Afro-America Writer's space: News and politics

RIP Tim Russert

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:26:57 GMT

Crossposted on my other blog: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

RIP Tim Russert

This is one tough post to write. In the short time I opened this blog, a reader can see I'm tough on the Media. It might be because I think some (if not many) are dumbing down the profession that holds so much accountability to its audience. But I hold a few of its members in high regard and one of those few was Tim Russert.

I can't believe he's gone. Like millions of people around the country and the world, I'm still in a state of shock that I'm not going to see Tim Russert on Meet The Press this Sunday. Not just for Sunday, the rest of the election season. This was a man who made politics fun and accessible to the everyday man. You didn't need to have an ivy-league education to understand Russert. Who can forget how he reduced the complexity of the 2000 November election to three simple words on a dry erase board: Florida, Florida, Florida!

Here I am young enough to be Russert's daughter but I never felt a generation gap in understanding him even though I pale in comparison to his intellect. I think that was the charm he brought to his viewers; a blue-collar kind of guy talking to the dignitaries of the land. And boy did he talk to them, more like grilled the truth out of them.

For my generation, his grilling but fair tactics was parodied on Saturday Night Live by the brilliant Darrell Hammond and he got the humor. He even did a fake-serious interview with fake Presidential candidate Stephen Colbert. Now that was a pundit who was in touch.

He showed how in touch he was with his best-selling book "Big Russ & Me." A story about life lessons from a father and son relationship. That book solidified his legacy of not just being one of the premiere journalists of his generation but a devoted father and son (not to talk of husband). He made many rekindle their relationships with their own fathers.

This is the second journalist I felt was taken too soon; the first was Peter Jennings. It showed how fickle life really is and to cherish every moment we're blessed with the gift. So in honor of Tim Russert's memory not just for the legacy he left for the excellence in journalism but to Dads everywhere.

On the eve of Father's Day, I would like to say Thanks Dad and MOD (My Other Dads) - I couldn't have been the fearless daughter without your guidance and my heartfelt condolence and prayers to the Russert family.

Sean Bell - Injustice!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Are you freaking kidding me? How did they come to a "not guilty" verdict on such injustice? In case you haven't heard, I'm talking about the acquittal of three NYPD officers of firing 50 shots and killing an unarmed groom, Sean Bell as he was leaving his bachelor party on his wedding day. I'm speechless! These officers were acquitted of ALL charges. Who were the folks sitting on this jury? 12 blind mice! Isn't it ironic that less than a decade after the 41-bullet shooting death of an unarmed African immigrant, Amadou Dillo, in 1999 by the NYPD another happened to a defenseless black man in Sean Bell? I'm angry, frustrated and at a loss for words . . .

Bizarre Week In Politics

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:55:57 GMT

I took a much-needed week off anything politics on this blog but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t paying attention to the weirdest brand of PolitRicks I’ve observed to date. So without further ado, the rundown of this week in our political climate:

Obama’s “bitter” comment: How do you say major faux pas? The New York Times called it a “rookie mistake” and dare I say it showed Barack Obama a little “inexperienced.” First, let me be clear that I thought the statement in part, was true. Americans are bitter about the state of the economy with its uncertainty. But the same Americans don’t like using the expression “bitter” for how they deal with their shortcomings. I’ve seen some people who were the victims of the most atrocious acts and yet say they are not “bitter.” So perhaps the better word for Obama to have used might be “frustrated.” Second, the second part of the comment said they “cling to their guns, religion,” as I watched the words displayed on my gym’s TV screen, I thought to myself: “well there goes the gun toting, Christian conservative votes.” If we really have to be honest, most folks apart from major Christian holidays really flock to church during crisis. I can remember how my Church looked like after 9-11; you’ll think it was Easter. Be that as it may, there are still devout millions who cling to their faith regardless of the figurative seasons of their lives and so I can understand the offense such comment could cause. Finally, Obama didn’t do himself any favor by going defensive hours later when the story broke and then apologizing the next day. Senator you are more “experienced” with words than the aforementioned comments show. Remember they are not “just words.”

Clinton and McCain Called Obama an Elitist: Now this “elitist” remark from Senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain gave me a chuckle. I understand they (especially Clinton) have to jump on any chance they get; in Politics, it’s fair game. But seriously, Clinton (along with her husband) making $109 million over seven years calling her opponent who made a basic fraction of $4 million (for the first time) last year only due to the success of his books and who just finished paying his student loans is the one who is an elitist. Not to talk of McCain marrying up with Cindy, a trust fund lady worth over $100 million and him not doing shabby by his own self took a jab. But at least McCain just took a jab and quit; Clinton kept going and going not even a jeer from the crowd on April 14^th at a campaign stump could stop her. She pandered to her base with the beer drinking, having a shot of whiskey (well that’s in her element, she prefers vodka though), and giving drawn out stories of hunting trips. Come on!

Bill Clinton puts his foot in his mouth (Yet Again): I’m confounded on how the legendary charmer in Bill Clinton could become a loose cannon all of a sudden. Hey Slick Willie, checked your favorable polls lately? Over half of the nation (51 percent to be exact) view you in an unfavorable light. That’s over 20 percent since you left the White House. We are not saying you shouldn’t support your wife but please don’t bring up dead issues that were lies anyway. Case in point: Bosnia – everybody has left that on the wayside even your wife joked about it on the “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. But no, you had to resurrect Bosnia and blame the media that only once your wife said that and late at night. Well Slick Willie, try three times your wife mentioned Bosnia and at different times including during the daytime. Your wife told you to “shut up, that she could defend herself” and though you to told her “yes m’aam,” why do I feel I’m counting the days for you to screw up again?

