Posted on 02/09/2005 6:40:52 AM PST by Maigrey
NASHVILLE -- In his first public remarks about the controversies surrounding him, state Sen. John Ford lashed out at "white media" in a speech Tuesday to Tennessee NAACP leaders, whom he asked to issue a statement in his defense.
Ford said he is the target of press attacks because he's successful and doesn't "kowtow" to the media, which he said never reports on his record of helping others. Instead of criticism, he said he should receive "kudos" for supporting his children and the children of others.
The Memphis Democrat was one of several state officials who addressed about 150 NAACP leaders and youth from across the state on their annual visit to the Capitol to lobby for legislative priorities.
Most of the other officials spoke about the NAACP's state policy priorities, but Ford spent time talking about news coverage. Media stories have included his attempts to alter his child-support obligations, whether he legally resides in his Memphis Senate district, and whether he properly reported consulting income on state financial disclosure forms.
"The NAACP ought to make a statement on that, you know, because when we are silent, this white media and white community, they start thinking and believing, 'Well, it's OK.' But let me tell you the danger: when you allow them to tear down any of your black leaders, they are tearing you down also," Ford said.
The senator received polite applause during his speech but there was no movement among the NAACP leaders for either a resolution or statement in support.
"That's not an issue for the NAACP," Tennessee NAACP president Gloria Sweet-Love of Brownsville said when asked later whether the group planned to grant Ford's request.
"The issues that we came to the Hill to address -- against predatory lending, against any kind of sales tax increase, for reform of TennCare, for increasing the number of minority students receiving HOPE scholarships and for simplifying the law for giving voting rights back to ex-felons -- those are the issues that we came to address and that we will be articulating."
Sweet-Love said that in private discussions as they left the chamber members "wondered why he is bringing this up. That's what people were saying as we were walking outside, because it had nothing to do with our agenda."
Ford told the NAACP leaders during his speech that "most" reporters "are not real fair and credible when it comes down to us.
"You watch this: They are totally unfair when it comes down to black people, our folks. They figure, they say, 'Well, you know most black people, they ain't got nothing; they ain't going to stand up for nobody amongst them that they feel are successful.' But let me tell you this: I am one guy that has not forgotten about you.
"And I'm going to be honest with you: If it wasn't for things that really need to be done that very few others are doing, that have the courage and conviction to do it and the intelligence to do it and make a difference, I wouldn't stick around one day. I could move to Florida and live the good life but I don't choose to do that because a lot of our folks are not living the good life. Somebody has to make the sacrifice and put up with it."
Ford said the media singles out black people like him for criticism but does not give him credit for his successes.
"They never talk about that, you know, because I don't kowtow to them. Trust me, if you ever see me kowtowing to them, that's the day I'm going to quit. I'm not going to kowtow to any of them because of these old egregious things and everything like that, and criticism about me spending time with my children.
"It's really kind of nutty. I should be getting kudos for doing what I do, for supporting them to the extent that I do. Instead I get criticism. It doesn't make any sense at all. I know a lot of black people that won't even support their own children, and I support all of mine beyond a normal standard of living and I get criticized for doing so.
"I mean that's really egregious and it's very insensitive and it really doesn't make any kind of sense."
"Kowtow"?!? I see he has no problem offending Asians.
I thought he sounded quite reasonable when he was discussing Social Security. It seems this guy has a different voice behind closed doors.
even the NAACP knows this is a lost cause.
An ethically challenged black Democrat screaming "racism!". What a novel approach to answering one's critics.
So Colin Powell and Condi Rice get no respect, eh?
Riiiiiight.
If your actions are suspect, then no matter who you are, you shouldb e subject to scrutiny.
race-card-playing dope.
Get real and stop with the racially motivated diatribes.
"Ford said the media singles out black people like him for criticism but does not give him credit for his successes."
what's he smoking?
the media can't wait to get a black or female face on the cover.
tiger woods is the media's poster man.
usa today has a quota of minorities and females that must be on the front page.
HA!!!!!
Of course what he means are all the children he fathered with the other womEn.
Whadda guy.
Interesting how "white reporter" phrased it though, eh?
Why a reader's led to think ol' Rep.Ford's the male equivalent of Hillary, out there championing "Children's Rights" & all.
OK c'mon, stand up & applaud. :o)
Are we screwed up.
...or what. {g}
Imagine if a white politician criticized black media...the firestorm would never end.
Another black bigot and racist. I hate 'em in all stripes.
Could you be thinking of State Senator John Ford's nephew, Congressman Harold Ford, Jr.?
It's not so much the notion of John Ford making a comment about Social Security that makes me think that you're getting them confused. It's the idea that John Ford could ever sound reasonable. He could comment on a sunny day and it would be loopy and asinine.
Harold Jr. is a very promising, though also very liberal, young Democrat. He even challenged Nancy Pelosi for the leadership 2 years ago. I look to folks like him and Joe Lieberman to rescue the Democrats from insanity. He's partisan as the day is long but, like the late Daniel Moynihan, he's basically honest.
His father and uncles, however...
Black Panda
"Of course what he means are all the children he fathered with the other womEn.
Whadda guy."
Yeah! Let's make him President of the NAACP....
National Association for the Aggrandisement of Black Predators.
Wow.
I think this guy must be under investigation. He's talking like a grand jury is about to indict.
Sounds very desperate.
When the community elects a person like Alcee Hastings, you KNOW integrity is not a key attribute. The white audience will ignore any statement of support; the black audience will accept as further proof of whitey's evil nature. Generalization? Absolutely, but almost 90% of black voters said Traitor John was their man, a clear demonstration of biased thinking/judgment.
Black conservative ping
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Wow... Does this guy really think that he should get a congratulations for taking care of his kids? THAT'S WHAT HE'S SUPPOSED TO DO!
Does he want a cookie?
Let's get serious.
It's the OJ defense, early.
If there's no editor with a 'Fro;
You must let him go.
There I will have to disagree with you. You cannot have any communication with a Ford unless you have made a donation to his re-election fund. Period. He is not more honest than his uncle and father, he is just less blatant about it. He is also trying desperately to look more conservative so he can move up in power.
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