African American issues” I do think you are correct that it’s not a distraction for him to take out time to address some of the illness that face many “Black people”, not just as a “Black President” but, as a President of a nation where certain segments have historically had inequality as a extra challenge to get over in pursuing the “American dream”.
All due to you with love.
I agree with Al Sharpton’s position.
President Obama is addressing the issues of the Black community. Those critical topics being, unemployment,foreclosures,education, child hood obesity, healthcare reform,and community. Tavis………stop hating.
That is not the issue. We are aware that if Obama comes out and says, “We are focusing on an African American Agenda,” even more than the NOTHING, NOTHING would get passed. Again your statement suggests that you just look for a contrary stance to take against the Obama Administration. You would probably be screaming, ”OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY, WHY THE FOCUS ON THE BLACK COMMUNITY. GLEN BECK IS RIGHT, OBAMA IS A RACIST!” The African American community, its activists and citizens, to determine the agenda and advocate our position understand the “Jackie Robinson” syndrome President Obama is up against. We also are aware that The Health Care Reform Bill with a Public Option, will help OUR African American Community as well as the community at large. The Jobs Bill will help the African American Community and it’s disproportionate unemployment figures. The Linda Ledbetter Act that allowed women to sue a corporation to balance out pay equality will help the African American community; Helping Families Save their Home Act, will help African Americans from becoming homeless, CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE BILL, which covered additional children with medical insurance, a disproportionate amount of children are African American, HOMEOWNER CREDIT AND UNEMPLOYMENT BILL, allowed an extension of unemployment benefits covering an extended period while the employment search in an economy almost brought to ruins opens up with job opportunities. Note: here in Ohio, Ford just re-instated 1,5000 workers laid off during when the economy crashed in 2008 many African Americans were rehired in positions they were laid off from; and the HATE CRIMES BILL, that will give protection to the Gay African Americans who are at the brunt of hate crimes not just for being African American but being Gay as well.
Additionally, in the African American community, the so called, “School choice” that President Bush championed was not supported by a large percentage of African Americans. There is a consensus that instead of giving vouchers to parents that covered a percentage of tuition at the private (usually Catholic schools) would be better spent on putting back the programs and hiring the teachers back into the public school. It was an effort again to “privatizing” the public school system. Parents wanted the “choice ” simply because what make the public schools competitive was removed from the public schools; For example, phys. education, music, art, language.
And one more thing I almost forgot, President Obama has proposed and is working on the Bill that will give the BLACK FARMERS 1.25 Billion Dollars which President Bush denied. (you research the situation regarding the Black Farmers).
I have watched from the moment President Obama was sworn in the obstruction and the mantra of “Obama Fail” that was rallied in the conservative movement. That was from the “Obama is not an American”, Cheering when the United States didn’t get the Olympics in Chicago, to now trying to instigate the African American community to turn against the first African American President, who is doing an amazing job in spite of the bullshit thrown in his direction every moment of every day.
Well, this is one African American woman that is not falling for the OKIE DOKE.
Our struggle during the Civil Rights movement was about changing laws that denied African Americans, ALL Americans, our basic human rights, a central principal to the Declaration of Independence.
Connie you present a cogent recap! My sentiments exactly.
Duh, I know that. But I’m kind of talking about President Obama taken his message to the communities directly to get it across to the people that the things he’s doing are things that will improve their lives.
Well that’s what I’m talking about.
Read the transcript and Tavis Smiley said what people think he said.
I was unemployed from Oct 2003 until May of 2006 and listened to Tavist on NPR nearly everyday. He is an empty suit. He does NOT understand the complexities behind the issues he talks about. He is a big fat ego, looking for a chair sit down in. His “Summits” are a joke to the informed. Obama was absolutely correct in his decision to not genuflect to the orthodoxy. Tavist has nothing to offer most conversations.
I thought Tavis Smiley was a fictional character, really. I feel pretty dumb right now.
Of course we do, and we avoid talking about it. The embrace of anti-intellectualism by our youth. The deification of Thug Life. The unchecked violence and the acceptance of it when perpetrated by other blacks (we’ll march in the streets in cases of police brutality).
These are things that are problems in our community and we don’t address them. We pretend that all of our problems are external.
It is readily apparent to me that Tavis Smiley has scheduled a “conference” and is promoting it without the prior knowledge or acknowledgement of the supposed participants. I heard the Tom Joiner show this morning, and Tavis most certainly did misrepresent those who were to be on the panel. He most certainly did state that “Black leaders” were not stepping up to the plate with respect to holding President Obama’s “feet to the fire” with respect to Black issues, etc. I agree wholeheatedly with Rev. Sharpton when he states that it would be ill-advised for the President to solely promote a “Black Jobs Bill” that would surely fuel debate amongst the “haters” (Beck, O’Reilly, Hannity, etc.) and would shut down ANY progress toward obtaining a jobs bill for those in the urban, blighted cities.
Moreover, I loved it when Rev. Sharpton staed on Tom Joiner’s show that he was an activist, not a producer. I am of the opinion that Tavis is a spoiled, arrogant crybaby who is full of fashion, not form and substance.
There had to be a better way.
This is very very sad, Africian American people who say they are leaders showing us how to be divided. Look at yourselves; the youth of american has seen this behavior. My 18 year old son said why mom, why must our people behave in this way. This is not leader mentality and I will no longer listen to Al Sharpton. When do you just stop the back and forth and try to find a solution. Instead Al you keep it going. I must say however, Tavis has and continues to do good work and I hope he continues and not engage in this type of activity again.
I never did like Tavis! Sharpton went the hell off!! lol That is right “Keep It Real!” Holla!!!!
It seems that Tavis is upset because Rev. Al cannot attend his event next month. Throughout the conversation, Tavis continually references Rev. Al’s and Dr. O’s participation in his program over the past ten years (and to what avail?). But now that Tavis has changed his mind, deciding to reconvene his “talk fest” in March, he seems to expect everyone to rearrange their schedules to accommodate his. But the world does not revolve around Tavis and his yearly production. And, realistically, the time for talking has dwindled – it’s time to act (which Rev. Al and his cohorts are doing). Tavis’ “State of Inaction” production is getting rather old – again, it’s time to act. Finally, if Tavis doesn’t stop his crying (and Obama bashing), he’s going to embarrass the very people he purports to “love.”