Bob Johnson hating on Obama (Yet Again): Speaking of someone resurrecting a dead issue is Bob Johnson, founder of BET defending Geraldine Ferraro comments against Obama over a month ago. Note to Hillary: You really need to check your boys; they are bringing you down big time! Anyhoo, I placed “yet again” about Bob Johnson because three months ago, Johnson came against Obama at a campaign stump for Hillary for smoking a joint in his youth and now becoming a “guess who’s coming to dinner” type. I said to that Sidney Potier’s iconic character comment a few months ago at another forum, Obama should thank Johnson for the compliment. Well Johnson came under fire for the comments from many (especially from African-Americans) and he later apologized. I guess he wasn’t done with the latest for saying if Obama was a white guy named Jerry Smith . . . he wouldn’t be where he is. I wonder who’s really smoking a joint.

Cindy McCain’s fake food recipe: This is an equal opportunity site; since I’ve cited Barack Obama’s “plagiarism,” Hillary Clinton’s “sniper fires,” it’s time for a Republican and it’s none other than Cindy McCain with stealing (I mean plagiarizing) a Food Network recipe and calling it her family’s traditional recipe. Cindy wanted to show her personal side and her “joy of cooking,” so she posted a recipe on her husband’s campaign website purported as a recipe that’s been in her family for many years, well that recipe REALLY belonged to a former Food Network TV host and it was word for word (seriously Cindy, you couldn’t modify some techniques; just a thought). When the real author called her out, the McCain camp blamed the error on an intern. So was the intern cooking the food in your kitchen? I’m just saying.

The Pope Comes to America: The dapper pope with the red shoes steps foot on American soil and we say bless you Father. Oh and in the words of President George W. Bush: “Awesome Speech!”

“The Debate” dubbed by ABC: Let me get in character of the “Men in Film” from the 90s sketch show “In Living Color” and just give two words to rate the debate Wednesday night: Hated It! OMG, what was that? Two respected journalists asking everything but the ISSUES. Actually, it took about an hour to ask about the first issue. I think the thousands of negative comments flooding ABC News website and the TV critics less than flattering reviews were well deserved.

Update on Tavis Smiley and Tom Joyner Morning Show

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:18:36 GMT

Tavis responded to yesterday's breaking news on Huffington Post. But since Huffington has a ridiculous habit of filtering its site with only current posts, I thought it will be better to just copy Tavis response here:

There is no way to put into words the love and respect that Tom Joyner and I have for each other, or the love affair that I've had with TJMS listeners for almost 12 years now.

Due to the overwhelming amount of phone calls and emails I have received from listeners and other media, I wanted to briefly clarify a few issues that I will address more fully in my regular TJMS commentary on Tuesday morning, April 15, at 8:20 a.m. ET.

I did not "quit" the Tom Joyner Morning Show effective immediately. In July I will celebrate my 12th anniversary with the show, and as I discussed with Tom, it is my intention to take on the issues of the day in my commentary twice every week with the same energy, passion and commitment until the end of June.

Contrary to what has been suggested, I have decided to clear some things off my plate so that I can devote my time and attention to some exciting and empowering projects that The Smiley Group, Inc. and other divisions of my company have underway this summer, this fall and beyond.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue on Tuesday and in the coming months.

Tavis Smiley Quits Tom Joyner Morning Show

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:13:22 GMT

For some eight million (mostly black) folks in America, they wake up to the Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) and a staple on the show for over a decade has been Tavis Smiley. Well, they got a surprise this morning on the announcement by Tom Joyner that Smiley quit. One of Smiley's excuses (or reasons) was that he had too many projects. And to that I say I was born yesterday. Come on Tavis! Give me the benefit of some intelligence.

The link I posted has some details on the news. But to TJMS fans, you know Tavis has been catching some heat (in his words, "hell") for his commentaries for the past couple of months. Many in Black America felt he was hatin' on Obama but I think that was not the case; just for folks to make their politicians more accountable. Now granted, I didn't see what Tavis was fussing about for Obama not showing up to his State of Black Union event. I believed he let his ego get the best of him on that. But Tavis was right to question politicians on their policies; face it that's part of his job and it shouldn't matter the politician's skin color. However, he should not quit because of the said "hell;" Tavis, like Tom Joyner has pleaded with you, please reconsider.

Gen. David Petraeus Goes To Washington

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:57:29 GMT

Well a quiet news week in the political arena but there was some hoopla on Capitol Hill about a visit from a General concerning a certain war, oh the Iraq War – can you believe it’s over five years already. Let’s take a look of what this week’s news taught us shall we?

The decorated General David Petraeus was welcomed, then drilled about whether the surge of the military was working in Iraq considering over 4,000 killed since the war started, not to talk of the tens of thousands wounded. As Michael Ware, CNN Baghdad correspondent described the scene on the Hill: It was a political theater. I concur as the three remaining candidates: Senators John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama had the floor as the theater’s main performers. With each questioning from the aforementioned, one realizes that one of these Senators will be the President-Elect in nine months and this might be each of his/her defining moments.

McCain separated himself from the pack with his insistence on staying the course in Iraq – sounds like W. might be running for a third term. After all, McCain is the one who wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years if he could help it; I wonder if two-thirds of Americans see the same thing. Clinton and Obama seemed to be on the same page with an opposite view of trying to reduce the military in Iraq but no one talked about a timetable. None wanted to broach the topic of benchmarks for withdrawal.

But what struck me during the political theater was the use of elaborate words by the General to confuse the American People. Folks who are close to me know one of the things I dislike is an individual’s pompous verbosity when one word would suffice. For example, a few years ago I called a duplicitous guy in my then office “a punk.” Word spread to another branch of my company because it was a shock to some considering my refined ways that I would use such choice of word. As one of the guys from another branch asked me to take a seat in his office to get the juice of what really happened and his shock amidst laughter, he wondered why I couldn’t say what another lady said about the so-called guy’s “lack of responsibility and accountability . . .” My response was “Semantics: I think “punk” covers all the basis, I needed something that will be quick to get for the small size of his brain.” But I digress.

