Tavis Smiley (at mic) with Tom Burrell, Minister Farrakhan & Jesse Jackson
*On the eve of a crucial vote in Congress on health care legislation, thousands of African-Americans gathered in Chicago to urge President Barack Obama to pay more attention to blacks.
The gathering and panel discussion was organized by television and radio host Tavis Smiley and will be televised on C-SPAN.
Among those taking part were Rev. Jesse Jackson of the RainbowPUSH Coalition, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and Princeton University Prof. Cornell West.
The group discussed such matters as education, the economy and importance of the ‘black agenda’ to U.S. political parties.
The president has pointed to his efforts to overhaul the health care system, rebuild the economy and improve education as inclusive policies that will affect the nation as a whole, while also improving conditions for minorities who have suffered disproportionately in the recession.
But many blacks have become increasingly frustrated with Obama for failing to develop programs targeting the hardest-hit communities.
“President Obama is not addressing our black agenda because he has been told (by some black leaders) that he doesn’t have to,” said former Chicago Ald. Dorothy Tillman, one of 12 panelists at Saturday’s symposium at Chicago State University. “We are so happy to have a black face in the White House that we think we have to get back in our place.”
Get MORE of this story HERE.
I side with Rev. Sharpton (now that’s a new one for me). Could you really imagine if the President even intimated some sort of project targeted directly to and for the black community? His jobs bill, education strategies,healthcare, etc. all will have impact on the black community. He has to be strategic here because the rethugs are salivating for him to make any reference to some initiative that first addresses the issues of the black community? The President comes from Chicago. His roots were as a community organize need we remind ourselves. That said, I am quite clear with Michele, grandmother/mother-in-law, Valerie Jarrett, etc. those initiatives are being carefully considered and strategically planned upon. I believe this completely. Mr. Smiley seems bent on getting the spotlight turned on him for some reason.
I watched the whole thing yesterday and as much as I respect many on the panel, I have come to realize that they are simply what I consider “Buy My Book Activist” In other words their leadership is no longer in the streets its in Barnes and Noble.
Tavis said something that really p*ssed me off- he made sure to point out the Obama Admin was invited but they declined. President Obama canceled EVERYTHING(his overseas trip) to see this health care reform through. What makes Travis think the President would take from the most important bill in modern history to send someone to talk to his crazy azz?
The only one on the panel that really “inspired” me was Minister Farrahkan!
I like that “Buy my Book” activist. Sadly, that is the reality. Nothing to offer but buy my book and I’ll explain it all in there.
“I believe this completely.” And little kids believe in the tooth fairy “completely.” Sorry, what you believe and what is are not synonymous.
The reality is all you have is what people do, not what you ‘believe’ about them. If you are okay with a president who refuses to acknowledge his most ardent supporters because someone might hurt his feelings, then that’s one thing. But to pretend that there is something “strategic” about running on one principal, then throwing it out once you’re elcted is okay, that’s something entirely different.
In other words, strong leaders get what they want when they show passion about it. Your president could have shown the kind of passion he’s shown of late early on to implement a public option, or to rescind Bush war policies, or to choose progressives to stand beside him. He did NOT. For whatever reason, he got your vote with one type of rhetoric, then cowtowed to ins cos and corporatists and Repubs once in office. If that was “strategic,” then the problem is even worse than many thought. It means he was purposeful in his duplicity. In my world, that is not a trait to be praised.
But you go on ahead and keep “believing” Bartholomew. Fingers crossed and all…
In taking the advice of Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel to leave blacks to fend for themselves, Barack Obama is setting a dangerous precedence, which will serve as a blueprint for future presidents. We no longer will be able to call on our presidents to address racial inequities in our society. They will say, like Obama, I cannot do anything to specifically address issues facing blacks.
But is this what we have come to expect from our government? Wasn’t affirmative action an example of the government passing laws to address racial inequities in the society? The fact that blacks are disproportionately affected by the recession is proof that such racial inequities still exist. Well, thanks to Obama, such governmental intervention will be a thing of the past, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Not only do blacks have to deal with harsher economic conditions, but yts are showing more and more their desire for reverting to the overt racism of the past. So do you think their racism will only be confined to calling black congressmen Ni*****?