CJ,
Let’s be real, Obama is the President of everyone he can’t just focus on AA, why is it that we always expect special treatment when we are in charge. Blacks have always wanted to be treated fairly, equally, nothing more and nothing less and what kind of respect would we have for Obama as our president if his agenda was totally for the AA community only, whites are struggling, they need jobs, should we expect our president to ignore them..are should we expect him to make life easier for us all. I choose to believe that Obama is the right man for the job at this time, I think that he is sincere in his hopes for this country and when he passes a bill that has any kind of benefit I truly believe with all my heart that he is looking out for all of us Black, white, red, blue and green. we need to support him and his agenda, he is already dealing with enough sneak-attack racism that is being thrown at him with every turn…he deserves to have us on his side…
Are you really defending what Rush says about African Americans because as a “man of color” as you say that’s sad.
They have no merit in what they are saying. They just want to entice negative views about African Americans to get their way or cause fear.
While I do feel that Tavis is bitter about Obama not showing up for The State of Black America last year,I do feel he has valid points……The real truth is that Sharpton is in the tank for Obama because in the past Sharpton would have definitely “went in” on Obama and if he was Bush he would have definitely “went in” on him….
Don’t get me wrong,I do feel that Tavis is jealous as hell of Obama which fuels hatred but I also feel many Blacks are too emotional about Obama to be objective when it comes to Obama……….Blacks are so emotional over his appearance as a Black man,that many forget that he is also a half white man and what that means for Black people…. I don’t expect a “half white man” to support a quote unquote “Black agenda”.Obama has made it real clear as to who he deems a priority…….
Black people “wake the hell up” from that dream state…..
It appears that Tavis is upset that he was not invited to the White House meeting. Frankly, he seems to be jealous that he is not in the same league as Sharpton and Ogletree. Pres. Obama is doing an excellent job. He has the most difficult job in the world. He cannot “just” worry about us as a people. He has the entire WORLD to worry about! His job is bigger than just us. He is the leader of “all” people in this country not just us. Do not put him in a box as just for us. It doesn’t mean we don’t challenge him. We cannot afford at this time in hostory not to support this President. Let’s face it without him in the White House, we (black, white etc.) would be in much worse shape.
Gloria,
How dare you, who are you to judge anyone. You state that many voted for Obama because he was Black and they may not know what he stood for. So what if they did…a vote is a personal choice and you have voted for white men for years and didn’t know what they stood for…
I agree with Sharpton,
I think that Tavis Smiley’s feelings are hurt. Maybe HE wanted to be the first black president. He has been anti-Obama since day 1 regarding one thing or another. There is plenty of work to do. He should understand that just because he was not invited to the White House doesn’t give him a license to attack those other leaders from our community who were.
Where is this coming from that I’m advocating not to be on President Obama side? I never said that. What I am saying is that it’s nothing wrong if President Obama did focus on more AA issues while he’s President.
Al Sharpton is grandstanding. How can he put focus on who moderates the meeting. He says he wants a neutral party. When has he ever been neutral? Tavis did not distort his words. He wanted Bush to address “black issues” so why not hold Obama accountable?
The president should not do what has been done to us for a lifetime. If one makes solutions or even approaches solutions with “one” group of people in mind then the solution is skewed and everyone else is left behind.
I’m so over Tavis and his narcissism.
The Presidency is for THE UNITED STATES. . . .not only black people.
Ridiculous!
Please join the real world of life. This is the first African American President which means that his feet is forever held to the fire and the bar is raised higher for him to jump through the hoops to “prove” he is worthy of the highest office in the world. If this President took up the “African American Agenda” and the Glen Becks, Rush Limbaughs of the world convinced others that this “socialist” “black racist” is out to take white people money and give to poor black folks…it would raise this President death threats higher than what it is already. This man is under so much pressure to be perfect like no other previous president who happened to be white. WE, the people of color of ALL people need to have his back. WE, of all people need to respect his plight. He is paving the way for equality and the only way this can be achieved if he emerges as the President of ALL people and not just black people. WE, were not the only one that elected this man. As a matter of fact…it was more white and Hispanics that actually put him in office. He is not our special puppet….and if we did not demand that White president show us some “special allocation of status …why are we demanded more out of him. We elected white president into office all the time…why is my vote cast for Obama signifies that HE owe me more?
Tavis Smiley, proclaims himself as a Black man fighting for the cause of blacks. And yet he crowned Bill Clinton as the “the first black president” and had no problem supporting Hillary Clinton over Obama in the primaries. He has been disrespecting Obama under the guise of “the black agenda” as if he expects Obama to raise a clenched fist in defiance and perhaps sport an afro to “prove” his “blackness.” Tavis has been on white shows continually bashing this man to the delight of his white audience. But keep in mind…he keeps saying that he is for “blacks.” And yet he continues to try to recruit dissent and dissatisfied blacks to rally against this president who has enough racist enemies…that he do not need the jealous and arrogant Tavis who seems to be seething in rage that the black man stole the crown from Hillay…the white wife of Bill, the first black man in his crossed eyes of confusion.
I think it’s very healthy for African-Americans (AA) to have varying opinions on political figures for as America is a nation of diverse ethnicities and cultures, in a microcoism (I hoped I spelled that right), so are AA. If Tavis thinks that the president needs to focus more on issues that are germaine to AA then that is a legitmate concern for himself and the constituency of AA that believe as he does. If Rev. Sharpton and those AA that believe that the President can’t afford to address race specific agendas at this time then they are well within their right to voice their intellectual opinions as well. The legacy of President Obama’s administration will neither rise nor fallon the perception either these two distinct AA men, but rather on the fact did the President’s administration accomplish what THEY said THEY would do.
We applauded Tavis when he challenged the other white presidents to consider the AA agenda, now we want to burn him at the stake for challenging President Obama to do the same. He is right in doing so. That’s has been his role in our community. I do take issue with the manner in which he chose to critique his fellows in the struggle. As Rev. Sharpton said, Tavis could have discussed his dissatisfaction with the alleged comments of those whom he mentioned, outside of a national medium. I’m sure they could have had a more relevant conversation than the now “he said she said” bantering that took place afterwards.
But, make no mistake, Rev. Sharpton and Mr. Smiley are both necessary to the voice of the AA community.
Keep Thinking my people, Keep Talking my people, and keep moving into action! Love y’all
Tavis Smiley is not perfect, but he is a wonderful journalist who has been a fresh breath of air from the millions of people of color who vote and think as a block.