Back to the General, he said that though there was “ethno-sectarian competition,” there was improvement as a result of the surge. I could only imagine millions of Americans saying “huh!” This is how this administration has confused a whole bunch of people with various conjunctions of words to make them ignore their strategy and that brings me to what Bill Maher calls “New Rules.” New Rules Petreus and everybody on Capitol Hill: Don’t be saying “Ethno-Sectarian Competition” when the real meaning is “Civil War.” Second, New Rules: Don’t call it “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques” for how you draw information from some “suspects” in your war against terror when what that really means is “Torture.” Finally, New Rules: Don’t call the Iraq war “mission accomplished” when what you want to say to the American People and the world is “no exit strategy.”

Obama and MLK No Show

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:33:56 GMT

Last Friday was the 40^th Anniversary of Dr. King assassination and like many, I took the time to reflect and a little time to watch some pundits on television. Some of these pundits zeroed in on the remaining presidential candidates and how they chose to commemorate that day of April 4^,1968 that would live in infamy. Senator John McCain chose to face the fire by standing on the balcony of the famed Lorraine Hotel to address his regret to the audience for not voting for the MLK holiday over 25 years ago. He was booed and rightfully so but could someone in his camp have worked on the stage craft; a black man holding your umbrella to talk about a man who led the cause for racial justice was not how do I say this; kosher? Check out the embedded video.

Then it was unto Senator Hillary Clinton who was also in Memphis. She gave what seemed to be a heartfelt message about where she was on that day and the despair she felt after Dr. King’s murder. So what other Memphis landmark is Senator Obama in? None? What! He’s in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ok what does that have to do with the 40^th anniversary? Oh, that was the vicinity of where Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was when he heard the news of Dr. King’s death and gave that iconic speech to the crowd announcing the tragedy. But what does Barack Obama choosing to be in Indiana instead of Memphis mean?

The above were the questions and analogies going through my head. As anyone who has read this blog has seen, I pay attention to symbolism and how some folk’s actions don’t do justice to their words. No more than the latest from a person it pains me to criticize in Senator Obama. I debated such blunder over the weekend and did a just-cause weight scale in my mind. On one hand, I said to myself, Barack is not running for the President of the Black Race but for the President of the United States. So he need not show he is all about supporting the black guy who changed some inequity laws over 40 years ago. But the other part of me said this wasn’t just a black guy, he was one of the greatest Americans ever produced to even winning a Nobel Peace Prize at a time of our nation’s race distress and Time Magazine Man of the Year, first Black Man for such accomplishment.

Why, why Obama would you try to justify the case with how RFK (who was also running for President at the time) reacted to the situation? Remember RFK was not always on MLK’s side – remember the go ahead for the wiretap he approved on MLK when he was U.S. Attorney General? It took some years for RFK to see the moral decency of MLK to get on the ball with civil rights justice. However, his latter days redeemed the unjust loathing he had for the charismatic leader to the point of endearment from black people. But you try to justify your case that you had some campaigning to do in Indiana and afterwards said to a reporter you didn’t regret your decision in not being in Memphis as your fellow counterparts.

I wonder why Senator! Could it have been you were told by some political advisors in light of the Rev. Wright scandal not to be portrayed as just a black candidate? Thus, it was better to show a prototype white candidate in RFK with the locale of Indiana where he gave a healing speech to the nation’s wounds. I wonder how authentic such move showed on your part; reduce an iconic moment for the lure of the presidential throne. Now granted I understand you are not judged on the same scale as your white counterparts just like any other black person in America. However, the decision each of us face is to assimilate with the diverse environment while not losing our authenticity.

I thought of former President Bill Clinton, love him or hate him the guy never second-guessed the way he presented himself. That trait was also a flaw when I thought of Monica-gate but I digress. The reason Clinton could charm so many even his enemies was that you knew he was just being himself. Arsenio dared him to play the sax on his show with Arsenio’s own sunglasses, he accepted without hesitating. During those days, that would have been considered a campaign suicide but it ended up been an iconic moment with Clinton gaining thousands of young voters. Go on MTV and be asked boxers or briefs, sure! While George H.W Bush called the MTV generation as folks going to hell and looked like a grumpy old man in the process. I wonder who won that election?

In the end I thought of two types of courage reflected last Friday and forty years ago on that fateful day. The former was from Senator John McCain who was willing to go into the lion’s den in the face of thousands of blacks and confess he made a wrong choice 25 years ago. Some might have said he did it maybe to get some of the black vote in November, and to those folks I would say: “Are you kidding me?” Blacks vote 90 percent Democrat in most Presidential elections; only George W. Bush broke the mold in 2004. I felt it was the innate nature of always being a maverick that made McCain step to that podium (I’m even willing to overlook the flaw of the black man with the umbrella). The latter was of course, RFK, who stood months before his own death and addressed a nation in the time of grief. Too bad, a Senator from Illinois could not replicate the same profile of courage though he stood in the same vicinity.

Light Week for Politics and Pop Culture

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:47:46 GMT

John McCain is still enjoying himself while the Democratic candidates duke it out for the nomination. But this week was quite light for politics, which is a good thing; you can't exist on a heavy diet of politics all the time unless you're a pundit - even he/she needs a break once in a while. So with that in mind, let's go for the rundown:

Chelsea Clinton and Monica-gate: For the second time, Chelsea was asked this week her reactions concerning Monica Lewisky as she campaigned across college campuses for her mother. I learned while in school that the only stupid question is the question never asked. Personally, I disagree with such theory; there are STUPID questions and case in point those asked by guys of Chelsea about Monica. And just like Chelsea, I say to those guys:"none of your business."
Hillary Clinton likens herself to Rocky: Ok, this Rocky news story made me chuckle. How in the world did the most electable person four months ago become the underdog? So while Hillary was in Philadephia this week, she likened herself to a pop-culture icon in Rocky and has started using the theme from the movie in her campaigns. Cool! We all need some form of motivation. But Senator has it occured to you that in the movie Rocky, though he went the distance; the nominated winner by a split decision was Apollo Creed? Are you saying the first time you'll lose the nomination but you could comeback in four years and win the race? I'm just saying . . .
Bill Clinton bamboozled by Bill Richardson: Over a week ago, former Presidential candidate and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson endorced Barack Obama. According to the Clinton camp, this was a blindsided move from Richardson to the point of James Carville (love him) called Richardson "Judas" in the spirit of the Good Friday/Easter observance. But you would think the Clinton camp would count their losses and move on but No, Not Slick Willy. He's still miffed by exploding on what Richardson did on how many times (five to be exact) that Richardson said he will not support Obama. Now I'm not going to say there's no smoke to this fire; I sense Richardson has is own agenda in mind - a cabinet position maybe in the oval office. But this is politics and everyone have their OWN agenda in mind, so to slick Willy as Richardson said: "Get over it!"
Obama lost his cool on campaign trial: Well what do you know? The Cool Cat in Barack Obama got worked up on the campaign trail by a fan. As the exchange went, this guy has a knack for going to various candidates campaign trails for personal photographs. But Obama was having none of it again. Obama, psss, let me let you in on a secret: It looks bad when you let your opponents and even potential voters see you sweat. You are NOT the hot-tempered John McCain and even he has had to calm down. I know you're human but check this out; you've got secret service all around you - or you forgot about those men in black? One look towards them would have drove them to action and you can still keep looking cool while the pest is excorted out.
40 Years after MLK Assassination: I said it was a light week but I will be remiss if I didn't mention this solemn occassion. My parents haven't even thought of meeting much less having me on this day 40 years ago but due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sacrifice, I like many across this great country of ours could be able to join hands with one another and say Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God almighty we're Free at Last! RIP MLK!

Rep. Cleaver Hatin' on Obama

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:11:15 GMT

As I caught up on the news on MSNBC Countdown with Keith Olberman last night, I saw the latest on the election weariness that make some folks become educated fools just to get some media attention. The new gaffe is from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver from Missouri. My first thought when I heard the name was “who’s he?” Exactly, we don’t know who he is but he joins the long line of gaffe fest in Rep. Steve Blake from Iowa, Geraldine Ferraro, Samantha Powers, etc. Anyway, Rep. Cleaver is an African-American, a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton – no harm in that; he decided to put his two cents about the U.S. Primary elections to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Did I already mention this guy is black? I did but I just wanted to highlight it more. Cleaver said Obama “is articulate. In the black tradition, he would probably be mediocre.” What you talking about Cleaver? Here we go again! I guess folks always want to inject race into this Presidential race. His theory is so stupid I don’t know where to start. First of all, what is Cleaver drinking to call Obama “articulate” when there was a firestorm over that word a year ago when Sen. Joe Biden used the same expression? I know some folks would think because Cleaver is black he gets a pass but it is just plain wrong. Obama is a well-educated man; he is supposed to be articulate.

Second, for him to say in the “black tradition” suggests that there is ONE way of speaking when black. He-llo Congress Man, you’ve heard of Frederick Douglass, WEB Dubois, and Booker T. Washington? You can’t tell me each of the aforementioned had the same way of speaking. Oh, did you forget that great orator in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; he broke the mold? How do you expect Obama to speak in the black tradition? Rhyme every word like Jesse Jackson or hum, huff and puff like some black preachers? Would that satisfy you Cleaver?

He didn’t stop there: “I think for many white Americans, they are looking at Barack Obama and saying ‘This is our chance to demonstrate that we have been able to get this boogeyman called race behind us,” Cleaver said. “And so they are going to vote for him, whether he has credentials or not, whether he has any experience - I think that’s out the window.” Are you freaking kidding me! As anyone who has read this site, I’m all about fairness. I don’t care who you vote for; just vote. But I really despise (ok, dislike) folks who insult other people’s intelligence. Exhibit A is Cleaver: He is implying that all the white folks voting or supporting Obama are doing so because of race and NOT in spite of it? Tell that to Iowa with less than three percent black folks, Wyoming, or North Dakota – all those people are going for Obama to apologize for some form of racism? Puh-leeze! Until a few weeks ago before the Rev. Wright controversy, race was not injected in Obama’s campaign. Could you give them (“white Americans) some credit that they might like his judgment or the platform of issues he supports?

But this is the ironic thing about Cleaver; he represents a majority white congressional district in Kansas City. Hmmm, how would your district feel about this race talk Congress Man? Do you think you were elected based on the color of your skin and not the content of your character? “Cleaver just needs a couple of Advils,” said Eugene Robinson, the famed Washington Post columnist on the Keith Olberman Show; I recommend Ambien.

Roundup of This Week's PoliTRICKS and Pop Culture

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:24:17 GMT

Another week gone in our nation’s PoliTRICKS (I meant Politics) and what’s happening in our culture, so let’s take a memory walk to this week’s roundup:

Ø Kwame Kilpatrick got indicted on perjury: Can you say stupid, stupid, stupid! And in another language? El Stupido! How in the world could he state his charge as “not guilty?” Bro, they got your text! Remember (or are you like Roger Clemens who “misremembered?”) the “I want some more” to your lover’s request if you wanted her “sexually” while you vehemently denied on stand of having any affair. Boy, I want to see how your defense attorney is going to spin this.

Ø Hillary Clinton “misspoke” and made some “misstatements” about Bosnia sniper attacks: As Bill Maher would say, “New Rules” – New rules Hillary, you don’t “misspeak” or “misstate” an event more than once; if you do, we can call that a LIE. A misstatement should be a slip of the tongue or a spur-of-the-moment thing; we could give you the benefit of the doubt on being sleep deprived once but you need to remember when you come fully awake. Another thing, how do you misstate gunshots?

Ø Hillary Clinton said Rev. Wright would not have been her Pastor: So for Hillary to dodge the bullets from the above controversy, she FINALLY broke her silence on a story that was two weeks old on her opponent’s, Barack Obama’s Pastor Rev. Wright. Ok, Hillary, how do I say this nicely? You’re not looking good on this. You were asked a couple of weeks ago and you said it was Barack’s personal issue. You even commended him to reporters right after the speech, which you said at the time you haven’t heard, but glad Barack addressed the issue. Now you have the unmitigated gall to resurrect an almost dead issue. Is this how you unify America or your party? Senator, have you no decency?

