Sat, Nov 21, 2009
EURweb |
|
Back to the Article »
Click Here
|
|---|
| Click here to post your comments. |
|
Name:
Kaya
Comment: The sad thing about is, I don't see anyone else stepping up. You're right, Mo, there was no election. That means the position was and is wide open. With all his faults, I have to wonder if this Imus thing would have been forgotten by now were it not for Al. Wouldn't we have all shaken our heads for a day or two, if we happened to have even heard about the comments at all, and then moved on? Would half the country know who Sean Bell was, or would it have been just another tragic police shooting. I used to be so anti-Al, until I heard him speak for the first time live, at Frankie Crocker's funeral in 2000(?). This was the first time he ever left me with a good impression. Since then, I've come to realize that while he is not the ideal, I think he, or someone like him, is necessary. Too many issues would otherwise be swept under the ryg. If nothing else, I applaud Al for keeping the pressure on. I don't think a true "leader" is elected. A leader sees what needs to be done brings people together to get it done. It's out there for anyone who wants to take it...
|
|
Name:
Kaya
Comment: ...swept under the rug...On another note, 20 years since Tawana Brawley? Wow.
|
|
Name:
Kaya
Comment: Last comment on this-- Am I the only one who finds Jesse to be somewhat irrelevant?
|
|
Name:
barnone
Comment: MO> while i overstand your points and at one time completely agreed w/ all of them i now share a diff perspective. albeit jackson and sharpton our not what i and many a.a.'s consider "ideal" leaders they do serve their purpose. and no leader is w/out fault/tarnish. i don't know what exactly occurred w/ tawana brawley but i've noticed she is often mentioned when speaking of sharpton. at any rate i don't think it's fair to continuously judge a person based on prior indiscretions/mistakes. 20 years is quite some time ago. so no al and jesse are not "ideal" leaders, which everyone is always purporting, but who else is willing to step up to the plate? this is the question which we should be asking. because if jackson and sharpton were to disappear tomorrow into the annals of history, who would speak out against wrongs committed against the a.a. community?
|
|
Name:
oldschoolbrother
Comment: I applaud you for going foward with this letter but let's do more. There are several other men and women who can command microphones now. One radio show here in Chicago said that the reason Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are considered "black leaders", they are the only two black people who can get a press conference. I disagree. We have the power ourselves now, the internet provides that, our wallets provide that. Jesse Jackson has never answered some critical questions for me, I applaud him for what he has done in the past but look around you, things are far worse. Example, educating our youth and getting them inspired for college is at epidemic numbers. There are three colleges near me, the numbers for black enrollment are as follows (zero, yes zero percent, 5 percent and 1-5 percent) and these schools are in areas where black population are over 50%. I see more black men on the street corners than going to work every day. To me, that is where the battle needs to take place. Thanks Mr. Kelly, keep up the good work.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: I appreciate all of the comments so far. Although I usually participate in these discussions, I'm going to lay back and let ya'll speak your minds. I want to get a gauge for how others are feeling, without my influence.
|
|
Name:
malenga
Comment: Sir, I couldn't agree with you more. In response to "barnone" who asked who, but Jackson and Sharpton, would speak out against wrongs committed against the "African-American community," I would %*$ert that it's more important to ask who is speaking out about the wrongs that the so-called community is committing against itself? We need fewer press conferences and more personal responsibility.
|
|
Name:
PositiveB
Comment: I basically agree with your comments MO. However, I wonder why we are still looking for that one galvanizing leader? True leadership starts within. It is time for us to step up and "lead" ourselves, and not sit back and wait for the next Dr. King.
|
|
Name:
McNasty
Comment: Sharpton and Jackson are the ones the media has chosen as our leaders. I guess they are used to them and how far they will go. If we want different, different has to stand up. I've said on every board I've posted on about this situation - does it really matter how it came about? Imus is not our problem for real, rap and it's mysoginistic lyrics and the violence and the disrespect are. But the fact is with out white kids and without corporate amerikkka rap would doubt never have made it out the 'hood'. U N I T Y is the order of the day and we have to quit picking at straws. You don't want Al or Jesse standing up front - you're more than welcome to move in that position yourself - or identify someone who has the time, history, and intellect to do so. If not them - who?
|
|
Name:
B00TANEB00TUS
Comment: ...YO, let me paraphrase Ella Baker here..."Strong people don't need 1 leader, They'll lead themselves...Apparently, not enuff of us are doing this...Hence, ya got Rev's Al and Jess...I don't think of Al or Jesse as leaders of Black folk...However, they are spokespeople..I give'em credit for having having the balls to speak out...Stewart, Bumphers, Howard Beach, Adalio, these stories may have been stuck on the back pages if not for Al...Tawanda Brawley aside, He believed something happened to that girl...Al is a very intelligent man...He ripped Chris Wallace (Mike's kid) a new one in their last interview on FOX...Yo, talk about it hard out there for a pimp...try being a Black spokesman...Ya catch he11 from all angles...That's why ya don't see a whole lot of 'em running 'round...The media wants to paint this guy a buffoon...We should be smarter than that...Look how the media painted King, Malcolm and Ali once upon a time...True, he has his flaws and Brawley's but let him without flaws cast the firt comb...I mean stone...