Mr. Sharpton is wrong to bully him on the air, but hese two people who have unspoken hurts and issues that will not be solved on a radio show.
This loud conversation is an example of why black people still have trouble breaking free of hereditary dysfunction. “Get the transcript gentlemen then have the discussion.” Don’t continue this dysfunctional inane behavior and then hold yourselfs up as an example of leadership.
By the way, I like that Tavis is Tavis. I’m glad he had the courage of his convictions. God bless him. Why we think all black people should agree is so neanderthal.
Tavis is also right, the President should have a black agenda and if he doesn’t and the so-called black leadership is propping him up and giving him a pass there should be a structured discussion about it.
Just imagine if Hillary Clinton had won instead and did not have a woman’s agenda?! Women would have been furious. I think she has proved she would have had the balls and determination to be President of everyone and bring her unique POV as a woman to bear on her agenda.
I guess we have very little faith in this President that he can be President and black at the same time. But he must be held accountable if he can not. If I wanted a President to just be another white man in the office I would have hired a white man.
It seems to me that this discussion and the reaction is more about personalities than issues.
It is only human to decide if one likes or dislikes someone especially when the person is in the public eye as much as Sharpton and Smiley. But surely we can agree that such assessments are not the best use of our collective time, energy and focus.
This is all part of a larger sad reality which is that there are a number of people in America, disproportionately Black, who will provide uncritical and unconditional support for Obama regardless of his record. Conversely, there is at least as large a number, disproportionately white, who will never support him, even if it is in their own best economic interest to do so.
My concern is that the number that will actually keep themselves informed enoughed to actually evaluate him on his record was small to begin with and is shrinking every day.
You hit the nail on the head. Tavis is all about himself. His ego is way, way too big. He has always felt, in my opinion, that what he said about the Black community and its issues was the gospel. Its always been his way or the highway. Well, he does not speak for this member of the Black community. I have my own mind and I am the only one who chooses what positions I will or will not support.
Tavis needs to get over the fact that our president has his own mind and won’t let Tavis dictate to him either. Grow up Tavis!
What’s wrong with us disagreeing with each other? even in a public forum? The one thing about Pres. Obama’s election is that we are now forced to be objective about a Black man in ultimate control of our country’s affairs. We can be critical of him when he does poor and applaud him when he does good things.
Tavis is praticing the crab mentality. The only way to make himself revelant is to attack Pres. Obama. I have never been a big supporter of Rev. Al, but my wife and I support his view of the situation 100%. I can read and write and do not need Tavis Smiley telling me how to think, vote or what makes me black. He has lost my support on anything he does. He performance on the TJMS was disgraceful and he should be ashamed. So lets hold him accountable.
‘The criticism of Bush was mean spirited and hateful.’
The criticisms of Bush were for the most part dead on and warranted.
Bush was overtly indifferent to the plight of a major American city with a predominantly AA population as it drowned; do you really think his reaction and lack of attention would have been the same had Katrina struck Houston?
Connie:
I could not have said it any better. You have captured my feelings exactly. Tavis is full of his self and no one cares. He is only out to promote himself.
I called Tom Joyner’s producers to ask why this a_ _ h _ _ e was still on the air and have decided that if we Tom Joyner continues to have him on the show I will have to listen to Steve Harvey.
Trudy
I don’t like Sharpton or the Tone & posture he took with Tavis …But I totally agreed with his words to Smiley. Al doesn’t come off as a Leader…He dosen’t speak for me! And Yes I do feel it’s clear that Tarvis has got a real issue with OBAMA and the factor that he wasn’t for OBAMA to be President…I’m sorry with our HISTORY IN AMERICA that’s just INSANE!! to not be for a Well Educated “QUALIFIED To be President” Black Man. SORRY THAT’S INSANE to me. I could see not backing OBAMA if he was not Credentialed for the post of President.
I agree with AD Brown’s comment we need to Step-Up and take responsibility! I say stop looking out side of our community/don’t look to other races to help you. Years after Katrina blk. folks down there on TV saying They haven’t fix the 9th ward yet (Who is THEY)…We Blk. Folks HAVE TO BE the “THEY”. We have to take responsibility for OUR AFFAIRS!
So to me it goes back to that Elephant in the room with Brothers and that is “Their tendency to not work together to build each other up” or just not work together Period! This is the HEART of why our communities are suffering. We know what The white man did to us (and i don’t want to ignore that in some areas it Still doing) But! the white man is not stopping black men from Working Together as men! To start grade schools for our own children, credit unions & pools for our own (so we can start purchasing homes in mass like other grps. that buy up Whole Communities), Community trash clean-up grps for our own, and so on.
Men who love there wife’s & children create loving enviornment for there beloved. and Brothers We have dropped the BALL on that score. This Al & Tavis thing, and on the AIR like that is Shameful! …on Both of Them! Both of there Tone’s and posture was Childish and petty.
Young Black Men don’t need ta see this kind on behavior they need to see Black men who know how to interact effectively…especially with one another.
Each one teach one…in this case (NOT!)
“Please join the real world of life.” Umm I think I am part of it already.
“If this President took up the “African American Agenda” and the Glen Becks, Rush Limbaughs of the world convinced others that this “socialist” “black racist” is out to take white people money and give to poor black folks…it would raise this President death threats higher than what it is already.”
I don’t know if you noticed but that has already happened. No matter what President Obama does they will scream and yell those things. Also there is nothing wrong if he focused on Black issues just like it wouldn’t be wrong if he took up issues about Hispanics, Asians, Middle Eastern, etc, which he kind of has or will.
“WE, the people of color of ALL people need to have his back.”
Again, where is this coming from that I’m advocating not to have the President’s back. Please reread my words because I’ve said nothing of the sort.
“As a matter of fact…it was more white and Hispanics that actually put him in office.”
I am not sure if that is right, but he did have a high number of Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks that voted for him. But why should that matter? Or are you saying that they should have more say on what type of issues he takes up than Blacks?
“He is not our special puppet….and if we did not demand that White president show us some “special allocation of status …why are we demanded more out of him. We elected white president into office all the time…why is my vote cast for Obama signifies that HE owe me more?”
I’m not asking for President Obama to be a puppet, and I’m not asking for him to do any “special allocation of status”. Asking a President to look into issues that affect you directly is what he’s suppose to do, that is his job. Yes, we’ve elect White Presidents into office and also asked them to focus on issues in our communities. We did that during the Civil Rights movement, even though it has helped many other races besides our own(which is great) but it was basically Blacks that moved to fight for equal rights to help better ourselves.