Ø David Paterson admitted to smoking pot and using cocaine: Like I said in a previous post, I love the now Governor of New York’s approach. The reason the Media is so confounded about this approach of self-admittance, is because he is taking them off their game of digging up dirt. Once again Paterson, Bravo!

Ø Lebron and his iconic Vogue Cover: So one of the main stories burning the Web this week was Lebron being the first black man on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Psyche, many black folks forgot that but instead of celebrating such crowning achievement, they started looking for conspiracy theories of race images such as King Kong. Leading such effort was Jemele Hill of espn.com and for that reason like Huggy Low Down would say on the Tom Joyner Morning Show: Jemele Hill, YOU ARE THE BAMA OF THE WEEK, WEEK, WEEK! I’ve respected your take on sports and culture but how dare you write a column you chose not to bother reading the magazine of said criticism? Haven’t you heard the saying of “don’t judge a book by its cover?” But no, you didn’t even study the cover but just saw a big black guy holding the waist of a beautiful white woman (Gisele) and made your assumptions.

Based on such assumptions you wrote a column on much ado about nothing. Could it be you have your premonitions about such image that you chose not to address but call Vogue to task for having such cover? The cover, by the way, was Vogue’s magazine “SHAPE ISSUE,” which featured top athletes of various sports paired with top models of their game. You criticized what Lebron was wearing (or not wearing) but if you took the time to look at the cover, you would have seen it states: “Secrets of the Best Bodies: Gisele & Lebron + the World’s Top Models and Star Athletes,” but no you would rather feed on racial stereotypes. In the issue that you chose NOT to read there were all kinds of athletes dressed in their individual sports trademark gear and posed with each model in designer gowns mimicking the said sport. Sorry Hill, but the last time I checked, Basketball athletes did not wear Armani, Gucci or Prada while playing on the basketball court. So Lebron for all the hoopla of negative sorts you didn’t expect from a freaking picture, how about a positive one from this writer? I tip my hat to you in your iconic moment and take it from me as the famous line in the movie Training Day: “King Kong ain’t got s*** . . .” on your game!

Gov. Paterson Confessions

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:53:37 GMT

(AFP/GETTY IMAGES/File)

Can I just say something: I LOVE Gov. David Paterson! I must be honest of knowing nothing about him until a couple of weeks ago after the Eliot-Ness sex scandal, the now former Governor of New York. But I’ve been fascinated by this legally blind African-American who took the uncommon route from being a star as a state senator to Eliot Spitzer Lieutenant Governor and now Governor of New York. But just 24 hours after he took the office of the Governor, Paterson admitted to many affairs. Not only that, his wife admitted to having an affair of her own, which got a “you go girl!” from me.

Ok, before I start getting various comments about that last statement, let me be clear that I don’t support affairs. However, as I’ve mentioned in a few previous entries on this blog, I don’t get the “stand by your man” concept either. But I digress. The reason Paterson is such a breath of fresh air is that he’s the very antithesis of the normal politician. Most politicians would like to appear “holier-than-thou” when we know they are not. Many appear to have no skeletons in their closet and if they are caught as having some; deny, deny and deny some more until you can show a “you got me” proof. Remember Bill Clinton (one of my faves) saying sternly: “I did not have sex with that woman!” Paterson wasn’t like that, his way is: “Yes I have had sex with that woman, and that woman, oh and that woman, etc.” Could you imagine the politicians in Washington scratching their head to what’s wrong with Paterson?

Not only that, just last night, we got “breaking news,” that Paterson admitted to have done marijuana and tried cocaine a couple of times in the 70s while he must have been in his early 20s. Can somebody give this brother a hand? This is soooo REFRESHING! This is not like Clinton’s “I didn’t inhale” while he ran for President in the early 90s. Paterson followed the Biblical theory of “agree quickly with your adversary.” The adversary here could imply the media. Paterson is like, what the heck, I’ll let my whole story out there rather than you trying to dig something about me and I have to stop my work and address the public. So he just didn’t dodge a question, he said, yeah I smoked marijuana in the 70s and I tried cocaine a couple of times and maybe thought to himself, what else have you got! I’ll say what I think of David Paterson again: I LOVE HIM!

Detroit Mayor Charged With Perjury

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:17:48 GMT

Ok guys . . . still moving a lot of parts but I couldn't resist adding a blog entry of Kwame's latest fiasco. What can I say? Gosh Kwame! How did a storied candidacy from being Detroit's youngest elected official lead to perjury? Seriously! You're an educated brother, you must have had "Never lie to the grand jury!" He-llo, you heard of Martha Stewart before? She didn't go to prison for insider trading but lying to the grand jury. Now you might spend up to 15 years in prison.

For those of you living under a rock the past two months about the Detroit's Mayor text-gate scandal, you could catch a bit of the synopsis on my last month's blog on his apology. Anyway, my heart really goes out to his family - a fact Kwame obviously wasn't considering during his trysts with his former (used to be married) chief-of-staff. I just want to know one thing Kwame; was the pleasure worth this pain?

Geraldine Ferraro Fumbles

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:34:36 GMT

How lucky would you be to be born black? I mean you already have the upper hierarchy in society; no one has to ever second guess your intelligence, no one would ever give you a second look in a fine department store. Also, add that to having a unique name unfamiliar to mainstream America, your stock should just go right up because you will never have to defend the name your Daddy gave you . . . As you can tell I’m being facetious; too bad Geraldine Ferraro wasn’t when she unleashed her frustration with Barack Obama’s campaign to the Daily Breeze:

“If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position, and if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”

Ok, so what Ferraro is saying is that the white men are the minorities and very unlucky to be leading our country for over 200 years and be the majority in Senate and Congress. Wow, that’s really an unlucky position to be in (NOT). So this new guy called Obama just breezed in and oh my God! America is just caught up with this sheer force of nature of his phenomenon? We can’t even think; he’s just got us feeling all twisted . . . What is Ferraro smoking?