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: LOLOLOL "but let him without flaws cast the firt comb...I mean stone..."
No comment other than to say...
BWUAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
|
|
Name:
mseffy
Comment: Mo>>>I think your letter gives voice to the concerns of many of us. Al and Jesse have never represented me; I often cringe when I see or hear them grab the mike. I almost know the words before either of them speak because their perspective for solution hasn't kept up with the changing landscape that makes up 'Americans'; and not just 'blacks'. I know good leaders are out there. My hope is that the coming election and the opportunities for dialogue that come with it, will entice them to the forefront and eventually to the political office(s) where they can help re-shape this country for ALL OF US!!!
|
|
Name:
Thoth
Comment: Mo>Your letter disturbs me on so many levels, that I do not know where to begin. First, I think Jackson and Sharpton are Black activists first. They support members of Black communities. I think that the fight for equality and the equitable treatment of Black people is both right and righteous. Second, as a journalist you should know that media have their “go to” people who know how to speak in sound bites, and sometimes debate. Jackson and Sharpton have learned to do both capably, thereby exploiting mainstream media by keeping Black issues at the fore. I don’t think it is fair to equate the frequency with which they appear in media with the notion that these men believe that they our THE Black leaders. I think it is right for them to use media as one platform to put before the public their concerns, and the concerns of those they represent. Michael Eric Dyson, Cornel West, Spike Lee, Henry Gates, and Bill Cosby all do the same. There is no reason to believe that Jackson and Sharpton are any less reflexive in thought.
|
|
Name:
Thoth
Comment: Third, that press conference on the n-word lead to pledges by some to never use the word again. That press conference served as fodder for discussion and debate, especially in classrooms, across this country about what we as Black people want for ourselves. Exactly how is that wrong, or lacking in righteousness? Next, I am unsure what Sharpton is to apologize to the Duke players for. He did not “rush to judgment.” In fact, his conclusions regarding the character of those players were based on the facts available: they did engage in underage drinking; they did hire strippers; one of them did circulate an email talking about killing Black women; one of them did speak in racist terms “thank your grandfather for my cotton shirt;” another of them did engage in a hate crime in which he battered a gay man and uttered hate speech. No, apologies are not in order just yet. In fact, there is much more to be said about the sexist, racist, and homophobic behaviors of our college elite. As for the Imus incident, Imus’ show was not a single show. It was a popular poison that was transmitted around the globe and back again. The predominant audience, young White men, learned how to think and feel about Blackness through this program. And, it is some of these men that are now sending the Rutgers players death threats. I can’t imagine that you believe it is right to let such hatred go unchecked. I hardly think bringing an end to such discourse, and putting others on notice that it won’t be tolerated is “whimsy.” Clearly, your media diet is confined to mainstream outlets, or else you would be well aware of the tremendous efforts by Jackson, Sharpton, and a host of others within Blackness to clean up rap, BET programs, and comedians. Finally, I strongly encourage you to read the grand jury testimony of the Brawley case (it is online). When I am driving the Jersey turnpike and get pulled over for the umpteenth time because of racial profiling, or if my unarmed husband gets shot 41 times, I will be sure to call Jackson or Sharpton. Or who would you prefer me call, you?
|
|
Name:
LAFitz
Comment: I agree with Mo's article and appreciate all the points everyone raised. The point about the Sharpton Show having limited broadcast capability really brings the hypocrisy point home. Another key is that the *media* has nominated Al and Jessie as "black leaders" so they can keep them in the news for attacks and confrontation. They have so much "baggage" that they are nearly caricatures for conservative whites to hold up as the best the black community has to offer.
However, most critical thinkers in the African-American community know otherwise. We now know that a) Sharpton and Jackson are NOT our leaders but perform a valuable role in the community, b) there will never (evah!) be another Dr. King so stop "waiting" for the Second Coming and c) we are represented by MANY leaders just like every other ethnic group.
|
|
Name:
queeniebunz
Comment: I have never counted either man as my leader and never will. I think they are what I call sound bite chasers. They would curl up and die if they could never get on television again. At one point I said they serve 2 masters and that is against the Bible but I had to correct myself. They both only serve one - themselves. They are ridiculous. And the sad part about it is that they are both pretty articulate, solidly good speakers but they have discredited themselves by their actions - Al by the Tawana Brawley fiasco and his involvement with James Brown and financial corruption besides that and Jesse w/his love child and calling Jews names, etc. I fully understand that leaders get tempted but they are both professed ministers and they fully understand that more is expected of them but they continually give the "I'm human" disclaimer and carry on with their mess. I cannot support either of them nor do I like it that they represent me. In fact, I hate it they do. I would rather someone like Obama represent me or the late Ed Bradley, may he rest in peace, or Oprah or Julian Bond but not these buffoons. I can't stand either one of them.
|
|
Name:
LAFitz
Comment: Yes, Throth brings my point home about the multi-leadership role we really need. If my family member gets shot by the Po-Po 41 times, you damn skippy I'm calling on Rev Al or Rev Jessie for help.