As Americans we shouldn’t be afraid to ask the President to look into issues that concern us into consideration. That is why we put them in office.
Also what you are saying about Tavis Smile I completely agree.
Oops that second to last line should read, “As Americans no matter what color you are, we shouldn’t be afraid to ask him to take up or into consideration issues that directly affect us.”
I understand what you are saying CJ. Just because he has plans that will help blacks, it’s not a direct fix for blacks. I agree he need to deal directly with us. we have more blacks in jail, unemployeed and other things.
Travis has been a joke to me since the death of tupac. We as black should hold the fire to Obama just as we would Bush. I think he is doing a good job. He has alot to deal with. but still it seem as if he overlooking blacks. Just placing us in the big mixing pot with other races. Unlike other races that come here and enjoy this land, it was us as a people that build and made it to be the great nation it is now. If you had to kids ready to race on bikes. They both are at the starting line. but when it’s time to race one kid has to repair a tire before he can start. he will never catch up unless someone slow the other kid down or give the kid with the messed up tire a hand. same with us. White folks have such a lead on us no matter what we doing we can not catch up with out help.
I’m tired of “Obamabots” saying that Obama is for the American people as if many of us don’t know it……….You need to stop making excuses for Obama.What good is it to have a “half Black man” in office if Blacks are supposed to keep sliding through the back door.Even gays have expressed an agenda to Obama and he even presented Gays with a “Gay Month”,which is now in June.
Many of you Obamabots think that everyone is supposed to agree with Obama even though he as a “half white man” minimizes race issues because of The White supremacy that is also part of him…..Again I ask what the hell is his purpose besides being a puppet in Black face!
Again I feel Tavis statements hinge on jealousy for Obama which makes him less than credible but he ask “pertinent questions”.Many Blacks really need to become more aware of the political moves that Obama makes,rather than continuing to be impressed with the flawed symbol he presents.
Black folks were not the only voters who put Obama in office. While he got there primarily due to our trips to the voting boths, whites also placed him there. He cannot adhere to a “black” agenda any more than he can direct his agenda and initiatives to whites. If he were to do that, he surely would be the kind of president that the conservative right believed he would be. We must trust that he is smart, intelligent, strong, and brave enough to do what he believes is the right thing as president “of the people,” as naive as that might sound. Tavis Smiley is still in a snit because Obama did not attend his State of the Black Union conference. Smiley truly believed that he (Smiley) was the annointed one before Obama came into a national presence. When Obama spoke during the Democratic Convention in 2004(?), Smiley had believed himself the voice of every black person in America. Who is this person, Smiley fathomed, to come in out of the blue and steal my thunder? Smiley, as other posters have commented, has nver gotten over being bested by a young, intellectual black man of Obama’s standing and standing. It’s really been a hard notion to accept that he is no long the “Chosen One.” I believe that Smiley’s ego is much larger than any of us will ever realize. I, for one, do not need Tavis Smiley to speak for me. Neither do I need Rev. Sharpton to speak for me. I think, however, that President Barack Obama is doing a credible job. He has only been in the seat for thirteen months, and he certainly did not arrive at the White House with the world in a state of calmness. While many whites probably wanted to say that the world, shortly after his election, was now a post-racial society, black folks knew better than to ingest this nonsense. What we have seen since his election is the REAL America: white folks coming out of the woodwork in defiance of anything he initiates or presses forth. I say that we are in fact in the very real America that many of us have always knew existed. I say we all keep our eyes open and watch our backs. We’ve not seen anything yet. The worst, in terms of the voices of the far right, have yet to be heard. Tavis Smiley, while his skin is black, is one of those people whose voice will no doubt be a chord in the choir.
Asking permission to resurrect the ,”N” word.
Excuse me but what is an Obamabot? If this means I support President Obama, then I’ll gladly take he title. As for Mr. Smiley, he simply sounds jealous. He was making a very good living as a “de facto black leader” demanding verbal reparations from white leaders when along came Barack Obama and stole Tavis’ thunder. Obama is not a self appointed black leader but an actual elected official.
As for having a black agenda, he invited Ben Jealous, Mark Morial and Al Sharpton to the White House to get their input on the jobs bill and health care. What exactly do you think they were doing there, discussing the finer aspects of needle point?
And p.s., the “half white man” comment is churlish on your part.
I say, if you didn’t back the president in the primaries, and you are a Black American, you have no right to make any requests at this time. Try again in four years.
You idiots. That’s why we, the American Negroe, should remain at the bottom. Instead of nuturing and caring for our 21st Century wonder, we continue the same old s**t, of tearing him down.We deserve exactly nothing, until we correct this kind of behavior.
Obama knows the hood. He worked and lived there for umpteen years. He’s been at ground zero.He know’s what we are going through. He will deliver someday, trust me. It’s all planned out. That’s how he rolls. He uses his intelligence, unlike many of us.But if he doesn’t, so what. He has done enough for us by being elected to office. The intangible that he has brought, will power the American Negroe for the next 300 years.
Before we ask O for anything, we have to figure out how to stop the self-genocide going on within the community. We need to figure out how to get more of our kids, to graduate from highschool. He might be able to help us if we can get a handle on some of these issues. Note,his stimulus initiatives presently include our population.
We have to realize that there will not be many, if any, instant answers. All will take time.
And to those of you who did not support O during the primaries (Tavis), please wait at least four more years before you question his actions. You almost blew it for us.
So support our president, or leave him alone. Enough of the s**t already.
Secret Voice, your comments are ridiculous. “Half white man” comment is silly and beneath contempt. YOU are a cloaked white who is trying to stir up trouble for President Obama within the black community. Back Off, Satan!!
Obama a man of both White and Black heritage isn’t “our 21 century wonder”.Truth be told,he appeases every group except Blacks and yet some of you slave minded Blacks act as “if Blacks are supposed to accept such treatment just because you do,GTFOWTS. I get tired of ignorant Blacks that seem to think “all Blacks” must think alike,that is nothing but a slave mentality…
The bottom line is that Sharpton and Smiley disagree with one another and there’s really nothing wrong with that.It is sad the way “many Black step and fetch-its” make excuses for Obama.Sure Obama is the president for all people but he sure doesn’t act like it when it comes to Blacks and that is what Blacks in DENIAL chooses to ignore.