This latest fumble from an iconic woman who became the first woman placed on a U.S. national ticket in 1984 as vice president. If anybody should not taint her legacy for fighting for the underdog be it class, gender or race, it should be her. But no, she couldn’t make her case for her candidate of choice, Hillary Clinton without going against a race of people. She tried to justify her offensive comments on Good Morning America this morning but it seemed she sank even lower. She was asked by the lovely Diane Sawyer if she regretted what she said, Ferraro answered “absolutely not.” Well, Ferraro, take it from this writer, you’re absolutely wrong.

This Week on PoliTRICKS and Pop-Culture

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:29:06 GMT

Hello Everybody. I said I was a bit burnt out with the political scene; it didn't last long because something about this election season makes me wanna holla. Noticed the play on the word "politics?" It was intentional because that's how I feel all the campaigns are going (Obama's too! Though his pales in comparison to the others). Let's get a quick run-down of the political scene and a bit of pop culture shall we:

President Bush endorses John McCain - If I was John McCain, the straight-talk express he purports himself to be, I would avoid this anointment like a plague. Seriously! Why would you want a guy's approval who lacks the approval of three-quarters of his country? Did anyone catch the press announcement with W. tap dancing (literally and figuritively) as he waited for the new Republican nominee? I'll say something about W. as he prepares his oval office exit; I'll miss the comedy.
Ron Paul annouces his departure from the Presidential campaign - I didn't know he was still running.
Hillary Clinton Wins three out of four primaries - Seems like the fear mongering "3 a.m phone call" and the self-deprecating appearance on SNL gave her the boost! There's one thing I don't understand about Hillary; why is it everytime she's down, that's when the public gets to see her "human" side? I mean it was the almost choking up about her great love for the country before New Hampshire . . . I'm just saying.
Obama Adviser resigns for calling Clinton a "Monster."- So Barack, I guess the "audacity of hope" is thrown out the window? What was this adviser, Samantha Power, thinking? Yes she called Hillary a "monster" off-the-record to a Scottish reporter. But what are you Samantha? Five years old? In this drama-filled election, you really thought such reporter who might be looking for his big break would keep that to himself? Seriously!
Florida and Michigan hotly contested Democratic delegates - I can speak for the former and that is WTH! Florida, as I said to a family member always finds a way into the national spotlight. Can you say Deja vu? There's a lot to be said about this but I'll reserve that for another blog entry.
The Great Pretenders - A break from the political scene into the world of folks assuming the identity of people they are not (well not different from politics but I digress). Exhibit A is Margaret Seltzer aka Margaret B. Jones, whose "memoir" about growing up as part white/part Native American gang member in South Central was just a bunch of Croc! She is actually an all white girl, who grew up in a California suburb, went to a preppy school , yada yada yah! Exhibit B: The Food Network Chef, Robert Irvine who padded his resume for a plush Network gig and got canned this week!

Clinton Wins Three Out of Four Primaries

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:17:18 GMT

So that was different but not shocking. I said it a few weeks back that Hillary had the comeback kid in her corner and not to talk of the adage about a woman as a teabag - she gets stronger! Is it me or do others feel burnt out about this political race already? Anyway, the soap opera in the Democratic party continues while the Republican party has their nominee. Isn't that special?

Clinton and Obama Spar in the Buckeye State

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:28:33 GMT

I'd like to say one thing came out of the writer's strike: I'm watching the theater we call the Presidential campaign and debates like never before. On a night my region was reeling from the power outage and the Miami Heat finally turning on the switch after an 11 game losing streak with a win; I'd rather be watching Senators Clinton and Obama, two historical candidates spar in yet another debate. Here's the rundown:

Hillary's whine with cheese - So the debate started off with Clinton being asked the first question. I never knew something was wrong with such move until last night. Apparently Hillary did as evidenced in the Italicized statements: "Well can I just point out that in the last several debates I seem to get the first question all the time, and I don't mind . . . " So why are whining if you don't mind? Seriously! Then she went on to say she'll be "happy to fill them" (so what's the problem!) but she found it curious she gets the first question and she cited last Saturday Night Live's skit (all over YouTube) and "maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow." Come on! You don't look too Presidential right now Hil! Here's the deal; she's going after members of the media by that complaint for not being fair with their questioning and the way they portray her. To be honest, she has a point. But she is also the one who's famously known of being very guarded about her campaign and her availability to the media. I wish your husband has taught you a thing or two about these debates rather running his mouth on the campaign trails. He was also taken to task in '92 by the media more than the first Bush but guess what? In the end, he carried 37 states. Peep that in your "experience" history; let your charm (ok you don't have such trait like Bubba) or your humanity peek through to the voters because that sarcasm did you no justice.
Campaign tactics - Clinton first talked about the great deal of respect she had for Obama but his recent campaign tactics and choices have been very disturbing to her. The way I see it: Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black. Then Obama retorted of facing the same tactics from her campaign but "we haven't whined about it because I understand that's the nature of these campaigns," he said. Ok kids, you got any "issues" you want to talk about or in this context, debate?
Health Care Plan - Obama described her "mandate" for everyone to buy coverage. She whined (I meant talked) about how Obama used inaccurate information saying some folks will be forced out of her proposal plan. She said it included subsidized coverage for families that could not afford it.
NAFTA - This has been a hot button issue this past few weeks; I remember sparking a debate some years ago in my undergrad Ethics class. Obama said NAFTA should be renegotiated (he's really playing to his base here since Ohio has suffered a great deal with blue-collar jobs shipped to other countries. Clinton who has been vocal she never supported her husband on the NAFTA issue, stated it again. Obama said she can't "cherry pick" and also that she praised the deal as good for New York during her senatorial campaign . Wow Obama, you're getting good at these debates - I criticized you in the past on this type of forums but you've improved dramatically, I'm impressed. They both came to a consensus to renegotiate.
Obama's link with Farrakhan (what? I thought we were concentrating on issues) - Tim Russet decided to do his Meet the Press impression by grilling Obama about Farrakhan recent support of his candidacy and his Pastor, Jeremy Wright comment. Most people know the name Louis Farrakhan is a lightening rod when it comes to Jews and the nation of Isreal. Obama said he "denounced" Farrakhan's anti-semite remarks against Jews and praised Jews who have supported the Civil Rights cause and his Senate and Presidential candidacy. But Clinton had to get a word in by saying Obama had to take a stronger stand to "reject" Farrakhan anti-semitic remarks. I'm scratching my head at this point; English is my first language, isn't "denounce" and "reject" the same meaning? Then Obama answered my question with a tongue-in-cheek comment: "If Senator Clinton feels that 'reject' is stronger than the word 'denounce,' then I'm happy to concede the point, and I would 'reject' and 'denounce' Farrakhan's support." He got some laughter from the audience in university hall and a smile and clap from one cynic viewer in her living room.