I believe most of our "leaders" are hiding in plain sight. What brought down Imus was the work of several African-Americans with clout and positions in high places like Bruce Gordon, board member, CBS; Kenneth Chenault, President/CEO, Amex; Richard Parsons, CEO, Times Warner; Oprah Winfrey; Robert and Sheila Johnson (co-founders, BET and Viacom board members), just to name a few. That's the respected voices NBC and CBS listened and reacted to. Executives heard Al and Jessie too but they really didn't listen to their arguments because they knew where they were coming from before the incident ever happened. They are completely predictable.
We need to stop envisioning the 20th Century model of black leadership and begin to embrace the new millennium model because IT WORKS. Simply put, it’s the strategy Muhammad Ali made famous – “rope-a-dope”!
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: I see no reason to attack Sharpton and Jackson after this last coup. I'm sorry Mo but we need these two as others are too cowardly for the job. I'm sick of blacks trying to tear them down to appease white sensibilities. It's time out for that.
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: Thoth, you nailed it. No one as stepped up like Jackson and Sharpton and I'll never forget this. Too many of us "PANDER" and accept white dictates too readily. In fact, many whites don't believe we need civil rights platforms...but believe they're necessary for Jews, Italians, Asians, Latinos and any other group you can name. They don't give a fukk what we think and I see no reason to reciprocate. That's our biggest problem...caring and being too gullible when it comes to nonblacks in our midst.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: To those just joining the convo...I'll reiterate that I'm here and listening...just laying back and letting the rest of you keep this subject moving forward. But I'm listening and hearing all of you.
|
|
Name:
Stephanie
Comment: Good article Morris. You know I copied it and sent it to both of their websites...LOL So true...I wish they would go somewhere and both sit the hell down...
|
|
Name:
blackman
Comment: Al & Jesse most certainly serve a purpose. They have flaws, but they darn sure have the balls to stand up against a racist and hostile establishment. It seems as if some black folks hate them more than white racists. Divide and Conquer. Once again we will let white folks dictate what the real problems are for us. Is Al or Jesse our biggest problem or concern? Hell Naw! I assume Martin, Malcolm, Garvey, Tubman et al would be getting the same treatment. They would be told that "you do not rep. me".
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: I agree with you B00TANEB00TUS. Whites are angry at Sharpton's level of intelligence...and I could care less how he wears his hair...he can handle whitey. They know he's no buffoon which is why they work double time to discredit him. I'd like to see a rally so all his supporters can shout these fools down trying to curry favor with whites. Whites will respect you even less once you defang/declaw Sharpton and Jackson. Folks can stick their heads in the sand all they want.
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: True that, blackman: **It seems as if some black folks hate them more than white racists. Divide and Conquer. Once again we will let white folks dictate what the real problems are for us.**
|
|
Name:
Olivia
Comment: Thoth:Right On Point !!!! Once, Dick Gregory said “the worst thing for a Civil Rights Leader can do is to live, because eventually those who used and needed them will turn”. I guess he was right.
|
|
Name:
dcp1166
Comment: Amen, Morris this is by far the best work I have read by you. You have hit ALL the nails on the head and no one can be excused for tripping over them. I wish there was a way for this message to be broadcast so that as many of US that feel the same way could read your article or hear your words. I have been trying to gather may own words to convey the same sentiment as you have so succintly and very eloquently stated. I will do my job to pass this message along-TODAY.
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: Olivia, that's an interesting and germane comment from Dick Gregory. It's insane that blacks would line up against Sharpton and Jackson so they can present more "palatable" leaders because white folks are upset. That's all it's about. We'd be fukked with those two around, and I can't believe anyone would try and downplay their importance or contributions.
|
|
Name:
HarrisThomas
Comment: I am equally impressed by Thoth and MO (MO, you don't have to tell us that you are on the board; we give you credit for joining in as yourself and not by stealth.) I also agree with board comments that Al and Jesse are frequently used by conservative journalists so that conservatives can shoot them down because of past stances. Al made me proud of him in terms of how he pushed back on conservative interview panels leading up to the firing of Imus. He refused to be the strawman knocked over by his past stances. As we discuss right actions versus righteous actions, we must bear in mind how much of whatever we do is based upon ego and instant gratification. Right actions tend to be based upon ego and instant gratification while righteousness is self-less with long term efforts for results. It's not always one or the other. It's the maturity of knowing when to use a particular approach.