I know for myself,I don’t need anything from Obama nor do most Blacks I know so I don’t know where some of you dummies get that crap.The problem that many of you Obamabots don’t get is that “many Blacks such as myself” did support Obama but now we DARE to question him.
Only a coward would suggest that “people are somehow bothering Obama” just because we aren’t Obamabots as many of you are….I really wish you people “would stop badgering Blacks” as if we are to be on one accord about Obama.Blacks don’t owe Obama anything.
I wish him well as a person and a politician but the bottom line is that
he is the most sub-serviant president ever and I choose not to accept that.Many of you DO which is why it upsets you that SOME BLACKS HAVE THE NERVE to question certain things.
To the one poster that asks what is an Obamabot,Oh please tell me you aren’t that dumb?Then again who am I kidding…An Obamabot,is usually a Black person that keeps calling a Half White man,a BLACK MAN and then you think everyone else is suppose to ignore his Whiteness just because you do.
An Obamabot is a Black person that BLINDLY follows Obama and expects ALL Blacks to follow your path and when we don’t,it upsets you as if The Klan is in your front yard.
An Obamabot is a Black person that say the same tired mess such as “Obama is The President for all of America” or you will say that Blacks were not the only people to elect Obama as if Blacks that DARE TO QUESTION HIM DON’T KNOW THAT.
An Obamabot is a Black person who is just as ignant as any White racist that chooses to ignore “his Whiteness”,both groups are on the same level.I acknowledge all of whom he is and that includes his Whiteness and what that means when it comes to his mindset and because of that is makes me objective as opposed to being some emotional fool as many Blacks are.
I could go on and on about what an Obambot is but I won’t.For all my Black people that DARE to question Obama,I say “don’t vote ” the next time since these Obamabots “feel” that The Black vote didn’t count……
Ummm, no.
If you want to end Black on Black crime, you don’t focus on Black on Black crime, you focus on eliminating poverty (jobs bill) and reforming our broken justice system (which incriminates Black men at a disproportionate rate, and then drops “felons” back into our communities without rehabilitation). If you want to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies you focus on reducing poverty and increasing sex education. You’re worried about low graduation rates? Again, reduce poverty by bringing jobs into the community and you’ll probably start to see the return of functional families, which raises the likelihood of students graduating from high school.
None of those issues are exclusive to the Black community. Black people are simply more likely to live in poverty than our White counterparts, thanks to institutionalized racism (mostly at the local level, which President Obama can’t do much about, in most cases). For example, (simplification alert) public schools are funded by local taxes. Since most Black communities do not bring in the tax revenue of their White counterparts, public schools in Black communities are not as well funded as public schools in White communities. This is part of the reason why there’s a literacy gap between Black students and White students, which then translates into Black people not earning as much as White people, which goes right back to Black communities not having as much tax revenue as White communities. And, the cycle continues. That’s something that has to be fixed at the local level. And, the locals get real testy when the Executive Branch starts stepping on their toes.
Whites haven’t had an advantage because all the previous presidents were White; all the previous presidents were White because Whites had the advantage (the advantage being access and White privilege). President Obama can’t do much about White privilege, and what he can do definitely can’t be done overnight.
It doesn’t make sense for President Obama to focus on “Black issues,” because the crux of our problems are not exclusive to the Black community, we just happen to be effected by them disproportionately. If President Obama can cure us of poverty, instead of just treating our symptoms, it’ll be a very welcomed miracle that would not only help African Americans, but the entire population of the United States of America.
CHECK THE FACTS! Firstly, we have ego’s involved here…so rather you agree with Tavis or Sharpton the issue is rather President Obama is addressing relevant issues to his constituents which it appears that AA believe themselves to be. I went to hear Obama speak at a Georgia Tech event almost 3 years ago and there were very few AA’s in the audience… then all of a sudden AA’s are proud of him once he get’s ellected. Many AA’s did not grass root support him (fund raising,lobbying and supporting his agenda with actions)as indicated by the early support by Tavis and others in so called AA leadership supporting Hilary Clinton “including” Sharpton in the beggining (even though he waited to see where the ground swell would come from… like a smart politician… that he is) then he threw his support behind Obama though silently. Both Tavis and Sharpton have run for public offices (with dismal results)and they both in my opionion are enviouse of Obama who beat both of them to the “punch”. Unlike each of them President Obama is highly qualified and stamped his ticket with the proper education (Columbia & Harvard respectively), grass roots campaigning and the support of two people who would have never publically endorsed either of them: Kennedy and Oprah! Taking either side is not necessary;but, addressing the larger issues is, so each of then need to remove the ego’s and work on a collective goal which is improving the plight of the AA community inwhich they both belong! NUF SAID!
Connie,
you nailed it. I couldn’t have said it better.
MoreAndAgain,
brilliantly stated. I’m afraid that “intellectuals” such as Tavis Smiley frequently contribute to hindering the progress of black America with their antiquated approach of doing nothing more than having annual b!tch sessions (SOTBU) without backing it up with much action. I personally was glad to hear Al Sharpton say enough with selling books and having meetings. Now is the time to get things done. The fact that he and Ben Jealous and Mark Morial spoke with the President about the jobs bill in my opinion is exactly the approach that is needed. The president is focusing on jobs and these activists are advocating for AA in the bill. These jobs will then improve the tax base and increase funding for education and improved communities. This is in addition to asking Arne Duncan to overhaul the school systems in this country. Personally, I’m quite pleased to have voted for this president.
What has Tavis Smiley really accomplished for Black people? What has he accomplished in his personal life? He speaks alot, has hosted a few shows, and hosts a yearly gabfest for prominent Blacks, but what has he done to move the Black agenda forward?
At least Reverand Al has been out there marching and yelling whenever Blacks get into trouble with the justice system. I would even call Rev Al if I had any problems with the police or racists.
Tavis, calm down and find something productive to do if you really want to help African Americans who are struggling with the current economic turndown. Talk is cheap.
And leave President Obama alone. He’s doing the best he can. Pray for him if you see that he has faults. We all know Obama is far from perfect, but he certainly is better than McCain/Palin!!
@Symbolic……..You are the ‘epitome’ of what an Obambot is.You call me “Satan” because unlike you I acknowledge that Obama,is a Biracial Man of Both Black and White origin is a “Half White man just as he is a Half Black man”.It tells ma that you only claim Obama as a Black man because you have problems with his Whiteness.