As they strive to purge their work force of blacks, who will you call on? Thanks to Obama, not government anymore.
Reds, on more than one occasion you have stated that Axelrod and Emanuel have advised President Obama to leave blacks to fend for themselves. Can you please provide the source of this information?
Naturalsista, we all know that Obama never does anything without the approval of his Chicago clique.
In the article “Core Chicago Team Sinking Obama Presidency”, it was noted that “The president draws on the advice of a very tight circle. The inner core consists of just four people – Rahm Emanuel, David Axelrod, Valerie Jarrett, and Robert Gibbs. The president rarely holds a meeting, including on national security, without some or all of them present.”
The Congressional Black Caucus are also up on things. “Several prominent caucus members have expressed doubts about the interest of administration officials in African American issues, referring to figures including Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and senior adviser David Axelrod. They haven’t had much involvement with minority communities in their careers, said Rep. Donald M. Payne (N.J.). ‘They’ve been in suites and boardrooms.’”
“Alternately puzzled and disgruntled, CBC members say key people in the Obama administration have taken them for granted.”
Despite his yt advisers’ lack of sensitivity towards black issues, Obama continues with this clique because he has convinced himself that they are the ones responsible for his political success. The needs of blacks be damned, notwithstanding their 97% support in the election.
If that is your source then Reds all we know is what is reported in the media and much of it is suspect. I thought you had a direct quote of such a statement. As for the CBC, I haven’t heard this much from them since President Obama was elected. Except for a handful, why weren’t they this vocal when other presidents were in office?
Folks, just in case you forgot, David Axelrod’s title is “senior adviser to the president.” EVERYTHING which Obama does is under his advisement. Are you then saying that he is right for advising Obama against having a black agenda?
Well, prominent black legislators disagree:
“I can’t pass laws that say I’m just helping black folks,” Obama told the American Urban Radio Networks. “I’m the president of the United States. What I can do is make sure I’m passing laws that help people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”
Many in the 42-member, all-Democratic CBC passionately disagree. African Americans and Latinos “bear the brunt of this economic recession,” said Maxine Waters (Calif.). “We must not shy away from targeted public policy that seeks to address the specific and unique issues facing minority communities.”
So are you then saying that you have more respect for the opinion of his yt advisers over that of our black elected legislators?
We are talking about the same yt advisers who the CBC had this to say about:
“Several prominent caucus members have expressed doubts about the interest of administration officials in African American issues, referring to figures including Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and senior adviser David Axelrod. They “haven’t had much involvement with minority communities in their careers, said Rep. Donald M. Payne (N.J.). “They’ve been in suites and boardrooms.”
Cosign bart, WELL SAID!
Why don’t Travis and them confront the racism that the President face. Racism is the biggest problem facing every African-American. I feel like Travis wants the President to fell so bad that he would saying anything against him.
I did not catch this event on TV, but I heard Tom Joyner and crew mocking it on the radio this morning. And I heard JAnthony Brown scream “F*ck Tavis” over and over at a comedy show in Atlanta a couple weeks ago. And I’ve heard all kinds of insults being hurled at Tavis and others who dare say something not praiesworthy about “the One.” And it disgusts me.
I’ve said before and will say again (and would say so about any president, no matter the race). Not targeting a group of citizens who have been systematically oppressed (meaning the LAW actually DICTATED that they be mistreated) and who continue to be DISPROPORTIONATELY affected by economic woes, is derelict. It is especially so when said president claims to be a member of that group of people. There is just no justification for that. The CBC or Tavis or anyone shouldn’t even have to ask for attention to be given to this group of people, it should just be in the leader’s blood to do so. Even having to ASK imo is a problem. But I will digress.