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: Leaders are borne of situations, which is why Revs. Sharpton and Jackson are in their respective positions today. I remember in 1984 how proud I was of Jesse Jackson when he was a viable presidential candidate and a respectable representative of our community. That was a generation ago. At the same time, Al Sharpton has never been that type of leader, continually suffering from foot-in-mouth disease. He has done some sporadic good, but those wins do not outweigh his losses. I think our leaders risk scorn and ridicule if they attempt to fix the problems Black America faces from within. We all know it is the right thing to do to abolish the word ni**er from America's lexicon, but most of us will not let go of the word to make it happen. It is no longer the 60s, and we are no longer united as a people. We are Americans, segmented more by class than by race (ro so we think). All I know is we best get our sh*t 2gether before we are eclipsed by yet another up-and-coming race of people. Don't look now, but the Mexican-American movement is picking up momentum...
|
|
Name:
Olivia
Comment: Its funny people dig up Tawana Brawely, but NEVER dig up other people. Let’s ask Haitian immigrant, Abna Louima, or the families of Yusuf Hawkins (while marching Al was stabbed), Amadou Diallo if he helped, oh that doesn’t count. Ok. Let’s ask the hostages Rev. Jesse successfully helped secure their release of in the 1980’s or that’s old news. Let’s ask the Central Park Jogger boys (now men who spent too many years for a crime they did not commit) and when in 1989 Al said, despite the defendants’ coerced confessions—that her “black attackers were innocent, modern-day Scottsboro Boys trapped in a fit of racial hysteria”, even though DNA proved him right, who cares because of Tawnna Brawley. Ask them if those they tried to help if they are irrelevant, but I wonder if we really want the answer. I could go on, but I think people get my point. I am not into taking a slice of someone’s life and not look at them in their totality. The attitudes that “here come Jesse & Al, they will make it worse” leaves me bewildered as if how whites treats blacks is based on Al & Jesse, but o.k. sure. We do understand Sean Bell 50 bullets happened before Al was on the scène? Why not ask the white media why do they call Jesse & Al, but I guess telling Al & Jesse not to answer the phone is easier? I wonder how many of us did anything to bring the Sean Bell case out…I’ll will wait for replays. Let’s be honest most of sit on the side lines and call the plays if you want a different quarterback get in the game, but be prepared for death threats, possible physical harm and ridicule by the white media nationally. With 100% certainly people today would be putting MLK in the “irrelevant” category and cast judgments upon him as well. During Imus thing I saw new voices of black men ( I will not even get in the lack of leadership positions historically of black women) Bryan Monroe Pres of the National Black Journals, Professor Dr, Lemont Hill, Roland Martin on TV as much as or even more that Jesse & Al, but do we see what we want to see? No I don’t agree with everything Al & Jesse, but was I suppose to? I am not going to eulogize Al & Jesse to the Civil Rights graveyard just yet, heck I ain’t even attending the wake.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Olivia, please email me at mokellyreport@sbcglobal.net Would like to ask you something offline.
|
|
Name:
Onyx
Comment: MOK I'm disappointed that you would show Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson this much disrespect. I have not heard either man say that they are Black Leaders. In fact, yesterday on Oprah, Rev. Sharpton said he wasn't the leader of Black folks. The media labels them as leaders and for you not to see that is surprising. Also, I'm glad that Olivia is here to remind us of all the good these two men have done. They are not perfect but in my opinion they have done more good than harm. Why do Black people need a leader? We are very different as this forum showcases. We do not think alike. Al and Jesse are two men with opinions. Does any other race have a leader or leaders? Who is the leader(s) of the Hispanics, Chinese, Koreans, Native Americans, etc? Olivia please don't let MOK influence you offline, he needs your voice, although I think he is not humble enough to admit when he is wrong. Like Al and Jesse, MOK has opinions and he is not perfect or always right either, he's just a man.
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: Olivia makes some very valid points about these two men and their successes. She also points out a hard fact of life: Your missteps stand out more than your triumphs. This is what these two men face. They should have lieutenants to address the minor issues- like Imus- so their voices can be taken seriously when a major issue needs to be taken to task. The solution would be to lower their profiles. What? Al Sharpton has a radio show? Oh well, guess it's better to be famous that righteous... I tell you what- when we find someone who can defragment our race, that is the person best qualified to be our voice, our leader. Whatever the case, we must stand unified. The problem is we have been delineated by the american socioeconomic system, thus our opinions vary not necessarily along racial lines, but along the lines of our perceived community status. To be blunt, we no longer identify with one another just because we are Black. We divide ourselves through dark and light, rich and poor, and other ignorant misconceptions. Hell, we can't even agree on Barack Obama! And most of us abhor Condi Rice. Enough said...
