I've appeared on a number of radio talk-shows discussing the Project 21 press release from earlier this week. The release condemns an early July political cartoon by Ted Rall, a cartoonist syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate.Posted on 07/22/2004 9:09:51 PM PDT by mhking
I've appeared on a number of radio talk-shows discussing the Project 21 press release from earlier this week. The release condemns an early July political cartoon by Ted Rall, a cartoonist syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate.
A letter went out from Project 21, with my signature on it on Monday of this week, asking that they reconsider Rall's standing with them, in light of his cartoon, which depicted National Security Director Condoleezza Rice being referred to as a "house n-----."
Also on Monday, letters were sent to the NAACP, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the PUSH/Rainbow Coalition, asking that they take a look at the case, especially in light of their participation in going after commentator Rush Limbaugh last fall, after comments that disparaged Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. After all, they have stated that they would be interested in righting wrongs where they exist in terms of black individuals.
Richard Prince, with the Maynard Insitute for Journalism Education, went to Universal Press directly and asked for some sort of comment on our press release, and presumably our letter (to which we have yet to receive a reply).
Kathie Kerr, a spokeswoman for Universal Press Syndicate, said Rall was carried by about 50 newspapers, and is also picked up on Web sites. She said she had received no complaints about the strip.On the contrary, Mr. Salem; I didn't miss a damned thing.In response to a query from Journal-isms, Lee Salem, editor and vice president, Universal Press Syndicate, issued this statement:
"When we distribute opinionists -- writers or cartoonists -- to op/ed pages, it is with the knowledge that editors of those pages edit by selection. Most newspapers print only a few releases of any one cartoonist’s or writer’s work because of space constraints, subject matter, viewpoint expressed, or other editorial considerations. We know that every client will not like every cartoon or column we distribute, but we do not prejudge the editorial diversity for subscribers that range from strongly conservative to strongly liberal. We assume the editors who buy the features we distribute know what works in their market and what [doesn't]."The criticism of Ted Rall's depiction of Ms. Rice obscures the fact that it is part of a larger, hyperbolic context. In the cartoon, Rall is clearly imagining unlikely scenarios that might befall a number of key people in President Bush's administration. That he exaggerates both the language and the events is a time-honored tool of satirists. Anyone who takes it literally is missing the point."
Ted Rall says that Dr. Rice is a second class citizen because she is a black woman who dares to be conservative. And by your passive and limp-wristed acceptance of Rall's cartoon, you have planted your seal of approval on it.
This week, I've been told things from "get a thicker skin," to "she deserves it because she is a 'house n-----'," to "you don't have the right to ask anyone to support this because you are conservative," and "black conservatives are second class citizens; their opinions don't count."
On WAOK radio in Atlanta this afternoon, I was verbally excoriated for three hours for having the unmitigated gall and audacity to dare to even suggest that this was an "issue worth discussing." One caller suggested that I needed my head examined, while another said that because I was "stupid enough" to support conservatives and Republicans that I couldn't "survive in the 'real' world" as opposed to the "fantasy world" that he insisted I live in.
On WVON radio in Chicago this morning, similar feelings were expressed, with one caller going as far as to say that Rall must have meant it as a "state of mind" and that as a result it was OK.
Now to their credit, some callers from both stations understood and agreed with me; even going against their political ideologies. I insisted that this was a case that transcended politics, and that it was a matter of simple "right" and "wrong." That no one, politically correct or otherwise, deserved to be talked about in such vile terms. And that if a more "politically correct" individual were spoken of in such terms, that the subsequent uproar in the mainstream media and otherwise would certainly dwarf my efforts here; and that Rall's severed head stuck on a pike in the middle of Times Square would be the only thing to satisfy the Salmon Rushdie-esque fervor of those who would call for his head.
Political correctness has run amok, and this is the part of the result: that there are two "classes" of blacks in America -- those who follow the public edicts of the Jackson-Sharpton cabal with lemming-like zeal, and enjoy the "spoils" of their so-called bounty, no matter whether rightly or wrongly; and the conservative blacks who march to the beat of a different drummer, and are publicly excoriated and privately shunned because of it.
As I emphasized on radio shows across the nation all week long when being interviewed in relation to this issue, the left can walk boldly this week, because it is not one of their own who was wronged. But next week is a different time, and that next time, one of theirs may be the one who is in need. Do I dare to help one who refuses to help me?
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice? Uh....no. No thank you.
Indeed. After all, once they escape the plantation, what work can they do?
I'm scheduled to be on KFMB/San Diego tomorrow in the 9A PT hour.
Hopefully that will go better than the last couple...
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Good for you and your righteous fight!
If it starts to go badly for you tomorrow, then switch to reverse psychology and throw out the most racist insults imaginable against Justice Thomas, Condi Rice, Rod Paige, Bill Cosby, Colin Powell (the most popular politician in American, per the polls), etc.Make it so bad that callers have to beg that you stop. Find out where the Left draws the line. Go over it to prove your point.
Just my opinion. Frankly, I'm thrilled that you are fighting the good fight instead of taking the easy road of going along to get along, so anything that you do is probably OK with me.
6 Legislative Days Left Until The AWB Expires
Simply do the math..
90-10 is the "ratio", so that means that you will be insulted and abused on average 54 minutes out of each hour.
I feel for ya, Mike. I do.
The People of Tolerance and Diversity are real vicious pricks when challenged.
They're like the Borg... but with less fashion sense and individuality, and more bile.
You're my hero. I don't know how you have the strength of will to go on faced with that kind of abuse and staggering hypocracy :-(
God Bless.
Keep up the good work my friend. I just keep wondering when people are going to have enough of this PC stuff? do they not realize how evil and twisted it is? it is insidous in that it really tears every one up. again thanks mhking
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I just read about this on your 'blog. It sounds like a rough day. Besides getting your message out (and it *does* very badly need to get out), even if you only plant the seeds of doubt, there are those for whom that seed will someday germinate. And with each call, you're strengthening your ability to present your side of the argument. This is a good think you're doing. Although, at times, I'm sure it seems quite thankless.
Times like this, I don't feel too intellectual -- more like a punching bag with a "kick me" sign stapled to it. But thanks anyhow.
The other context was almost a death threat if I remember right. Some larger context.
Rall's a racist jerk, and a traitor, among other things.
You and trueblackman aren't the most popular on some venues, but we here are all proud of you.
Chris Rock has stated as such in his routine "Bigger and Blacker".
I'm sure it doesn't feel good being on the hotseat but I'm sure glad you have a voice and an outlet to speak the truth. Thanks for accepting the challenge.
If it's any help/assaugement for the disgusting treatment you've received of late,ALL OF US think that YOU are magnificent and give you a hearty BRAVO!
As Many Life sized pictures of said offenders be printed on placards and posters,so the sheer mass and number of them may be seen. A tape loop of "Loopy" statements be played over and over,with video if possible(oh please please).
I propose that Freepers hold aloft these insults, while wearing Rodney King's "Can't we all get along" tee shirts.And I want it all topped off with an ear piercing Quadraphonic rendition of Howard Dean's Melt Down Scream....mmmmmmmmmtastey
I suppose it would be pointless for me to support you.
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