Thanks for the show kids . . . see you next time.

Ralph Nader - Party Pooper!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:29:23 GMT

What's that smell? Oh the party pooper, as in Ralph Nader is in the house. My reaction to hearing Ralph Nader was back in the U.S. Presidential Race again was "not again!" I felt like Bill Maher going on his knees on his program four years ago pleading with Nader to please not run. I don't understand this guy's ego even at almost the age of 74 (he celebrates a birthday this week). Congratulations John McCain, you're no longer the oldest in this race. Seriously, my ire increased this morning while listening to Nader defiant reason on NPR's Tell Me More to run again. Somebody, his family, anybody please stop him!

Many felt with his 2.7 percent vote, he cost Al Gore the 2000 election (not considering the Florida vote debacle) and relegated us to the depressing years of George W. Bush. Not to talk of the 0.38 percent of the popular vote he got in 2004. What's going on in this guy's head? The last Presidential election wasn't any glimpse of hope to try again. He-llo Nader, let me interpret 0.38 percent to you as a so-called numbers person, IMMATERIAL!!! That's an Accounting term! In lay-man's terms: Insignifant! And in Ebonics / your grandchildren speak: you ain't got a shot in the world! So if your defense is all the commendable work you've done for the past 40 years; great for you but that doesn't mean you have to get in a presidential race. There are plenty of humanitarians who've done as great of works without seeking the prestige of the oval office and their legacy still live on. Could you have some dignity and take a page out of the books of such distinguished lives? Please!

Voilence Against Gays - Why?

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:29:40 GMT

I was shocked to see this headline on last Satuday's front page of one of the local papers: Gay Teen Shot Dead. As I read the whole story I found out that this was the second killing in four years around the same vicinity. Why did it make the front page? First, it was horrific and second, South Florida is known to be one of the most friendly gay regions in the country. Once I read a survey naming South Florida region as the sixth in the nation for most adaptable place for gays. This is one of the reasons, famed Miami Heat Basketball retired player Tim Hardaway infamous comment: I hate gay people, not only caught the outrage of the nation but the scorn of his neighbors.

One thing I've yet to understand is why African-Americans, with all the indignity of slavery and racism they have suffered find the nerve to treat people of a different orientation with indecency to the point of ostracizing, terrorizing or even resort to killing? Now I'm not one to equate a gay person's plight with the struggles of the civil rights. But I'm saying we need to examine ourselves in the mirror. If the downlow phenomenom started with guys who consider themselves straight but like to have sex with other guys started with blacks; is the hatred of those downlow brothers so deep seated to take away another brother's life because he is so open about who he is even to the point of dressing as the opposite sex?

I've noticed a few things in this hypocritical world: one of them is most people who get to the point of condemning a group of people normally are envious of them. Examples include the likes of Rev. Ted Haggard with a gay prostitue, Florida congressman Mark Foley with sexual explicit messages to male pages and the questionable bathroom fiasco with Senator Larry Craig. All the aforementioned three fought tirelessly against gay rights all while battling the struggle of being who they really are. I say when you really love who you are; you would not wish or do any harm to another individual.

Clinton and Obama Texas Two-Step!

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:34:04 GMT

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

I was taught to start with a complement before a criticism; so thanks to the Democratic Presidential Candidates for keeping last night debate, for the most part, a peaceful affair. I mean way to show a united front with statements like " . . . Senator Clinton and I share the same views," or "I agree with what Senator Obama just said. . . " Awww, isn't that cute? But as I was loving this new kiss and make-up session, I was jolted out of my revelry with the plagiarism (already wrote about it) controversy. Shucks . . . here we go again kids!

So let''s get to another round of he say/she say shall we and my thoughts in parenthesis: She said "words are important and words matter but actions speak louder than words." (I follow the same school of thought, carry on) Then Obama shared my sentiments but said Clinton had been putting voters against him by saying, "let's get real." (What!) He continues "and the implication is that the people who've been voting for me or are involved in my campaign are somehow delusional." (No! See "delusional" is such a strong word Barack, and I think you're pandering a bit to your base - but I think apart from the past week, some folks who voted for you were not delusional (having a false belief in you), you don't give yourself enough credit but they didn't ask critical questions either to keep you accountable, but let's get to the juicy part . . .) She rebutted "If your candidacy is going to be about words then they should be your words" (Not entirely but I see her reasoning) ". . .Lifting whole passages from someone else's speeches is not change you can believe in, it's change you can Xerox." (Oh no she didn't!)

The audience booed the last statement and I second that emotion (not my words, but the great Smokey Robinson's). Come on Hil! Who gave you that last statement to say? That doesn't even sound like you. But she redeemed herself by her charm in answering the question about the "greatest test in her life" (which the whole world basically know, Bill you're gonna pay that debt for the rest of your life) and extending her hand to Barack of how proud she is of him and everyone giving her a standing ovation. I'm not sure if the last gesture has to do with her resignation of knowing he might win the nomination or just choosing to take the high road. Either way, for that moment, I felt proud to be a Democrat.