|
|
Name:
Thoth
Comment: Olivia>>Speak on it!!! I too have grown weary of these sideline folks— (in recent days) Jason Whitlock, Armstrong Williams, Stuart Scott, who are all too happy to come out for the single purpose of casting dispersions. Then they disappear. And Jackson and Sharpton are supposed to be the media hounds!! I would like to clear a few things up about the Brawley case. Sharpton had reason to pursue her case. She may have lied, however, it isn’t all that clear cut. Brawley was found outside a project. A mailman, an impartial witness, said that he saw three police officers leave the scene. The mailman identified what turned out to be the car of the district attorney. Sharpton and Maddox’s investigation uncovered that, in fact, the district attorney and two other police officers were in the DAs car together that day. When questions started to be asked, one of the police officers committed suicide. After that, the very DA that was identified as being in the car was assigned to investigate the Brawley case and present it to a grand jury—no one thought this unusual except the Sharpton team. The grand jury concluded that the mailman’s identification was coincidence. That the three police in the car in the area near the project was coincidence, and that they were all really going to the mall for a shopping spree. The suicide was also a coincidence. So, Brawley lied and the officers were “absolutely innocent.” I have heard of only one other case in American jurisprudence where a judge goes beyond saying, “the evidence does not substantiate the charges,” to saying “she is absolutely lying and these men are absolutely innocent,” and that was the Duke case. Brawley may have lied, but Sharpton did not just rush to judgment. Remember, Spike Lee put in the movie Do the Right Thing, “Tawana told the truth.”
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: No Onyx, Mo is right. If Rev. Sharpton is NOT a leader, why does he attempt to make himself omniprescient at EVERY issue involving the Black community? He tries his best, but as I just stated, he needs to lower his profile. Unfortunately, that will not happen without a scnadal attached. Jesse's infidelity managed to lower his profile for a hot minute, then he shows up to mentor Michael Jackson!?! My point is proven here- a Baptist minister showing up to counsel a Jehovah's Witness... WTF?!?! There are several thousand innocent Black men in prison that could use his help more than Michael Jackson. It is stunts like this that stand to denigrate the greatness of this man's past. We all know about Tawanna Brawley. That was a mistake, and rev. Al's intentions were good, so I don't hold that against him. He was misled. At the same time, if he wasn't so eager to jump to the forefront of Black issues, he would not have to hear about it. You can go back and forth forever- SOMEONE needs to jump to the forefront on these issues, and those who jump would be considered leaders. Like I said, able lieutenants that earn the repsect of the Black community could take a lot of pressure off these two leaders/non-leaders.
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: BTW, any of y'all ever HEARD Don Imus' radio show before last week? Ever SEEN his show on MSNBC? Yeah, that's what I thought. Me either. I didn't even know he was on television! It is my understanding he's been doing this schtick for years now. I guess he is kinda like the tree falling in the forest- if no one is there to hear it, did it make a sound? Hell yeah!!! Now, thanks to the proliferation of news outlets, we were there to see the tree fall...
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Onyx...you probably need to worry less about what I'm speaking to Olivia about offline and stick to the discussion here. I'm not concerned whether you like what I have to say, only whether the subject matter is worthy of discussion.
I don't have sidebar discussions on the topic. In fact, I LOVE the fact that she's in here and coming at it tough. I don't EVER discourage dissenting opinions. You have me confused with someone else.
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: Sorry, that word is "scandal". Got a little dyslexic in my typing...
|
|
Name:
PHScott
Comment: Oh yeah, one last thing: I was on Florence and Figureoa last night, and I saw some Black women who probably would not feel disrespected being called a 'ho. They were prostituting themselves, so I'm sure they could care less. Tell you what though- their hair was done, so they were by no means nappy-headed!!! This is a true story, but I just wanted to inject a little humor into this situation because it's getting way too serious up in here...
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: Onyx, it sickening observing Blacks grovel for white approval in this manner. I'm spoiling for a rally to show support to these giants in our community. If it wasn't for Sharpton and Jesse there's no telling what would happen to Black men and us all in general. Whites don't like us having a united voice and people like MO are playing right into their trap. Divide and conquer...what a pity if we let this happen.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Ok, I've waited the whole of the day before giving you my thoughts on various input into this discussion.
Of course, I can't touch upon everyone's points but there are some generalities.
#1 Just because I may disagree with and disapprove with Al Sharpton all the time and Jesse Jackson some of the time does not mean I wish to appease white folks or pander. One of the biggest problems I think we have is we mistake "a differing opinion" as selling out. I don't care if Jesse and Al have the best intentions, their actions are still subject to scrutiny...nobody gets a free pass for life. If people want to trumpet their successes their failures deserve equal airtime.
#2 My article and this discussion have proven one-another. Our requirements and expectations of "leaders" are wide and varied and Al and Jesse aren't addressing or servicing arguably half of Black folks' needs. But as long as they speak to America as the "foremost authority" on Black America...they have to be more mindful of ALL of Black America...even those who believe that our responsibilities lie elsewhere than just their personal interests
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: #3 Because we don't all agree doesn't mean we are not united in our voice. If anything we are united in our care and compassion for Black folks, but maybe disagree on the means to the end. For far too long we've thought it's treasonous to criticize our own or place the mirror in front of ourselves. It really is ok. You can critique society and also self-critique and be on the same page.