Ignorant Blacks such as yourself have been Obam’a'biggest obstacle while at the same time,you have been the biggest motivator to White racists that hate him but you’re too ignorant to see how you minimize Obama.
Obama feel he has a pass to ignore Blacks as a whole because of you dumb ridiculous Obamabots.
One of the funniest things to me when it comes to Blacks of your ilk is the way you use religion to try to prop up a point when you have no point.I also find those with “The most evil spirits” will be the first to call people Satan and in your case you say I’m Satan because “I differ with you on Obama”.I can’t stand religious people because you are not deep in the understanding,which is why I LOVE SPIRITUAL people because they are way more deeper in the understanding to know that you shouldn’t go around “calling people Satan just because they differ from you……..
TAVIS SMILEY, NEEDS TO SHOVE IT.
I do believe that Tavis and others like Dyson are not looking at things in a realistic way. For the president to focus on a black agenda concerning black on black crime.teen pregnancy and various other pressing black issues would be political suicide. I believe that he cares about all of these but his agenda is about things that are not narrowly focused on one group. Those that should focus narrowly and go to war on these issues are people like me(a teacher and youth pastor),and the rest of our community. Our schools won’t get better until we have a stronger prescence. We won’t have a greater standing in the marketplace until we come together and support black business in a concentrated way. There won’t be fewer young black men in prison until we fight with greater committment on the local levels.
Thank you! And, yes, the three things I’d like to see 1- increase jobs 2- overhaul education 3- revamp the judicial system (though I may have to hold my breath on the last one.lol).
I gave up on listening to a lot of these “intellectuals” a long time ago. (LOL @ annual bitch sessions). Talking about what should be done instead of helping out what’s being done, is getting tired QUICKLY! And, I’m thankful more people who are in a position to be influential are realizing it. I usually don’t care for Sharpton much, but I’m definitely on his team with this.
Your comment would have validity if “Obama hadn’t already met with Jews,Latinos and Gays.The truth is that Black people should not be accepting scraps from Obama just as no one else does.I refuse to let some ignorant Blacks make me feel that Blacks should accept the least while “giving the most”.I do feel that Tavis comments hinge on jealousy,I will not say the same about Dyson because he is “The Truth”.There’s nothing wrong with either man pointing out “the way Obama runs from race issues involving Blacks”.Now for me I’m not shocked because I don’t see him as “just a Black man”,because he’s both Black and White.
The thing that Tavis questioned about Sharpton and other so called leaders is something I noticed months ago.There are plenty of unjust things that Eric Holder has ignored when it comes to “The Civil rights of Blacks” that Sharpton would have blasted The Bush administration for.I’m not so impressed with having a “half Black man” in office at the expense of Black people just because some ignorant Blacks see a HALF WHITE man as The ULTIMATE SYMBOL for Black people.That is an oxy moron in itself.
I really don’t understand either one of the sides of this story, and frankly I don’t care. My thing is, I like the Rev. Al Sharpton’s show and I used to listen to it faithfully. What gets me is that the callers that agree with Rev. Al get to talk and say what they want, but if a caller doesn’t agree him then he doesn’t hesitate to cut them off. Even in this conversation with Tavis, he cut Tavis off and then told Tavis to not cut him off since he didn’t cut Tavis off. If the Rev. would stop doing that, I’d be happy. He needs to understand that everyone ain’t gonna agree with him, and that he should not abuse his position as a radio show host by just blatently cutting folks off and then hanging them up.
The big pink elephant question in the room is this…
What is the relevance in having a supposed political constituent who cannot work in the interests of his constituency?
In my opinion, but Tavis Smiley and Rev. Al Sharpton are wrong within the framework of that question. Tavis Smiley is wrong because Barack Obama would be committing political suicide if he openly supported a “Black Agenda.” Al Sharpton is wrong because if Barack Obama cannot support a “Black Agenda” what use is he to the African-American community on a socio-economic and political level?
So to bottom line this…Barack Obama is irrelevent to the creation and establishment of a socio-economic and political infrastructure in the so-called “Black Community.”
I don’t see any Korean or Asian Presidents or even Politicians but for some strange reason they have a socio-economic and political infrastructure in the communities they live in.
Odd..how did that happen?
Gloria,
You did speak the truth when you said that some black people voted for Pres. O’ solely becuase he is black. People can get mad if they want to, but if you hear someone openly admit that they voted for the president simply because he’s black, then your statment is factual, period. Then, those who did vote for that reason try to justify it by saying some white folks voted for McCain simply because he’s white. As someone mentioned earlier, a person is free to vote any way he or she chooses, so it’s kinda pointless to give someone grief over their vote. You oughta write all the people on this blog that were upset with you and tell them to go find a hobby or something.
The Civil Rights Act, Anti-lynching bill, Brown vs. Board of Education and the Emancipation Proclamation are all examples of black agendas or policies in that their inception exclusively affected Black Americans.
Roosevelt because of his fear of scaring his constituency in the South refused to address the anti-lynching bill. Yet again another president who was afraid to address the issue for fear of splitting the vote. The argument is that Barack Obama is the country’s president. The inference is that he is not the people’s president if he deals with an agenda that deals exclusively with Black people. This was the same fear of FDR. The anti-lynching bill dealt exclusively with black people. In Thurgood Marshall’s effort to get Roosevelt to address the anti-lynching bill, did it mean that Marshall was not an American? The truth of the matter is that America vigorously addresses animal rights acts. Hopefully, Black Americans are more important than dogs.
Lyndon B. Johnson played a major role in the success of the civil rights act. Was this an unpopular decision? Yes. Did this decision make him unpopular? Yes. The truth of the matter is that the unpopular decision is what jettisons the globe into being a more humane place.
Until the gay man walking down the street is no longer hassled by anti-gay theorists he will need exclusive protection of the law. Until women are allowed the right to do what they want with their body, they will need exclusive protection of the law. Until Spanish people are no longer declared “boarder jumpers” while American citizens benefit from their cheap (slave) labor, they will need exclusive protection of the law. Until the elderly are no longer ignored, they will need exclusive protection of the law. Until our children are no longer abused, they will need exclusive protection of the law. We will not all benefit directly from certain laws; however, because we are all a part of humanity we all benefit indirectly.