Let the prez and the Dems and all others who have absolutely no idea what’s in this healthcare bill rejoice like it is the Second Coming, lol. Nevermind that nothing the prez ran on is included. Nevermind that despite what this article states, the healthcare system is NOT being “overhauled,” and in fact the current system is just being expanded. Insurance companies just got 30 million more new customers because now it’s MANDATED that everyone be their prey. *sigh*
Nevermind…
Tavis deserves to be mocked and yet, the mocking won’t decrease the size of his ego. Like I said before, Tavis can gain much more traction if he chooses to show gains with his Contract with Black America Effort. Candidate Obama told us that we are the ones that we have been waiting for and it’s well past time for Tavis and the rest of us to realize the concept in actions.
With regard to health care reform, while I don’t agree that there should be a mandate, I agree with a New York Times editorial that simply states “It will provide coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans, prevent the worst insurance company abuses, and begin to wrestle with relentlessly rising costs — while slightly reducing future deficits.”
Many people who didn’t get everything that they wanted to see in the legislation acknowledge that what we now have is better than the nothing that we had. Last week, an 11-year-old black child was ridiculed for advocating for health care reform. A white male with Parkinson’s disease was ridiculed. Why? mainly because there is a group of people who see health care reform as welfare. [sigh]
Health care reform benefits blacks. Was that discussion on Tavis’ agenda?
No offense HT, but your speaking in parables doesn’t make your post any more legitimate.
“Tavis deserves to be mocked.” Why? You think it’s okay for Tom Joyner to mock someone who for a decade offered his mediocre radio show thoughtful commentary on issues affecting his listeners? You think it’s okay for him to throw his “friend” under the bus simply because his friend disagrees with him on something involving politics, and someone who’s only reached out to his radio show when he needed political support from Black folks? Hmmm
And Tavis is a private citizen. I’m not sure what “action” you’re thinking he’s supposed to show you, but he’s a commentator and a journalist and I think he’s done a lot within the confines of his profession. If you want “actions,” I suggest you look to your president or other politicians WHO GET PAID TO PRODUCE for the masses.
And this “we’re the ones we’ve been waiting for” biz, well, is that not what Tavis is preaching? That it is Black folks’ DUTY to mobilize the people THEY HELPED PUT IN OFFICE to perform “actions” THAT BENEFIT THEIR COMMUNITY? That’s Tavis’ whole point. It’s interesting that you use that as a dig against him. Intersing…
Re HCR, “it will prevent the worst insurance company abuses, and begin to wrestle with relentlessly rising costs” Really? From what I’ve heard, there are loops open that will help insurance cos continue to abuse customers (ie the penalty for dropping pre-conditional patients is LESS THAN MANY OF THE PROCEDURES THE PATIENTS WILL NEED), and I’m not sure why you feel the bill “will begin to wrestle with rising costs.” How so? From what I’ve learned, NOTHING in the bill addresses rising costs and premiums will continue rise, as will taxes. Hmmm
Re “something is better than nothing.” The people who are advocating that realize this is NOT HCR. This stopped being about reform a while back, and became a political game more than anything. The reason folks were hoping the Dems pass it has little to do with the merit of the bill and more about the Dems maintaining power in the “hopes” that they will improve it and other legislation. (Won’t be holding my breath on that one).
So bottom line, as I stated. You and others tout this as a victory for your president. If going against what you said you stood for and fighting for a mediocre bill so you and your party won’t lose political power is your idea of a “victory,” then you are right.
TGen, I read your rebuttal comment and think it will be well received over at TownHall.com where there are over 400 comments on JCPhillips’ “There will be blood” article. Or, you can wait until the end of the week when that article is posted here at EURweb.
Somehow HT, I don’t think the folks at Townhall want a public option, like what I touted. lol
You erroneously assume that anti-Obama means anti-progressive. Not quite.
lol I just finished my posts and I’ve already been “hidden due to low ratings.” I totally don’t see what is hide-worthy about anything I wrote.
Hmmm
It is because of the comment ratings.
That’s what I mean. Disagreeing with me is one thing. But giving me a thumbs down seems a bit excessive. I could see if I was being abusive or cussing or something. But hiding dissent? That seems anti-American, lol. But it’s cool. I can take it…
TGen, I actually like the thumbs up/down thing.