#4 Those who disagree with me can't have it both ways. You can't argue that Al and Jesse are being selfless and at the same time are at the forefront of every "situation." There is such a thing as "working with." Jesse can work with the NAACP, Al can work with the Urban League. It doesn't always have to be...
Incident, Quote from Jesse and Al, then press conference. There has to be a willingness to work with the capital and power structure that's already in place in Black America. But instead, they're rushing to the microphone.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: #5 I don't want or require perfect leaders, but I damn sure want some consistency. I don't think it's too much to be above hypocrisy. You can't DEMAND apologies if you are often yourself in error and of questionable judgment and never offer an apology.
Sharpton has never even apologized for Tawana Brawley, so yes, it rings a little hollow when he's running around having press conferences on the "guilty" Duke Lacrosse players and has nothing to say after they're exonerated. When discretion would have told him to hold up, wait...and if they're found guilty...THEN raise hell. But he and Jesse were determined to be OUT IN FRONT. They're being out in front did US a disservice, damaged their credibility with US (not even talking about white folks) and lessened their effectiveness down the road. It's not about appeasing anyone, it's about honesty. I appreciate their work, but I don't appreciate the grandstanding and duplicity. And me making mention of it doesn't mean we've been divided and conquered. It means we are a diverse body politic who have too little representation in the media. Distinct difference. We all know the valuable role that Jesse and Sharpton play. But we should also know that they get WAAAYYYYYYY out there and on a personal agenda kick. There's nothing wrong with letting the rest of y'all know that I don't have to nor do I WANT to take all of them, because they do some good. I'll salute the good, but I'll damn sure critique the bad...because that's what their job calls for. No such thing as blind loyalty.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: #6
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: #6 I find it laughable how people have been emailing me "arguing" how Sharpton's radio show was in fact a "national" stage for Imus to apologize. People arguing that because he streams his show on the internet or because it airs in many markets down south...ergo, he's reaching "the masses."
There are at least 10 other shows with a larger audience of Black folks INCLUDING JESSE JACKSON'S WHICH HAS TWICE AS MANY STATIONS AS AL'S. But instead, Imus was ushered by Al on to Al's show instead of "WORKING WITH" others in the media to do it right. If it's about THE APOLOGY, you work with others for the greater good. If it's about having the biggest guest concerning the biggest issue (an issue which you helped blow up) on YOUR show...then it's simply an extension of an agenda...not the best solution to be had for all.
Ego.
Hell take Imus on BET, they reach more people than 21 radio stations. That's like taking Imus on Bill O'Reilly...that is to say, you're not reaching a lot of Black folk. Most people didn't even know Sharpton HAD a show.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: #7 Lastly...The point of the piece was dual in nature. It presented the argument in a sly way that we as African-Americans put too much emphasis and pressure on a few individuals to save us all...and too much power in too few hands is diasterous usually. And also that Black people are not to be "told" who speaks for us by the media.
Not only that. Jesse Jackson is almost 70 years old, it's ok for someone else to take the lead.
Even in MLK's heyday, there were wide and varied opinions about his leadership and direction. Dissention is ok. It means you care. You may not like what I or Jason Whitlock or some of the other posters may say or how we say it. You may agree with of our respective commentaries but not all. But in the end it just proves the point, no singular individual speaks for 'us' and if he/she does, then it matters what they do, how they do it and why.
Me personally, I don't need a press conference and public statements at EVERY SINGLE EVENT involving Black people and controversy. We have an infrastructure. Part of the reason the media "crowns" certain individuals as Black leaders is that the same people are rushing to the microphone all the damn time.
How about letting the NAACP Education and Legal Defense Fund handle legal issues (like Duke) for a change? How about letting the Urban League step in and lead the way on Katrina. Stop buying into the lie that the only way the White world hears our cry is if Jesse and Al come save us. Talk about buying into the white lie...
|
|
Name:
AgentJ
Comment: SHHHH, MO!
I'm watching some nappy-headed hoes and jiggling booties on BET and you're interrupting me!