While the Civil Rights Act was deemed as a great feat, it was both a gift and a curse. While the proponents of the act pushed for its standing, it spoke to the opponents’ belief that all men were not equal. The 14th Amendment was ratified before the 1960s; thus trumping the need for the Civil Rights Act. It was the belief and prejudices of men to ignore a law that benefited all people; thus, it was the courage and the necessity of others to address that problem that affected certain people.
This is not just an American problem, it’s a global problem. Europe still practices forced (economic) colonialism in Africa and African presidents make the National Bank their personal accounts. So the problem is not just American.
How can we help Obama? The inhumanity of human beings towards each other creates the need for laws to be tailor-made. When this prejudice stops, then and only then can policies have an empirical effect. Dealing with specific issues that deal with specific people IS the burden of the American president (Obama).
Lets not forget, aside from the vote, the sufferers of “Creative Punishment” made it possible for Obama to be president and he could not be president if it wasn’t for their “exclusive” struggle.
Here is my fear; it appears that there is an underlining message that declares the African-American to be a non-progressivist when dealing with issues that exclusively affect them.
The fact is that BHO was elected for change. He said that he would not be afraid to say or do what is right regardless of the consequences. His presidency sucks, Hillary should’ve been the nominee and the president. Even republican presidents at least addressed the concerns and issues of the black community. He hasn’t done most of the things that he said he would. Now, black people are on here making excuses for him? That’s pathetic, you’re all in love with the idea of a Black president. I cant stand other blacks making excuses for him. Tavis was dead on and has always been dead on. No amount of name calling or lies on Tavis is gonna change that. His numbers are dropping because he hasnt shown any kind or real courage or conviction. No change. No new tone. Just another dissappointly weak ass democrat.
All races have met with the president but it doesn’t mean that he will focus on any of their issues above any of the others. If you ask why the Jewish people or Korean community flex muscle,it is directly due to the financial pull and their willingness to use it. African Americans must become strategic in the way that our money is spent. The president in terms of his office is not just a mouth piece for one particular community. Bill Clinton never spoke exclusively for African Americans or Jewish people. George W. never spoke for just Koreans. There is nothing wrong with holding the government accountable but we need to also hold ourselves accountable for what we will do. The same old stuff won’t work anymore. Just screaming at the top of our lungs isn’t enough. We are not to give anyone a pass but be realistic in our mindset. We have to do a lot of work in the trenches. There seems to be the thought that we can just tell the president something and it can get done. No, we must work while talking to be productive. That has nothing to do with him being black. Screw the democrat and republican stuff. That has not a damn thing to do with crime,inflation,healthcare or education.
Your response is dead on! The Katrina response was criticized during the campaign of BHO. He came into office and did nothing about Katrina. If McCain had won, came into office and didn’t address Katrina victims, there would of been hell from the black community. The Black community has to decide whether they want equal access to policy or the right to be prejudice. Let there be no question, it was believed that white judges, during Jim Crow, violated the rights of blacks, by vindicating white offenders. That is exactly what’s happening now! Not holding BHO accountable is wrong. If you’re Black and you’re not holding him accountable because he is Black, then you might be a racist. The truth is that it is time for an overhaul. Senator Rangel must go! He has a house in the Dominican Republic that he “forgot” to declare, but he chairs the committee of ways and means. How could the chair of this committee “forget” to follow (way) the procedures that require that the house not be a secret? Why is it important? Why can’t the house be a secret? He could of received it as a gift in exchange for a contract. Elijah Cummings poses as a champion for education in Baltimore while ignoring the abuse of teachers by the school system. It’s time for him to go as well! Black America will soon wake up and admit that most of their visible leaders have bought into classism, leaving them to fend for themselves. The strategy? Allow certain blacks into the “circle of power” in order to maintain their power. Is the former color relative? No! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the greatest threat to any ethnic group are people in their own ethnic group. Blacks must organize and push their agenda regardless of who is president!
Can we agree Pres Obama, by virtue of being a black man, understands what it is to wake up every morning and live in a white dominated culture? I get confused when people say that this one isn’t black enough or that one is an Uncle Tom. Even OJ knew he was a black man – all he has to do is look in the mirror.
So if we agree to this, then we can also agree that we each have different ways of dealing with it – some nore effective than others. At your ‘white-run’ job, you don’t go in and say I have a black agenda. Instead, we go, we work, we sit at the table, we make our presence known – and in doing so, knock down the barriers that exist for blacks one by one. Maybe this is what Obama is doing.
I don’t think any President has had a black agenda. Not one. If so, please name him. I don’t always understand or agree with everything Obama is doing. I didn’t like how he handled the Kanye West thing – since he can’t speak on behalf of black men, then he should mind how he criticizes black men. But I’m awfully proud that he is there and I think he is making a difference. So if that makes me an Obamamot – or whatever – then so be it.
I am late with this, I feel that it is time for African Americans to stand up for themselves its not up to the President to change African American communities. its up to the people who live in those communities to make a change. Don’t show up on election day seeking our votes, just like they want our votes we want them to make a change in our communities. The President is only person, yet there are millions of African Americans who can take a stand. Just like the Tea Party group who are marching against the President, we should be marching to support health care reform, jobs, better jobs, better education, better food in our community the list can go on. African Americans stand up.
Truth is as President of the United States Obama has an obligation to take care of the best interest of everyone in the country including those who dont support his ideals. Black ppl are still in the minority in the country so we may not feel the effect of what he has planned for us right away. Believe or not but our last President left our country in shambles and there is a lot of work to be done. The economy not whats going on in the black commnunity should be his number agenda. With an improvement on our economy that would be the first step in helping are black people. The problems we are facing are not BLACK things they are impoverished things. There are poor uneducated white, black, and spanish ppl in America. Our country is so messed up right now that the President cant focus his attention on one race group. Take care of the big problems and that well help the smaller problems we are facing.
With all that being said I dont agree with Tavis Smiley’s statements but I do not like Al Sharpton. He is just as selfish and spotlight seeking as Tavis. Sharpton had the nerve to ask advertisers to pull ads from the Mike Vick reality show. If a rehabilitated black man cant work legitimately then way do right? If you have a so called black leader trying to block you from doing the right thing after you admittedly said that you were wrong and you want to rebuild your image why try? He should be trying to help not pull him back down. SMH
I agree with you KD. Yes, BHO’s presidency is weak (I think his presidency is suppose to be weak). Tavis’ and Sharpton’s political generation needs to retire or step aside. The only way this political generation will step aside is when the generation after them (1970′s through 1985) organize and produce what their communities need. Tavis and Sharpton sound like children fighting in the playground. What are they fighting for? They don’t control nor did they build the playground (if you catch my drift). I would not be surprise if Sharpton appears at Tavis event after listening to all this unnecessary squabbling these men are doing.