I noticed that a lot of thumbs up are giving where there would not normally be a comment in agreement.
It’s the ultimate form of free expression. Like a secret ballot.
Reds, we will agree to disagree then. I don’t appreciate my posts being hidden. I thought the whole point of discussion was to offer viewpoints which oftentimes vary. The fact that someone may not agree with me does NOT mean I’m wrong or that my thoughts should be hidden. And I really take offense to that premise–giving others the ability to “hide” someone else’s thoughts. I mean, are we all supposed to agree on everything? Geez…
TGen, I wouldn’t even sweat that. It’s actually a blessing in disguise. More folks actually end up reading your comment out of curiosity.
TGen, it has its pros and cons. For what we normally do here, which is agree to disagree, it would be better not to hide the comments.
But you know, I’m guessing that Lee Bailey actually intended it for a different purpose. Some time ago, I came a across a comment that was hidden, and after reading it, I realized that it was posted by some racist infiltrator.
But as one who have had to endure discussion groups constantly infiltrated by racists, I would rather the EUR taking firmer steps in such cases, like canceling such accounts. They did it to musb, and he’s one of us. Hello!
Too early in a.m. I see now that since my comment was a reply to Reds post which is hidden that my comment is included in the loop. Let me sip on more of my delicious green tea to get my brain functioning.
My two cents is this: Tavis seems to be a intelligent brother but he comes off as a poverty pimp. In other words, there are other avenues he and the other reverends can fight where they are needed. Too many blacks and hispanics are in a situation where felony convictions from YEARS ago keep them from working. Also there are sham minority businesses in almost every state. Just that alone will generate millions of dollars in the community. Leave Barack alone he got enough on his plate. With the contacts they have, help the people that need assistance get to work.
Reds and TGen, it’s truly the SADDEST thing watching Blacks cower in fear at the very idea of Obama paying any attention to the “sole” group that delivered 99% of their votes to him. I don’t understand how they feel observing his level of comfort with ANY other group as long as they aren’t Black. This is why I had little love for Obama during the campaign because I saw through him. Once I learned what he did at the HLR, how he treated Black journalists once his star began to rise etc etc…I knew what this man was. Obama could have “normalized” relations between the Black community and the political establishment by showing no fear of speaking directly to us. NO latino, Asian or Jewish POTUS would shun their own like the plague for fear of offending other demographics. TAVIS was right all along…which I recognized!!!!!
Melody, The hypersensitivity towards any criticism of Obama is both disturbing and ridiculous at the same time.
What I find interesting, is that they are even opposed to anyone giving an explanation of Obama’s behavior, which
somewhat exonerates him.
My argument is that Axelrod is the main person to blame for Obama not having a black agenda, since Obama has come to place so much faith in the man. But even this has been met with disagreement(thumbs down).
So what exactly are these people’s problem? Are they not desirable of us gaining the equality which MLK and Malcolm dreamed and fought for?
“Obama could have “normalized” relations between the Black community and the political establishment by showing no fear of speaking directly to us.”
Melody, I never thought of that but that is profound…and I think you’re right. O’s running away from “Black” issues only helped to stigmatize them MORE. Had he been more forthcoming and honest and unashamed to broach “Black” issues, “others” would be more desensitized and would have taken his committment to “his” community as something “normal” and expected, instead of radical or extreme. In other words, his pandering to their fears only helped to LEGITIMIZE their fears.
Great, great point Melody.
President Obama is the President of these United States, which includes not oly black people but whites, hispanics, italians, asians, africans and other racial groups. Why are we so sensitive as black people? When are we going to learn that IS NOT ABOUT RACE all the time!!! Even Martin Luther King fought for equality for all races as well as the black race. We need to take a look at our communities and work within them ourselves and not sit back and wait for the President to make a bill or decide what he is going to do for the black race. What have you done personally as a black person in America to help your own community? What have you done to help your own family? The finger needs to be pointed individually and not just at President Obama. The issues we face in the black community are not just racism. We face issues that need to be looked at overall. Before Tavis Smiley or anyone raises the finger to point at President Obama who by the way has a done alot on a year what have you done besides talk and raise alot of emotion on issues you youeself are not really willing to face. We all play a part in unifying to create a better Black America.