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Sorry...didn't mean to make too much sense. :)
|
|
Name:
nylaconnect
Comment: Mo,lot of false info in your rant,ie why doesn't Sharpton go on Tom Joyners Show,well if you listened to the show or damn, even checked the web site you would know Rev Al does a commentary on it. Have you ever heard of getting the facts before you talk,is the word crediblity, in your vocabulary?Then in one of your posts here, you say why didn't Sharpton and Imus go on BET.That is so laughable,do you think every time before you write this nonsense,first off BET doesn't care about stuff like that, if they did,those video's wouldn't be on it,and secondly how could BET say anything about his comment,when they play and show stuff just as bad 6 days a week.Why shouldn't Sharpton invite him on his show,he is in show business,have you ever heard of ratings,it would be dumb for him to put him on someone elses show.Man you say some ignorant stuff at times.You are backwards,I see why that guy used to be on here dissing you, Sharpton's show is available on-line so it is worldwide,what better publicity than that.Where is your show,on this gossip on line magazine ? All these people don't like what Jessie and Al are doing, do better, oh I forgot we as a people talk a better game than we do taking action.They are putting their lives on the line for us ,Black people, and look at what they get,the monday morning backseat driving no nothing do nothing quarterbacks.Thats why there are no other people doing what they do,because some of y'all are a bunch of ingrates making it a thankless job.Are you as perfect as you expect them to be,still bring up Tawana Brawley something that happened 20 years ago,and if you were in NY at the time you aren't sure if she was lying,just remember who writes these stories, judges these cases,(and how many Black women have gotten a conviction of rape on a white male,not many)heres a clue they don't look like you or me.I have never heard any of them say they are our leaders,but unlike most of us, when there is a problem,they step to the plate,while the Okelly's, whitlocks,who is a sportswriter and not a very good one at that,dis them.Mo talk is cheap,action speaks louder than words,if you are so unhappy with these gentlemen and what they are doing,get up off your as-s and do something,other than put them down.By the way not a good look for Russell Simmons and Kevin Liles today on Oprah,especially Liles arguing with that guy when he wasn't speaking of him and when he accused the Spelman ladies of being anti rap.If I was called b & h by a genre I would be anti it too,they seemed to be super sensitive to criticsm and they had some weak excuses for the language toward our women.When ever I see or hear Russell I think of the Bible verse where it says it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: You just lost all credibility when you said Sharpton appears on Tom Joyner.
I'm WELL aware Sharpton does commentary on Joyner.
But Imus was on Sharpton's show...if that doesn't strike you as silly...don't know what to tell you.
My article is available online/worldwide...does that mean I'm speaking to all of Black America?
I've already addressed your points in my previous posts.
I'm not sitting on my a$$, you just a$$ume that because you don't know anything about me.
You spit venom and emotion but say I should "research" fact?
Whatever.
Deep breathe, try again tomorrow. You're way too emotional and probably Al's cousin.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Sharpton's show is available on-line so it "is worldwide"
That's the funniest thing I've heard all year.
Available worldwide is not to be equated with reaching the masses.
1-900-dial a joke is available worldwide too...just FYI.
Every book on Amazon.com is "available worldwide".
When you come in to debunk someone's argument, try not to embarrass yourself next time.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: And the BET comment was SARCASM...you really didn't think I was serious?!!!!
If you did ANY research on me you'd know where I stood on BET
And you want to talk about misinformation and incorrect information?
I needed that laugh.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: When you can show me that Al's Show has 2 million subscribers who stream his show...then come talk to me.
I bet you it's not more than 500 people.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: His streaming numbers are discernible. A show can determine how many people are streaming their show...so when Al hits a few million, then your argument has merit.
Just FYI...Howard Stern MAYBE...MAYBE streams that many. Not Al who 2/3 of the nation didn't even know he had a show.
If you did ANY research on me, you'd know that my knowledge of radio (and radio streaming) is probably about...umm...I'd say...10 times more than yours. So if/when you want to talk facts, feel free to find some and come back and talk to me.
In the meantime, feel free to address all the other people who agree with me too.
|
|
Name:
MelodyCool
Comment: nylaconnect, people like MO are extremely shallow. It's all about "fronting" and lack of substance with these people. BTW this is real: **Thats why there are no other people doing what they do,because some of y'all are a bunch of ingrates making it a thankless job.**
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Melody...I'm shallow? I don't remember ever meeting you.
It's fine to disagree with me. But you've got to do better than that.
If you talk about Jesse, it's fine to mention him bringing the two soldiers home, but it's also fair to talk about how his power is diluted when he runs to "defend" Michael Jackson and Terrell Owens...issues that have NOTHING to do with "civil rights"...and EVERYTHING to do with opportunism.
Same with Al Sharpton. Nothing wrong with mentioning Sean Bell, but you have to also acknowledge the Tawana Brawley, Duke and all the other times in which he was rushing to be "first" not rushing to be righteous.
Call me shallow if you like, but facts are facts. This debate is emblematic of the fact that my opinion about them is anything but solitary or unfounded in nature.
Don't know what to tell you beyond that. Don't "fear" dissention.
|
|
Name:
Onyx
Comment: MelodyCool... Don't waste your time with MOK, he's the only one allowed to name call when he disagrees with someone, plus he enjoys a good pissing contest. There was nothing in your post that suggest you "fear" dissention. That's just MOK passive aggressive ways. First he questions why you call him shallow, then a couple of line letter he says to call him shallow. That's classic MOK. I enjoy his opinions and humor most of the time, and enjoy that he has a column that allows us to share our opinions too.