I did not vote for BHO because I knew he was a puppet for the media. The media wanted him in the white house from jump street. Plus, BHO through black folks under the bus numerous times during his campaign, which pissed me off. And black folks continue to defend BHO…I don’t get it.
I say do not get emotionally attached to any presidency, media pundit, talk personalities, political officials or religious personalities. Matter of fact, remove your emotions and let logic set in and lead the way. Once logic sets in, you can PRODUCE whatever you set your mind to in an ORGANIZE FUNCTIONAL manner for your thought is based on logic NOT emotions.
First of all I didn’t vote for Tavis or Rev Al. I voted for Barack Obama. The rest are just self appointed chest swellen dick grabbers.
I have listened to the comments of Al Sharpton and if the quote in the New York Times is true “that we do not need to ballyhoo a black agenda”. OK, first of all what does “ballyhoo” mean. Why would you quote that to the New York Times. If I were left to interpret that statement with no real definition of the term, it would mean to me to put the black agenda on the back burner. If a Hispanic/Latino leader were to say “we don’t need to bally-hoo a Latino agenda,” the Latino people would have a fit. If the Mayor of Los Angeles were to say that to the Times, there would be a march right away. First of all, Mr. Al Sharpton I thought your Michael Jackson eulogy was great, but the gift of tongue does not equal the gift of politics. I mean who are you working for really? Obviously your family is fed and you have not missed any meals. If you ever want to measure if what you are saying to the media makes any comparative sense, say the same thing yet apply it to another ethnicity. If the quote doesn’t work for any other ethnicity, then it for sure doesn’t work for who you claim to represent, the African-American people. In regards to Al Sharpton Bold yes, intriguing maybe, another Martin Luther King, no. I dare you to challenge, Minister Farrakhan the way you challenged Tavis. The Minister would rip a hole in it.
Farrakhan is the only real leader that has the balls and the proper perspective on true prosperity and healing for Americas black people. And I say this as a Christian. The rest of you are just black face minstrels skipping around happy you got sponsors for your piece of over priced chicken.
I am disappointed in all of the Willy Lynch, ball grabbing puppets. The white man, the Republicans are all laughing at these devisive, “whose got the bigger dick and pie of the white man” self appointed men. Martin Luther King would have never stooped to such levels. You know why, there was never any money in it. Seems to me Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley have the “big dick” syndrome. Including journalist Mr.George Curry who wasted our time with a silly commentary discrediting Tavis Smiley regarding a girlish grudge they had regarding a magazine cover that Mr. Curry could have put Tavis on the cover of yet didn’t (because Mr. Curry had to display his white man given power) and Tavis for “supposedly” holding a grudge. And now political ghosts from Bush past come to administer division within the psyche’s of the Willy Lynch nigger offspring to fight over who has the bigger piece of chicken and watermelon. Wouldn’t massa Willy be so pleased to see that once again his tactics of selective affirmative action career handouts have produced such a divisive sense of ego amoung its nigger-rich participants. None of you people have missed a meal, just blowing smoke up our asses on behalf of your sponsors.
And I want to comment on those who say the Pres. Obama is not responsible for just African Americans but for all Americans. AND YOU ARE RIGHT AND CORRECT. But every group has a representative looking out for the best interests of that group when policies are being made. African Americans still need a rep to make sure they are not left to the side. Every group has a representative to look out for the best interests of their people their group, whether it be gays, latinos, non-profit sectors, single mothers, orphaned children, immigrants, etc. Latinos have needs, the poor have needs, the elderly have needs, African americans have needs, and each need to be properly represented or they will be left out. Yes, it is correct to say that Pres. Obama has to look out for all of America, yet is he the only intelligent leader that has come out of black america? Someone must “ballyhoo” (a blackface minstrel term I yet to know the definition
of)to make sure that a fairness takes place in Washington and every group needs to have a rep. If Sharpton doesn’t feel that his meeting with the president was a “ballyhoo for black people” moment, word it like this:
WE HAD A SUCCESSFUL MEETING THAT WILL BENEFIT ALL AMERICANS. AFRICAN AMERICANS AS WELL AS ALL AMERICANS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE POLICIES THAT THE PRESIDENT IS PUTTING IN PLACE.
America has a history and m.o. of leaving black people to the way side while making modern day penitary slave policies, or other racists endeavors. Obama is only one man and it is possible that the Republicans will try and keep him so occupied with matters of the country and the world that blacks can end up once again sitting on the sidelines impoverished and embattered “well, cause, least we gotta black president.” That is bullshit, somebody better rep, somebody better “ballyhoo” and not just “ballyhoo” for blacks but for whoever needs representing.
Im sorry but unemployment does not just affect blacks matter of fact my husband was layed off after 12 years from his company. I think black leaders keep up the racisim in this country.
Our black voices need to learn how to have respectful dialogue. We still have a slave mentality and refuse to give one another the same benefit of the doubt we give others. I cannot believe that these two intelligent men wasted precious time on an issue of semantics. Please, let’s get over ourselves and work for the people we are sent to minister to.
I agree with this statement 100%.
“If you want to end Black on Black crime, you don’t focus on Black on Black crime, you focus on eliminating poverty (jobs bill) and reforming our broken justice system (which incriminates Black men at a disproportionate rate, and then drops “felons” back into our communities without rehabilitation). If you want to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies you focus on reducing poverty and increasing sex education. You’re worried about low graduation rates? Again, reduce poverty by bringing jobs into the community and you’ll probably start to see the return of functional families, which raises the likelihood of students graduating from high school.”
You should write a book just from this statement alone.
my people my people…too many chiefs not enuff indians…..
Most of the internet commentaries posted about this conversation miss the point. Instead of concentrating on issues the politics of personality and ad hominem attacks seem to sway the different camps opinions. Sharpton is a master of championing petty concerns, while Smiley is trying to illustrate larger concerns. This arguement is the current genesis in the Black community between the old school and young cannibals whom they fear. The arguement is circular. A loop that devours itself, My way but not that nigga’s way…the chaos continues because we allow the madness and choose sides in this nightmare. Knowledge is power, do you want a cup?