Obama and Clinton Sparring - Just Words?

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:25:00 GMT

The Democratic party have stooped to a new low with the latest Obama and Clinton plagiarism fiasco. I understand each of you guys want to win the Democratic Nominee for President but has it ever dawned on you that this bickering may cost your party the election for the office of the President? The Republican party are trying to kiss and make up by accepting the not so conservative John McCain as the presumed nominee and you two (Obama and Clinton) think it's the ripe time to try on your new boxing gloves.

Psss, let me let you in on a secret - how about concentrating on this thing called issues? You know the downward economy, disparity in education and the elephant in the room - that war in iraq. Have you heard about that so called no exit strategy in a place like Baghdad? So Clinton, instead of you trying to criticize Obama's rhetoric in giving passionate speeches and you Obama deciding to fight back with your "Just Words" speech which in this instant information tracker, your opponent's aide found out those "words" weren't really yours and you trying to defend yourself again - see how this sparring is going? It is tiring! Clinton how about re-energizing your campaign? If your strength is being a policy wonk - hey push that and mix it in with the "human part" of you that came through to your core audience just before the New Hampshire primary. Remember Obama's audacity of hope is no different from your husband's first presidential campaign slogan in believing in a place called hope.

You Obama, no thinking person will outright call you a plagiarist. Hey you've got two bestsellers; one written entirely by you when nobody knew who in the world you were and the other written for the most part, by you. So you do know your words without needing anyone's help. But just in case you did and all great writers and speakers at some point, will - how about referencing the original source (in this case, Governor Patrick Duval)? And if you don't want your campaign to be criticized as "just words," lay out specific and benchmark strategies to your hope message. Even your party's rival in John McCain took a swipe at your rhetoric speeches last week. You see Obama, passion and policies could be embodied in the same person. How about re-introducing yourself that there's more substance than the undeniable style you've got. That way you will make people just shut up!

Roger Clemens Capitol Hill Fiasco

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:08:10 GMT

I’m a huge proponent of congress leaving anything to do with sports, music, or other forms of entertainment out of any hearing by concentrating on viable matters such as health care, education and finally getting us out of this tumultuous war in Iraq. But why did I go against my premise to watch a riveting kind of TV with Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee testimony in Capitol Hill? I don’t know but gosh, was it a guilty pleasure for me!

I mean this was a classic he say/ he say under oath and I wish I could be like a Perry Mason, Matlock or Alan Shore to catch the culprit in a lie in an hour. But after four hours of testimony, I’m left scratching my head for the truth from both parties. I would say this, I believe one person is telling more of the truth and it is not the star player. As for Clemens, I think he follows the Seinfeld’s George Costananza theory: “it is not a lie as long as you believe it.”

How do you explain a player saying the Mitchell Report is not entirely wrong in its findings about his alleged steroids use but his trainer is lying for saying he got injected with the said steroids. HUH!!! This is the same trainer, whom two baseball players, Petitte and Knolback have agreed to his testimonies about them that they used HGH and/or steroids. Oh that’s not all; McNamee even said he injected your wife with HGH. Come on! Your wife after denials acknowledged in a written statement that she did take the HGH but only once. Ok whatever Clemens!

You may deny all you want that those shots were B12; yeah and your neck just became a human android as a result of them! Even though your trainer admitted he lied on a few occasions because he was scared; how come he seemed more credible? These are just things that make you go hmmm.

Obama Sweeps Potomac Primaries

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:31:02 GMT

Is it safe to say Obama’s momentum is catching on? I’m running out of adjectives to describe this brother’s phenomenon. As of last night, Barack Obama won DC, Virginia, and Maryland Primaries. He’s just not winning African-American votes; he’s winning places like Nebraska, Maine and check this out, Idaho. Also, he’s tied with Clinton in delegates.

According to pundits, Clinton is depending on states like Ohio and Texas to stay in the race. But I would advise her to look at a recent example in Rudy Guiliani, who depended on my home state, Florida. People don’t like you to tell them they have to vote for you especially when they are not seeing you winning. Now Guiliani pales in comparison to Clinton in term of communicating effective policies but I do think it’s time for her to do some serious thinking about her campaign. So she fired her campaign manager a couple of days ago but to the outside world that move in this fast-paced information world spells reactionary actions rather than proactive ones.

I would not be the one to underestimate Hillary Clinton. I’m well aware of how Eleanor Roosevelt described a woman in relation to the tea bag and besides; she has the “Comeback Kid” in her corner. But I would say two weeks to other notable primaries in this day and time seem like a lifetime. Perhaps the change this country desperately needs and wants by the nature of her votes, might come in an opposite sex of a different color but not of the fairer sex in the same color.

Super Tuesday - A little late but my thoughts . . .

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:16:53 GMT

Ok some quick notes from what I got from Super Tuesday:

On the Republican side, I'm no Prophet but it's safe to say that John McCain got the nomination. Love Huckabee but he can't depend only on the South (ok he won Iowa). As for Romney - he's gone thank goodness; I really didn't know who the real Mitt Romney was and on a side note: He really needs to take inventory of his business know-how for the amount of money he threw away.

Now to the juicy stuff: The Democratic Party. As Lenny Kravitz sang "it ain't over till it's over." I can't believe this. There is definitely a shift in the country . . . can you feel it? In spite of all the campaigning Ted Kennedy did for Obama; Clinton still won California and Massachusetts. Pundits say the Latino and Women respectively made the difference. Stay tuned.

Also, about Obama - wow! This is really the Obama-rama. Many pundits are saying young people are making the difference; huh quite true but not entirely. You see, young folks have a knack to rally for a candidate but for whatever reasons, the numbers don't correlate at the polls. I've been voting for quite some time now and I can honestly say, I still see more people who are old enough to be my parents or grandparents are the majority at the polls. So what's up Generation X and Y? Anyway, Obama still has ways to go in delegates, getting his message to Latinos and those at or below the middle class (Clinton is kicking his butt at that level).

Get your popcorn ready . . . this is a thriller!