MOK - I'm not that worried about you and Olivia, my comment was partly in jest, but humor does not always come across in writings. Also, I don't care if you like what I have to say either. This is the message board and I had an opinion I wanted to share. And I never said that you don't like dissenting opinions. I said that you are not humble enough to admit when you are wrong and I still stand by that opinion, simply based on reading your column over the years.
But I do have one question, MOK. Did you give Olivia a virus via email, because I don't see any postings after you asked her to contact you. Hmmm..
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Actually Onyx...Olivia never contacted me. And please show me where I called anyone a name.
And just because you "believe" I'm wrong on a given issue doesn't mean I'm "unable to admit when I'm wrong."
The whole supposition is that you then are right. When it comes to opinions, there isn't "right" and "wrong"...only better reasoned and less than good reasoned debate.
Going further...if I took the time to put together and research a piece, it's silly to think that you (or I) are going to "convince" someone to completely abandon their viewpoint less than 48 hours later because of a few posts.
Viewpoints evolve over years. Opinions about Al and Jesse evolve over years. Just because you take the contrarian point of view and you believe your point as strongly as mine...that doesn't "equate" to an inability to admit when I'm wrong.
I don't think anyone is "wrong" on this thread. But I DO believe that the arguments offered up in support of Sharpton having a NATIONAL radio show or speaks to the whole of African-Americans is laughable.
And when people offer arguments like "but his show is available online"...uh, yeah you're right...that's not going to make me change my stance.
|
|
Name:
Onyx
Comment: MOK>> I'm sure almost everyone reading this is shaking their head at you saying "show me where I called anyone a name." Like, I said before I've been reading your column for over a year, maybe longer. You do call people names, if I remember correctly, and if I don't you'll correct me. But, you called Willie somebody, I think it was Willie1986 or something like that an idiot. In the comments for this story you said to someone, "You're way too emotional and probably Al's cousin." That's an example of your passive aggressive name calling or baiting in my opinion. I'll let you have the beloved final word. Enjoy.
|
|
Name:
HarrisThomas
Comment: I actively channel surf news shows: I watch CNN, Fox, MSNBC, BBCA, ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS. I did not know that Rev. Al had a show. I have watched Imus but never listened to him on radio. Until the broadcast journalists are called to account for always seeking out Al and Jesse, they will continue to go the easiest route for sound bites. If they are contacted by Al and Jesse, they don't have to respond. From all of my news surfing, I have been able to determine that journalists can be mighty lazy SOBs because they don't provide diversity in black pundits. On the Bill Maher show on HBO, Bill brings in panels of people who are not our "leaders" and these people make cogent remarks worth hearing . . . With regard to the Duke lacrosse players, nobody in media is talking about the negative body of information that cast a dim light on the players which includes acts like beating a gay guy to talking about killing in an e-mail message. Those young men had highly skilled attorneys who successfully tore/wore down the negativity around their clients and left the victim dazed and confused. Did they buy off the victim's friend who initially corroborated her story? Such is the nature of American justice. Al and Jesse have their place in helping to sort through the justice quagmire, they just need a little nudging with regard to not always needing to be front and center.
|
|
Name:
HarrisThomas
Comment: btw, MO: umm, how come you gotta be up in here wid yo comments . . . you already did the article, now it's our turn and you can make reference to our remarks in a later column . . . is your comment participation a "chilling effect" or cool interaction or teaching or what?
|
|
Name:
OSUN
Comment: Hey HarrietThomas!! I like that he as well as DJ comment and dialogue with the posters. It gives more clarification on viewpoints and etc. I think MOK remains civil in his dissension. Now if you want some down and dirty dissension, go over to The Bridge.
|
|
Name:
HarrisThomas
Comment: OSUN>> thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated; I am relatively new to how EURweb works and its comment protocols; when I check through other non-EUR comment response boards, I don't find the authors getting involved with commenters to clarify or engage in direct contact; this is truly a village experence
|
|
Name:
HarrisThomas
Comment: that would be village experience
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Onyx...when I did call Willie an idiot (more than 1.5 years ago) I immediately apologized. Your reference is that it's something that is ongoing and constant. "Calling people names" is plural in nature. You're distorting the truth.
And yes, I'll clown if the response to me is personal in nature and not on the merits of the argument. So yeah, I will clown with an "Al's cousin"...but thanks for your continued readership.
|
|
Name:
MorrisOKelly
Comment: Harris...I specifically present myself in the following way. I find it unproductive for any writer to just "write something" and then walk away from it. Readers should be allowed and are entitled to grill me and engage in discussion about the points (or merits) of anything I write.
And by the way, Darryl James and others also participate in conversations.
I've never been "above" discussing anything I write. I think it's truly dismissive to write something and walk away from people, especially if it's worthy debate fodder. I've always participated in the discussions. This isn't new. In fact, most people have appreciated it as it's somewhat rare.
I return 99% of emails too. It's about actually forwarding the discussion, not declaring from on high.
|
| Back to Top |
| Click here to post your comments. |
| Back to the Article » Click Here |
|---|
...