In regards to Obama, One thing has become clear. There is NEVER and I mean NEVER..ANY form of criticism of Obama that is accepted. None, zero, zilch! During the primary and NOW, there is nothing anyone can say about Obama that isn’t met w/a vitrolic reaction. This is what has happened w/Tavis.
Tavis will NEVER be able to criticize Obama without silly people pointing to an agenda. In fact, these same silly people can never point to a specific quote outlining Tavis’ supposed “hatred” of Obama. But they can tell you what their friends said or other silly fools like Tom Joyner (whose addition to the horrible Chris Matthew “Obama’s America” made the show worse than it already was).
So hear you have it, blacks who have the audacity to criticize the government (which in this case run by a black man) suffer the SAME treatment blacks have historically directed at black republicans. Either you support Obama or you are now a republican.
I’m sure there will be silly people who will deny it but even they can’t point to ONE black person whose criticism of Obama has been embraced. Go ahead rate me down..but find that ONE black person in the meantime.
You are soooo right!
And honestly, I feel a little embarrassed for Black folks. If they thought “others” didn’t take them seriously before, they have NO idea what a laughing stock they’ve become now. “Others” know that Obama walks on water for much of the Black community and that virtually anything he does will be accpeted, excused, explained away. There is virtually no accountability. Black folks look, sound, and act like sheep–NOT serious political power brokers–and they are being treated that way by “others” and especially by their commander-in-chief who knows and SHOWS that he can put their issues on the backburner and they will still go to the carpet for him and DARE anyone to speak ill of him and “hide” others’ dissenting opinions.
It’s really an embarrassing shame.
But isn’t that sad? Worse is that people don’t even realize what they are saying.
I have ZERO doubts that most black people see criticizing the “government” and “Obama” as two different things of which they are not. Obama is the head of the federal gov’t. Blacks (at least as long as I’ve been aware) have always challenged the gov’t. But now we’re arguing the EXACT same thing republican/conversative blacks have long stated, that we need to do it for ourselves w/o help from the gov’t.
Funny how times flies and views change once race is the issue and make no mistake…for many blacks..at this point..it’s ALL about race.
You bet not say Obama’s name in vain.
Reds, you’re correct about Axelrod steering Obama away from Blacks and our issues. We have turned the blind eye to our detriment and this is what angers me. Before the campaign Obama showed his face at a convention for Black journalists and pledged they’d have access to him for being there for him in years prior. They didn’t receive any advertising dollars and he all but ignored them, but it wasn’t the same with EVERY other group. Obama has NEVER treated us as EQUALS and it’s unforgivable that he’s squandering this opportunity of a lifetime. This man knew was he was talking about in “The Squandering of Obama” —> http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3268/the_squandering_of_obama/ <—– Be sure to read comments to this article.
TGen, yes Obama has made us the laughing stock because anyone with half a brain sees what he’s doing and knows who he’s comfortable shytting on. Also, nonblack politicians will always have Obama to point to when they dismiss the concerns of the Black community as BO has done. Obama almost makes me feel like completely withholding any interest in voting or the political process. He’s purely self-serving and always has been IMO. Also, the admins make it next to impossible to give “thumbs up” to you and Reds.
I tried to give ‘herbs a “thumbs up” but I guess his stance to also unpopular with the powers that be here.
Melody, the article is right on point. it’s the same argument I have been making about Obama’s handlers:
“His political masterminds have transformed Obama from a political visionary into an electoral product (with demographically designed components) just like every other presidential aspirant. His handlers have excised the very quality that distinguished Obama from the usual suspects.”
“Many of us familiar with Obama hoped he would help put an end to the Democrats’ racial schizophrenia. Knowing him as a strong advocate of racial pride, with a deep knowledge of African-Americans’ liberation struggle, we thought Obama was perfectly cast as the candidate who could bring needed perspective to our racial dilemma. Our past conversations led me to believe he would seek that role as well.”